C R I T I C A L

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!😉👍

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🎄🎁

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!😉👍

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!😉👍

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!😉👍

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! 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, Growdiaries family! 😎 We have officially entered the flowering stage, and the transformation is becoming visible day by day. My Critical has reacted to the 12/12 flip with impressive vigor, showing that all the work during the vegetative stage was worth it. 📏 Evolution & Stretch: The plant has reached 24 cm today. The internodal spacing is stretching just as expected, and the 4 main colas are starting to aim for the light with more intensity. The canopy remains remarkably uniform. ✂️ Applied Techniques: Final Canopy Check: No more high-stress training. I’m letting the plant focus all its energy on flower development. Airflow & Structure: Thanks to the previous thinning, air is moving perfectly through the center and around the fasciated stem, which is crucial now that humidity needs to be kept in check. Visual Update: From now on, all the images I upload will be from the last day of the week (today) to show the most up-to-date progress. 💧 Watering & Nutrition: Volume: 1 Liter of water. The Bloom Cocktail: Today I fed her with a balanced mix: 1 ml/L Bio-Grow (to sustain the stretch), 1 ml/L Bio-Bloom, and 1 ml/L Top-Max. Temperature: Still using lukewarm water (approx. 21°C) to keep the roots comfortable in the terrace environment. 🌤️ Environment: Lighting: QBK1500PLUS with the Bloom switch ON (adding Red/IR spectrum). I’m keeping the 100% intensity at a 56 cm distance to maximize photosynthesis. Bunker Stats: Temperature remains stable at 27°C (ON) and 18°C (OFF). The double-tent insulation is doing a great job against the cold outside. Aroma: The 'fresh green' scent is turning slightly more complex and sweet. Summary: The plant is healthy, praying to the light, and starting to show the first signs of pre-flowers. The structure is solid enough to support the future buds. Now, we wait for the real stretch! Thanks for your support and happy growing! 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, Growdiaries community! 😎 We’ve reached Week 8 (Flower Week 2), and my Critical is officially exploding! The transition has been incredibly smooth, and the plant is showing a fantastic response to the 12/12 light cycle. 📏 Evolution & Height: The plant has reached 30 cm today. The stretch is in full swing—she has gained 6 cm in just a few days! Due to this growth, the distance to the light has naturally decreased to 50 cm, which is giving the tops a great boost in intensity. The 4 main colas are developing beautifully and staying perfectly leveled. ✂️ Techniques & Structure: -Successful Lollipop: The lower pruning (defoliation) I did a few days ago was a game-changer. Airflow in the 'bunker' is now optimal, and all the energy is clearly being channeled into the top bud sites. -Fasciated Stem: The main stem is becoming a real beast, thick and sturdy enough to support the upcoming flower weight. -Visual Update: As promised, all the photos attached are from today, showing the most up-to-date progress. 💧 Watering & Nutrition: -Method: I decide when to water by feeling the substrate with my fingers to check the moisture levels accurately. -Volume: 1 Liter of lukewarm water. -Dose: Stepped up the nutrients to support early flower formation: 1 ml/L Bio-Grow, 2 ml/L Bio-Bloom, and 1 ml/L Top-Max. 🌤️ Environment (Terrace Bunker): -Lighting: My QBK1500PLUS (150W) is running at 100% with the Bloom switch ON. -Climate: Stable at 27°C (Lights ON) and 18°C (Lights OFF). Summary: The first pistils are appearing everywhere, and the plant looks incredibly healthy, 'praying' for light every day. Let the flowering begin! Thanks for following! Happy growing! 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We’ve officially entered Week 9 and the Critical is looking better than ever. I’ve been keeping a close eye on every detail to ensure a smooth transition into mid-flowering. 📏 Precision Measurements & Training • Height: Now at 35 cm (a steady +5 cm growth since the end of last week). • Light Distance: Maintaining the LED at exactly 45 cm from the canopy. • Canopy Management: As you can see in the photos, I'm still using LST clips (red and black) to keep everything leveled. This has created a perfect sea of tops where light reaches every bud site equally. • Light Defoliation: I’ve tucked and removed a few large fan leaves to improve airflow and light penetration to the lower nodes. 🌡️ Environment & Climate • Temperature: 27°C during the day and 18°C during the dark period. This temperature drop at night is keeping the plant very happy. • Humidity (RH): Lowered to 40-45%. This is perfect for this stage to prevent any mold issues while the flowers start to thicken. 💧 Watering & Nutrient Strategy The plant's metabolism is peaking; she is extremely thirsty and drinking every 24-36 hours! • Alternating Schedule: To prevent salt buildup and keep the roots healthy, I’m now alternating waterings: one with the Biobizz nutrient line and the next one with plain pH-adjusted water. • Status: The leaves show a very healthy, deep green. No signs of burn, just pure vigor! 🌿 Flower Evolution Dense clusters of white pistils are popping up everywhere, and the first "sugar" (resin) is starting to coat the nearby leaves. The smell is getting sweeter by the day! 🍬 Thanks for the comments and for following this grow! Happy growing to all. 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We’ve officially entered Week 10 (4th week of flowering) and the Critical is truly showing her full potential. This week has been all about environmental management and keeping the plant’s metabolism at its peak despite the winter chill. 📏 Precision Measurements & Training -Height: Steady at 37 cm. Vertical growth has stopped as she focuses all her energy on flower production. -Canopy Management: The LST has done a great job. The canopy is perfectly flat, ensuring that every "pompom" gets the same light intensity. -Visual Check: I’ve taken the plant out of the tent for some photos under white light to show the real progress of the trichomes without the LED distortion. 🌡️ Environment & Climate Challenges -Temperature: We’ve faced some tricky nights at 12°C, reaching 27°C during the day. -The Strategy: To prevent the plant from stalling due to the cold nights, I’ve started watering with lukewarm water. This keeps the root zone active and ensures nutrients are still being absorbed effectively. -Humidity (RH): Stable at 40-45%, ideal for keeping the developing buds safe and dry. 💧 Watering & Organic Pest Control -Nutrient Strategy: Still going strong with the full Biobizz schedule (Bio-Grow 1ml, Bio-Bloom 2ml, and Top-Max 1ml) in 1L of water. She is responding beautifully with no signs of overfeeding. -The Cinnamon Trick: 🛡️ I noticed some fungus gnats last week, so I applied a generous layer of ground cinnamon on the soil surface. It’s an old-school, 100% organic remedy that acts as a natural fungicide. Result: The gnats are completely gone! 🌿 Flower & Resin Evolution -The sugar has arrived! ❄️ Resin is now heavily coating the sugar leaves and the buds are thickening up fast. The white pistils are abundant and healthy. The aroma is becoming much more complex and penetrating! Thanks for the comments and for following this grow! Happy growing to all.😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We’ve officially entered Week 11 (5th week of flowering) and this Critical is breaking the rules. Even in full bloom, she managed a last stretch, reaching 40 cm. The reaction to this week's defoliation has been simply perfect, and the energy is now 100% focused on the flowers. 📏 Precision Measurements & Training -Height: 40 cm (a surprising +3 cm stretch since last week). -Canopy Management: The LST and the deep defoliation from this past week have created the ideal environment. Airflow is optimal, and light is reaching the base of every cola. -Visual Check: I’m continuing with the white light photography. Resin production is at its peak, and the first milky trichomes are already starting to appear. 🌡️ Environment & Climate Challenges -Temperature: We are still managing those tricky nights at 12°C and 27°C during the day. -The Strategy: The lukewarm water trick after the defoliation was key. The plant showed no stress and continued growing vigorously despite the cold floor temperature. -Humidity (RH): Stable at 40-45%. This is crucial now that the buds are gaining density to prevent any mold issues. 💧 Watering & Organic Strategy -Nutrient Strategy: Maintaining the Biobizz schedule: Bio-Grow 1ml, Bio-Bloom 2ml, and Top-Max 1ml per liter of water. She is drinking and eating everything with great appetite. -Pest Control: The cinnamon barrier is still there and working perfectly. Zero gnats, zero problems. It’s the best way to keep the roots clean during the final stage of flowering. 🌿 Flower & Resin Evolution -The sugar is turning into ice! ❄️ Resin is now heavily coating even the smallest leaves, and the buds are fattening up fast. The aroma is a Critical classic: sweet, fruity, and very pungent. Thanks for the comments and for following this grow. We’re getting close! 😉👍

