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Germination
I started growing my Strawberry Gorilla Automatic by placing the seed in a small coco jiffy, which was embedded in Biobizz AllMix substrate.
This substrate consisted of a mix of AllMix, perlite, mycorrhiza, and neem cake for insect prevention, with clay pebbles added at the bottom of the fabric pot for drainage assistance.
The entire pot had a volume of 11 liters.
To ensure constant moisture and warmth, since the tent itself only had a humidity of 40-60%, I placed a plastic dome over the plant during the germination phase.
The MarsHydro lamp, installed above the seedling, ran at 100% of its capacity, but with sufficient distance to the plant to avoid burns.
Shortly after planting the seed, I went on vacation, which led my sister to take over the initial watering. This resulted in a suboptimal water supply that later caused thirst symptoms in the third week when I returned home.
To maintain a stable and nurturing environment, a plastic dome covered the plant, which helped keep humidity levels around the seedling higher than the tent’s ambient 40-60%.
Given my absence and her limited experience, my sister watered the seedling with approximately 100 ml of water every two days. This amount aimed to sustain the plant without overwatering, considering the humid environment created by the dome.
However, the limited and somewhat conservative watering schedule was based on general guidelines rather than the plant’s specific needs, which might not have been fully met during this initial phase.
Continuing into the second week, my Strawberry Gorilla Automatic was still under the care of my sister while I remained on vacation.
During this week, she adjusted the watering to 200 ml every two days to accommodate the plant’s growing needs. This increase in water was intended to support the developing root system while being conservative enough to prevent overwatering.
Despite these efforts, the adjustments might not have fully met the specific requirements of the plant, potentially leading to suboptimal growth conditions, especially as the plant was becoming more demanding of nutrients and moisture as it matured.
Started giving Calmag once a week.
Upon my return from vacation at the beginning of week 3, I noticed signs of under-watering in my Strawberry Gorilla Automatic.
Immediately, I adjusted the watering schedule to better meet the plant's needs.
On my first day back, I provided 1 liter of water with 1 ml of BioGrow per liter to alleviate the evident dehydration. Observing continued dryness, I administered an additional 500 ml of water with BioGrow the next day.
Throughout the week, I closely monitored the plant’s hydration status, culminating in a significant 2-liter watering session to ensure the plant was thoroughly hydrated. The following day, I chose not to water, allowing the plant to absorb and utilize the moisture from the substantial watering, thus stabilizing the moisture levels in the substrate and preventing potential issues from over-watering.
Day 22:
Today officially marks the beginning of week 4 of my Strawberry Gorilla Automatic grow, and I conducted a thorough check on the plant. The leaves still seem a bit heavy from the significant watering two days ago, but overall, the plant looks healthy and vigorous. The fine hairs indicate that it's in the pre-flowering stage, and I'm excited for it to soon enter full bloom.
- Substrate and Moisture Control:
To ensure that I'm keeping a close eye on the moisture levels in the substrate, I weighed the pot again today. The dry weight of the substrate is 3.25 kg, and after watering two days ago, it weighed 4.75 kg. Today, the weight was still at 4.5 kg—meaning the moisture content is still sufficient, so I didn't need to water it fully again. However, I decided to topdress the soil with 25 g of Green House Feeding BioBloom, as the plant has grown well and is entering the flowering phase.
- Nutrient Supply and Granules:
To activate the BioBloom granules, I gave the plant 200 ml of water, which matches my calculation based on the pot's weight. The granules will now slowly release the necessary nutrients for the flowering stage. I deliberately chose this amount of water to avoid overwatering since the leaves are still a bit heavy, and I don’t want to stress the roots with too much water at once.
- Growth and Current Phase:
The strong growth is a positive sign. The leaves are still a vibrant green, indicating good nutrient supply. However, some leaves show slight curling and minor discoloration, which could be due to small fluctuations in watering and humidity. This isn’t anything to be concerned about at the moment, and I will continue closely monitoring the watering schedule.
I’ve also noticed the purpling of the stems. I suspect this is due to the nighttime temperatures dropping to around 18°C. As long as the plant continues to grow well, I’m not too worried about it. However, I’ll keep an eye on the temperatures to ensure they don’t fluctuate too much.
- Ventilation and Airflow:
As for ventilation, I’ve observed that my current fan, which blows air from the bottom upward, is sufficient for the size of the tent. Ideally, I’d like an oscillating fan to ensure more even air circulation, but for now, my setup is doing fine. The leaves are slightly moving in the airflow, which helps prevent mold and ensures the plant gets enough CO₂.
