SHIVA Aromatica Pack – Herb & Medicinal Plant Growing Guide

Aromatica Pack

Specially designed NPK composition for herbs and medicinal plants · Low N, high K = intense essential oils and enhanced aromas · Manufactured under EU 2019/1009

SHIVA Aromatica Pack

NPK 10-4-20

In preparation – detailed product description, active ingredient composition and application guide coming soon.

NPK ratio

NPK 10-4-20

Watering dose type

36 watering doses

Dose

5g / 5 liter watering water

Pack

12 pcs / pack

Solubility

100% water-soluble

Regulation

Under EU 2019/1009

Product details

Detailed product description being uploaded – available soon.

Detailed composition and active ingredient data being uploaded.

Application guide and dosage table being uploaded.

Safety data sheet and storage conditions being uploaded.

SHIVA GROW Aromatica

NPK composition10-4-20

Nitrogen (N)10% – moderate, aroma protection

Phosphorus (P)4% – root development

Potassium (K)20% – essential oil synthesis, aroma strength

In pack24 sachets

1 sachet dose3 g / 5 litres water

Sachet typeSingle sachet

The high potassium ratio is crucial: K stimulates essential oil synthesis in the leaf – particularly important for Mediterranean herbs. Too much N = fast growth but pale, weak aroma.

SHIVA AMINO+

CompositionN 9.1% + 55% L-amino acids

Active ingredientHydrolysed plant protein

Main effectStress tolerance, aroma production

In pack12 sachets

1 sachet dose3 g / 5 litres water

Sachet typeSingle sachet

Amino acids are especially valuable for herb plants: free L-amino acids are direct precursors to essential oil compounds (terpenes, phenols). Stress tolerance is also crucial, as drought or heat increases aroma release – Amino+ helps maintain the balance.

Pack overview – SHIVA Aromatica Pack

Product	NPK / Composition	Sachets/pack	Dose / 5 L	Application
SHIVA GROW Aromatica	NPK 10-4-20	24 pcs	3 g	Base nutrition, vegetation · every 2–4 weeks
SHIVA AMINO+	N 9.1% + 55% L-aa	12 pcs	3 g	Biostimulation, aroma enhancement · monthly

Golden rule for herb plants: fertilise less than for other plants! Over-dosing leads to fast, lush leaf growth, but essential oil content and aroma drop dramatically. The SHIVA Aromatica Pack ensures exactly this balance.

SHIVA Plant Wash – Basic Substances · Fungal and pest prevention

CompositionNaCl + Chitosan + Citric acid

StatusEU Basic Substances – no chemical approval required

Dose2.2 g / 1 litre spray

ApplicationSpray only – DO NOT add to watering water!

FrequencyEvery 7–14 days, morning or evening (not in direct sun)

For herb plants, timing of spraying is critical: spray in the morning or evening, never in direct sun. Wet leaves can burn in heat. Stop spraying 48 hours before harvest.

What does each herb need? – Overview

The two major groups differ fundamentally in nutrient, water and light requirements – do not treat them the same!

Mediterranean herbs – lean soil, intense aroma

Plant	Nutrient need	Watering	pH	Light
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis	Low	Infrequent	6.0–7.5	Full sun
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia	Low	Drought-tolerant	6.5–7.5	Full sun
Thyme Thymus vulgaris	Low	Infrequent	6.0–7.0	Full sun
Sage Salvia officinalis	Low	Moderate	6.0–7.0	Full sun
Oregano Origanum vulgare	Low	Infrequent	6.0–7.0	Full sun
Savory Satureja montana	Low	Drought-tolerant	6.0–7.5	Full sun

For Mediterranean herbs, lean sandy soil is optimal – nutrient-rich soil leads to lush growth but pale aroma. Fertilise every 4–6 weeks at most, and start with half dose only!

Soft-stemmed herbs – moist soil, regular fertilising

Plant	Nutrient need	Watering	pH	Light
Basil Ocimum basilicum	Medium	Regular	6.0–7.0	Full sun
Mint Mentha × piperita	Medium	Keep moist	6.0–7.0	Part shade
Parsley Petroselinum crispum	Medium	Consistent	6.0–7.0	Part shade
Chives Allium schoenoprasum	Medium	Consistent	6.0–7.0	Part shade
Lemon balm Melissa officinalis	Medium	Consistent	6.0–7.0	Part shade
Coriander Coriandrum sativum	Medium	Consistent	6.0–7.0	Full sun

Fertilise soft-stemmed herbs every 2–4 weeks, but always with a small dose! Basil is particularly sensitive to over-watering – waterlogging quickly leads to root rot.

