The Grow Awards 2026 🏆
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@DrDuhboto
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Trying to learn what plants I like to grow the most. This run is a test of each strain I ordered from seedsman. Blueberry is a clone from a seed, As I only had one of these seeds I didnt want to risk flowering it and losing a good pheno, So instead I grew that seed and cloned off of it. Maui Waui is from seed, and looks pretty wonky here, it got a bit out of hand during veg as I didn't have a screen in there. The seed has been vigourous though and I have high hopes for it being the only pure sativa in the bunch, Cheese is a clone taken from my last grow. I cloned it off the seeded plant before they went into flower. My last run with cheese went well with dense buds and good potency. Buttercream gelato is from a seed and has pretty interesting growth. It has been hard to keep nitrogen up in it and pales to lime much quicker than the other plants around it. Buttercream and Maui waui have been vegging for 2 months. Blueberry and chees have been vegging for 6 weeks
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@MeaCulpa
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Hey everyone. I made one video with flash and one without as last week. So far everything seems to be good. The buds look very impressive. I never expected it.
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@qoodwater
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So far so good! They get better aspect, with denser and Bigger Buds! Some leaves are turning yellow and give them a beatiful look of purple and black with yellow !! Love it
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@SamDo
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Week 21 of the Pineapple Upside Down has been a slow, steady week of adaptation. Nothing dramatic happened, but this phase is crucial, because the plant is still adjusting to the new light spectrum. At the start of the week, I had bumped the PPFD up to around 500. But it became obvious pretty quickly that she wasn’t handling that intensity well. The apex looked tired, the leaves were curling downward like a soft saddle, and the whole plant was signaling that the metabolic shift wasn’t complete yet. So I made the decision to step the intensity back down to 300 PPFD. A gentler light, less metabolic pressure, and a better environment for the plant to recalibrate after the spectrum change. These adaptation phases always take time— forcing it only delays the recovery. Over the next few days, I started noticing some very subtle signs. The apex seems to be lifting again, and the leaves that were curling now look like they’re slowly opening back up. It’s still too early to confirm anything, so I’m keeping expectations realistic. Right now, visual impressions are all we have, and the plant still needs space to stabilize. For this stage, the strategy is simple: no adjustments, no extra stress, no forced progression. We keep the light at 300 PPFD and let her rebuild her momentum naturally. Only when she gives a clear, confirmed sign of vigor—not just a hint— will we start considering the transition to flower. So Week 21 was a quiet-looking week, but an important one metabolically. The plant is processing the spectrum change, resetting its rhythm, and hopefully setting the foundation for a clean, strong pre-flower phase. We’ll check back next week to see if the recovery continues and whether she’s finally ready to move forward. 😎
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Hi everyone! THIs is my first grow and any tips and constructive criticism are encouraged. Right now they’re in a five gallon bucket with a 60watt cfl light in the top wth the lid closed. BLacked out walls from outside stops the light from being exposed and keps it inside. I plan on ordering a grow tent very vey soon(2x2x3) with a 1000w led grow light.
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@Warhead
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Buds are beginning to fatten up. Plant is very resinous and sticky. Smell of bubblegum is very potent when touched.
