The Grow Awards 2026 🏆

C R I T I C A L

16
17
33
6d ago
Critical
bulk seeds
QBK1500PLUS Dimmable Light Emitting Diodes/150W
QBK1500PLUS
QBK1500PLUS Dimmable Light Emitting Diodes/150W
QBK1500PLUS
Indoor
Room Type
LST
weeks 5
HST
weeks 5
Topping
weeks 5
Defoliation
weeks 5-6
11 liters
Pot Size
1 liters
Watering
Start at 6 Week
G
Germination
1mo ago
Nutrients 2
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 
I’m back after a while without updates, and this time I’m growing a single seed of Critical Feminized (bulk), and I’m really excited to share this experience with you. I hope you enjoy this journey as much as I do! This is my first time growing a photoperiod strain indoors, as the previous ones I grew indoors were autoflowering.
 
The Critical Feminized is a highly popular indica-dominant hybrid, known for its fast growth and high yield. It combines the best of Skunk and Afghani genetics, resulting in a plant that delivers an intense, relaxing effect while maintaining a sweet, fruity flavor with earthy undertones. THC levels range between 18% and 22%, offering a calming effect that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
This strain grows quickly and can reach a medium to large height, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced growers. It is also known for its large, dense buds that are resinous and aromatic. I started by germinating the seed using the paper towel method. I placed the seed inside a small tupperware on top of a router to take advantage of the heat. After 24 hours, the taproot began to appear, and by the third day, it was ready to be transplanted.😋 Happy growing, and see you in the next update!😉👍
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4 comments
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Used method
Paper Towel
Germination Method
1
Week 1. Vegetation
1mo ago
1 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
26 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
75 %
Air Humidity
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
0.13 liters
Watering Volume
68 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 2
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 Once the taproot was well established, I moved the seedling to a small plastic cup with Terraprofesional substrate, so it could grow a bit more before its final transplant. The warm environment (around 24°C) and high humidity helped the roots develop healthily.
Final Transplant to 11-Liter Pot:
When the roots were well developed, I transplanted the plant to an 11-liter pot with Terraprofesional substrate, mixed with Startrex and Mycrotex from Biotabs to ensure a strong root system and healthy growth. This final transplant provides the plant with enough space for optimal growth during the vegetative stage. Substrate and Nutrients:
 Substrate:
 The Terraprofesional substrate is perfect for growing both autoflowers and photoperiod strains like the Critical, offering excellent drainage and water retention, ensuring healthy root growth. It’s enriched with organic matter, providing a well-balanced foundation for your plants.
 Nutrients:
 I’ll be using the Biobizz Indoor Fertilizer Pack, which provides all the necessary nutrients for healthy growth, including specific fertilizers for root development and flowering. The combination of Startrex and Mycrotex will further enhance root development and promote healthy, vigorous plant growth. Grow Tent:
 The grow is happening in a Cultibox SG Combi 60x60x140 cm grow tent, which is the perfect size for a medium-sized plant like Critical Feminized. It allows me to control temperature, humidity, and light conditions to maintain an ideal environment for the plant. Lighting:
 I’m using the QBK1500Plus LED for this grow. Here are the specifications: * Model: QBK1500Plus * LED Type: SMD LM281B * Total LEDs: 432 pieces * Light Colors: * 3000K (262 pieces) * 5000K (132 pieces) * 660nm (34 pieces) * 760nm (2 pieces) * 395nm (2 pieces) * Light Modes: * VEG Mode for vegetative growth. * Bloom Mode for flowering. * Dimensions: 40 x 40 cm * Power: Adjustable to suit the growing needs (dimmable). * Input Voltage: 100-240V * Additional Features: Full spectrum light, energy-efficient, and long-lasting. Now that the plant is settled into its 11-liter pot, it’s in its vegetative growth phase. I’m using an 18 hours light / 6 hours dark light schedule and expect it to grow quickly and healthily. Only water when substrate is drying out. Happy growing, and see you in the next update!😉👍
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6 comments
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2
Week 2. Vegetation
1mo ago
4 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
27 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
70 %
Air Humidity
16 °C
Solution Temp
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
0.13 liters
Watering Volume
72 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 3
Bio-Grow - BioBizzWWO
Bio-Grow
0.1 mll
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 The small one follows its rhythm 4 cm 😋👏🏻, temperature 27º C ☀️ humidity 70% 💧 irrigation 125ml 💦 alternating one day with nutrients and another without nutrients.Today I raised the lamp to 72 cm☀️ Happy growing, and see you in the next update!😉👍 Merry Christmas🎄🎁
2 likes
2 comments
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3
Week 3. Vegetation
1mo ago
8 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
27 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
70 %
Air Humidity
16 °C
Solution Temp
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
0.5 liters
Watering Volume
72 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 3
Bio-Grow - BioBizzWWO
Bio-Grow
0.5 mll