Fertilising rules for herb plants

Rule	Explanation
Less than for other plants	Over-dosing causes pale aroma and weak essential oil content – especially in Mediterranean herbs
Never on dry soil!	Always water first, then fertilise – salt concentration on dry soil causes root damage
High K = strong aroma	Potassium stimulates essential oil synthesis in leaf cells – hence NPK 10-4-20, not 20-10-10
Pause after harvest	After heavy cutting, do not fertilise for 1 week – let the plant regenerate
Stop before flowering	If seed production is not desired, stopping fertilising before flowering strengthens aroma concentration
Winter pause	Do not fertilise October–February – plants are in their rest phase

Season Calendar

Sowing, planting and fertilising dates · EU average dates – check local climate conditions! · Plant frost-sensitive plants outdoors after 15 May (Ice Saints).

Dormant

Pre-grow (indoors)

Plant out / sow

Active growth + fertilising

Harvest

Frost risk

Mediterranean herbs

Plant	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rosemary	–	–	pre-g	plant	✓	✓	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Lavender	–	–	pre-g	plant	✓	flwr	flwr	✓	✓	–	–	–
Thyme	–	seed	pre-g	plant	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Sage	–	seed	pre-g	plant	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	–	–	–
Oregano	–	seed	pre-g	plant	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	–	–	–

Soft-stemmed herbs and medicinal plants

Plant	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Basil ⚠	–	–	seed	pre-g	plant	harv	harv	harv	harv	frost!	–	–
Mint (perennial)	–	–	shoot	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Parsley	–	seed	pre-g	plant	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Chives (perennial)	–	–	shoot	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Lemon balm (perennial)	–	–	shoot	✓	harv	harv	harv	harv	harv	✓	–	–
Chamomile (annual)	–	–	seed	plant	✓	flwr	flwr	seed	–	–	–	–

⚠ Basil is a frost-sensitive annual! Do not plant outdoors before 15 May (Ice Saints). In containers it can be grown indoors all summer.

Mediterranean Herbs – Growing Guide

Rosemary · Lavender · Thyme · Sage · Oregano · Savory – low nutrient need, drought tolerance, intense essential oils

General characteristics and growing principles

Parameter	Value	Note
Optimal pH	6.0–7.5	Tolerate more alkaline soil; avoid acidic substrate
Nutrient need	Low	Lean, sandy soil = strong aroma
Watering	Infrequent, deep	Allow the top soil layer to dry out between waterings
Light requirement	Full sun, min. 6–8 hrs	In part shade they survive, but aroma becomes weak
Fertilising frequency	Every 4–6 weeks	In containers; once in spring is sufficient outdoors
Winter hardiness	Frost-hardy (to –15°C)	Exception: lavender does not tolerate prolonged frost below –10°C

The essential oil content of Mediterranean herbs is highest under mild drought stress. Well-fertilised, generously watered rosemary grows lush but with pale aroma. SHIVA Aromatica NPK 10-4-20 ensures exactly this balance – enough nutrients for stable growth, enough K for aroma production.

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis

LocationSunny, sheltered, south-facing

SoilSandy, well-draining, lean

pH6.0–7.5

WateringAfter drying out, water deeply

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 6 weeks

HarvestYoung shoots, before flowering

Do not over-fertilise rosemary! In containers every 6 weeks at half dose is sufficient. Waterlogging is fatal – plant only in well-draining soil.

Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

LocationFull sun, dry air

SoilCalcareous, alkaline, sandy – pH 6.5–7.5

pH6.5–7.5 (do not acidify!)

WateringVery infrequent, drought-resistant

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 6–8 weeks

HarvestAt start of flowering – when buds are half open

Lavender cannot tolerate acidic soil! Do not use SHIVA pH Down for lavender – raise pH with lime if needed. SHIVA Aromatica works optimally at neutral pH.

Thyme Thymus vulgaris

LocationFull sun, stony, dry

SoilLoose, calcareous, well-aerated

pH6.0–7.0

WateringInfrequent – no waterlogging!

