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Cronk Bud Booster 0-1-3: Complete Guide to PK Bloom EnhancementUpdated 7 days ago

Bud Booster 0-1-3: Concentrated PK for Maximum Flower Production

Cronk Nutrients Bud Booster bloom booster in black jug with turquoise and pink label featuring hip-hop styled character, positioned in grow tent with large flowering cannabis colas under colorful LED lighting

Bud Booster 0-1-3 is a nitrogen-free phosphorus and potassium supplement designed to increase flower density, boost resin production, and maximize yields during critical flowering stages. It supplements your base bloom nutrients with the extra PK that drives heavier, denser flowers with increased terpene concentrations.

The Science Behind PK Boosting

Why Extra Phosphorus During Bloom?

Phosphorus plays critical roles during flowering:

  • ATP Energy Production – Flower development is energy-intensive. Every cellular process requiring energy uses ATP, and ATP synthesis depends on phosphorus availability.
  • DNA/RNA Synthesis – Rapid cell division during flower formation requires constant nucleic acid production, which uses phosphorus.
  • Phospholipid Membranes – New flower cells need phospholipid membranes, built from phosphorus-containing compounds.
  • Energy Storage – Plants store energy in phosphorus-containing compounds for later use during ripening.

Why Extra Potassium During Bloom?

Potassium demand peaks during flowering for multiple reasons:

  • Enzyme Activation – Over 60 enzymes require potassium, including those involved in terpene synthesis.
  • Sugar Transport – Potassium enables phloem loading, moving sugars from leaves to developing flowers.
  • Terpene Synthesis – The mevalonic acid pathway (terpene production) depends on potassium-activated enzymes.
  • Resin Production – Glandular trichome function requires adequate potassium.
  • Stem Strength – Potassium strengthens cell walls to support heavy flower loads.

Why Zero Nitrogen?

Nitrogen promotes vegetative growth—the opposite of what flowering plants need. During bloom:

  • Excess nitrogen diverts resources toward leaf production
  • Vegetative growth in flower sites reduces flower density
  • High nitrogen delays maturation and extends flowering time
  • Nitrogen-rich flowers can have harsh, unpleasant taste

Bud Booster's 0% nitrogen ensures pure bloom nutrition without vegetative interference.

When to Use Bud Booster

Timing for Photoperiod Plants

Flowering WeekBud Booster UseNotes
Week 1 (Transition)Not yetPlants still transitioning; wait for actual flowers
Weeks 2-3Begin at low rateStart when flower sites are clearly forming
Weeks 3-6Full ratePeak flower development—maximum PK benefit
Weeks 7-8Reduce or discontinuePlants ripening; reducing nutrients for finish
Final weekDiscontinueFlush or minimal feeding before harvest

Timing for Autoflowers

  • Start: When flowers begin forming (usually week 4-5 from seed)
  • Continue: Through peak flowering (weeks 5-8)
  • Reduce: Final 2 weeks before harvest

Application Rates

Standard Rates

Growing SystemRateFrequency
Soil4-8 mL/gallonEvery feeding during bloom
Coco Coir4-8 mL/gallonEvery feeding during bloom
Hydroponics4-8 mL/gallonEvery reservoir change

Starting vs. Full Rates

For plants new to Bud Booster or sensitive genetics:

  • Start at 4 mL/gallon and increase to 8 mL/gallon if plants respond well
  • Heavy feeders can use up to 8 mL/gallon throughout bloom

Important: Monitor total EC. Bud Booster adds approximately 0.1-0.2 EC per mL/gallon.

Mixing Instructions

Mixing Order with Classic 3-Part

  1. Add CalMag (if using)
  2. Add Micro
  3. Add Grow (reduced amount during bloom)
  4. Add Bloom
  5. Add Bud Booster
  6. Add other additives (Sticky Bandit, etc.)
  7. Check and adjust pH

Mixing Order with Bonnie & Clyde

  1. Add CalMag (if using)
  2. Add Clyde (bloom nutrient)
  3. Add Bud Booster
  4. Add other additives
  5. Check and adjust pH

Mixing Order with PuurOrganics

  1. Add Armadillo Armour (if using silica)
  2. Add PuurNitro (reduced during bloom)
  3. Add PuurPhos
  4. Add PuurK
  5. Add PuurCalMag
  6. Add PuurBalance
  7. Add Bud Booster
  8. Check and adjust pH
  9. Add Monkey Juice (if using—always last, after pH)

Plants and Growing Systems

Best Results With

  • Cannabis: Primary target—increases flower density, trichome production, and yields
  • Tomatoes: Improves fruit set, size, and sweetness
  • Peppers: Enhances fruit production and pod development
  • Fruiting plants: Any crop where fruit/flower production is the goal

Growing System Compatibility

  • Soil: Excellent. Fully compatible with soil feeding schedules
  • Coco Coir: Excellent. Works perfectly in coco systems
  • Hydroponics: Excellent. Fully soluble, clean reservoir operation
  • Living Soil: Compatible. Supports flowering without disrupting biology

Compatibility

Compatible Products

  • Cronk Classic 3-Part (Micro, Grow, Bloom)
  • Cronk Bonnie & Clyde
  • Cronk PuurOrganics (all products)
  • Cronk CalMag and PuurCalMag
  • Sticky Bandit, Monkey Juice, Armadillo Armour
  • Most third-party base nutrients

Stacking with Other Bloom Boosters

Bud Booster can be used alongside other Cronk additives:

  • Sticky Bandit: Carbohydrates for terpene production—complementary benefits
  • Monkey Juice: Beneficial bacteria support nutrient uptake—synergistic
  • Armadillo Armour: Silicon for stem strength—helps support heavy flowers

Signs You Need More PK

  • Small, airy flowers despite good lighting
  • Flowers not filling in between nodes
  • Purple/red stems late in bloom (phosphorus mobility issue)
  • Weak stems that can't support flower weight
  • Lower-than-expected resin production

Signs of Excess PK

  • Brown leaf tips (nutrient burn)
  • Dark, almost blackish leaves
  • Micronutrient deficiency symptoms (PK excess locks out micros)
  • Salt buildup on growing media surface

Response: Reduce Bud Booster and/or base bloom nutrients. Flush if severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start using Bud Booster?

Start Bud Booster when flowers begin forming, typically 1-2 weeks into the flowering stage. Continue through weeks 1-6 of flowering for photoperiod plants, or until about 2 weeks before harvest for autoflowers. The goal is to support flower development during peak bloom, not early transition or late ripening.

Can I use Bud Booster with all Cronk nutrient lines?

Yes. Bud Booster is compatible with Classic 3-Part, Bonnie & Clyde, and PuurOrganics systems. It's designed to supplement—not replace—your base bloom nutrients. Always use alongside your regular feeding program.

Will Bud Booster burn my plants?

At recommended rates, Bud Booster is safe for all flowering plants. However, because it adds to total nutrient concentration, monitor EC/PPM when stacking with base nutrients. If you see leaf tip burn, reduce overall feeding rather than eliminating Bud Booster—the PK boost is valuable during bloom.

Why is Bud Booster nitrogen-free?

Nitrogen promotes vegetative (leaf) growth. During flowering, excess nitrogen diverts plant resources toward leaves instead of flowers, delays maturation, and can reduce flower quality. The 0% nitrogen in Bud Booster ensures you're adding bloom nutrients without any vegetative interference.

Storage and Handling

  • Store in cool, dark location
  • Keep bottle sealed when not in use
  • Shelf life: 2+ years
  • Shake well before use

Need Help?

Our grow support team is here to help you get the best results with Bud Booster. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Grower's Resource Center for feed charts and growing guides.

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