Dagga Seeds

Table of Contents:

1 Week Old Autoflower | Germination and Seedling Stage

2 Week Old Autoflower | Early Vegetative Stage

3 Week Old Autoflower | Vegetative Stage and Pre-Flowering

4 Week Old Autoflower | Early Flowering Stage

5-6 Week Old Autoflower | Mid-Flowering Stage

7-8 Week Old Autoflower | Late Flowering Stage

1 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER: GERMINATION AND SEEDLING STAGE

Germinating autoflowering cannabis seeds is the first step in growing a healthy and productive plant. Seed selection and preparation, germination methods, seedling care, and light and temperature requirements are all crucial factors in this early stage of growth.

Seed Selection and Preparation

Choosing high-quality autoflowering seeds is the first step to ensuring a successful grow. Look for reputable seed banks or breeders that provide detailed information about their strains, including their genetics, growth patterns, and flowering times. Select seeds that are fresh, plump, and have a hard outer shell, indicating they are viable and ready for germination.

Before planting, you can soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours to help soften the outer shell and promote germination. Alternatively, you can scarify the seed shell using sandpaper or a knife to make small scratches on the surface. This method will also help water penetrate the seed shell and promote faster germination.

Germination Methods

There are several methods to germinate autoflowering cannabis seeds, including the paper towel method, the direct soil method, and the glass of water method.

Paper towel method: Soak the seeds in water for 12-24 hours, then place them in between damp paper towels. Keep the towels moist and warm in a dark place, and check on them every day. After 2-5 days, the seeds should sprout, and you can plant them in soil or a hydroponic system.

Direct soil method: Place the seeds directly into a small pot or grow medium, making sure to cover them with 1-2 cm of soil. Keep the soil moist and warm in a dark place, and check on them every day. After 2-5 days, the seeds should sprout, and you can move them to a larger pot or grow space.

Glass of water method: Fill a glass with distilled water and place the seeds inside. Keep the glass in a dark place and change the water every day. After 2-5 days, the seeds should sprout, and you can move them to soil or a hydroponic system.

Seedling Care and Nutrient Requirements

Once the seeds have sprouted, they will enter the seedling stage, where they will develop their first leaves and establish their root system. During this stage, it is crucial to provide them with the right conditions and nutrients to ensure healthy growth.

Autoflowering seedlings prefer a mild nutrient solution that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). You can use a pre-mixed nutrient solution or create your own using organic fertilizers. Avoid overfeeding the seedlings, as this can lead to nutrient burn and stunted growth.

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
100-250	0.2-0.5	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	2-1-1

During the seedling stage, it’s essential to keep the soil or grow medium moist but not too wet, as this can lead to root rot. Keep the humidity levels between 50-70% and the temperature between 20-25°C to promote healthy growth.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Autoflowering seedlings require 18-24 hours of light per day to promote healthy growth and development. You can use fluorescent or LED grow lights to provide the right amount of light and prevent stretching.

The temperature in the grow space should be between 20-25°C during the seedling stage. Avoid exposing the seedlings to extreme temperatures or drafts, as this can stress the plants and slow down their growth.

2 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER : EARLY VEGETATIVE STAGE

Week 2 is an important period for autoflowering cannabis plants, as they start to establish their vegetative growth and develop their stem and leaf structure. Understanding the growth patterns, nutrient requirements, training techniques, and light and temperature requirements during this stage can help ensure healthy growth and increase yield potential.

Growth Patterns and Characteristics

During the early vegetative stage, autoflowering cannabis plants will start to develop their stem and leaf structure. They will also start to grow rapidly, and their roots will start to spread out in search of nutrients and water.

At this stage, the plants will be around 5-10 cm tall and will have developed 2-4 sets of true leaves. The stem will also start to thicken, and the plants will become more stable.

Nutrient Requirements and Feeding Schedule

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
300-400	0.6-0.8	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	3-1-2

Autoflowering cannabis plants have specific nutrient requirements during the vegetative stage. They need higher levels of nitrogen (N) to promote healthy leaf growth and stem development. You can use a balanced NPK fertilizer with a higher N ratio to feed your plants during this stage.

It’s important to avoid overfeeding the plants, as this can lead to nutrient burn and other nutrient-related issues. Start with a mild nutrient solution and gradually increase the dosage as the plants grow and develop.

