Apple Gelato - Super Strains

HOMEGROWBOOK This week marks the official start of the new run with Apple Gelato. All seedlings have successfully broken the soil and are now establishing their first sets of true leaves. Growth is steady and uniform, and each plant is adapting well to the coco medium. ⸻ 🌱 Growth & Development • Germination was successful and all seedlings are standing strong. • First serrated leaves are developing nicely. • Color is healthy green with no early signs of stress or stretching. • Root development appears active — pots are drying slowly and evenly. ⸻ 💧 Watering • Light hydration only, with low EC feedings to avoid early burn. • Coco kept moist but never soaked. • Water given around the plant’s stem in a small radius to encourage downward root growth. ⸻ 🌡️ Environment • Temperature: ~24–25°C • Humidity: 65–75% • Ideal for rapid root establishment and stable early growth. • Gentle airflow to strengthen stems without causing stress.

HOMEGROWBOOK Week 2 shows clear progress as the seedlings transition into early vegetative growth. The plants are developing stronger leaf structure, the first true sets are expanding, and the stems are becoming more stable. ⸻ 🌱 Growth & Development • Noticeable increase in leaf size and node spacing. • Plants are gaining strength and beginning to form a defined structure. • Color remains healthy green, indicating good nutrient uptake. • No signs of stretching — light intensity and distance are well balanced. ⸻ 💧 Watering & Nutrients • Watering increased slightly to match the growing root system. • Very low EC feedings continue to support early growth without stress. • Coco remains evenly moist, preventing dry pockets and salt buildup. ⸻ 🌡️ Environment • Temperature: 24–25°C • Humidity: 60–70% • Stable VPD helps maintain rapid leaf development and root expansion. • Light airflow encourages stem strengthening. ⸻ 🔧 Training / Maintenance • No LST yet, but plants are almost at a size where shaping can begin. • Removed small surface debris and ensured the substrate stays loose for maximum oxygenation.

HOMEGROWBOOK Apple Gelato is showing a very strong and healthy development in Week 3. Growth is vigorous, with broad, well-formed leaves and a rich green color across the entire plant. Internodal spacing is tight, indicating good light intensity and a strong genetic response. The plant structure is compact and stable, with early side branches starting to develop evenly. Leaf posture is upright and relaxed, showing no signs of stress, deficiencies, or overfeeding. Root development appears to be progressing very well, reflected by the steady increase in overall growth speed. No training has been applied yet, as the plant is building a solid foundation. Apple Gelato is clearly setting itself up for training in the coming weeks (LST or topping), if desired.

HOMEGROWBOOK Week 4 marked a major step forward for Apple Gelato with the introduction of Low Stress Training (LST) and light defoliation. The main stem was carefully bent and tied down to open up the canopy and encourage lateral growth. Several large fan leaves were removed to improve light penetration and airflow to the lower growth sites. The plant responded very positively to the training. No stress symptoms were observed, and growth resumed quickly after the intervention. Side branches are now developing more evenly, and the overall structure is becoming wider and more controlled. Leaf color remains a healthy green, with strong turgor and no signs of deficiencies or nutrient burn. Internodal spacing stays compact, confirming stable environmental conditions and proper feeding.

HOMEGROWBOOK Week 4 was a very active training week for Apple Gelato. The plant received two topping sessions combined with FIMing to significantly increase the number of main growth tips. In addition, Low Stress Training (LST) was applied to spread the branches horizontally and create an even, open canopy. Despite the intensive training, the plant handled everything extremely well. Recovery was fast, with no visible stress, drooping, or slowed growth. New shoots started developing quickly at all topped and FIMed nodes, showing strong vigor and good genetic stability. LST helped expose lower sites to direct light, improving airflow and setting the foundation for a symmetrical structure. Leaf color remains healthy green, internodal spacing is tight, and overall growth is compact and controlled. This combination of 2× topping + FIMing + LST has clearly prepared the plant for a bushy structure with multiple strong colas going into the next vegetative weeks.

HOMEGROWBOOK Week 6 was dedicated mainly to recovery and structure refinement after the intensive training in the previous weeks. The plant responded very positively and showed strong, healthy regrowth across all topped and FIMed nodes. No further high-stress techniques were applied. Instead, gentle Low Stress Training (LST) was continued to maintain an even canopy and guide the main branches outward. This helped improve light penetration and airflow while keeping growth controlled and symmetrical. The plant looks noticeably more vigorous now, with multiple strong tops developing evenly. Leaf color remains a healthy green, internodal spacing is compact, and overall structure is well balanced. Recovery was complete with no signs of stress, deficiencies, or slowdown. Apple Gelato is now well-shaped and fully prepared for the final vegetative phase before the transition to flowering.

HOMEGROWBOOK Week 7 was a calm maintenance week, as Apple Gelato is currently waiting for the other plants to catch up before the switch to flowering. No additional training or high-stress techniques were applied during this period. The plant remains healthy, stable, and well-structured after the successful recovery and LST work from previous weeks. Growth continues at a controlled pace, with an even canopy and strong, well-developed branches. Leaf color is consistent and vibrant, showing no signs of deficiencies or stress. Only light adjustments were made where necessary to keep the canopy open and balanced. Environmental conditions stayed stable, supporting steady development without pushing excessive growth. Apple Gelato is now fully ready for the flowering phase and will remain in vegetative mode until the rest of the garden is synchronized.

HOMEGROWBOOK Start in Woche 8