Intermediate Results
Overview
This grow was intense! Setting up the grow consumed so much of my time and focus that I started slacking at work, and it took me a month to get back on track. But hey, whatโs the point of a job if it gets in the way of growing? ๐ In the end, everything worked out, and I gained invaluable experience.
This was my first grow using coco coir. At first, I didnโt get it, but then it just clicked! Now Iโm hooked: "Iโm here to stay." Coco is more controlled than soil, flushes easily, and you can introduce beneficial microbes, which thrive in it. My main takeaway from this grow? If you buy coco, donโt forget CalMag!
Next time, Iโll definitely install HEPA filters at the intake. The amount of dust was insane, and the grow box pulls air like a vacuum cleaner. Watching the timelapse, you can see the box sucking in every bit of dust. I vacuumed the intake filters weekly. The plant was incredibly sticky, but that also meant it caught a lot of lint and fibers between trichomes, especially visible under a microscope. Smoking microplastics? No, thank you!
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On CO2
CO2 only works if everything else is dialed in. If the plant experiences stress from deficiencies or overfeeding, you can forget about it. Since CO2 supplementation requires turning off the exhaust fan, itโs hard to manage temperature and humidity. The plant releases so much moisture that RH jumps to 80% within minutes. Itโs doable, but definitely a challenge.
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On Magnetic Fields
No clue whatโs happening here yet, but itโs fascinating! Iโll test again with a control sample.
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Nutrients
Dreams do come trueโIโve tested almost everything Advanced Nutrients offers. It wasnโt all smooth sailing; their feeding charts need adjustments for your conditions, and you usually need to feed less than recommended. Overall, Iโd say the nutrients performed 100%, and I see no reason to switch. Iโll stick with them for future grows.
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Strain
This strain is reliable, though not the most productive. It flowered exactly as advertised and delivered a frosty finish. It tolerated all my mistakes like a champโespecially mold. Despite an abandoned SCROG plan turning the plant into a bouquet, there wasnโt a single mold spot, even in the densely packed lower buds that got almost no light. Zero mold issues!
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Aroma
As advertised: pine, wood, and citrus. At first, I thought it smelled like grapefruit, but now Iโm leaning toward bergamot. Bergamot with a classic weed aromaโa recognizable twist on the usual scent. During the grow, the smell was strong, but the carbon filter handled it perfectly.
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Flavor
Itโs too early to say, but the flavor is definitely there! Embarrassingly, all my past harvests tasted the sameโlike nothing. Just smoke. This one has a distinct sour taste. Iโm excited to see how it develops after curing.
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Effect
Too early for a full review, but I love what Iโve tried so far. The high lasts about three hours, with euphoria and relaxation. Itโs the perfect evening strain. Iโve smoked a lot over the years, but Iโve never experienced true euphoriaโuntil now. Guess Iโve been stuck with garbage and ditch weed before. ๐
Itโs not a strain for productivity or chores, but itโs perfect for chilling, watching something, or chatting. No anxiety, just great vibes. It feels like having a beer after a long day: you relax, and life feels good again.
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Roots
The roots were healthyโmaybe too healthy! While the AirPot (20L) prevented root circling, it didnโt eliminate it entirely. There were dead zones at the bottom where roots circled around the perimeter. A dense root mat formed at the bottom (so dense you couldnโt poke a finger through it), which likely contributed to salt buildup. Breaking through that mat required more water, and I suspect this caused EC to spike 1.5x the next day if there was no runoff. Next time, Iโll mix some pumice with the substrate at the bottom, about 3โ4 cm deep.
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Timelapse
I only got the timelapse running after the switch to flowering, so itโs not from the beginning. Still, itโs an incredibly useful tool for understanding growth rates. Iโll definitely use it for future grows. Comparing yesterday to today is one thing, but rewinding a week to see how things were is game-changing. I recommend it! You can even use an old phone with a timelapse app if your camera doesnโt support it by default.
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Whatโs Next
Iโve grown fat buds before, but Iโve always neglected curing. This time, Iโm doing it by the book with full control. Drying in the grow box with RH controlled at 50โ60% (averaging 55%) for a slow, even dry. Temps are kept between 20โ23ยฐC, with frequent venting to keep it below 21ยฐC for terpene preservation. After 7โ10 days, when small stems snap with a characteristic sound, Iโll trim and jar them with humidity sensors. For the first two weeks, Iโll burp the jars twice daily, then reduce to once daily for the next two weeks. After that, Iโll monitor the RH sensors and adjust as needed. Iโll share the details after curing is complete.
After drying, Iโll weigh the buds, take photos, and share another post in a month or two after curing to report on the flavor and aroma.
For now, Iโm taking a breather, fine-tuning my setup, and preparing for my next grow: Wizard Trees - Zangria S1.