Unlike the regular varieties, autoflowering cannabis seeds do not optimize the amount of sunlight that they receive. Autoflowering strains stop growing when they say they will, regardless of how much light they receive. While this may result in weaker strains, they are ideal for medical needs. Autoflowers are not suited for every indoor garden, however, due to concerns about potency.
Sprouting
The easiest way to germinate cannabis seeds is to soak them for twenty to forty-eight hours in distilled tap water. While this procedure will take longer than you might initially expect, the soaking process will ensure that your seeds germinate faster. If you’re worried about oversoaking, don’t worry; you can skip the process if you have time to spare. Ensure that your seeds are kept in a warm place and avoid direct sunlight for as long as possible.
You can use a moist paper towel or two damp plates to place your seeds in. While the paper towel is damp, make sure there’s no standing water as the seeds will drown. Next, place the seeds on one half of the towel and cover with the other half. Place another plate on top. Repeat these steps until you have three to five days’ worth of healthy seedlings. After six days, you can transplant your marijuana plants.
If you’re new to growing cannabis, scarification is the easiest way to get your seeds started faster. Scarification is a natural process that can improve the germination rate of even the most stubborn seeds. But remember to be gentle, because scarifying seeds too deeply can kill them. Beginners should scarify their seeds gently at first, and then increase the depth of scarification with experience. In general, a small scar should do it.
Feeding
Feeding autoflowering cannabis seeds is easy, but it is crucial to understand that overfeeding can have negative consequences. At this stage of growth, cannabis plants are not well-adapted to heavy feedings. They rely on the nutrients found in their seeds and in the air for growth and health. For this reason, only feed your plants when you notice any noticeable signs of deficiency. For instance, if you are growing in a large container, you can feed every other time you water your plants.
The proper pH of the soil is crucial to allow the cannabis plant to absorb the nutrients it needs. The soil around the roots should have a pH level of 6.0-7.0. This pH level is often too low in tap water, and a sick plant is inevitable. Using a pH-corrected water will ensure that your cannabis plants get all the nutrients they need during their short growth period. However, be aware that over-watering is potentially fatal.
The best time to switch from veg to bloom nutrients is early in the plant’s growth cycle. You can either switch directly from week one to week two, or mix your nutrient solutions gradually over a week. While nutrient schedules for autoflowers vary between varieties, it is important to note that the ratio of Phosphorus-rich veg to nitrogen-rich veg nutrients should be reduced from week one to week two.
Pruning
There are several techniques for pruning cannabis plants. The main ones are super cropping and scrogging. Both methods promote horizontal growth and improve performance. When done correctly, this technique results in four to eight colas. You should prune your cannabis plant when it has between three to five nodes. Before you prune, make sure that the plant has enough nodes and green tips on its middle fan leaves. You can also pinch the tip of each branch two to three inches below the growing tip.
Some people wonder about the emergence of immature buds on their plants. These buds should be removed as early as possible, but if you’re an experienced grower, you’ll know which ones to prune off the plant. Different types of pruning improve the height, yield, and robustness of your plants. Learn about these techniques to maximize your yield. If you’re new to cannabis, here are some general techniques:
As the plant grows, it will have numerous leaves and nodes. You can prune off any hindrances to its growth during the second week of vegetation. Remember that indicas tend to grow slower than sativas, so you should plan your cannabis planting season accordingly. However, it is important to remember that both types of plants require different amounts of pruning. Once you know how to prune cannabis seeds, it’ll be a breeze!
Light
You can grow autoflowering cannabis seeds indoors if you plan to harvest them indoors, so long as they are grown in the right conditions. These strains have the potential to grow to between 40 and 50 cm, which means that you can grow them on a balcony, closet, or tent without the need to provide support for them. These strains also require half the usual nutrients. You should feed them twice a week when they are about six inches tall.
Autoflowering seeds require special nutrients during different stages of growth. They will need less water during their vegetative stage, but require more water and nutrients during their flowering phase. Unlike photoperiod varieties, autoflowers don’t need as much light or nutrients as photoperiod plants do. You should use light potting soil, which is best for this type of plant. You can also mix in some compost, peat moss, or moistened perlite. You can also add a nitrogen-rich tablet to the mix.
If you have a light that isn’t too bright, you can use LED bulbs. LEDs are low-energy bulbs that produce very low amounts of heat, but are better for cannabis plants than high-intensity discharge lamps. Also, each led diode produces a specific color temperature of light, which allows you to customize the frequency of light for the best growth. Aspects such as light frequency, plant size, and growth rate should be carefully considered when choosing the right type of lighting for your autoflowering cannabis seeds.
Proper pH
Knowing the right pH range for your growing medium is key to successful cannabis seedlings. There are several methods to adjust your water’s pH. Digital pH meters are convenient and relatively accurate, but you can also try pH tests with pH drops or a PH up/down solution. After you’ve adjusted the pH of your water, be sure to check it again. The pH value of your water can change when you add nutrients, so it’s important to test after adding these.
Soil and composted soil are ideal for growing cannabis because they provide both flexibility and tolerance. By using composted soil, you’ll have a lower risk of nutrient deficiencies caused by high pH levels. Composting the soil makes it more soluble, which helps the roots absorb nutrients more readily. Also, the pH of soil breaks down over time, so the nutrients are more available to the roots.
While water and soil pH levels can be measured with a pH pen, the best method to use for hydroponics is PH Up & PH Down. These two products come in bottles and contain special solutions for adjusting pH levels in hydro or soil. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and make adjustments slowly. A large change in pH may stress the plant and produce unsatisfactory results. This process is straightforward and can be done with just a few drops of water.
Stressors
When you’re growing cannabis, you’re probably familiar with the stressors associated with a traditional growing environment. Autoflowering cannabis is no different. It grows faster and reaps higher rewards because it doesn’t need light to grow. Photoperiod cannabis plants, however, require a separate growing environment, which excludes light. Exposure to ambient light confuses them and decreases the quality of their buds.
When growing autoflowering cannabis seeds indoors, it’s essential to pay special attention to the environment around your plants. Keep the humidity near 40%, monitor the soil for pests, and look for signs of nutrient deficiency and mould. The A Pot for Pot grow kit has everything you need to monitor your environment, including Smartphone Camera Lenses. During the vegetative stage, small ‘hairy sacs’ form on the nodes. These sacs grow into sticky buds.
If you want to train your plants to grow in a specific direction, try topping. Topping involves cutting off the top portion of the main stem when there are few nodes. This allows the plant to develop two main stems, which increases its ability to deliver nutrients during flowering. Topping won’t stress out an auto plant, but it may contribute to stress in slow-growing or sickly plants.
Common mistakes
One of the most important aspects of growing autoflowering cannabis is monitoring the pH levels. The right pH level will have a profound effect on your plants’ growth and yield. A high pH level will prevent the plant from absorbing vital nutrients. An ideal pH level is between 6.5 and 7.
Impatience is another common mistake when growing autoflowering cannabis seeds indoors. Many growers are impatient with their plants, but they must realize that this can lead to a poor harvest if they harvest them too early. The taproot develops in a straight line during germination. If it meets a barrier, the aerial parts will cease development and flower. Rather than wait for a specific time to harvest the plants, allow them to grow to a desired size.
Transplanting autoflowering plants is a bit more difficult than transplanting photoperiod cannabis seeds. Nonetheless, you can repot them if the pot does not fit properly. Ensure that you plant them in a bigger pot before the dark period, when the growing medium is dry. Afterward, transplant them into a new container once they’ve finished flowering. It’s important to take these precautions so your plants will be healthy and yield the maximum amount they can.https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xi3Ep41qPpw
