Pepper and Herb Fertilizer 11-11-40 | Chelated Micronutrients | Hydroponics, Soil & Foliar Application
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Pepper & Herb Fertilizer 11-11-40
Professional-grade water-soluble fertilizer engineered for peppers, culinary herbs, and aromatic plants. Ultra-high potassium (40%) drives capsaicin production, essential oil concentration, and exceptional fruit quality.
Ideal Applications
FEATURES
⚖️ Balanced 11-11-40 NPK Ratio
Equal nitrogen and phosphorus (11-11) support healthy foliage and root development, while ultra-high potassium (40%) drives fruit quality, capsaicin synthesis, and essential oil concentration.
🌶️ Capsaicin-Boosting Potassium
The 40% potassium content activates enzymes directly involved in capsaicin biosynthesis, producing measurably hotter peppers with more complex heat profiles.
🌿 Essential Oil Enhancement
High potassium concentration increases essential oil production in basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and other aromatic herbs for stronger flavor and fragrance.
🔬 EDTA-Chelated Micronutrients
Iron, manganese, zinc, and copper are EDTA-chelated for availability across pH 4–9. Boron and molybdenum are included in mineral form for complete nutrition.
🧪 Tested for Heavy Metals
Every batch is independently lab tested for heavy metal content and registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
🌊 100% Water Soluble
Dissolves completely in room-temperature water with no residue. Safe for drip lines, Dutch buckets, NFT systems, and foliar sprayers without clogging.
🌱 Multi-System Compatible
Works in soil, containers, raised beds, and all major hydroponic systems including DWC, NFT, Dutch buckets, and drip irrigation.
🛡️ Disease Resistance Support
High potassium strengthens cell walls and activates defense pathways, helping plants resist fungal infections and bacterial diseases common in pepper and herb crops.
📦 Extended Shelf Life
Potassium improves fruit firmness and reduces post-harvest deterioration, giving your peppers better storage quality and market appeal.
🎯 Crop-Specific Engineering
Formulated specifically for the nutritional demands of peppers, culinary herbs, and umbellifers — not a generic all-purpose fertilizer repurposed for specialty crops.
DERIVED FROM
Our 11-11-40 formula is blended from premium-grade raw materials selected for maximum solubility, plant availability, and purity. Every ingredient is sourced for professional hydroponic and soil applications.
Macronutrient Sources
Potassium Nitrate
Dual-source of potassium (46%) and nitrogen (13%). Highly soluble and chloride-free.
Monopotassium Phosphate
Provides phosphorus (52%) and potassium (34%) for flowering, root development, and energy transfer.
Potassium Sulfate
Chloride-free potassium source (53%) with sulfur (17%) for flavor compound development.
Ammonium Sulfate
Nitrogen (21%) and sulfur (24%) for amino acid synthesis and vegetative growth support.
Micronutrient Sources
Chelated Iron EDTA
EDTA-protected iron (13% Fe) for chlorophyll synthesis and photosynthesis efficiency.
Chelated Manganese EDTA
EDTA-protected manganese for disease resistance and essential oil production.
Chelated Zinc EDTA
EDTA-protected zinc for auxin production, fruit set, and aromatic compound synthesis.
Chelated Copper EDTA
EDTA-protected copper (14% Cu) for lignin synthesis, strong cell walls, and color development.
Boric Acid
Mineral-form boron (17% B) for cell wall formation, sugar transport, and preventing blossom drop.
Sodium Molybdate
Mineral-form molybdenum (39% Mo) for nitrogen metabolism and nitrate reduction enzyme function.
SCIENCE BEHIND THE FORMULA
11-11-40: Engineered for Peppers, Herbs & Aromatics
Our formula addresses the unique nutritional demands of peppers and herbs, where potassium is the dominant driver of quality, flavor, and heat. The balanced N-P ratio supports healthy growth without excessive vegetation that delays fruiting.
🌿 Nitrogen — 11% (Balanced Foliage)
Moderate nitrogen maintains healthy leaf growth and chlorophyll production without triggering excessive vegetation that delays flowering and reduces capsaicin or essential oil concentration.
