Potassium permanganate has many benefits in gardening, but there are situations when it is better not to use this product.
Over the years, potassium permanganate has developed a reputation as an inexpensive but effective antiseptic.
What is the benefit?
The antiseptic properties of the product are based on strong oxidizing properties. Oxygen, which is part of the composition, actively combines with any organic molecules.
But where there is benefit, there is also harm close by. Oxidation is a kind of analogue of combustion. And this reaction is known for its destructive consequences. Therefore, it is important to use potassium permanganate carefully.
Seeds and bulbs
Potassium permanganate is used before sowing. Seeds and bulbs are treated in a 0.5% solution.
However, it should be remembered that such a concentration of permanganate is quite strong, so it is not recommended to keep the planting material in the solution for more than 15-20 minutes.
Rotting roots
If the plant roots are affected by rot, you need to prepare a 0.01% solution of permanganate.
The roots are immersed in liquid for several minutes to destroy putrefactive microorganisms.
But before this procedure, it is necessary to remove all roots damaged by rot.
Growth stimulator and fungicide
Potassium permanganate is neither one nor the other. The solution kills pathogenic microflora, but does not affect seed germination and uniformity of shoots.
It is a stretch to call potassium permanganate a fungicide, since it is only suitable for treating planting material. If you spray the vegetative foliage, they will get burned, and there is no point in using solutions below 0.5%.
