PuurPhos 0-12-0: Organic Phosphorus for Flowering and Root Development

PuurPhos 0-12-0 is an OMRI-certified organic phosphorus fertilizer derived from upcycled pumpkin seeds. It delivers concentrated, fully water-soluble phosphorus for flower initiation, root development, and energy transfer—solving the major problem with traditional organic phosphorus sources: sediment and clogging.

The Science Behind PuurPhos

Phosphorus plays irreplaceable roles in plant metabolism:

• ATP Production – Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the cellular energy currency. Every energy-requiring process in plants depends on phosphorus-containing ATP molecules.
• DNA and RNA – Phosphorus forms the backbone of genetic material, essential for cell division and growth.
• Root Development – Phosphorus stimulates root cell division and elongation, particularly important during establishment.
• Flower and Fruit Formation – Energy-intensive reproductive processes require abundant phosphorus for ATP synthesis.
• Sugar Transport – Phosphorylated sugars move through phloem tissue; adequate phosphorus ensures efficient translocation.

The Organic Phosphorus Problem

Traditional organic phosphorus sources create significant challenges:

• Bone meal – Contains insoluble tricalcium phosphate that requires microbial breakdown; clogs irrigation systems
• Rock phosphate – Virtually insoluble; only releases phosphorus over years of weathering
• Bat guano – Partially soluble but creates sediment; sustainability concerns

These limitations forced organic hydroponic growers to accept inferior nutrition or abandon organic practices. PuurPhos changes this equation.

The Pumpkin Seed Solution

Pumpkin seeds contain phosphorus primarily as phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate)—a storage form that plants have evolved to access. PuurPhos uses enzymatic hydrolysis to convert phytic acid into plant-available inorganic phosphates:

1. Food-grade phytase enzymes break phytic acid bonds
2. Phosphorus releases as orthophosphate ions (H₂PO₄⁻ and HPO₄²⁻)
3. These are the exact forms plant roots absorb
4. The result: fully soluble organic phosphorus with zero sediment

Sustainability: Upcycled Pumpkin Seeds

PuurPhos transforms food industry waste into premium fertilizer. Pumpkin seed processing generates substantial quantities of material unsuitable for human consumption—damaged seeds, shells, and processing byproducts. Rather than discarding this material:

• Phosphorus-rich fractions are separated and concentrated
• Enzymatic processing converts phosphorus to plant-available forms
• The result is a premium organic fertilizer from would-be waste

Application Rates and Timing

Weekly Application Rates

Timing Principles

• Increase before flowering begins – Plants benefit from elevated phosphorus as they transition to reproductive growth
• Maintain during peak bloom – Energy-intensive flower development requires consistent phosphorus supply
• Reduce during ripening – Mature plants have lower phosphorus demand

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 for growth stage
5. Add PuurK at appropriate rate
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

• PuurPhos dissolves completely—truly sediment-free
• Compatible with all irrigation systems including drip and hydroponics
• Can be mixed with compost teas and microbial products
• Mix fresh batches for best results

Plants and Growing Systems

Crops That Benefit from PuurPhos

• Flowering/fruiting plants: Cannabis, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash
• Root crops: Carrots, beets, potatoes, radishes
• Transplants: Any seedling or clone establishing roots
• Fruiting trees: Citrus, stone fruits, apples (during bloom and fruit set)

Growing System Compatibility

• Soil: Excellent. Works immediately without waiting for microbial breakdown
• Coco coir: Excellent. Zero sediment means clean coco performance
• Hydroponics: Revolutionary. Finally—organic phosphorus that works in hydro
• Living soil: Excellent. Complements soil biology while providing available P

Compatibility

Compatible Products

• All PuurOrganics products (PuurNitro, PuurK, PuurCalMag, PuurBalance)
• Cronk additives: Sticky Bandit, Monkey Juice, Bud Booster, Armadillo Armour
• Mycorrhizal inoculants (mycorrhizae specifically help plants access phosphorus)
• Compost teas and beneficial bacteria

NOT Compatible

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

Signs of Phosphorus Deficiency

• Dark green to purple coloration on leaves and stems (anthocyanin accumulation)
• Stunted growth, especially during flowering transition
• Delayed flowering and poor flower development
• Small, underdeveloped root systems
• Older leaves affected first (phosphorus is mobile)

Response: Increase PuurPhos by 1-2 mL/gallon. Check pH—phosphorus availability drops sharply below pH 6.0 and above 7.0.

Signs of Phosphorus Excess

• Iron and zinc deficiency symptoms (phosphorus locks out micronutrients)
• Interveinal chlorosis on new growth
• Brown leaf margins
• Salt buildup in growing media

Response: Reduce PuurPhos rate. Flush media if severe. Excess phosphorus interferes with micronutrient uptake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't PuurPhos clog my drip lines like other organic phosphorus?

Traditional organic phosphorus sources (bone meal, rock phosphate) contain insoluble calcium phosphates that settle and clog irrigation systems. PuurPhos uses enzymatically processed pumpkin seeds that create fully water-soluble organic phosphates. The result is 100% dissolution with zero sediment.

When should I increase PuurPhos application?

Increase PuurPhos during flowering transition and peak bloom when phosphorus demand is highest. Plants use phosphorus for ATP energy production during the energy-intensive flower development process. Start increasing at first sign of flowers and maintain elevated rates through mid-bloom.

Can I use PuurPhos for root development in seedlings?

Yes, but at low rates. Phosphorus supports root establishment, but seedlings need minimal nutrition overall. Use 1-2 mL/gallon for seedlings focusing on root development. Increase gradually as plants establish.

Is PuurPhos compatible with beneficial microbes?

Yes. PuurPhos is fully compatible with beneficial bacteria and mycorrhizae. In fact, mycorrhizal fungi specifically help plants access phosphorus, making the combination particularly effective. Use alongside Monkey Juice for enhanced phosphorus uptake.

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 PuurPhos and the complete PuurOrganics system. Contact us at [email protected] or visit our Grower's Resource Center for feed charts and growing guides.