🌸 Phosphorus — 11% (Flowers & Oils)
Balanced phosphorus promotes abundant flowering, strong root development, and essential oil biosynthesis pathways. Supports energy transfer (ATP) critical during fruit set and seed formation.
⭐ Potassium — 40% (Flavor & Heat)
Ultra-high potassium drives capsaicin production in hot peppers, essential oil concentration in herbs, disease resistance through stronger cell walls, and improved fruit quality and shelf life.
Essential Micronutrients
🔬 Iron (Fe) 0.10%
Chelated EDTA form. Essential for chlorophyll synthesis, photosynthesis, and preventing interveinal yellowing.
🔬 Manganese (Mn) 0.05%
Chelated EDTA form. Activates photosynthesis enzymes, supports disease resistance and essential oil production in herbs.
🔬 Zinc (Zn) 0.05%
Chelated EDTA form. Required for auxin production, protein synthesis, fruit set in peppers, and aromatic compound development.
🔬 Copper (Cu) 0.05%
Chelated EDTA form. Involved in lignin synthesis for strong cell walls, disease resistance, and fruit color development.
🔬 Boron (B) 0.02%
Mineral form (boric acid). Critical for cell wall formation, sugar transport, and preventing blossom drop in peppers.
🔬 Molybdenum (Mo) 0.0005%
Mineral form (sodium molybdate). Essential for nitrogen fixation and nitrate reduction. Deficiency causes yellowing and stunting.
Why Ultra-High Potassium (40%)?
Peppers and herbs are exceptionally heavy potassium feeders. This nutrient drives the quality characteristics growers care about most:
🌶️ Hotter Peppers
Potassium activates enzymes in the capsaicin biosynthesis pathway, producing measurably spicier peppers with more complex heat profiles.
🌿 Aromatic Herbs
Enhances essential oil production and concentration for more flavorful, fragrant basil, oregano, thyme, and other culinary herbs.
🛡️ Disease Resistance
Strengthens cell walls and activates plant defense pathways to resist fungal infections and bacterial diseases.
📦 Longer Shelf Life
Improves fruit firmness, reduces post-harvest deterioration, and enhances market appearance of harvested peppers.
💧 Drought Tolerance
Regulates stomatal function and water use efficiency, improving stress resistance during dry periods.
🎨 Vibrant Colors
Enhances pigment development for brighter, more attractive produce with stronger visual market appeal.
APPLICATION RATES & DIRECTIONS
Recommended rates for peppers, herbs, and umbellifers. Adjust based on plant size, soil conditions, and growth stage.
Soil Application — Peppers
| Application Method | Rate | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Plant | 3g (½ tsp) | Every 4–6 weeks | Apply around base, water in |
| Per 100 sq ft | 0.75–1.25 lbs | Every 4–6 weeks | Broadcast evenly |
| Per Acre | 60–180 lbs | Every 4–6 weeks | Through irrigation |
Soil Application — Herbs & Umbellifers
| Application Method | Rate | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per Plant | 1.5g (¼ tsp) | Every 4–6 weeks | Apply around base, water in |
| Per 100 sq ft | 0.7–1.15 lbs | Every 4–6 weeks | Broadcast evenly |
| Per Acre | 300–500 lbs | Every 4–6 weeks | Through irrigation |
Foliar Application
| Crop Type | Rate | Frequency | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peppers | 100–150g per gallon | Every 1–2 weeks | Spray to runoff |
| Herbs | 75–100g per gallon | Every 1–2 weeks | Light coverage |
Hydroponic Application (per 100 gallons)
| Crop / Stage | 11-11-40 Amount | Cal-Mag Plus | pH Range | EC / PPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peppers — Growth | 0.5 lbs | 500ml–1L | 6.2–6.5 | 1350 PPM |
| Peppers — Blooming | 0.5 lbs | 1L | 5.8–6.2 | 1500 PPM |
| Herbs — Growth | 0.25 lbs + N boost* | 500ml | 6.2–6.5 | 700 PPM |
| Herbs — Blooming | 0.25 lbs + N boost* | 500ml–1L | 5.8–6.2 | 750 PPM |
*For herbs, add 1–2 tablespoons of Calcium Nitrate per 100 gallons to boost nitrogen levels.