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 6 weeks

HarvestBefore flowering – most aromatic

Thyme is the most light-demanding of all Mediterranean herbs: without direct sun the shoots stretch and the aroma fades. Cut back hard once a year to prevent woodiness.

Sage Salvia officinalis

LocationSunny to part shade

SoilWell-draining, nutrient-poor

pH6.0–7.0

WateringModerate

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 4–6 weeks

HarvestYoung leaves throughout the season

Sage is susceptible to aphids – check regularly! SHIVA Plant Wash every 7–14 days is effective prevention. Cutting back hard before flowering produces a denser, more aromatic bush.

Soft-stemmed Herbs – Growing Guide

Basil · Mint · Parsley · Chives · Lemon balm · Coriander – medium nutrient need, consistent moisture, regular harvesting

General characteristics

Parameter	Value	Note
Optimal pH	6.0–7.0	Slightly acidic to neutral
Nutrient need	Medium	Regular small applications ideal
Watering	Keep consistently moist	But no waterlogging – good drainage mandatory
Fertilising frequency	Every 2–4 weeks	In containers; every 3–4 weeks outdoors
Cutting back	Regular	Cutting promotes bushiness and delays bolting
Flowering	Avoid (except for seed)	Aroma decreases at flowering – pinch off flower stalks!

Basil Ocimum basilicum

LocationWarm, sheltered, min. 6 hrs sun

SoilNutrient-rich, well-draining

pH6.0–7.0

WateringRegular, keep slightly moist

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 2–3 weeks

Cutting backRegularly above the 3rd leaf pair

Basil cannot tolerate cold! Leaf damage below 10°C, plant dies below 5°C. Do not plant outdoors before 15 May under any circumstances!

Mint Mentha × piperita

LocationPart shade – tolerates direct sun

SoilMoist, nutrient-rich, humus-rich

pH6.0–7.0

WateringGenerously, keep soil moist

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 3–4 weeks

SpecialSpreads aggressively – keep separate!

Mint crowds out other plants – never plant in shared boxes! Use its own pot, or pot-in-ground method. Cut back roots once a year too.

Parsley Petroselinum crispum

LocationPart shade to sunny

SoilNutrient-rich, deeply worked

pH6.0–7.0

WateringConsistent, do not let dry out

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 3 weeks

GerminationSlow: can take 3–4 weeks

Parsley starts slowly from seed – do not give up in the first 3 weeks! Shop-bought seedlings give faster and more reliable results.

Lemon balm Melissa officinalis

LocationSunny to part shade, sheltered

SoilMedium nutrient content, well-aerated

pH6.0–7.5

WateringConsistent, moderate

SHIVA dose3 g / 5 L · every 4 weeks

SpecialBees love it – bee-friendly!

It is worth cutting back before flowering as lemon aroma is most intense then. After flowering, scent and flavour lose much of their strength.

Medicinal Plants – Growing Guide

Chamomile · Lemon balm · Lavender · St John's Wort · Peppermint – special active ingredients, specific growing requirements

Fertilising principles for medicinal plants

The active ingredient content of medicinal plants (essential oils, flavonoids, antioxidants) is inversely proportional to fertilising intensity. Over-fertilising produces lush, attractive foliage, but therapeutic active ingredient content drops dramatically. This is especially true for chamomile, St John's Wort and mint.

Plant	Active ingredient	Nutrient need	SHIVA dose	Frequency
Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla	Chamomile azulene, apigenin	Low	2 g / 5 L	Every 6 weeks
Lavender Lavandula angustifolia	Linalool, linalyl acetate	Low	3 g / 5 L	Every 6–8 weeks
Lemon balm Melissa officinalis	Rosmarinic acid, citral	Medium	3 g / 5 L	Every 4 weeks
Peppermint Mentha × piperita	Menthol, menthofuran	Medium	3 g / 5 L	Every 3–4 weeks
St John's Wort Hypericum perforatum	Hypericin, hyperforin	Low	2 g / 5 L	Every 6–8 weeks
Sage Salvia officinalis	Thujone, borneol, camphor	Low	3 g / 5 L	Every 4–6 weeks

Harvest timing for medicinal plants: for most plants active ingredient content is highest at the start of flowering. Harvest on a dry, sunny morning – essential oil content is at its highest then.