A typical feeding schedule during the early vegetative stage is to feed the plants every 2-3 days. You can adjust the frequency based on the growth rate and the moisture level of the soil or grow medium.

Light and Temperature Requirements

During the early vegetative stage, autoflowering cannabis plants require 18-24 hours of light per day. You can use fluorescent or LED grow lights to provide the right amount of light and prevent stretching.

The temperature in the grow space should be between 20-25°C during the early vegetative stage. Avoid exposing the plants to extreme temperatures or drafts, as this can stress the plants and slow down their growth.

3 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER | VEGETATIVE STAGE AND PRE-FLOWERING

During week 3 of the autoflowering cannabis plant’s life cycle, the plants will continue to grow and develop more leaves and branches. They will also become more mature and show significant signs of pre-flowering. This stage is critical for ensuring that your plants have enough nutrients to support the upcoming flowering stage.

Growth Patterns and Characteristics:

• The plants will continue to grow in height and produce more leaves and branches.
• The plants will begin to show significant signs of pre-flowering, including the development of small white pistils and calyxes.

Nutrient Requirements and Feeding Schedule:

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
500-700	1.0-1.4	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	3-2-4

• At this stage, it’s recommended to switch from a vegetative nutrient formula to a flowering nutrient formula, which contains lower levels of nitrogen and higher levels of phosphorus and potassium to promote bud development and flowering.
• Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s feeding schedule and guidelines, as overfeeding or underfeeding can lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
• It’s essential to monitor your plants closely during this stage to ensure they’re getting the right balance of nutrients.

Training Techniques (LST, Topping, FIM):

Training Techniques for Autoflower Plants

Autoflower plants can benefit from various training techniques to optimize their growth and yield potential. Here are some of the most popular methods:

Low Stress Training (LST)

LST involves gently bending the branches of your plant to create a more even canopy and increase light exposure to lower parts of the plant. To perform LST on your autoflower plant:

1. Wait until your plant has a few sets of leaves and is strong enough to handle the stress.
2. Use soft wire or plant ties to gently bend the branches down and away from the center of the plant.
3. Keep an eye on the plant and adjust the ties as necessary to maintain the desired shape.
4. Repeat the process as necessary throughout the vegetative stage.

Topping

Topping is the process of removing the top part of the main stem to encourage more lateral growth and increase the number of colas (flowering sites). To top your autoflower plant:

1. Wait until your plant has at least 4-5 nodes (sets of leaves).
2. Using sharp, sterilized scissors, cut off the top of the main stem just above the 4th or 5th node.
3. Allow the plant to recover for a few days before resuming normal care.
4. As the plant grows, train the new lateral branches using LST techniques to create a bushier plant.

FIM (F*ck, I Missed)

FIM is a technique similar to topping but involves only partially cutting off the top of the main stem. This method can encourage even more lateral growth than topping. To FIM your autoflower plant:

1. Wait until your plant has at least 4-5 nodes (sets of leaves).
2. Using sharp, sterilized scissors, cut off the top of the main stem just above the 4th or 5th node, leaving a small portion of the top intact.
3. Allow the plant to recover for a few days before resuming normal care.
4. As the plant grows, train the new lateral branches using LST techniques to create a bushier plant.

Super Cropping

Super cropping involves intentionally stressing the branches of your plant to encourage stronger, thicker growth and increase yields. To super crop your autoflower plant:

1. Wait until your plant has developed strong stems and branches.
2. Using your fingers, gently squeeze the branches until they become pliable and can be bent.
3. Bend the branches in the desired direction and hold in place with plant ties or soft wire.
4. Allow the plant to recover for a few days before resuming normal care.

Remember, it’s important to be gentle and patient when training your autoflower plant, as they have a shorter life cycle and may not recover as quickly as photoperiod plants.

Light and Temperature Requirements:

• During this stage, your plants will require at least 18-20 hours of light per day to ensure optimal growth and development.
• The ideal temperature range for this stage is between 70-85°F (21-29°C) during the day and 60-70°F (15-21°C) at night.
• Be sure to monitor the humidity levels in your grow space, as high humidity can increase the risk of mold and mildew.

