The 420 Gardener
Week 1: Early Seedling Stage (Days 1-7) Autoflowering Cannabis Growth?
Day 1-3: Germination
- Preparation: Soak seeds for a short period in pH-balanced water (about 6.0) to accelerate germination. Then transfer to a moist medium.
- Medium Options: You can use paper towels, starter cubes, or directly sow in soil. Each method has its benefits; paper towels offer easy monitoring, while direct soil sowing minimizes transplant shock.
- Temperature and Humidity: These are crucial. A heat mat can help maintain the ideal temperature, especially in cooler environments.
Day 4-7: Early Seedling
- First Glimpse: Look for the cotyledons (seed leaves) to emerge. These first leaves will start photosynthesis.
- Lighting: Introduce a soft, full-spectrum light source. LED or CFL lights are ideal as they emit less heat and reduce the risk of scorching young plants.
- Soil Considerations: The soil should be specifically designed for seedlings, with a gentle nutrient mix and good drainage.
- Watering Technique: Use a spray bottle to mist the soil, ensuring even moisture without overwatering.
Week 2: Seedling Development (Days 8-14)
- Observing Growth: The development of the first true leaves (the ones after the cotyledons) is a sign of healthy progress.
- Adjusting Light: Gradually increase the intensity or lower the light to encourage sturdy growth. Keep a balance to avoid leggy seedlings or light burn.
- Nutrition: If your soil mix is light on nutrients, consider a half-strength, balanced nutrient solution towards the end of the week.
- Humidity and Air Circulation: Begin to introduce slight airflow with a gentle fan to strengthen stems. However, avoid direct strong drafts on the seedlings.
Week 3: Transition to Vegetative Stage (Days 15-21)
- Root Check: If you started in smaller containers, check for root development at the container’s bottom. Roots peeking out indicate it’s time to transplant.
- Nutrient Shift: Gradually increase nutrient concentration, focusing on nitrogen for leafy growth. Monitor the plant’s response to avoid nutrient burn.
- Watering Depth: As roots grow, start watering deeper to encourage downward root growth. However, maintain a balance to avoid overwatering.
- Environmental Adjustments: Fine-tune your temperature and humidity. Aim for a gradual reduction in humidity (around 50-60%) and a stable temperature to create a conducive growth environment.
- Spotting Early Issues: Watch for early signs of nutrient deficiencies or pest issues. Yellowing leaves or slow growth may indicate a problem that needs addressing.
Remember, the key to success during these first few weeks is meticulous observation and gentle adjustments. Autoflowers have a rapid lifecycle, making this early stage critical for setting up a strong foundation for the rest of their growth.
