Grower Glossary – KUpdated 8 days ago
K
“K” stands for potassium, kelp, and key nutrients. Learn how “K” terms shape plant structure, stress resistance, and flowering performance through natural and balanced nutrition.
K (Potassium)
One of the three macronutrients (N–P–K) essential for plant health, symbolized by “K.”
Grower Slang: “Potash,” “K boost.”
Supports flower development, nutrient transport, and disease resistance.
Cronk Tip: Clyde and Bud Booster (0-1-3) deliver extra potassium during bloom for dense, resinous buds.
Kalanchoe (Botanical Term)
A succulent plant species sometimes used in plant tissue culture.
Grower Slang: “Kal plant.”
Known for its ability to regenerate and propagate easily from leaves.
Karst Water
Groundwater rich in minerals and calcium carbonate, often causing high hardness levels.
Grower Slang: “Hard well water.”
May require pre-filtration or reverse osmosis before mixing nutrients.
K-Value (Potassium Rating)
The measure of potassium concentration in fertilizers or soil.
Grower Slang: “K-level.”
Balanced ratios are critical for strong flowering and fruiting plants.
Kelp Meal
A natural, dried seaweed fertilizer high in potassium, trace minerals, and plant hormones (cytokinins).
Grower Slang: “Seaweed feed.”
Cronk Tip: PuurOrganics integrates kelp extract for natural vigor, stress resistance, and enhanced terpene expression.
Kelvin (K)
The color temperature rating of light, measured in degrees Kelvin (K).
Grower Slang: “Light temp,” “spectrum K.”
6500K = blue light (veg)
3000K = warm light (bloom)
Cronk Tip: Full-spectrum LEDs balance both for full-cycle performance.
Kept Cut (Clone Term)
A chosen phenotype or clone that a grower keeps long-term due to desirable traits.
Grower Slang: “Keeper cut,” “mom cut.”
Maintained as a mother plant for consistent genetics.
Keyway (Irrigation Term)
A small groove or slot in tubing that ensures proper fitting or flow direction in irrigation systems.
Grower Slang: “Line guide.”
Kief
Trichome resin glands collected from cannabis flower, usually sifted through screens or grinders.
Grower Slang: “Dry sift,” “crystals,” “pollen.”
Used to make hash, pressed rosin, or sprinkled over joints for added potency.
Kilowatt (kW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts.
Grower Slang: “Power draw.”
Used to calculate light usage and energy costs.
Cronk Tip: LEDs provide higher PPFD with lower kW consumption than traditional HID systems.
Kilowatt Hour (kWh)
A unit of energy measuring power consumption over time.
Grower Slang: “Power bill unit.”
Track kWh to calculate grow costs or solar system efficiency.
Knockback (Slang)
Grower slang for the physical relaxation or “body high” effect of potent indica or hybrid strains.
Grower Slang: “Couch lock,” “body melt.”
Often associated with high myrcene terpene content and late harvest timing.
Knockdown Spray
A fast-acting pest control solution that kills insects on contact.
Grower Slang: “Contact spray.”
Use organic, plant-safe products (e.g., pyrethrin-based) only during veg — not on buds.
KOH (Potassium Hydroxide)
A strong alkaline compound used in nutrient pH-up solutions.
Grower Slang: “pH up.”
Cronk Tip: Adjust slowly — high KOH concentrations can shock roots.
Kratky Method
A passive hydroponic technique where plant roots hang partially in nutrient solution without pumps or aeration.
Grower Slang: “Static hydro,” “no-bubble grow.”
Ideal for small or experimental setups.
Kraft Paper Pot
Biodegradable paper pot option for seedlings and clones.
Grower Slang: “Eco pot,” “paper start.”
Reduces plastic use and can be planted directly into soil.
Krill Meal
An organic fertilizer derived from small crustaceans, rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and chitin.
Grower Slang: “Ocean meal.”
Boosts soil life and supports pest resistance naturally.
Kube (Grower Slang)
Nickname for a rockwool cube used for seed starting or cloning.
Grower Slang: “Rock cube,” “starter block.”
Common in hydroponic or commercial nursery setups.
Kush
A family of indica-dominant cannabis strains originating from the Hindu Kush mountains.
Grower Slang: “Gas,” “heavy indica,” “OG.”
Known for earthy, spicy aromas and relaxing effects.
Cronk Tip: Kush varieties love moderate EC (1.8–2.0) and cooler night temps for color expression.
Kush Breath (Strain Term)
Refers to OGKB (OG Kush Breath), a genetic lineage responsible for strains like Girl Scout Cookies.
Grower Slang: “Cookies lineage.”
Known for dessert terpenes and dense, frosty buds.
Kickback (Slang)
Grower slang for a nutrient mix or environment that’s “too strong,” causing stress or slow growth.
Grower Slang: “Hot feed,” “shock.”
Cronk Tip: Lower EC, flush medium, and rebalance with CalMag and microbes.
Knockdown Period
The time it takes for a pesticide or foliar spray to eliminate pests after application.
Grower Slang: “Kill time.”
Avoid spraying during bloom to protect trichomes and terpenes.
Krunch (Slang)
Grower slang for well-cured, dry buds that “snap” instead of bend when broken.
Grower Slang: “Perfect dry.”
Indicates proper moisture level (~10–12%).
Kill Zone (Lighting Term)
The area directly beneath a grow light with the highest intensity — can cause light stress if plants are too close.
Grower Slang: “Hot zone.”
Adjust light height or dim intensity to maintain even canopy exposure.
Kymograph (Research Term)
A tool for recording plant growth movements over time, used in plant physiology studies.
Grower Slang: “Growth tracker.”
Rare in grow rooms but used in academic experiments.
Kelp Extract
A liquid form of kelp fertilizer containing cytokinins, amino acids, and natural growth hormones.
Grower Slang: “Seaweed juice.”
Cronk Tip: Found in PuurOrganics to promote strong roots, stress resistance, and lush growth.
Knockout (Slang)
Grower slang describing extremely potent strains or phenotypes that cause strong sedation or “sleepy” effects.
Grower Slang: “Couch-locker,” “night strain.”
Kompost (Organic Slang)
Playful slang for compost used in organic soil building.
Grower Slang: “K-mix,” “living blend.”
Used to feed microbes and build long-term soil health.
Krust (Slang)
Refers to dried nutrient salts forming on the soil surface or container rim.
Grower Slang: “Salt crust.”
Cronk Tip: Flush regularly and check runoff EC to prevent salt buildup.
Kynurenic Acid (Plant Chemistry Term)
A secondary metabolite in some plants linked to stress tolerance.
Grower Slang: “Stress compound.”
Rare in cannabis discussions but notable in scientific literature.