Does Superthrive Work

If you’ve spent any time in gardening circles, you’ve probably heard the name SuperThrive. The big question on many gardeners’ minds is simple: does SuperThrive work? This vitamin-hormone solution has been around for decades, promising healthier plants and bigger blooms, but its effectiveness is a common debate.

Let’s look at what it is, what it claims to do, and what real-world experience and science suggest. We’ll cut through the marketing and give you a clear picture so you can decide if it’s right for your garden.

SuperThrive is not a fertilizer. It’s a liquid supplement containing 50 vitamins and hormones, with its two most famous ingredients being vitamin B-1 and the rooting hormone 1-Naphthyl acetic acid (NAA). The company states it reduces transplant shock, stimulates root growth, and improves overall plant health and yield.

So, does it live up to the hype? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Anecdotal evidence from generations of gardeners is overwhelmingly positive. However, scientific studies on its specific formula are limited and sometimes contradictory, especially regarding the vitamin B-1 component.

What’s Actually in the Bottle?

The full list of 50 “vitamins and hormones” is a proprietary secret. But we know the key players:

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine): Claims to reduce transplant shock. Independent university studies have often shown that B-1 alone does not reduce shock or improve root growth in plants, which has led to some skepticism.
Hormone NAA (1-Naphthyl acetic acid): A proven synthetic rooting hormone. This is the powerhouse ingredient that genuinely stimulates root development on cuttings and transplants.
Other Vitamins & Hormones: The blend includes other compounds like vitamin D, various B vitamins, and hormones that may support cellular function.

The combination seems to be where the magic happens for many users. Even if B-1’s role is debated, the NAA and the potential synergistic effect of the other ingredients appear to have a real impact.

Where SuperThrive Shows Proven Results

Based on decades of gardener reports and some research, here are the areas where SuperThrive consistently gets high marks:

1. Reducing Transplant Shock

This is its most famous use. When you transplant seedlings, trees, or shrubs, roots are damaged. Soaking the rootball in or watering with a SuperThrive solution seems to help plants bounce back faster with less wilting and stalling. The NAA encourages new root growth immediately.

2. Rooting Cuttings and Bare-Root Plants

Because it contains a proven rooting hormone, it’s excellent for this. Soaking bare-root roses or trees before planting, or using it as a dip for stem cuttings, can improve success rates. It’s more comprehensive than some plain rooting powders.

3. As a General Plant Tonic

Many gardeners use it as a occasional boost for stressed plants—after extreme weather, pest damage, or when a plant just looks generally unhappy. The vitamin blend may aid in plant metabolic processes during recovery.

4. Seed Soaking

Some users report better germination rates when seeds are soaked in a dilute SuperThrive solution before planting, potentially softening the seed coat and providing an energy boost.

The Controversies and Limitations

To be fair, you should know the criticisms.

The “Vitamin” Debate: As mentioned, studies on B-1 alone show minimal effect. SuperThrive argues their unique combination is key, which is hard for independant researchers to verify without the full formula.
It’s Not a Fertilizer: It contains no significant nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium (N-P-K). You must still fertilize your plants. Think of it as a supplement, not a food.
Cost: It is more expensive per ounce than many fertilizers or plain rooting hormones, though it is used in very small doses.
Overuse Can Be Harmful: More is not better. Following the dilution instructions is critical, as excess hormones can actually harm plant growth.

How to Use SuperThrive Correctly

Using it properly is simple but vital for seeing results. Always start with well-watered plants.

For Transplanting: Mix ¼ teaspoon per gallon of water. Soak the root ball in the solution for a few minutes before planting, then use the remaining solution as your first watering.
For Watering Established Plants: Use ¼ teaspoon per gallon for a monthly boost during the growing season. This is especially helpful for container plants which experience more stress.
For Rooting Cuttings: Use a slightly stronger mix (½ teaspoon per gallon) and soak the cut end for several hours before placing in your rooting medium.
For Foliar Spraying: A very weak solution (⅛ teaspoon per gallon) can be used as a foliar spray for a quick pick-me-up. Apply in the early morning or late evening.

Remember, a little goes a long way. The bottle will last you for ages. Always store it in a cool, dark place as the ingredients can degrade in sunlight.

Real Gardener Experiences vs. Lab Results

The divide between academic studies and gardener experience is interesting. While science focuses on isolating single ingredients, gardeners use the whole product in complex, real-world conditions.

Many report that plants treated with SuperThrive show:

Greener, lusher foliage soon after application.
More vigorous root systems discovered when repotting.
Higher fruit and flower yeilds in vegetable gardens and flower beds.
Remarkable recovery in near-death plants when other remedies failed.

This consistent anecdotal evidence, spanning over 70 years, cannot be entirely dismissed. Sometimes, the proof is in the practice.

Final Verdict: Should You Use It?

So, does SuperThrive work? Based on the collective experience of countless gardeners, the answer leans strongly toward yes—for specific uses. It is not a miracle cure for poor soil, inadequate light, or incorrect watering. But as a tool for specific jobs, it can be very effective.

Consider trying SuperThrive if you:

Frequently transplant seedlings or mature plants.
Propagate plants from cuttings or plant bare-root specimens.
Want an extra edge for stressed or recovering plants.
Are curious and want to test it in your own garden conditions.

You might skip it if you:

Expect it to replace fertilizer or good gardening practices.
Want peer-reviewed, double-blind studies for every ingredient.
Have a very low-stress garden with perfect conditions already.

FAQ

Is SuperThrive a fertilizer?

No. It is a vitamin-hormone supplement. It contains no significant NPK values to feed plants. You must use it alongside a regular fertilizing schedule.

Can I use SuperThrive every time I water?

No. It’s meant for occasional use—during transplanting, as a monthly boost, or for stress recovery. Overuse can lead to hormone imbalances in the plant.

Does SuperThrive work on all plants?

It is generally safe for use on all plants—flowers, vegetables, trees, lawns, and even hydroponics. Always test on a small area or a few plants first if your concerned.

What’s the difference between SuperThrive and rooting hormone powder?

Rooting powder is usually just a single hormone (like IBA). SuperThrive contains NAA plus a blend of vitamins and other hormones, aiming for broader support beyond just root initiation.

How long has SuperThrive been around?

It was developed in the 1940s, which speaks to its enduring popularity in the gardening community. That kind of longevity is rare without some perceived effectiveness.

In the end, the best way to answer “does SuperThrive work” is to try it for yourself in a controlled way. Use it on a few transplants or struggling plants this season and compare the results to untreated ones. Your own garden might just provide the most convincing evidence of all.