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 The small one follows its rhythm 8 cm 😋👏🏻, temperature 27º C ☀️ humidity 70% 💧 irrigation 500 ml 💦 alternating one day with nutrients and another without nutrients. Happy growing, and see you in the next update!😉👍
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2 comments
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4
Week 4. Vegetation
20d ago
14 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
27 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
70 %
Air Humidity
16 °C
Solution Temp
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
0.5 liters
Watering Volume
66 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 3
Bio-Grow - BioBizzWWO
Bio-Grow
0.5 mll
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 The small one follows its rhythm 14 cm 💪👏🏻, temperature 27º C ☀️ humidity 70% 💧 irrigation 500 ml 💦 alternating one day with nutrients and another without nutrients. Happy growing, and see you in the next update!😉👍
3 likes
2 comments
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5
Week 5. Vegetation
13d ago
17 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
27 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
70 %
Air Humidity
16 °C
Solution Temp
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
0.5 liters
Watering Volume
63 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 3
Bio-Grow - BioBizzWWO
Bio-Grow
0.5 mll
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello, Growdiaries Community!😎 This week has been purely technical with plenty of action in the tent. My Critical has undergone a total transformation to optimize both space and light. 📏 Height Evolution: We started the week at 14 cm and, after the pruning and training, the plant has already regained its vigor, reaching 17 cm. You can tell the metabolism is running at full speed. ✂️ Applied Techniques (HST & LST): I decided to take full control of the structure before switching to flower: -Topping: I performed a cut on the main apex to break apical dominance and redirect energy to the side branches. -LST (Low Stress Training): I have opened up the two lower branches and the two new upper main colas towards the corners of the tent, anchoring them to create a flat and uniform canopy. -Selective Defoliation: I removed some fan leaves and internal shoots to ensure light reaches the heart of the plant and the fasciated stem directly. 💧 Watering and Nutrition: -Volume: Watered with 500 ml. -Fertilizers: Maintained a light dose of 0.5 ml/L of Bio-Grow. Next step: Next week I will increase the watering to 1 Liter with 1-2 ml/L of Bio-Grow to support the final stretch. 🌤️ Environment: -Temperature: 27°C (stable and perfect for recovery). -Humidity: 70% (helps keep the stems flexible for LST). -Lighting: Keeping the light at a 63 cm distance to encourage a bit more internodal stretching. Bio-acoustics: Continuing with 528 Hz (22 min) sessions to reduce stress from pruning. Week Summary: The plant has responded incredibly well to the training. I now have a structure with 4 well-defined and leveled main colas. The goal is for it to double its height in the coming days before switching to 12/12. Thanks for stopping by and for your comments! Happy growing!😉👍
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Used techniques
LST
Technique
HST
Technique
Topping
Technique
Defoliation
Technique
6
Week 6. Vegetation
6d ago
20 cm
Height
18 hrs
Light Schedule
27 °C
Day Air Temp
No Smell
Smell
70 %
Air Humidity
16 °C
Solution Temp
22 °C
Substrate Temp
19 °C
Night Air Temp
11 liters
Pot Size
1 liters
Watering Volume
60 cm
Lamp Distance
Nutrients 3
Bio-Grow - BioBizzWWO
Bio-Grow
2 mll
Startrex - Bio Tabs
Startrex
1 mll
Mycotrex - Bio Tabs
Mycotrex
0.1 mll
Joni2017 Hello again, Growdiaries community! 😎 We have reached the end of the vegetative stage with my Critical, and I couldn't be happier with the results. This week has been entirely focused on preparing the 'engine' for the explosive flowering phase that begins this Sunday. 📏 Evolution & Structure: The plant is now 20 cm tall. After the intensive training last week, she has spent these days consolidating those 4 main colas. The canopy is perfectly flat, and the secondary shoots are receiving direct light thanks to a final strategic cleanup. ✂️ Applied Techniques: Selective Thinning: I performed a cleanup in the center of the plant. By removing internal leaves and small shoots that were shaded, I’ve guaranteed total light penetration and better air circulation around that massive fasciated stem. LST Maintenance: Adjusted the ties to keep the structure wide. No more topping from now on—I want those 4 heads to stretch vertically! 💧 Watering & Nutrition (The Big Jump): Volume: Increased to 1 Liter of water per session. Water Temperature: Always watering with lukewarm water (approx. 21°C) to avoid thermal shock, which is vital when growing in an outdoor terrace setup. Fertilizers: Stepped up the dose to 2 ml/L of Bio-Grow. The plant is responding with a deep, healthy green and zero signs of stress. 🌤️ Bunker Environment (Terrace Setup): Temperature: Stable at 27°C with lights ON. Even though external temperatures drop to 1-2°C, my 'closet-within-a-closet' system keeps the minimums at a safe 18-19°C. Lighting: My QBK1500PLUS (150W) is running at 100% in Veg mode, kept at a 60 cm distance to encourage that final pre-flowering stretch. Aroma: A very noticeable 'fresh green' scent fills the tent every time I open it! Next Step: This Sunday is the BIG DAY. I’m switching the timer to 12/12, activating the Bloom switch (adding the Red/IR spectrum), and getting ready for the legendary Critical stretch. The structure is ready, the nutrition is on point, and the bunker is prepared. Let the flowers come! 🌸 Thanks for following! Happy growing! 😉👍
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Used techniques
Defoliation
Technique

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