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Yellow butterfly came to see me the other day; that was nice. Starting to show signs of stress on the odd leaf, localized isolated blips, blemishes, who said growing up was going to be easy! Smaller leaves have less surface area for stomata to occupy, so the stomata are packed more densely to maintain adequate gas exchange. Smaller leaves might have higher stomatal density to compensate for their smaller size, potentially maximizing carbon uptake and minimizing water loss. Environmental conditions like light intensity and water availability can influence stomatal density, and these factors can affect leaf size as well. Leaf development involves cell division and expansion, and stomatal differentiation is sensitive to these processes. In essence, the smaller leaf size can lead to a higher stomatal density due to the constraints of available space and the need to optimize gas exchange for photosynthesis and transpiration. In the long term, UV-B radiation can lead to more complex changes in stomatal morphology, including effects on both stomatal density and size, potentially impacting carbon sequestration and water use. In essence, UV-B can be a double-edged sword for stomata: It can induce stomatal closure and potentially reduce stomatal size, but it may also trigger an increase in stomatal density as a compensatory mechanism. It is generally more efficient for gas exchange to have smaller leaves with a higher stomatal density, rather than large leaves with lower stomatal density. This is because smaller stomata can facilitate faster gas exchange due to shorter diffusion pathways, even though they may have the same total pore area as fewer, larger stomata. Leaf size tends to decrease in colder climates to reduce heat loss, while larger leaves are more common in warmer, humid environments. Plants in arid regions often develop smaller leaves with a thicker cuticle and/or hairs to minimize water loss through transpiration. Conversely, plants in wet environments may have larger leaves and drip tips to facilitate water runoff. Leaf size and shape can vary based on light availability. For example, leaves in shaded areas may be larger and thinner to maximize light absorption. Leaf mass per area (LMA) can be higher in stressful environments with limited nutrients, indicating a greater investment in structural components for protection and critical resource conservation. Wind speed, humidity, and soil conditions can also influence leaf morphology, leading to variations in leaf shape, size, and surface characteristics. Small leaves: Reduce water loss in arid or cold climates. Environmental conditions significantly affect gene expression in plants. Plants are sessile organisms, meaning they cannot move to escape unfavorable conditions, so they rely on gene expression to adapt to their surroundings. Environmental factors like light, temperature, water, and nutrient availability can trigger changes in gene expression, allowing plants to respond to and survive in diverse environments. Depending on the environment a young seedling encounters, the developmental program following seed germination could be skotomorphogenesis in the dark or photomorphogenesis in the light. Light signals are interpreted by a repertoire of photoreceptors followed by sophisticated gene expression networks, eventually resulting in developmental changes. The expression and functions of photoreceptors and key signaling molecules are highly coordinated and regulated at multiple levels of the central dogma in molecular biology. Light activates gene expression through the actions of positive transcriptional regulators and the relaxation of chromatin by histone acetylation. Small regulatory RNAs help attenuate the expression of light-responsive genes. Alternative splicing, protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, the formation of diverse transcriptional complexes, and selective protein degradation all contribute to proteome diversity and change the functions of individual proteins. Photomorphogenesis, the light-driven developmental changes in plants, significantly impacts gene expression. It involves a cascade of events where light signals, perceived by photoreceptors, trigger changes in gene expression patterns, ultimately leading to the development of a plant in response to its light environment. Genes are expressed, not dictated! While having the potential to encode proteins, genes are not automatically and constantly active. Instead, their expression (the process of turning them into proteins) is carefully regulated by the cell, responding to internal and external signals. This means that genes can be "turned on" or "turned off," and the level of expression can be adjusted, depending on the cell's needs and the surrounding environment. In plants, genes are not simply "on" or "off" but rather their expression is carefully regulated based on various factors, including the cell type, developmental stage, and environmental conditions. This means that while all cells in a plant contain the same genetic information (the same genes), different cells will express different subsets of those genes at different times. This regulation is crucial for the proper functioning and development of the plant. When a green plant is exposed to red light, much of the red light is absorbed, but some is also reflected back. The reflected red light, along with any blue light reflected from other parts of the plant, can be perceived by our eyes as purple. Carotenoids absorb light in blue-green region of the visible spectrum, complementing chlorophyll's absorption in the red region. They safeguard the photosynthetic machinery from excessive light by activating singlet oxygen, an oxidant formed during photosynthesis. Carotenoids also quench triplet chlorophyll, which can negatively affect photosynthesis, and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage cellular proteins. Additionally, carotenoid derivatives signal plant development and responses to environmental cues. They serve as precursors for the biosynthesis of phytohormones such as abscisic acid () and strigolactones (SLs). These pigments are responsible for the orange, red, and yellow hues of fruits and vegetables, while acting as free scavengers to protect plants during photosynthesis. Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is an electronically excited state of molecular oxygen (O₂). Singlet oxygen is produced as a byproduct during photosynthesis, primarily within the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center and light-harvesting antenna complex. This occurs when excess energy from excited chlorophyll molecules is transferred to molecular oxygen. While singlet oxygen can cause oxidative damage, plants have mechanisms to manage its production and mitigate its harmful effects. Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) is considered a reactive oxygen species (ROS). It's a form of oxygen with higher energy and reactivity compared to the more common triplet oxygen found in its ground state. Singlet oxygen is generated both in biological systems, such as during photosynthesis in plants, and in cellular processes, and through chemical and photochemical reactions. While singlet oxygen is a ROS, it's important to note that it differs from other ROS like superoxide (O₂⁻), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and hydroxyl radicals (OH) in its formation, reactivity, and specific biological roles. Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) protects plants from damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) by dissipating excess light energy as heat. This process reduces the overexcitation of photosynthetic pigments, which can lead to the production of ROS, thus mitigating the potential for photodamage. Zeaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment, plays a crucial role in photoprotection in plants by both enhancing non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). In high-light conditions, zeaxanthin is synthesized from violaxanthin through the xanthophyll cycle, and this zeaxanthin then facilitates heat dissipation of excess light energy (NPQ) and quenches harmful ROS. The Issue of Singlet Oxygen!! ROS Formation: Blue light, with its higher energy photons, can promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including singlet oxygen, within the plant. Potential Damage: High levels of ROS can damage cellular components, including proteins, lipids, and DNA, potentially impacting plant health and productivity. Balancing Act: A balanced spectrum of light, including both blue and red light, is crucial for mitigating the harmful effects of excessive blue light and promoting optimal plant growth and stress tolerance. The Importance of Red Light: Red light (especially far-red) can help to mitigate the negative effects of excessive blue light by: Balancing the Photoreceptor Response: Red light can influence the activity of photoreceptors like phytochrome, which are involved in regulating plant responses to different light wavelengths. Enhancing Antioxidant Production: Red and blue light can stimulate the production of antioxidants, which help to neutralize ROS and protect the plant from oxidative damage. Optimizing Photosynthesis: Red light is efficiently used in photosynthesis, and its combination with blue light can lead to increased photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production. In controlled environments like greenhouses and vertical farms, optimizing the ratio of blue and red light is a key strategy for promoting healthy plant growth and yield. Understanding the interplay between blue light signaling, ROS production, and antioxidant defense mechanisms can inform breeding programs and biotechnological interventions aimed at improving plant stress resistance. In summary, while blue light is essential for plant development and photosynthesis, it's crucial to balance it with other light wavelengths, particularly red light, to prevent excessive ROS formation and promote overall plant health. Oxidative damage in plants occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the plant's ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage. This imbalance, known as oxidative stress, can result from various environmental stressors, affecting plant growth, development, and overall productivity. Causes of Oxidative Damage: Abiotic stresses: These include extreme temperatures (heat and cold), drought, salinity, heavy metal toxicity, and excessive light. Biotic stresses: Pathogen attacks and insect infestations can also trigger oxidative stress. Metabolic processes: Normal cellular activities, particularly in chloroplasts, mitochondria, and peroxisomes, can generate ROS as byproducts. Certain chlorophyll biosynthesis intermediates can produce singlet oxygen (1O2), a potent ROS, leading to oxidative damage. ROS can damage lipids (lipid peroxidation), proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA). Oxidative stress can compromise the integrity of cell membranes, affecting their function and permeability. Oxidative damage can interfere with essential cellular functions, including photosynthesis, respiration, and signal transduction. In severe cases, oxidative stress can trigger programmed cell death (apoptosis). Oxidative damage can lead to stunted growth, reduced biomass, and lower crop yields. Plants have evolved intricate antioxidant defense systems to counteract oxidative stress. These include: Enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and various peroxidases scavenge ROS and neutralize their damaging effects. Antioxidant molecules like glutathione, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), C60 fullerene, and carotenoids directly neutralize ROS. Developing plant varieties with gene expression focused on enhanced antioxidant capacity and stress tolerance is crucial. Optimizing irrigation, fertilization, and