Optimal Feeding Through Growth Stages (Peppers)
Plant Density Assumptions (per 100 gallons)
- Peppers: ~65–75 plants (larger spacing needed)
- Herbs: ~150–200 plants (closer spacing possible)
- Mixed System: ~100–120 plants
HOW TO USE
Soil & Garden Beds
- Measure 3g (½ tsp) per pepper plant or 1.5g (¼ tsp) per herb plant.
- Sprinkle evenly around the base of each plant, staying 2–3 inches from the stem.
- Water thoroughly to dissolve the fertilizer into the root zone.
- Repeat every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season.
Container & Potted Plants
- Dissolve 1–2g per gallon of water for container peppers, or 0.5–1g per gallon for potted herbs.
- Water plants with the solution until it drains from the bottom.
- Apply every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
- Flush containers with plain water monthly to prevent salt buildup.
Hydroponic Systems
- Fill reservoir with clean water.
- Add Cal-Mag Plus first and allow to mix for 5 minutes.
- Add 11-11-40 fertilizer at the recommended rate for your crop and stage.
- Check and adjust pH (peppers 5.8–6.5, herbs 6.2–6.8).
- Verify EC/PPM is within target range.
- Change reservoir completely every 7–10 days.
Foliar Application
- Dissolve at the recommended rate (100–150g/gal for peppers, 75–100g/gal for herbs).
- Spray early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn.
- Cover tops and undersides of leaves until dripping.
- Repeat every 1–2 weeks during active growth and fruiting.
Pro Tip: Maximizing Capsaicin & Essential Oil Production
For the hottest peppers and most aromatic herbs, slightly reduce watering 1–2 days before harvest (without wilting) and apply a half-strength foliar spray of 11-11-40 during fruit development. Mild water stress combined with extra potassium triggers the plant's stress response, increasing capsaicin and essential oil concentration. Harvest peppers when fully ripe and herbs in early morning after dew dries for peak compound levels.
When Pepper & Herb 11-11-40 Is the Right Choice
- Growing any type of pepper — bell, hot, sweet, or ornamental
- Culinary herbs where flavor and aroma intensity matter
- Hydroponic systems where precise nutrient ratios are essential
- Fruiting and flowering stages where potassium demand peaks
- Commercial operations needing a consistent, scalable formula
When to Consider Other Options
- Heavy-feeding leafy greens (lettuce, spinach) that need more nitrogen — try Lettuce Fertilizer 8-15-36
- Tomatoes that benefit from higher phosphorus during fruiting — try Tomato Fertilizer 4-18-38
- Strawberries and berries with different K:P needs — try Strawberry Fertilizer 8-12-32
- Cucumbers and melons that need higher phosphorus — try Cucumber Fertilizer 8-16-36
PEPPER & HERB FERTILIZER CALCULATOR
SAFETY & HANDLING
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling powder
- Avoid inhaling dust — use in well-ventilated areas or wear a dust mask
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a cool, dry place in the original sealed container
- Keep out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources
- This product is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air. Keep sealed tightly between uses
- If powder clumps, break it up before use — clumping does not affect efficacy
- Keep away from children and pets
Application Precautions
- In hydroponic systems, always add Cal-Mag Plus first, then 11-11-40 fertilizer
- Avoid direct contact between concentrated fertilizer and plant stems or foliage
- Apply foliar sprays in early morning or late evening to avoid leaf burn
- Do not exceed recommended application rates — over-fertilization can cause nutrient burn
- Flush hydroponic reservoirs and container soils periodically to prevent salt accumulation
First Aid
- Eye contact: Flush with clean water for 15 minutes. Seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Skin contact: Wash affected area with soap and water
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or seek medical attention
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for complete safety information.
