Shogun Start — Early Growth Nutrient for Seedlings and Cuttings
Best for: Growers propagating seedlings and cuttings who want faster rooting and higher survival rates without overfeeding
Our thoughts
This is a proper propagation nutrient, not just diluted base feed. Shogun Start does exactly what the market has been missing — gives young plants the right balance of nutrients and growth drivers without guessing. If you're serious about cutting survival rates or want seedlings to establish quickly, worth the investment.
Shogun Start is a purpose-built seedling and cutting nutrient formulated to establish rapid root development and vigorous early growth. Unlike half-strength base nutrients, it delivers a balanced spectrum of macro and micronutrients specifically tuned for propagation, plus Shogun's proprietary SmartZen® Yield Maximiser to improve nutrient uptake from day one. Available in 250ml, 1L, and 5L bottles, it's a concentrated solution — you only need 3–4ml per litre — so even the smallest bottle goes a long way.
How it compares
Early growth nutrients sit in a specialised niche. Shogun Start competes directly with VitaLink PlantStart and General Hydroponics Rapid Start.
- Purpose-formulated for propagation, not a generic diluted alternative
- Full spectrum trace elements at low overall strength — prevents imbalances without overfeeding
- SmartZen yield maximiser improves nutrient uptake, not available in budget competitors
- Concentrated formula means minimal dosing and excellent value per application
Growers report faster germination, quicker root strike in cuttings, and notably higher survival rates compared to using half-strength feeds.
Usage guidance
Shogun Start works across multiple propagation methods:
Seedling and cutting establishment
Use as a root feed at 4ml/L for the first 2 weeks. Recheck pH (target 5.5–6.5) and EC (keep below 1.4 mS/cm) after adding.
Propagation cube pre-soak
Soak rockwool, Root Riot, or jiffy cubes at 3–4ml/L before transplanting cuttings. This dramatically reduces transplant shock and gives roots a gentler introduction.
Foliar spray
Spray young cuttings directly at 3–4ml/L during their most vulnerable early days. Nourishes foliage while roots are still developing.
Aeroponic systems
Suitable for use in aeroponic propagators where rapid establishment is critical.
After week 2–3, step up to a full-strength vegetative base nutrient. Shogun recommends pairing with Katana Roots for seamless progression.
Technical specifications
- Available sizes: 250ml, 1L, 5L bottles
- Dosage rate: 3–4ml/L (propagation pre-soak), 4–8ml/L (root feed)
- Target pH: 5.5–6.5
- Target EC: Maximum 1.4 mS/cm
- NPK: Low macronutrient ratio, full micronutrient spectrum
- Key ingredients: Boron and calcium (elevated ratio for root development), SmartZen® Yield Maximiser, humic and fulvic acids
- Mechanism: Encourages auxin translocation to rooting zone for rapid root initiation
- Compatible with: Soil, coco, rockwool, hydroponic systems, aeroponic propagators
Who this is for
- Growers running cutting operations who want higher survival rates
- Seedling propagators looking to cut germination time
- Anyone using rockwool or propagation cubes who wants to reduce transplant shock
- Hydroponics enthusiasts who understand that propagation stage deserves its own nutrient
- Growers who've struggled with weak early growth or failed cuttings
Particularly suited to anyone serious enough about propagation to invest in the right tools rather than make do with diluted alternatives.
Our take
Shogun Start fills a gap that most nutrient ranges ignore. It's not cheap, but the concentrated formula means minimal cost per application, and the rooting results justify it. Growers consistently report faster establishment, better cutting survival, and stronger young plants — which sets them up properly for everything that comes later.
If you're propagating regularly or want to stop losing cuttings to shock and weak rooting, worth picking up. Does exactly what it should, and customers report better outcomes than expected.
