Hydrogen peroxide in cannabis cultivation: Hard to believe but super-useful

Hydrogen peroxide in diluted form is a colourless, largely stable liquid compound consisting of hydrogen and oxygen. It is a weak acid and, compared to most substances, a very strong oxidising agent, which as such reacts violently with substances such as e.g. copper, brass, potassium iodide and therefore acts as a strong bleaching and disinfecting agent. In highly concentrated form, it is even used as rocket fuel. Commercially, hydrogen peroxide is often available as a 3% aqueous solution. But what does this have to do with cannabis cultivation? In the following, we shed some light on the subject.

Hydrogen peroxide is mainly considered an effective disinfectant and bleaching agent in the household as already mentioned. However, what many people do not know is that it can also be useful for plants and in the garden. It can save money and time. Properly diluted, there are numerous uses in the garden as well as in the household. Unlike water, hydrogen peroxide has an extra oxygen atom which decays and releases the water molecule. This extra oxygen atom makes hydrogen peroxide an effective and useful ingredient. It provides plants with additional oxygen and at the same time aerates the soil by releasing the oxygen.

Uses for hydrogen peroxide in grow:

• Combat root rot
• Seed disinfection
• Acceleration of germination
• Combating fungal infections
• Keeping pests away
• Prevent and combat bacterial rot
• Fight weeds

The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 and it is similar to that of water. The chemical compound cannot be called organic because neither plants nor animals produce it naturally in their cells. Nevertheless, the use of hydrogen peroxide is quite suitable for organic horticulture because it ultimately decomposes into oxygen and water and is extremely environmentally friendly and safe.

Combat root rot

Root rot is a big nuisance and a cannabis plant killer. Overwatering fills all the air spaces in the soil with water. The roots are no longer left with enough oxygen and they literally suffocate. This lack of air can lead to serious problems and even death of the plant after only 24 hours. To save your cannabis plants in this situation, you can water them with a solution of hydrogen and water.

• Mix 500ml of water with 4 teaspoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide concentrate.

Hydrogen peroxide kills fungi and can be used to treat any type of fungal infection. Harmful fungal diseases make plants weak, restrict their growth and reduce or prevent harvest. For mildew, rust and other fungal infections, it is also recommended to spray the affected plants with the described mixture. It is important to always use the correct dilution. Too high a dosage of hydrogen peroxide can burn the tissue of the plants. Test on a small area first if you are not sure.

Hydrogen peroxide for seeds and seedlings

Young seedlings are very susceptible to pathogens and can die quickly before they can develop properly. You can prevent this by disinfecting the seeds beforehand. Recent scientific studies have shown that seeds that have been soaked in a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water have a higher germination rate than other seeds. The hydrogen peroxide helps to break down the hull and the seeds can therefore absorb more oxygen. In a study published in the journal Hortscience, old corn seeds soaked in a hydrogen peroxide solution germinated with a significantly higher germination rate of 95% than those seeds soaked only in carbonated water (germination rate here only 67%). Also in relation to cannabis seeds, it has been shown many times that the use of peroxide leads to significantly higher germination rates and helps to avoid plant diseases in advance.

Peroxide is usually available in drugstores as a 3% solution. If you use this, mix 1 part 3% peroxide (H2O2) with 5 parts water and soak the seeds in this mixture for 12 hours. Then take the seeds out of the solution, rinse them with distilled water and plant them as usual. You will be amazed: Hydrogen peroxide helps seeds to germinate faster and promotes their growth. The reason for this is that oxygen is released when hydrogen peroxide breaks down. High oxygen levels are an essential part of seed germination and an extra supply of oxygen is extremely beneficial. Some experienced growers also use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide with a shorter soaking time to speed up germination.

Furthermore, seedlings, the substrate they are in as well as cuttings can be sprayed with a hydrogen peroxide-water mixture (500ml water and 30ml 3% hydrogen peroxide) during the first week to promote growth and at the same time keep away and fight pathogens.

Disinfect equipment and tools

Hydrogen peroxide is effective against bacteria and pathogens. It can be used to disinfect planters, containers, scissors, shovels, growing trays and other items in the laboratory, growing room and garden. Use 6-9% hydrogen peroxide for this purpose. Dip the scissors or scalpel in hydrogen peroxide before cutting cuttings to prevent harmful pathogens from entering the plants.

Hydrogen peroxide as fertiliser

You can also use hydrogen peroxide to strengthen the root system of your plants. The plants can absorb the valuable minerals and nutrients in the soil more effectively due to the additional oxygen molecule.

Add 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide to 4 litres of water and mix thoroughly. Then water the plants with it or use this mixture in your hydroponic systems (together with the usual fertilisation programme). In hydroponic systems, the addition of hydrogen peroxide helps to keep the plant healthy. The root system of the plants is also happy about the extra oxygen supply. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into water and oxygen without leaving toxic residues. It is therefore considered much safer than many other disinfectants and antiseptics.

Hydrogen peroxide against pests

Hydrogen peroxide helps to control harmful insects in the garden and grow room. It is particularly effective against sucking insects such as mosquitoes and bugs, but it is also effective against the eggs and larvae of pests due to its strong oxidising effect.

• To 500ml water 30ml 3% hydrogen peroxide

Important instructions for the use of hydrogen peroxide in grow:

• Always use a hydrogen peroxide solution in the evening or when the lights go out because the chemical breaks down quickly in sunlight and to avoid burning the leaves.
• Note that a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 10% will indiscriminately destroy all vegetation it comes into contact with. Therefore, be careful when working with such a high concentration and make sure that it does not come into contact with the plants. Also, use gloves and avoid getting it in your eyes. If it does, rinse immediately with plenty of cold water.
• Always use hydrogen peroxide appropriately diluted on plants and take care to use the correct dosage to prevent damage to plants, then it can be a very helpful, versatile and effective tool for growers.
• Note that hydrogen peroxide bleaches in concentrated form! Avoid contact with clothing, furniture or other objects.