Joni2017 ¡Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We have officially entered Week 12 and the Critical is in its moment of maximum glory. The 40 cm structure is fully loaded with dense and sticky flowers. This week has focused on maintaining stability while the resin finishes covering every corner. 📏 Measurements & Training -Height: 40 cm. Vertical growth has completely stopped, with all energy now focused on the hardness and weight of the buds. -Canopy Management: The defoliation from previous weeks has been a total success. Light penetrates all the way to the base of the branches, and the lower buds are almost as compact as the tops. -Visual Check: Under white light, the plant looks like a scene out of a frozen movie. Trichomes are now mostly milky, and we are starting to see the first amber spots. 🌡️ Environment & Climate Challenges -Temperature: We are maintaining 16°C at night and 27°C during the day. -The Strategy: I remain faithful to watering with lukewarm water. In this final phase, keeping the roots comfortable is vital so the plant doesn't shut down and continues maturing the terpenes. -Humidity (RH): Controlled at 40%. With the density the buds have now, I'm not taking any risks with mold or fungi. 💧 Watering & Organic Strategy -Nutrient Strategy: Final doses of Biobizz: Bio-Grow 1ml, Bio-Bloom 3ml, and Top-Max 1ml per liter. The plant is consuming its own nitrogen reserves, which is noticeable in the natural fading of the leaves. -Pest Control: The cinnamon has kept the substrate impeccable until the end. Zero insects throughout the entire flowering cycle. 🌿 Flower & Resin Evolution -Pure snow! ❄️ The aroma is now an explosive mix of sweet citrus and damp earth. The density is amazing to the touch; the buds are hard as rocks. A huge thank you to all the growers who are following this diary and for all your support and comments! It's a pleasure to share this journey with such a great community. Happy growing to everyone! 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We’ve entered Week 13 and the Critical is reaching the finish line with incredible elegance. Autumn colors have taken over the leaves, a sign that the plant is moving its last reserves into the flowers. 📏 Measurements & Training -Height: 40 cm. Solid and very heavy structure. -Canopy Management: Airflow is perfect. The 12°C night temperature is helping the plant show off those spectacular autumn tones. -Visual Check: I’ve checked the trichomes closely: they are finishing their transition from transparent to milky. No amber yet, which indicates we are right at the peak of THC production. The pistils (hairs), however, are showing advanced oxidation. 🌡️ Environment & Climate Challenges -Temperature: Maintaining 12°C at night and 27°C during the day. -The Strategy: I’m sticking with lukewarm water for watering. During this ripening phase, it’s vital that roots don't lock up due to the cold, ensuring the trichomes finish turning milky uniformly. -Humidity (RH): Locked at 40%. With buds this dense, low humidity is my best insurance policy. 💧 Watering & Organic Strategy -Nutrition: We are in the home stretch. This has been the last week of nutrients to prepare for the imminent root flush. -Pest Control: The cinnamon barrier has been a resounding success. The substrate reaches the end of the cycle completely clean. 🌿 Flower & Resin Evolution -Diamond shine! ❄️ The resin is now much more opaque and dense. The aroma is pungent and sweet, the typical fragrance of a Critical at its optimal point. A huge thank you to all the growers who are following this diary and for all your support and comments! It's a pleasure to share this journey with such a great community. Happy growing to everyone! 😉👍

