Gardeners Rejoice: Study Finds Simple Plant Growth Boost Using Everyday Speakers

Boost Your Garden’s Growth with Classical Music, Study Suggests

Gardeners often experiment with compost, pruning, and watering schedules to nurture plants—some even talk to them. Now, scientists propose a simpler solution: play music. A study reveals that classical music, like Bach’s concertos, can help plants grow larger and leafier, while rock music may stunt their growth.

The Science of Sound and Plants

Researchers from the University of Malaya and University Putra Malaysia studied pak choi (Chinese cabbage) exposed to classical music, instrumental rock, or silence for six weeks. All conditions—light, temperature, humidity—were tightly controlled.

Key Findings:

• Classical music: Plants averaged 8.99g dry weight, 17 leaves, and 90cm³ root volume.
• Silence: Plants weighed 6.33g, with 10 leaves and 77cm³ roots.
• Rock music: Growth plummeted to 3.12g, 10 leaves, and 30cm³ roots.

Image 1: Lush gladioli from the Chelsea Flower Show—classical music may unlock similar potential in plants.

Why Does Classical Music Work?

Professor Charles Spence (University of Oxford) explains that plants react to vibrations, like those from water movement. Classical music’s balanced frequencies and tempo might mimic these natural cues, whereas rock’s harsher tones could disrupt growth.

Image 2: Side-by-side leaf comparisons—classical-exposed plants had thicker, denser foliage.

Historical Notes and Gardening Joy

The study used Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, known for their harmonious orchestration. Previous research also shows plants leaning toward soothing sounds and away from rock. Spence adds that classical music could make gardening more enjoyable for humans, too.

Image 3: Portrait of Johann Sebastian Bach, whose compositions boosted plant growth.

A Call for More Research

Published in Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture, the study highlights classical music’s potential but urges further research. While results are promising, scientists stress that factors like genre specifics and plant species differences need deeper exploration.

Image 4: A gardener enjoying music while tending to plants—harmonizing hobby and science.

In short: If your plants need a pick-me-up, Bach might be better than rock ‘n’ roll.