Chamomile – detailed guide Matricaria chamomilla

SowingMarch–April indoors, or direct sow in spring

Planting outWhen frost-free (April–May)

pH5.6–7.5 – tolerant

WateringModerate – drought-resistant

SHIVA dose2 g / 5 L · every 6 weeks

HarvestWhen petals reflex – highest azulene content

Chamomile self-seeds: if some flowers are allowed to set seed, new plants will germinate next year on their own. Dry in the shade below 35°C – essential oils evaporate at higher temperatures.

SHIVA Dosages for Herb Plants

Measure pH AFTER preparing the solution! · 1 SHIVA VIAL = 5 litres watering water · For herb plants, always start with the smaller dose!

Dosage table by plant group

Plant group	SHIVA GROW Aromatica	SHIVA AMINO+	pH target	Frequency	Note
Mediterranean herbs Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme, Sage	3 g / 5 L (or 1.5 g first time)	3 g / 5 L once monthly	6.0–7.5	Every 4–6 weeks	Never fertilise on dry soil! Water first.
Soft-stemmed herbs Basil, Mint, Parsley	3 g / 5 L	3 g / 5 L every 3 weeks	6.0–7.0	Every 2–3 weeks	During active harvest period can fertilise more frequently
Medicinal plants Chamomile, St John's Wort, Lemon balm	2 g / 5 L (half dose!)	2 g / 5 L every 6–8 weeks	6.0–7.5	Every 6–8 weeks	Low N needed to maintain active ingredient content

pH values and SHIVA pH Down dosages

Plant / Group	pH target	pH min	pH max	Corrector g/5L	Note
Mediterranean herbs	6.5–7.5	6.0	7.5	0–0.5 g	Lavender prefers alkaline – do not acidify!
Soft-stemmed herbs	6.0–7.0	5.8	7.2	0.5 g	Basil optimal at pH 6.2–6.8
Medicinal plants	6.0–7.5	5.5	7.5	0–0.5 g	Chamomile is pH-tolerant
Plant Wash Spray	4.0–5.0	3.5	5.5	Built-in!	Acidic pH against fungi – citric acid content sets it automatically

Mixing order: 1)

SHIVA pH Down → 2) SHIVA GROW Aromatica → 3) SHIVA AMINO+ → 4) Top up to 5 L · SHIVA Plant Wash: spray only!

Sachet Calculator

Calculate how many SHIVA VIALs you need for the season!

Plant group

Number of pots / plants

Season length (weeks)

Buffer

Required SHIVA VIAL quantity

SHIVA GROW Aromatica–

SHIVA AMINO+–

Total–

Required Aromatica Packs–

Deficiency Symptoms and Problems

Most common nutrient deficiencies in herb plants and how to fix them

SHIVA Plant Wash – Basic Substances · Fungal and pest prevention

MechanismChitosan → activation of plant immune system

Target pathogensPowdery mildew, botrytis, aphids, scale insects

Dose2.2 g / 1 litre spray

FrequencyEvery 7–14 days preventively

For herb plants, stop spraying 48 hours before harvest! Do not consume leaves immediately after spraying.

Identify and fix nutrient deficiencies

Symptom	Probable cause	Affected plants	Solution
Yellowing of leaves (old leaves)	Nitrogen (N) deficiency	Basil, parsley, mint	SHIVA GROW Aromatica 3 g / 5 L · immediate watering
Reddish, purple leaf colour	Phosphorus (P) deficiency	Basil, thyme	SHIVA GROW Aromatica – P content covers it · check pH (6.0–7.0)
Leaf edge browning, drying out	Potassium (K) deficiency or over-watering	Rosemary, sage, lavender	SHIVA GROW Aromatica NPK 10-4-20 K content sufficient · reduce watering
Pale green leaf colour (young leaves)	Magnesium (Mg) or iron (Fe) deficiency	Lavender, rosemary	SHIVA AMINO+ · check pH 6.0–7.0
Wilting shoots, brownish roots	Root rot – over-watering	Basil, parsley	Reduce watering · ensure draining soil · SHIVA Plant Wash spray
White powdery coating on leaves	Powdery mildew (Oidium)	Sage, mint, basil	SHIVA Plant Wash 2.2 g / 1 L · improve ventilation · thin dense stands
Elongated, pale shoots	Light deficiency	All herb plants	Move to sunnier location – for herb plants this is the main cause!
Fast growth, pale aroma	Over-dosing (too much N)	Mediterranean herbs	Pause fertilising · flush with watering · halve dose