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During this first week of flowering, my cannabis plants are showing clear signs of change. Thanks to the previous training, they’ve developed a dense, branched structure with many potential bud sites. Now, they’re starting to focus their energy on reaching towards the light. The stretch hasn’t fully kicked in yet, but I can see the plants preparing for it. Over the next couple of weeks, I’m expecting noticeable vertical growth as they fully enter the flowering phase.
I’m considering using a net to support the plants during the stretch. Does anyone in the community have ideas or inspiration on how to approach this? I’d love to hear your tips and advice!
When should I start using a net during the flowering phase—before or after the stretch? Also, how do I manage netting with defoliation, especially with limited access to rear plants? Finally, should I defoliate now or wait until after the stretch in about 3 weeks? Tips welcome!
This week, the plants have shown strong growth, with nearly 10cm of height gained. Dominant branches are starting to emerge, though all the shoots are making their way towards the light. The plants are very thirsty, requiring more water, and I've removed a few side branches and shading leaves to improve airflow and light penetration.
This week, the plants have reached around 40 cm in height and continue to be very thirsty. I’ve removed side branches that showed little potential for yielding buds throughout the week. The plants are now beginning to show their flowers, and there’s a pleasant aroma developing.
In the fourth week of flowering, the plants went through a major defoliation – and they don’t look quite as lush anymore. My goal was to improve air circulation and redirect the plant’s growth focus toward the buds. This was the most defoliation I’ve done to date, and honestly, it felt pretty drastic. I hope I didn’t overdo it, but I’m glad that part is done.
The good news: the plants handled the shock really well, showing no signs of excessive stress. The remaining leaves look healthy and “happy,” indicating a smooth recovery from the defoliation. Over the past week, they grew about 5 cm, which shows they’re still going strong.
A highlight this week has been the visible bud development – they’ve grown noticeably larger, and the first trichomes are now visible to the naked eye, giving the plants that characteristic sparkle.
Overall, I’m pleased with how they’ve bounced back from the defoliation, and it looks like the shift in focus toward bud production is going as planned.
The plants have officially left the stretch behind – no more upward growth, and they're fully focused on the next phase. The big defoliation last week was a bit of a gamble, but it seems to have paid off; they’ve handled it like champs. No signs of stress, and thankfully no hermaphrodites to worry about. The foliage has bounced back well, with healthy new leaf growth supporting their bud production.
Now, with their energy directed entirely to the buds, I can really see the results. The flowers are thickening noticeably, stacking up and developing that dense structure we’re all aiming for. There’s a rich aroma filling the tent, hinting at the quality that’s developing. Each day, the scent becomes more complex, and it’s an exciting reminder of what’s to come.
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with how things are progressing in Week 5 of flowering. The plants are focused and thriving, giving me high hopes for a strong finish in the coming weeks.
This week marks a turning point in the flowering stage as the plants have fully transitioned their energy into bud development. The stretch is officially over, with no noticeable height increase, and the focus is now entirely on bulking up the flowers.
Growth and Development:
The plants are noticeably stronger and more robust. Trichomes are now visible across all the plants, creating a beautiful, frosty appearance that’s becoming more pronounced each day. The buds are thickening steadily, and the overall structure is showing excellent progress toward dense, high-quality flowers.
Aroma and Environment:
The aroma in the grow tent has intensified significantly this week. Each plant is releasing a rich and complex scent profile that fills the space, giving a clear preview of the terpenes to come. Despite this, the plants could be a bit thirstier, indicating that they’re focusing most of their water and nutrient uptake on flower production. Careful monitoring of hydration and feeding has been essential to maintain balance.
Observations and Reflections:
So far, I’m very satisfied with how the grow is progressing. The effects of the earlier defoliation and training are evident in the even light distribution and airflow, which are keeping the plants healthy and productive. The absence of height growth allows more control over the canopy and keeps the environment manageable. The buds are not just larger but are showing clear signs of maturity, with trichome production ramping up at just the right time.
Looking Ahead:
With a few weeks left until harvest, the focus now is on maintaining optimal conditions for the plants. Stable humidity, sufficient airflow, and precise feeding are key to ensuring the buds reach their full potential. If everything continues on this trajectory, the yield and quality are shaping up to be my best grow yet.
As the flowering stage nears its conclusion, the plants are thriving, showing exceptional development and maturity. This week has been both rewarding and challenging, with robust growth, intensified aromas, and the need to carefully manage the environment.