Joni2017 Hello again, GrowDiaries family! 😎 We’ve reached Week 14 and we are officially on the home stretch. This week, the Critical hasn't received a single drop of fertilizer; we have switched to exclusive water irrigation to flush the substrate and guarantee maximum purity in flavor and aroma. 📏 Measurements & Training -Height: Stable at 40 cm. The plant is no longer spending energy on growth, only on maturing resin. -Canopy Management: Previous defoliation and LST have allowed us to get here with an impeccable structure. The buds are heavy, dense, and fully exposed to the light. -Visual Check: The color change in the leaves is radical. This yellowing is exactly what we look for during the flush: a plant clean of salts. Trichomes are at their peak of milky opacity. 🌡️ Environment & Climate Challenges -Temperature: Maintaining 16°C at night and 27°C during the day. The cold is helping the plant finish its cycle naturally. -The Strategy: I’m still watering with lukewarm water. Since there are no nutrients, the warm water helps to dissolve the salt buildup in the roots more efficiently. -Humidity (RH): Strict control at 40%. In this "cleaning" phase, low humidity is non-negotiable to protect the harvest. 💧 Watering & Flushing Strategy -Water Only: We have completely removed the Biobizz schedule. Watering after watering, the plant gets lighter in color, which will translate into white ash and smooth smoke. -Substrate: Thanks to the cinnamon, the substrate has reached the end free of any pests. A total success in organic control. 🌿 Flower & Resin Evolution -She’s armored in crystals! ❄️ The calyxes are swollen and the pistils are almost completely withered. The smell is incredibly sweet and thick. Harvest is imminent! A huge thank you to all the growers who are following this diary and for all your support and comments! It's a pleasure to share this journey with such a great community. Happy growing to everyone! 😉👍

Joni2017 The big day is here! 😎 Today, March 28th, 104 days (15 weeks) after germination, I have harvested my first indoor photoperiod plant. It has been an incredible challenge, especially managing it in the middle of a winter environment, but the results speak for themselves. 📏 Harvest Data (Wet Weight) -Total Wet Weight: 56.5 grams (15.7g + 40.8g). -Final Height: 40 cm of pure density. -Status: Rock-hard buds and an impressive resin layer. -Dry Estimate: I estimate that after water loss (60-70% less), the final dry weight will be between 14 and 17 grams, given how dense the buds are and the cold conditions we’ve faced. 🌡️ Process Summary -Managing a grow with lows of 12°C for my first indoor photoperiod experience has been difficult. I am aware that a climate control system would have been ideal, but the budget is what it is 😆. Despite the limitations, using lukewarm water for irrigation and controlling the lamp height were vital. This plant has been a great learning experience, and I am sure the next one will be much better, applying everything I’ve discovered during these 15 weeks. Now, on to a slow and controlled dry so the flavor is as spectacular as its look! I want to wrap up this diary by thanking everyone who has joined me during these 15 weeks. Your likes, and comments have been an extra motivation to pull this Critical through despite the cold challenges. It has been an incredible learning journey, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of my first indoor photoperiod plant. See you all very soon with the Cream Caramel and that Main-Lining I have planned! Happy growing and happy smoking to everyone! 🌿💨