Amino Acids for Plants: When to Apply Them and How to Choose the Right Biostimulant

Q: What does free amino acids mean?

These are individual amino acids, not bound into proteins, which the plant absorbs and uses directly. The higher the percentage, the faster the response.

Q: When should amino acids be applied after a hailstorm?

As soon as possible, ideally within the first few days. Savia Premium or Impulso are designed to help the plant recover after hail, drought or root asphyxiation.

Q: Are there amino acids suitable for organic farming?

Yes, Savia Terral is indicated by the manufacturer as suitable for organic farming. Check the current certification on the label.

Quick answer: amino acids for plants are biostimulants that supply organic nitrogen in a directly absorbable form. The plant uses them as ready-made "building blocks" for proteins and enzymes, saving energy in the process. They're mainly applied in three situations: recovery after stress (drought, hail, root asphyxiation, phytotoxicity), peak vegetative growth phases, and flowering, fruit set and fruit bulking.

Why do amino acids work?

Building amino acids from mineral nitrogen costs the plant a lot of energy. When we supply them already formed — and in free form, meaning directly absorbable — that energy becomes available for growth, flowering or recovery. In addition, some amino acids act as chelating agents that improve the uptake of other nutrients, such as iron or micronutrients.

Plant-based, animal-based and glycine betaine amino acids

Plant origin: obtained by hydrolysis of plant proteins. A good option for recovery and vegetative development.
Animal origin (hydrolyzed collagen): very rich in organic matter; they promote vegetative development and chelate uptake.
Glycine betaine: an osmoprotectant that helps the plant maintain its functions under stress, especially useful during flowering and fruit set.

Which amino acid to choose depending on your goal

1. Recovering the plant after stress or at establishment

Product	Key composition	Recommended dose
Savia Premium	11% free amino acids of plant origin, 2% organic N, with micronutrients	Fertigation 5-10 L/ha · Foliar 3-5 L/ha
Impulso	7% free amino acids of plant origin, 2% organic N, boron and copper	Fertigation 5-10 L/ha · Foliar 3-5 L/ha
Vitalia	Free amino acids for periods of higher demand	Ask our team

2. Boosting vegetative development

Product	Key composition	Recommended dose
Colavit	12% free amino acids, with collagen; improves iron chelate uptake	Fertigation 5-10 L/ha · Foliar 3-5 L/ha
Colagena	Hydrolyzed collagen of animal origin	Ask our team
Savia Terral	Free amino acids, also suitable for organic farming according to the manufacturer	Ask our team
Vigor Amino and Vigora	Amino acids (Vigora, with micronutrients) to strengthen plant vigor	Ask our team

3. Flowering, fruit set and fruit bulking

Product	Key composition	Recommended dose
Esencia Premium	100% active amino acids with micronutrients bound to seaweed. For crops with multiple flowering flushes	Fertigation or foliar 2-3 L/ha
Savia Vital	Amino acids with boron, copper, iron and other micronutrients; larger, more uniform fruit	2-3 L/ha, from budbreak through fruit set
Impulso Fruital	97% glycine betaine. Reduces stress-related abortion of flowers and newly set fruit, especially in melon and watermelon	2-4 kg/ha during flowering and fruit set

Application tips

For foliar application, treat early in the morning or in the evening, avoiding the hottest hours.
After stress (hail, frost, phytotoxicity), apply as soon as possible: the response is better within the first 48-72 hours.
Amino acids combine well with seaweed biostimulants and micronutrient correctors.

Frequently asked questions

What does "free amino acids" mean?

These are individual amino acids, not bound in protein chains, so the plant can absorb and use them directly. The higher the percentage, the faster the response.

When should amino acids be applied after a hailstorm?

As soon as possible, ideally within the first few days. Products like Savia Premium or Impulso are specifically designed to help the plant recover after hail, drought or root asphyxiation.

Are there amino acids suitable for organic farming?

Yes. Savia Terral is indicated by the manufacturer as suitable for organic farming. Always check the current certification on the label before using it on a certified operation.

Not sure which one fits your crop? Our technical team will help you choose and send you the technical data sheet. Also see: fertilization plan by crop stage.