PuurK 0-0-15: Organic Potassium for Flower Quality and Stress Tolerance

PuurK 0-0-15 is an OMRI-certified organic potassium fertilizer derived from upcycled durian fruit shells. It delivers concentrated, fully water-soluble potassium for late-stage flowering, terpene synthesis, resin production, and stress tolerance—transforming a significant waste disposal problem into premium plant nutrition.

The Science Behind PuurK

Potassium is involved in more plant functions than any other nutrient:

• Enzyme Activation – Potassium activates over 60 enzyme systems controlling photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and starch formation
• Stomatal Regulation – Potassium controls guard cell function, regulating water loss and gas exchange
• Sugar Transport – Potassium enables phloem loading, moving sugars from leaves to flowers and roots
• Terpene Synthesis – The mevalonic acid pathway that produces terpenes requires potassium-dependent enzymes
• Stress Tolerance – Adequate potassium improves drought resistance, cold tolerance, and disease resistance
• Stem Strength – Potassium strengthens cell walls to support heavy flower loads

Why Potassium Demand Peaks in Late Flower

During the final weeks before harvest, plants undergo intensive metabolic changes:

• Terpene biosynthesis accelerates as plants produce aromatic compounds
• Resin production increases in glandular trichomes
• Sugars accumulate as plants prepare for seed development
• Cell walls thicken to support maturing flowers

All these processes require abundant potassium. Deficiency during this critical period limits final quality regardless of earlier nutrition.

Sustainability: Upcycled Durian Shells

Durian is the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia, with annual production exceeding 5 million metric tons. The thick, spiky shells comprise 60-70% of fruit weight—creating a massive waste disposal challenge. Durian shell dumping causes environmental problems including methane emissions and water contamination.

PuurK transforms this waste stream into premium organic fertilizer:

• Durian shells contain 2-3% potassium by dry weight—among the highest of any plant material
• Extraction processing concentrates potassium to 15% in the final product
• Full water solubility enables use in any growing system
• The process removes durian's distinctive odor compounds

Application Rates and Timing

Weekly Application Rates

Timing Principles

• Moderate during veg – Plants need potassium but not at peak levels
• Increase progressively through flower – Match rising potassium demand
• Maximize during ripening – This is when quality attributes develop

Mixing Instructions

Mixing Order in PuurOrganics System

1. Start with water at room temperature
2. Add Armadillo Armour (if using silica—always first)
3. Add PuurNitro at appropriate rate
4. Add PuurPhos at appropriate rate
5. Add PuurK at appropriate rate for growth stage
6. Add PuurCalMag
7. Add PuurBalance for micronutrient support
8. Add Sticky Bandit (if using)
9. Stir thoroughly and adjust pH to target range
10. Add Monkey Juice (if using—always last, after pH)

Important Mixing Notes

• PuurK dissolves completely—no residue or settling
• Compatible with all irrigation systems
• No distinctive odor despite durian origin
• Can be combined with other organic amendments

Plants and Growing Systems

Crops That Benefit from PuurK

• Aromatic crops: Cannabis, herbs, lavender, roses (potassium drives terpene production)
• Fruiting plants: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, melons (improves fruit quality and sweetness)
• Root vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, beets (potassium helps starch and sugar accumulation)
• Stress-prone crops: Any plants facing drought, heat, or disease pressure

Growing System Compatibility

• Soil: Excellent. Provides immediately available potassium
• Coco coir: Excellent. Coco doesn't bind potassium like it does calcium
• Hydroponics: Excellent. Full solubility means clean reservoir operation
• Living soil: Excellent. Complements soil biology

Compatibility

Compatible Products

• All PuurOrganics products (PuurNitro, PuurPhos, PuurCalMag, PuurBalance)
• Cronk additives: Sticky Bandit, Monkey Juice, Bud Booster, Armadillo Armour
• Organic teas and microbial products

NOT Compatible

• Cronk Classic Line (Micro, Grow, Bloom)
• Cronk Bonnie & Clyde
• Other synthetic base nutrients

Signs of Potassium Deficiency

• Brown, scorched leaf margins (tip burn) starting on older leaves
• Yellowing between veins while veins remain green
• Weak stems that can't support flowers
• Reduced aroma and resin production
• Poor stress tolerance
• Slow flower development

Response: Increase PuurK by 2-3 mL/gallon. Potassium deficiency during late flower cannot be fully reversed—prevention is essential.

Signs of Potassium Excess

• Calcium and magnesium deficiency symptoms (potassium antagonizes uptake)
• Salt buildup in growing media
• Brown root tips

Response: Reduce PuurK rate. Flush if severe. Ensure adequate PuurCalMag to balance cation ratios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PuurK made from durian shells?

Durian shells are extremely rich in potassium—among the highest of any plant material. They're also a disposal problem in Southeast Asia, where millions of tons accumulate annually. PuurK transforms this waste into a premium organic potassium source, creating environmental and agricultural benefits simultaneously.

When should I increase PuurK application?

Increase PuurK during late flowering and ripening when potassium demand peaks. Potassium drives terpene synthesis, sugar transport, and resin production—all of which intensify in the final weeks before harvest. Start increasing PuurK midway through flower and maximize during the final 2-3 weeks.

Does PuurK smell like durian?

No. The processing that extracts potassium from durian shells removes the volatile sulfur compounds responsible for durian's notorious aroma. PuurK has a mild, neutral smell typical of organic fertilizers.

Can I use PuurK throughout the entire grow cycle?

Yes, but rates vary by stage. Use lower rates (5 mL/gal) during vegetative growth when potassium needs are moderate. Increase to maximum rates (10 mL/gal) during late flower when potassium demand peaks for quality development.

Storage and Handling

• Store in cool, dark location
• Keep bottle sealed when not in use
• Shelf life: 2 years unopened, 1 year after opening
• Shake well before each use
• OMRI Listed for certified organic production

Need Help?

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