Hydroponic Growing Kit

Lavender Munstead Type

Growing Guide

A complete step-by-step guide to help you grow fresh, flavorful cilantro at home with your ClearGro kit.

1

What's Included

Package contents & part names

Shown for part identification. The growing jar arrives pre-assembled.
  • 32 fl oz Mason Jar

    32 fl oz Mason Jar

  • Wick

    Wick

  • Net Pot

    Net Pot

  • Growing Plug

    Growing Plug

  • Sleeve

  • Band

    Band

  • Seed Tube

    Seed Tube

  • Seed Spoon

    Seed Spoon

  • Indoor Plant Nutrient

    Indoor Plant Nutrient

2

Five Essentials

Before you start

  • Keep Roots Shaded

    Keep the cork sleeve on the jar to shield roots and nutrient solution from direct light.

  • Shake Before Use

    Shake ClearGro Indoor Plant Nutrient (3-2-5) before every use.

  • Keep Moderate Temperatures

    Aim for 60-70°F (16-21°C). Avoid temperatures below 60°F (16°C).

  • Provide Airflow

    Use ordinary indoor airflow and keep the plant away from heating or cooling vents.

  • Measure by Stage

    Use 0.5 mL per 16 fl oz at setup and seedling refreshes; use up to 1.5 mL for established plants at complete refreshes.

3

Set Up Your Kit

Four simple steps

  1. 01

    Choose the Growing Location

    Use a grow light for 14-16 hours daily, with 8-10 hours of darkness, or provide at least 6 hours of strong sunlight once seedlings are established. For germination, a grow light is more predictable than a hot windowsill. Keep the jar in a cool-to-comfortable room, roughly 60-70°F (16-21°C). Protect the jar from temperature swings and keep the cork sleeve in place.
  2. 02

    Add Water and Nutrient

    Remove the band and net pot from the 32 fl oz mason jar. Add 2 cups (16 fl oz / about 475 mL) of room-temperature water. This is half-full in the jar and is the maximum fill level. Shake the ClearGro Indoor Plant Nutrient (3-2-5). Add 1/2 dropper (approximately 0.5 mL) to the 16 fl oz of water and mix thoroughly. Replace the net pot and band. At the 16 fl oz fill level, the net pot remains above the nutrient solution.
  3. 03

    Plant the Seeds

    Locate the five pre-formed planting holes on the growing plug. Recommended: use the seed spoon to place 1 lavender seed in each hole—5 seeds total. Optional: for extra germination insurance, place 2 seeds in each hole—10 seeds total. Do not add more than 2 seeds to any hole. Place each seed at the plug surface so it contacts the moist plug. Do not push it deep or fully cover it.
  4. 04

    Start the Light Schedule

    Begin the 14-16-hour light schedule immediately after sowing. Check the plug every few days. It should remain evenly moist, not flooded, slimy, or dry and hard. Beginning on day 7, check each planting hole for a sprout. Continue the normal light, reservoir, and ClearGro 3-2-5 routine through day 21.
  5. 05

    Day 21 Reseeding

    Use one fresh seed in each empty hole. Continue the same light, 16 fl oz maximum water level, and ClearGro 3-2-5 routine.
4

Stage Guide

One-page care reference

  1. Germination

    Typically 7-21 days in the ClearGro indoor hydroponic system, based on ClearGro testing.

  2. Seedling

    From emergence until 3-4 pairs of true leaves.

  3. Vegetative

    The plant develops multiple stems and begins filling out above the jar.

  4. Budding & Flowering

    Flower spikes form after the plant is established, branching well, and receiving consistent indoor light.

  5. Harvest & Regrow

    Harvest when the first 1-2 florets on a spike have opened for drying, or allow more florets to open for display.

Stage DetailsSee what you will see, water & nutrient, and light & key action for each stage.

Germination

Typical appearance
The seed leaves open above the plug while the first pale root grows downward.
Typical timing
Typically 7-21 days in the ClearGro indoor hydroponic system, based on ClearGro testing.
Water
Begin at 16 fl oz. At about 8 fl oz, add plain water back to 16 fl oz.
Nutrient
Use 0.5 mL per 16 fl oz at setup. Do not add another dose during germination.
Light
Provide 14-16 hours under a grow light. The seed must receive light, so leave it at the plug surface.
What to do
Keep temperatures moderate. Check each hole from day 7 through day 21 and reseed any empty hole.
Ready for next stage
At least one seedling has opened its seed leaves and is beginning to produce narrow true leaves.

Seedling

Typical appearance
One upright seedling develops 3-4 pairs of narrow true leaves and fine pale roots.
Typical timing
From emergence until 3-4 pairs of true leaves.
Water
At about 8 fl oz, add plain water back to 16 fl oz. Never exceed 16 fl oz.
Nutrient
At complete refresh, use 0.5 mL per 16 fl oz. Add plain water only between refreshes.
Light
Continue 14-16 hours. Rotate the jar one-quarter turn weekly.
What to do
When true leaves appear, snip weaker seedlings at plug level with clean scissors. Never pull extras.
Ready for next stage
The remaining plant is upright with several true-leaf pairs and healthy pale roots in the reservoir.

Vegetative

Typical appearance
Multiple leafy stems form a compact, branching plant; no flower buds are visible yet.
Typical timing
The plant develops multiple stems and begins filling out above the jar.
Water
Use the 8-to-16 fl oz routine. Check several times per week as the canopy expands.
Nutrient
At complete refresh, use up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz. Add plain water only between refreshes.
Light
Provide 14-16 hours of strong light. Raise the lamp before leaves touch it.
What to do
Pinch or snip the soft growing tip just above a leaf pair; repeat on vigorous branches.
Ready for next stage
The plant is compact and branching, with firm aromatic foliage and no persistent yellowing or wilt.