other management practices can help minimize stress and oxidative damage. Applying antioxidant compounds or elicitors can help plants cope with oxidative stress. Introducing genes for enhanced antioxidant enzymes or stress-related proteins over generations. Phytohormones, also known as plant hormones, are a group of naturally occurring organic compounds that regulate plant growth, development, and various physiological processes. The five major classes of phytohormones are: auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, and abscisic acid. In addition to these, other phytohormones like brassinosteroids, jasmonates, and salicylates also play significant roles. Here's a breakdown of the key phytohormones: Auxins: Primarily involved in cell elongation, root initiation, and apical dominance. Gibberellins: Promote stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering. Cytokinins: Stimulate cell division and differentiation, and delay leaf senescence. Ethylene: Regulates fruit ripening, leaf abscission, and senescence. Abscisic acid (ABA): Plays a role in seed dormancy, stomatal closure, and stress responses. Brassinosteroids: Involved in cell elongation, division, and stress responses. Jasmonates: Regulate plant defense against pathogens and herbivores, as well as other processes. Salicylic acid: Plays a role in plant defense against pathogens. 1. Red and Far-Red Light (Phytochromes): Red light: Primarily activates the phytochrome system, converting it to its active form (Pfr), which promotes processes like stem elongation and flowering. Far-red light: Inhibits the phytochrome system by converting the active Pfr form back to the inactive Pr form. This can trigger shade avoidance responses and inhibit germination. Phytohormones: Red and far-red light regulate phytohormones like auxin and gibberellins, which are involved in stem elongation and other growth processes. 2. Blue Light (Cryptochromes and Phototropins): Blue light: Activates cryptochromes and phototropins, which are involved in various processes like stomatal opening, seedling de-etiolation, and phototropism (growth towards light). Phytohormones: Blue light affects auxin levels, influencing stem growth, and also impacts other phytohormones involved in these processes. Example: Blue light can promote vegetative growth and can interact with red light to promote flowering. 3. UV-B Light (UV-B Receptors): UV-B light: Perceived by UVR8 receptors, it can affect plant growth and development and has roles in stress responses, like UV protection. Phytohormones: UV-B light can influence phytohormones involved in stress responses, potentially affecting growth and development. 4. Other Colors: Green light: Plants are generally less sensitive to green light, as chlorophyll reflects it. Other wavelengths: While less studied, other wavelengths can also influence plant growth and development through interactions with different photoreceptors and phytohormones. Key Points: Cross-Signaling: Plants often experience a mix of light wavelengths, leading to complex interactions between different photoreceptors and phytohormones. Species Variability: The precise effects of light color on phytohormones can vary between different plant species. Hormonal Interactions: Phytohormones don't act in isolation; their interactions and interplay with other phytohormones and environmental signals are critical for plant responses. The spectral ratio of light (the composition of different colors of light) significantly influences a plant's hormonal balance. Different wavelengths of light are perceived by specific photoreceptors in plants, which in turn regulate the production and activity of various plant hormones (phytohormones). These hormones then control a wide range of developmental processes.
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Die Pflanzen sind nun mitten in Blütewoche 3 und zeigen eine sehr stabile Entwicklung. Der Stretch neigt sich dem Ende zu, die Struktur hat sich gefestigt und die ersten deutlichen Blütenansätze sind sichtbar. Die Triebe richten sich gleichmäßig zum Licht aus, das Netz hält die Form optimal und sorgt für eine ausgeglichene Lichtverteilung im gesamten Canopy. Durch die unfreiwillige Umstellung auf ein semi-hydroponisches System läuft das Setup jetzt mit konstanter Wasserzirkulation. Eine Pumpe wurde hinzugefügt, um den Sauerstoffgehalt im Nährmedium zu erhöhen und Stauwasser zu vermeiden. Das System arbeitet zuverlässig, und die Pflanzen profitieren deutlich – die Wurzeln wirken vital, hell und aktiv. Die Düngung wurde auf 6 ml/l Canna Coco A + B angehoben. Die Pflanzen nehmen die Nährstoffe hervorragend auf, ohne Anzeichen von Überdüngung oder Stress. Das Blattwerk bleibt kräftig grün mit leichtem Glanz, und die Blattstruktur ist eng und gesund. Die Blütenbildung schreitet zügig voran – die Budsites sind klar definiert, und die Pflanze zeigt ihr volles Potenzial. Geruch und Harzbildung beginnen sich langsam zu entwickeln, was auf eine starke und gesunde Blütephase hindeutet. Insgesamt präsentieren sich die Pflanzen vital, stabil und perfekt im Flow der frühen Blütephase. Das Semi-Hydro-System liefert konstant Feuchtigkeit und Nährstoffe, während das Netz weiterhin eine gleichmäßige Struktur gewährleistet. Alles läuft optimal für den Übergang in die mittlere Blüte.
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During week 12 the plants are in their 5th week of flowering since the switch to 12/12 hours of light/darkness. All plants develop nice flower crowns now and the top-buds start to get encrusted with trichomes. Especially the MAC from Tropical Trees seeds from Hawaii has already an impressive layer of trichomes on top. All 12 plants have a nice healthy green color, which shows the BIO NOVA nutrients work GREAT! 💪😎 My two SANlight EVO4-120 LEDs are doing an EXCELLENT job and are running on 100% power now (=3 GREEN lights on the dimmer ON). This cycle is going AWESOME until now and I cant wait for the buds to get bigger...