COMPLETE YOUR SYSTEM
Build a complete pepper and herb nutrition program with these complementary products:
Cal-Mag Plus 2-0-0
Prevents blossom drop and calcium deficiencies. Critical for pepper fruit development. Must be added to hydroponic reservoirs before 11-11-40.
HerbsCalcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0
Nitrogen boost for leafy herbs like basil and cilantro. Adds calcium while promoting lush foliage growth during vegetative stages.
BoostEpsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
Magnesium for chlorophyll production and sulfur for amino acid synthesis. Enhances green color and photosynthesis efficiency.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will this make my peppers hotter?
Yes. The ultra-high potassium content (40%) directly increases capsaicin production in hot peppers. Potassium activates enzymes involved in capsaicin biosynthesis and improves overall fruit compound concentration. For maximum heat, apply weekly during fruit development, use foliar sprays for quick potassium uptake, slightly reduce watering before harvest (without wilting), and harvest when fully ripe. To learn more about how potassium drives plant quality, see our article on What's the Function of Potassium (K) in Plants?
How can I maximize essential oil production in herbs?
To enhance aromatic compounds and essential oils: reduce watering 1–2 days before harvest, harvest in early morning after dew dries, apply extra 11-11-40 during flowering, use weekly half-strength foliar sprays, and provide slightly cooler nighttime temperatures. The high potassium in this formula is particularly effective at increasing essential oil concentration and flavor intensity.
Do leafy herbs need extra nitrogen?
Yes, herbs like basil and cilantro benefit from extra nitrogen during vegetative growth. For hydroponics, add 1–2 tablespoons of Calcium Nitrate per 100 gallons for both nitrogen and calcium. For soil, supplement with fish emulsion or blood meal every 2–3 weeks during active growth. For more on nitrogen's role, see What's the Function of Nitrogen (N) in Plants?
What pH should I maintain?
pH requirements vary between peppers and herbs. Peppers prefer pH 5.8–6.2 during blooming and 6.2–6.5 during vegetative growth. Herbs generally prefer pH 6.2–6.8, with slightly higher values acceptable for most species. Always check pH after mixing nutrients and adjust before feeding.
Why doesn't this formula contain calcium?
Calcium and phosphorus are chemically incompatible in concentrated solution — when mixed, they form insoluble calcium phosphate that becomes unavailable to plants. Since our formula contains 11% phosphorus, calcium must be applied separately. Use Cal-Mag Plus 2-0-0 or Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 as a separate addition — always add it to the reservoir first, before the 11-11-40.
How do I store the powder?
This fertilizer is hygroscopic — it absorbs moisture from the air. Keep the bag sealed tight between uses and store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If the powder clumps, simply break it up before use. Clumping does not affect efficacy or nutrient content.
Can I use this for ornamental peppers and flowering herbs?
Absolutely. The balanced N-P ratio with high potassium enhances color development, bloom duration, and overall plant vigor in ornamental varieties. Use pepper application rates for ornamental peppers and herb rates for flowering herb species.
What crops is this formula best suited for?
This formula is optimized for all pepper varieties (bell, jalapeño, habanero, ghost, Thai, poblano), culinary herbs (basil, cilantro, oregano, thyme, rosemary, sage, mint, parsley), and umbellifers (dill, fennel, celery, caraway, chervil). For micronutrient details, see Essential Micronutrients for Healthier Plants.
GROW WITH CONFIDENCE
Product Quality Guaranteed
- Manufactured in California, USA since 1989
- Independently tested by third-party laboratories for quality assurance
- Registered with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA)
- Every batch tested for heavy metal content
Hassle-Free Return Policy
Not satisfied? We offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Return the unused portion in its original packaging for a full refund.
Environmental Responsibility
- Recyclable packaging materials
- Precise nutrient formulation to reduce runoff
- Support for eco-friendly farming methods
- Ongoing research into sustainable solutions
Charitable Contributions
1% of all profits go to the Greenway Foundation, focused on improving educational opportunities for children. Learn more at greenway.foundation.
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