Hey LandraceLarry! Growing an 80s Durban Poison Landrace is a cool project, but those reddish-brown spots are definitely trying to tell you something.
Based on the photos, this doesn't look like Botrytis (Bud Rot) yet, as that usually starts deep inside the bud and turns it into a grey, mushy mess. Instead, those rusty spots on the leaf edges and tips are a classic sign of a Calcium or Magnesium deficiency. Since Landraces can be a bit pickier than modern hybrids, she’s likely burning through her reserves faster than you're providing them.
What to do:
• Boost the CalMag: Increase your dosage slightly over the next few waterings.
• Check your pH: Calcium lockout often happens if your pH drops below 6.2 in soil. Make sure you're in that 6.2–6.7 range so she can actually "eat" the nutrients you're giving her.
• Airflow: Keep a close eye on it—if the spots get soft or fuzzy, then your friend might be right about the fungus, but for now, it looks like a nutritional hunger strike!
Keep her fed and she'll reward you with those legendary old-school vibes!
Happy Growing Growmie🌱