Budding & Flowering

Typical appearance
Upright flower spikes carry purple buds, with the first lower florets beginning to open.
Typical timing
Flower spikes form after the plant is established, branching well, and receiving consistent indoor light.
Water
At 8 fl oz, add plain water to 16 fl oz. Do not overfill; keep leaves and crown dry.
Nutrient
At complete refresh, use up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz. Never add extra to force flowering.
Light
Maximize light; if a healthy plant has no buds, check light duration and intensity first.
What to do
Once flower spikes form, stop major pinching, remove only damaged foliage, and maintain even light.
Ready for next stage
Purple florets begin opening from the lower part of the flower spike.

Harvest & Regrow

Typical appearance
First florets open and stems are fragrant; cut stems remain above leafy green nodes while healthy foliage and new side shoots support regrowth.
Typical timing
Harvest when the first 1-2 florets on a spike have opened for drying, or allow more florets to open for display.
Water
After harvest, add plain water to 16 fl oz if the jar is near 8 fl oz.
Nutrient
Refresh every 2-3 weeks at the established rate, up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz.
Light
Maintain the regular light schedule so remaining leaves support regrowth.
What to do
Cut flower stems just above a leafy green node with clean scissors. Keep healthy foliage, avoid woody stems, and remove no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time.
Ready for next stage
Fresh side shoots are expanding below the previous cuts.
Rules That Apply at Every StageLight, water, refresh, and more.
  • Light: 14-16 hours daily, followed by 8-10 hours of darkness.
  • Water: when the jar reaches about 8 fl oz, add plain water back to 16 fl oz.
  • Refresh: every 2-3 weeks; add the stage dose only at the complete refresh.
  • Between refreshes: add plain water only - no extra nutrient.
  • Keep the reservoir shaded with the cork sleeve and rotate the jar one-quarter turn weekly.
Harvest & RegrowHow and when to harvest, and how to keep plants growing.

Harvest & Regrow

First florets open and stems are fragrant. Harvest when the first 1-2 florets on a spike have opened for drying, or allow more florets to open for display. Complete a solution refresh every 2-3 weeks using the established nutrient dose, up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz. Maintain the regular light schedule so remaining leaves support regrowth. Cut flower stems just above a leafy green node with clean scissors. Keep healthy foliage, avoid woody stems, and remove no more than 1/3 of the plant at a time. After harvest, add plain water to 16 fl oz if the jar is near 8 fl oz.

Regrow or RestartContinue your plant or start a new cycle.

Option A — Continue the Same Plant

After harvest, remove spent flower stalks and lightly shape green growth, leaving the woody base and lower foliage intact. At the next refresh, use up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz, resume regular lighting, and allow new shoots before harvesting again.

Option B — Start a New Cycle

Start a new cycle if the plant is root-bound, diseased, declining, or you want to grow a different plant. Discard the plant, plug, and roots. Wash and rinse the jar, band, net pot, and wick; install a fresh plug and sow fresh seeds from the seed tube; then return to “Set Up Your Kit”. Do not reuse the old plug.

TroubleshootingCommon issues and solutions.

No sprout before day 21

Continue the ClearGro germination routine through day 21. Confirm that the seed remains at the plug surface, the reservoir is at the 16 fl oz line, and the grow light runs 14-16 hours daily.

Empty planting hole on day 21

Use the extra seeds provided: place 1 fresh seed into the empty hole with the seed spoon. Do not disturb any emerged seedlings. Continue the same light, reservoir, and ClearGro 3-2-5 nutrient routine.

Tall, weak, or leaning seedling

Increase usable light, move the grow light closer without allowing leaves to touch it, rotate the jar weekly, and confirm that only one seedling remains.

Yellow or pale leaves

Check light first, then inspect the roots, reservoir level, and ClearGro Indoor Plant Nutrient (3-2-5) schedule. Do not add an unplanned nutrient dose.

White fuzz or mold on the plug

Gently remove visible growth with a clean cotton swab or tweezers and improve airflow around the jar. Keep the reservoir at or below 16 fl oz and avoid pouring water onto the plug surface. Do not apply bleach or household fungicide. Replace the plug and reseed if growth is widespread, smells sour, or the seedling declines.

Wilting even though the jar is full

The reservoir may be too high or roots may lack oxygen. Return the water level to 16 fl oz or lower, keep the plant crown dry, and inspect for brown or slimy roots.

Brown, slimy roots or unpleasant odor

Remove decaying roots with clean scissors, wash the jar, replace the solution, keep the reservoir cooler and shaded, and contact ClearGro support if decline continues.

Green algae in the jar

Keep the cork sleeve on, block light from the nutrient solution, clean the jar at the next solution change, and avoid wetting the top of the plug.

Healthy leaves but no flowers

Confirm strong 14-16-hour lighting, continue the labeled ClearGro 3-2-5 schedule, and allow the branching plant to mature after pruning.

Simple Weekly CheckA quick checklist for healthy plants.
  • Light timer works and leaves do not touch the lamp.
  • Water level stays between the 8 fl oz refill point and the 16 fl oz fill line.
  • Roots are pale and fresh-smelling, not brown, slimy, or foul-smelling.
  • Only one plant is growing in the plug.
  • Nutrient is measured for the plant stage: 0.5 mL per 16 fl oz for seedlings; up to 1.5 mL per 16 fl oz for established plants.
  • The jar remains covered by the cork sleeve and the water level is at or below 16 fl oz.