4 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER | EARLY FLOWERING STAGE

At four weeks old, your autoflower plant should be in the early flowering stage. During this phase, your plant will shift its focus from growing new leaves and stems to developing buds. Here are some things to keep in mind during this stage:

Growth Patterns and Characteristics

• The plant will begin to form small buds at the nodes of its branches
• The leaves may begin to yellow and fall off as the plant redirects energy to bud development
• The plant may stretch slightly as it continues to grow upward

Nutrient Requirements and Feeding Schedule

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
700-900	1.4-1.8	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	1-4-4

• During the early flowering stage, your plant will require more phosphorus and potassium to support bud development. Look for a fertilizer with a higher middle number (e.g. 5-10-5).
• Avoid using nitrogen-heavy fertilizers at this stage, as they can inhibit bud growth.

Light and Temperature Requirements

• Your plant will still need 18-20 hours of light per day to continue growing and developing buds. If you are growing indoors, you may want to switch to light with a higher proportion of red wavelengths to encourage bud development.
• Keep the temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C) during the day and around 65-70°F (18-21°C) at night to ensure optimal growth and prevent heat stress.

Flowering Stages and Development

• During the early flowering stage, the buds will begin to swell and become more aromatic.
• It’s important to keep an eye out for any signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies during this stage, as they can impact bud development and overall yield.

Remember, every plant is unique and may develop at a slightly different pace. Keep a close eye on your plant’s growth and adjust your care regimen as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

5-6 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER | MID-FLOWERING STAGE

Growth Patterns and Characteristics

During the mid-flowering stage, the plant’s focus will shift toward producing buds. The buds will begin to increase in size and density, and the plant will continue to grow taller. At this stage, the plant may require some support to prevent it from bending or breaking under the weight of the buds.

Nutrient Requirements and Feeding Schedule

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
900-1100	1.8-2.2	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	1-5-5

During the mid-flowering stage, it is essential to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to support healthy bud development. It is recommended to continue using bloom nutrients, which are high in phosphorus and potassium. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust the feeding schedule as needed based on the plant’s response.

Light and Temperature Requirements

Autoflower plants require consistent lighting and temperature conditions throughout their entire lifecycle. It is important to maintain a temperature range of 70-85°F (21-29°C) and provide 18-24 hours of light per day during the mid-flowering stage. High humidity levels can increase the risk of mold and mildew, so it is important to maintain proper ventilation and airflow.

Managing Height and Canopy Control

During the mid-flowering stage, the plant may continue to grow taller and produce more buds. To prevent the plant from becoming too tall and to encourage the growth of lower buds, you can use techniques such as low-stress training (LST) or defoliation. Be careful not to damage the plant during these processes, as this can slow down growth and development. Additionally, it is important to monitor the plant for signs of nutrient deficiencies or pests and address any issues promptly to ensure healthy growth and development.

7-8 WEEK OLD AUTOFLOWER | LATE FLOWERING STAGE

Growth Patterns and Characteristics:

During this stage, the plant will continue to produce buds and the flowers will become more dense and resinous. The buds will start to ripen and the pistils will begin to change color, usually from white to amber. The plant may also start to emit a strong odor as the resin production increases.

Nutrient Requirements and Feeding Schedule:

Nutrient PPM	Nutrient EC	Soil pH	Hydroponics pH	NPK Ratio
1100-1300	2.2-2.6	6.0-6.5	5.5-6.0	1-6-6

At this stage, the plant will require less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium. It’s recommended to switch to a bloom nutrient with a higher PK ratio to support the development of the flowers. Be sure to monitor the pH and adjust as needed to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.

Light and Temperature Requirements:

The plant will still need 18-24 hours of light per day, but some growers choose to decrease the light cycle to 12 hours per day during the final weeks of flowering to promote resin production. Keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent and avoid any drastic changes, as this can stress the plant and affect the quality of the buds.

Harvesting and Trimming Techniques:

Harvest time will depend on the strain and the desired effects, but most autoflowers will be ready to harvest between 8-10 weeks from seed. Look for signs of maturity such as the pistils turning brown and the trichomes turning cloudy or amber. It’s important to flush the plant with plain water for at least a week before harvest to remove any excess nutrients and improve the taste and aroma of the buds. When trimming, be sure to remove any large fan leaves and sugar leaves that do not have trichomes. Dry the buds slowly in a dark, well-ventilated area and cure them in jars for at least 2-4 weeks to improve the potency and flavor of the buds.