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Recommended EC and pH for Hydroponic Vegetables, Herbs, and Cannabis

Published July 26, 2023

While there are recommended EC values for each type of plant, it’s still possible to grow a variety of plants with different nutrient needs together in a home setting. In such cases, the grower can list a range of EC values and choose an average value. In most home systems, the chosen value typically falls between 1.2EC and 2.0EC, considering the requirements of the main crop types being grow

Regarding pH values, it’s important to note that the given range for hydroponic applications is broad, with an average of 6.0 – 6.5pH.

VEGETABLESEC ValuepH Value
Asparagus1.4 to 1.86.0 to 6.8
Broccoli2.8 to 3.56.0 to 6.8
Cabbage2.5 to 3.06.5 to 7.0
Celery1.8 to 2.46.5
Cannabis0.5-1.35.8 – 6.2
0.8-1.3 for seedlings;
0.5-1.3 for clones;
1.3-1.7 under vegetative phase;
1.2-2 during flowering
Carnation2.0 to 3.56
Cucumber1.7 to 2.05.0 to 5.5
Leek1.4 to 1.86.5 to 7.0
Lettuce1.2 to 1.86.0 to 7.0
Mixed Greens0.4-1.26.0 to 7.0
Mint1.0 – 1.46.5 – 7.0
Pak Choi1.5 to 2.07
Pea1.4-1.86.0-7.0
Peppers0.8 to 1.85.5 to 6.0
Parsley1.8 to 2.26.0 to 6.5
Spinach1.8 to 2.36.0 to 7.0
Strawberry1.8 to 2.26
Tomato2.0 to 4.06.0 to 6.5
Garlic1.4-1.86.0 to 6.5
Watercress0.4-1.86.5-6.8

HERBSEC VALUEpH VALUE
Anise0.9-1.45.8-6.4
Basil1.0-1.65.5-6.0
Catnip1.0-1.65.5-6.5
Chamomile1.0-1.65.5-6.5
Chervil0.8-1.85.5-6.0
Chickory2.0-2.45.5-6.0
Chives1.8-2.46.0-6.5
Cilantro1.2-1.85.8-6.4
Coriander1.2-1.85.8-6.4
Dill1.0-1.65.5-6.4
Fennel1.0-1.46.4-6.8
Lavender1.0-1.46.4-6.8
Lemon Balm1.0-1.65.5-6.5
Marjoram1.6-2.06
Mint2.0-2.45.5-6.0
Mustard Cress1.2-2.46.0-6.5
Oregano1.8-2.36.0-7.0
Parsley0.8-1.85.5-6.0
Rosemary1.0-1.65.5-6.0
Sage1.0-1.65.5-6.5
Tarragon1.0-1.85.5-6.5
Thyme0.8-1.65.5-7.0
Vietnamese Coriander1.2-1.86.5-6.8
Watercress0.4-1.85.8-6.4
EC and pH Recommendations for Hydroponic VegetablesDownload