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I'm very happy about how the buds have developed in this 2nd week of flower! The girls stretched a lot this week, about 15cm. The bud sites are a bit too close to each other, but I can't do much about it now, I will have to put up to the extra work when harvesting. They get fed 6 times a day and they drink a looot, about 2,8l per day 😮 I'm doing a flush today, the first one, to get the roots rinsed out of any accumulated salts.
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@Bncgrower
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Great harvest, I was impressed with the quality of this strain. After the drying and curing process, I'll give my feedback! 💪
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Seeds germinated in room temperature water for 36 hours in the dark.Planted today in 3 gal pots with a mix of happy frog and ocean forest soil.Used recharge in the first watering and now I wait for these 9 girls to be born .)
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@russrahl
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Plants are 5 weeks old and I decided to switch to flowering for week 6. Plants are all in good shape and the screen is in place to train them to fill the tent. I will be changing out the veg bulb this week and installing the 1000w HPS bulb for flowering. I’m still playing with the light rail speeds and pause times but I seem to have it dialled in now I think. I will also be doing another water change and adding flower nutrients sometime this week. ****Added 7 gal of fresh water to the reservoir on day 38. Added full strength Remo lineup for flowering to the 7 gal added to reservoir. I started to tie down/tuck the larger branches to the net as well.
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Harvest time for amnesia lemon haze. Intense lemon smell, tall stretchy girl with big sticky buds! While her height almost became an issue, she managed to finish with minimal light stress and just a few signs of foxtailing. Will update in 7-10 days with initial smoke and dry weight. Thanks for tuning in to this grow 👽🌳🔥💚 Update - 79 grams dried, minus a couple grams for the smoke test. Buds have a lemon smell and a lemon fruit flavor when smoked.
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Had a visitor this week. As I was watering my plants I noticed this red spot on one of the leaves... To my surprise it was a ladybug. I don't have aphids or nothing like that, and I don't have the slightest idea where this litle nugget came from.... Besides that all plants are doing OK, NL 1 is a litlle slower than the other ones and its just now starting to show first signs of flower. The other ones did that last week... The NL1 and MC started drinking and eating a lot. They go trough 700ml in a day and half. Upping the watering dosage this week so I can have more time between waterings. I like around 3 days.
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@Chucky324
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Hello. This is the end of week 9 and the beginning of week 10 of flowering. Got 1 week of flushing done. I'll give the 3rd flushing tomorrow and and I should get another in before the harvest, starting on Aug 5, a Monday. In years past, it's taken about a week to cut it down, hang the branches for a few days and then put the buds into curing bags. Getting yellow leaves because of the flushing and there is another week to go so there will be more yellow leaves. That's Ok. I think if you mistreat them a bit, you gets more THC at harvest. The 3 plants I have inside were wilted when I checked on them. With the heat they went through their water faster since the last watering. Now they have got lots of yellow leaves, especially Plant #8b. That twin has been a little strange since the start. Oh well?!? The inside plants are a week behind the ones in the greenhouse and they will be harvested after I've finished in the greenhouse. Showed some of my flowering peyote. They are self pollenating and the oldest is about 20 years old. Finished book 5 of Weirdo. I've got more Freak Bros. comic books for the next diaries which will be Pink Kush and Death Bubba from weedasecgenetics.simdif.com/ or weedasec.org/ OK. Keep Growing Straight. Chuck.
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Hey guys! So, finally Saturday I chopped her down. She looked now ready and delicious, although I only notice yesterday how many seeds she has allover the place. She hermied in front of me without noticing, not good at all and need to start looking much better and in detail into the plants. Feel like an idiot now. Anyways, it was a full week! Emptied the grinder collector and pressed it down a little, makes a very nice smoke, light but pleasant, the kind of stuff it keep you going all day without the dumb effect. From all trimming made the bubble hash. Got a little too green as the 220micron bag's stitches slightly opened letting some contaminants in the final mix, hence the green color. This was a hit. in opposition to the grinder stuff, this sent me straight to the moon, really heavy stone effect, even thinking was hard. Reminded me those afghan/ moroccan balls we used to get back in the early 2000's. The weed itself it's still drying so the smoke report will be updated in there. 715g of fresh cut plant is good, let's see the potency and the seeds. Might turn it all into bubble hash, if I see it'll be an hassle to remove seeds. On an earlier bud I've cut and dried, smoked it and you can see pure white ashes in the bong. Ain't that a beauty?