Growth and Development
The plants are in excellent condition, with strong, healthy buds continuing to bulk up. Trichome production is at its peak, with a large proportion now milky, signaling the plants are deep in the maturation phase. This progression indicates harvest is just around the corner, with preparations already underway.
Aroma and Environmental Challenges
The aroma in the tent is incredibly intense and aromatic, reflecting the advanced terpene development. However, with the plants drinking heavily, managing humidity has been a challenge. Despite running fans continuously, the relative humidity has occasionally exceeded 65%, raising concerns about mold or bud rot. I’ve been closely monitoring the situation, ensuring proper airflow and adjusting ventilation to mitigate any risks.
Water and Nutrient Uptake
This is the last week I’m using Biobizz nutrients for this grow. The plants remain very thirsty, and I’ve adjusted the watering schedule to ensure they receive adequate hydration without overwatering. Feeding has been focused on bloom nutrients to support the final stages of flower density and resin production. Next week, I’ll begin the flushing phase to prepare for harvest.
Reflections and Next Steps
I’m very satisfied with the progress so far. The combination of early defoliation, careful training, and nutrient management has set the stage for a strong finish. The trichome development is particularly exciting, with milky trichomes dominating and a few starting to shift towards amber. These are clear signs that the plants are entering their final days.
Harvest is planned in approximately 14 days, which means the coming weeks will focus on flushing and ensuring the plants are in peak condition for harvest. Maintaining stable humidity and optimal airflow remains a priority, especially as the buds reach maximum density.
Looking Ahead
With only two weeks left, my goal is to guide the plants through their final phase with care. This involves reducing nutrients, monitoring trichomes closely, and addressing any environmental challenges promptly. If all goes according to plan, this grow should conclude with a high-quality harvest that reflects the effort and care invested throughout the cycle.
The last week has begun, and it’s an exciting moment! The plants are now in their final stretch before harvest, and everything in the tent is looking and smelling amazing.
Current State
The plants have stopped growing and are fully focused on ripening their buds. Trichomes are a beautiful mix of milky and amber, indicating they’re right where they need to be for a great harvest. The buds are dense and coated in resin, giving off a rich, complex aroma that fills the entire room.
Watering
This week, the plants will receive just one final watering – 2.5 liters each, with no nutrients. At this stage, it’s all about keeping them hydrated as they finish ripening, with no extra inputs.
Looking Ahead
Harvest is just a few days away, and I couldn’t be happier with how things have turned out. The grow has been a great experience, and now it’s time to get everything ready for the cut. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the trichomes to pick the perfect moment to begin.
It’s been an incredible journey, and I can’t wait to see how everything comes together in the final product! 🌱✨
Pre-Harvest Rituals
The last week before harvest was all about preparation and creating optimal conditions for the final push. The plants were left dry, without any watering, to encourage the final stages of ripening. Additionally, the light schedule was adjusted to 10 hours on and 14 hours off. While this change is debated in the growing community, it’s part of the mystique and experimentation that surrounds the pre-harvest phase. Every grower seems to have their own approach, and this grow was no different.
The Harvest Process
The plants were carefully cut down after a week of dryness and are now hanging in a drying net inside the grow box. The lights have been turned off, and the exhaust fan is running to maintain air circulation and prevent any issues during drying. The environment is kept stable at approximately 17°C (63°F) with a humidity level of 45–50%. These conditions aim to ensure a slow and steady drying process, which is critical for preserving terpenes and overall bud quality.
Drying and Curing Plan
The drying process is closely monitored by regularly weighing individual branches to track moisture loss. Once the branches have lost around 70% of their initial weight, the buds will be trimmed and left in the grow box for an additional 1–2 days to stabilize. Following this, they’ll be transferred into jars for curing, each with a Boveda humidity pack to maintain the ideal environment for long-term storage.
Reflections
The harvest marks the end of a fascinating journey filled with learning, experimentation, and anticipation. Each step, from training to defoliation to the final adjustments before harvest, has contributed to this moment. The smell in the box is rich and aromatic, a clear sign of the hard work paying off.
Looking Forward
While the grow is complete, the process of curing and enjoying the final product is just beginning. The next few weeks will be crucial in developing the flavors, potency, and overall quality of the buds. This grow has been an incredible experience, and I’m already looking forward to the next cycle and the chance to apply everything I’ve learned.
For now, it’s time to let the buds dry, cure, and shine. 🌱✨
Starting next Week with Psy Op from Ethos!
Damaku
