Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common household item known for its many uses in health and cleaning. It can also be helpful in gardening. One lesser-known use is as a natural rooting hormone for propagating plants and starting seeds. This article explains how you can use ACV to help your gardening grow more naturally.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Propagation
Propagation is the process of growing new plants from cuttings, seeds, or other plant parts. Many gardeners use rooting hormones to help roots grow. While some of these hormones are synthetic, they may not fit with organic gardening principles. A natural and eco-friendly alternative is ACV.
ACV has small amounts of acetic acid, which helps plants fight off harmful bacteria and fungi. When used in moderation, it can encourage root growth by protecting the cutting from disease. However, it’s important to use it correctly because too much acidity can damage the plant.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work?
The debate continues about how effective ACV is as a rooting hormone. It does not stimulate root growth directly as commercial rooting powders do, but it still plays an important supporting role. Its mild acidity helps prevent fungal infections and rot, which are common problems when propagating plants.
Studies show that natural substances with antibacterial properties, such as acetic acid in apple cider vinegar, can help improve rooting success by keeping the cutting healthy. However, use apple cider vinegar as a supplement, not as the main rooting stimulant. Its primary purpose is to create a clean and pathogen-free environment for plants.
How to Use It for Rooting
If you want to try ACV for propagating cuttings, follow these steps:
Prepare the Solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of water. This dilution ensures the acetic acid is at safe levels for plant use.
Trim the Cutting: Take a healthy cutting from the plant, ensuring it’s about 4–6 inches long. Remove leaves from the lower half.
Dip the Cutting: Dip the cut end of the stem into the diluted apple cider vinegar solution for 5–10 seconds.
Plant the Cutting: Immediately place the cutting into a pot with moist soil or water. Keep it in a warm, humid environment to encourage rooting.
How to Use It for Seed Propagation
ACV can also benefit seed germination by softening the seed coat and preventing fungal diseases like damping off.
Here’s how to use it effectively:
Soak Seeds: Prepare a solution with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in 1 litre of warm water. Soak the seeds in this mixture for 8–12 hours.
Rinse and Plant: After soaking, rinse the seeds with clean water to remove excess acidity, then plant them in seed trays or directly in the soil.
Monitor Conditions: Ensure the seeds have adequate moisture and warmth to sprout successfully.
Final Thoughts
ACV is a useful tool for organic gardeners. While it may not fully replace commercial rooting hormones, its antibacterial properties and natural acidity are helpful for both cuttings and starting seeds.
The key to success lies in using it sparingly and correctly, too much can damage your plants, while just the right amount can give them a strong start. Whether you’re propagating your favourite plants or preparing seeds for the season, ACV can help you embrace an eco-friendly, chemical-free approach.
Incorporate this simple trick into your gardening routine and experience the joy of thriving, healthy plants in your garden!