- Next Step:
My plan for the next watering is in two days. I’ll add 1 ml of BioGrow, 1 ml of CalMag, and 0.5 g of Bio Enhancer per liter of water to support the plant's nutrient needs. It’s essential that the plant now gets enough energy for the upcoming flowering phase. I’ll also weigh the pot again to ensure that moisture levels remain balanced and the plant is adequately hydrated.
I measured the plant today: it is currently 15 cm tall, showing good growth compared to the last few days.
I'll observe the growth over the next days, maybe she needs some LST, but I don't want to stress her too much right now.
Day 23:
She had different plans, I noticed the plant was thirsty, so I gave her 1.5L of water with 1.5ml BioGrow, 1.5ml CalMag, and 0.5g Bio Enhancer. pH of the water was 6.5, with a runoff at 6.25. She’s grown 2 cm since yesterday and is getting quite bushy. I did some light LST to open her up a bit and help the lower nodes get more light. Overall, she’s looking healthy and on track!
Day 24:
I installed the net, so it's ready for the stretch. I haven't done Scrog or similar yet, so I'm excited to see how it works.
Adjusted the LST a little bit.
No water today.
Day 27: reacting well to LST
Today she got 1,4l Water + 1ml BioGrow + 1ml BioBloom from Biobizz (waiting for GHF BioBloom to kick in)
Keeping an eye on the purpeling of the newer stems.
Day 28: adjusted LST
Day 29:
Beginning of week 5, she's officially in preflower now.
Looking at my older fan leaves, I'd say there is no additional BioGrow necessary, if you use AllMix for Autoflowers.
I just used 1ml/L for 2 weeks, which is not a lot anyway. Next grow, I'll just use the nutrients out of allmix and top with BioBloom granulate after 3-4 weeks.
Today I gave her 1.5L pH corrected water + 1,5ml Calmag
Day 31: 1.5L Water + 3ml Alg-a-mic + 2ml TopMax
Day 32: she's becoming a real monster 😍
Day 33: 1.5L Water + 2ml Alg-a-mic + 2ml TopMax + 2ml Hesi Boost
Day 36:
Did some slight defoliation yesterday. She is reacting very well to anything I do.
She actually looks like a giant strawberry 🍓 🦍
She's getting more thirsty now, needs watering every 1.5 days otherwise she's very sad looking.
Today she got 1.5l Water + 1.5ml Calmag + 0.75g Bio Enhancer + 3ml TopMax + 3ml Alg-a-mic
Day 38:
another round of watering with 1.5l Water + 3ml TopMax + 2ml Hesi Boost + 3ml Alg-a-mic
Have to do slight defoliation daily, don't want to do all at once.
I think I did my last LST adjustment today, she's level and I don't want to stress her too much.
Her structure is good 😊
The nitrogen surplus is also slowly improving. New growth no longer shows clawing.
Day 40:
Still too much nitrogen. Added 8g of BioBloom granulate. Watered with TopMax.
Day 43:
Watering happens daily to every second day, depending on pot weight.
The purpeling has gone over from stems, to leaves, even the little sugar leaves are purpeling. Since she's developing nicely I think it's a big part genetics plus nitrogen excess and lower night temperatures around 17°C.
I'll keep an eye on it, but for now I try not to be worried 😅
Day 46: nothing to report
Watered yesterday with TopMax and alg-a-mic
Day 49: it's getting colder at night and she's developing such nice colours 😍
Day 50: Fall is here 🍂
She's stably growing, just doing her thing.
Watering every second day, next tomorrow.
Day 54: She's a little less thirsty. The oldest fan leaves are fading. Trichomes are visible and the buds are getting real sticky.
On day 58 I gave her the last dose of Calmag and Hesi Boost.
Since she's already pulling all of her energy out of the leaves, I think it's gonna take her 2-3 weeks?
From now on, I'll only water with pH-regulated water and TopMax.
Trichomes already seem cloudy.
It's a waiting game now.
- She's less thirsty
- watering every 2-3 days with pH-regulated water and TopMax
- changed lights from 20/4 to 19/5
- she smells strongly, can't say I smell strawberry though
- 70% milky, 30% clear trichomes
I estimate harvest in about 10-14 days.
Day 85:
The buds are dense, frosty, and resinous with 85% milky and 15% clear trichomes, but no amber yet. Some new calyx growth appeared after moving the plant closer to the light 1.5 weeks ago. Sugar leaves are drying and curling, signaling maturity.
Harvest expected in 5-7 days.
RavenCookiee
