Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is one reason culinary herbs are valuable for produce buyers?
What is one reason culinary herbs are valuable for produce buyers?
Which of the following herbs is classified as a perennial?
Which of the following herbs is classified as a perennial?
What is the typical time frame for seedlings to be ready after seed propagation?
What is the typical time frame for seedlings to be ready after seed propagation?
Why is cultivar selection important in herb cultivation?
Why is cultivar selection important in herb cultivation?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following herbs can be propagated by stem-tip cuttings?
Which of the following herbs can be propagated by stem-tip cuttings?
Signup and view all the answers
What distinguishes annual herbs from perennial herbs?
What distinguishes annual herbs from perennial herbs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key factor to consider when propagating cuttings?
What is a key factor to consider when propagating cuttings?
Signup and view all the answers
How can growers determine the best cultivars for their needs?
How can growers determine the best cultivars for their needs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a popular culinary herb?
Which of the following is NOT a popular culinary herb?
Signup and view all the answers
Which hydroponic system is suitable for herb culture?
Which hydroponic system is suitable for herb culture?
Signup and view all the answers
What pH range would be considered moderate for herb crops?
What pH range would be considered moderate for herb crops?
Signup and view all the answers
What factor is significant when comparing the growth of annual and perennial herbs?
What factor is significant when comparing the growth of annual and perennial herbs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a common way to package living herbs for sale?
What is a common way to package living herbs for sale?
Signup and view all the answers
Which temperature range is considered cool-growing for herb production?
Which temperature range is considered cool-growing for herb production?
Signup and view all the answers
How does light affect the growth of hydroponic herbs?
How does light affect the growth of hydroponic herbs?
Signup and view all the answers
What is true about the propagation of herbs?
What is true about the propagation of herbs?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following herbs is often used as an alternative to poinsettias during the fall?
Which of the following herbs is often used as an alternative to poinsettias during the fall?
Signup and view all the answers
What should basil NEVER be stored below in terms of temperature?
What should basil NEVER be stored below in terms of temperature?
Signup and view all the answers
What growth factor can be influenced by air temperature in herb production?
What growth factor can be influenced by air temperature in herb production?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these factors is NOT typically considered when preparing for seed propagation?
Which of these factors is NOT typically considered when preparing for seed propagation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Culinary Herb Production in Hydroponics
- Culinary herbs are a valuable crop for hydroponic systems, offering a "one-stop shop" solution for produce buyers.
- They can be a profitable alternative to poinsettias during the holiday season.
- Popular herbs include basil, parsley, chives, dill, mint, thyme, rosemary, French tarragon, oregano, sage, sweet marjoram, French sorrel, chervil, and cilantro.
- Herbs can be annuals or perennials, differing in propagation, growth rate, longevity, and growth habit.
Cultivar Selection
- Cultivar selection is crucial for increasing yields in greenhouses.
- Many herb species have numerous cultivars, while others have fewer.
- Commercially available varieties are often bred for field production.
- Consult growers, seed companies, and researchers for cultivar recommendations.
- Conduct trials to determine the best performers.
Propagation
- Herbs can be propagated through seeds or vegetatively (stem-tip cuttings).
- Annuals are usually propagated by seed, while perennials often use vegetative propagation.
- Seed propagation is relatively easy and inexpensive, requiring minimal specialized facilities.
- Factors to consider for seed propagation include substrate preparation, light conditions, temperature, and mineral nutrition. Seedlings generally are ready in 2-3 weeks.
- Vegetative propagation (cuttings) may be necessary for certain varieties like rosemary, sage, and lavender. Factors for successful cuttings include rooting hormones, humidity, substrate temperature, and mineral nutrition. Cuttings usually root in 3-5 weeks.
Production Systems
- NFT (Nutrient Film Technique) and DFT (Deep Flow Technique) are suitable hydroponic systems for herbs.
- Research suggests no significant difference in herb growth between these systems.
- System selection should prioritize operational factors like ease of maintenance and ergonomics.
Slow-Growing Herbs
- Some herbs, like purple basil, grow slowly.
- Multi-seeding within propagation cubes can increase planting density for these herbs but isn't always necessary.
Environmental Factors
- pH: Herb pH requirements vary (low, moderate, or high). Choosing a pH depends on the specific crops. Recommended pH values for various herbs are discussed elsewhere in the text.
- Electrical Conductivity (EC): EC levels for herb production depend on factors like life cycle, growth stage, greenhouse environment, oil/flavor production, and harvesting schedule. Recommended EC values for specific herbs are provided elsewhere.
- Temperature: Temperature influences growth rate and development. Suitable temperature ranges vary by herb. Cool-growing herbs are 50-60°F, moderate are 60-70°F, and warm are 70°F+.
- Light: The quantity of photosynthetic light is crucial for herb yield. Supplemental lighting, especially high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or LEDs (with blue light for enhanced flavor), can increase light levels. Photoperiod is generally not managed for herbs.
Postharvest
- Postharvest handling should mirror practices for leafy greens.
- Many herbs can be stored cold (32-40°F), but basil should never be stored below 50°F.
Maximizing Yield
- Focus on providing ideal conditions for growth.
- Regular monitoring of environmental factors and nutrient solutions is crucial. Factors discussed include new leaves (temperature), expansion of leaves (light), and healthy appearance (mineral nutrition).
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the intricacies of cultivating culinary herbs in hydroponic systems. This quiz covers essential topics such as cultivar selection, propagation techniques, and the characteristics of popular herb varieties. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge in hydroponic agriculture.
