Perhaps the most-awaited and exciting part of planting marijuana plants is witnessing the process of how the plants grow and mature until harvest. For pro growers, this might be a typical and mundane incident, but for a beginner grower, this is where the fun starts to reveal. The traditional marijuana plant strain like Indica or Sativa goes a long way before it matures, but the autoflower strains offer a different process since they mature and grow in a shorter time. To get to the harvest time correctly, it is essential to know how to tell when the autoflower is flowering.
Just like traditional strains, autoflower plants also follow the specific growth stages but only for a shorter time. Instead of waiting for almost a year before the harvest, in a span of two to three months, the autoflower marijuana plants are healthy and ready. That is why many growers are encouraged to grow autoflowers even when they cost higher than the traditional ones. Growing autoflower strains is not different from growing all other strains available. It still needs the same care, attention, and nutrients. It is in the knowledge of the time frame of the growth stage that will make all the difference. Thus, the first step on how to tell when autoflower is flowering is when a grower knows the autoflower growing process.
Life growth Stages of an Autoflower
Before a grower knows how to tell when an autoflower is flowering, one must be an expert in knowing the basic life stages and marijuana plant proper care and attention. With those things combined, the grower will have an easy way to tell when autoflower is flowering. It might be a little discouraging when failing the first time, but even pro growers started at the bottom without knowing all the basics. So, the beginner grower must be open to multiple mistakes and strive to learn more through researching and seeking help if possible.
Before learning how to tell when autoflower is flowering, a grower must first grow autoflower seeds. The first part is generally called germination in the field of agriculture. To get the best yield possible, make sure the ones planted are of excellent quality. Buying seeds through a legit distributor will help lessen the anxiety of getting bad and damaged seeds. There are different ways to germinate the seed.
One easy way is to directly plant the seeds into the nutrient-filled soil and let them grow there. This is the most convenient thing to do that works all the time. However, some growers also choose to soak the seeds first in water for almost twenty-four hours. After soaking, the seeds are moved on a wet paper towel and are stocked in a locked plastic bag for one to two days until the roots start to grow and plants are ready for planting.
The next life stage of the autoflower plant is the seedling part. Once the seeds are transferred or buried safely in the soil, nature will do wonders and let the seed grow into a seedling or a small plant with more or less two leaves. There is no need to rush the seedling growth of the plant. Just let it sprout in its own time and effort. Messing with the plant’s natural growth may lead to damages that could lead to any irregularities for the next stages. Make sure the soil’s pH balance is adjusted to the preferred or needed range. There are different organic nutrients available in the market, but since this is just the seedling part, avoid overdoing the process.
One trick to do is use nutrient-infused soil to avoid giving other nutrients that may be too much for the plants. Since this part is very crucial, there is a need for extra care and attention. Make sure it gets the right amount of water, sunlight, and good airflow.
The first week of the plant’s growth may be slow. A couple of leaves will sprout, and the additional leaves will soon appear as days pass by. For the first week, it is not necessary to give organic nutrients, especially when growing using soil. Mistakes such as overwatering might happen. There is no need to fill the pot to the brim with water. Give enough that would make the soil damp and not dripping. Overwatering can drown and kill a little seedling.
Two weeks have passed, and the plant will grow more leaves, though they are still very fragile and sensitive. This is also a good time to start giving nutrients, especially if the soil lacks the pre-made natural nutrients. Adjust the lights, especially when no specific improvements on the plant’s growth. Once the grower reaches this part, the ways on how to tell when autoflower is flowering are getting nearer.
How to tell when autoflower is flowering – Pre-flowering and Flowering Stage
Pre-flowers of a female plant look like a small bud with white hairs. The white hair is a pistil, and this will get in contact with the pollen from a male plant in order to germinate seeds. The pre-flowering stage is easy to identify. In this stage, a lot of leaves are already growing. The plant is in full force in growing fast, so the nutrients must be enough. The pre-flowering part is usually called the vegetative stage, where the growth of the marijuana plant is very crucial. The vegetative stage will decide the quality of yield the growers will get.
After three weeks, more leaves will appear. During this time, pre-flowers will appear, and it will be easier to know the gender of the plant. Once these pre-flowers start to grow, knowing how to tell when autoflower is flowering is now easy to know. The grower who uses feminized seeds will have nothing to do but to let the plant grow and mature, while those using regular seeds, it is important to know which plants are male and female. Unless the grower is trying to get seeds from an autoflowering plant, the male plants should be separated from the female ones.
How to tell when autoflower is flowering – What to do?
Telling when autoflower is flowering is easy once the pre-flowers developed, and it is easier to know the gender of the plant. From the first day of the pre-flower stage, it will take a month or two before the harvest, so the needed nutrients and care must always be present. Continue giving the essential water and nutrients, but be careful not to overdo it.
The pistils and the calyx will stay growing from every stem joint in the autoflower plant and will continue to grow until they reach maturity. Even without enough light, the autoflower plants will continue to flower and grow. When growing outdoors, make sure the plants are safe from any harsh weather. Once the bud has fully formed and swelled up, stop giving the plant any nitrogen, but rather bring more phosphorus and potassium for a higher quantity of flower production. Once these pistils turn brown, this means they are close to harvesting.
Conclusion
Having the autoflower start flowering is part of the process. It means that the plant’s initial care and nutrients worked, so it is now bound to the final steps, which are maturing and getting ready for harvest. This is very important since knowing how to tell when autoflower is flowering will also tell the growers what to expect from the plant. These important features allow the growers to know the gender of the plants and what else could be done in order to make them grow sturdier and healthier.
Thus, when a grower learns how to tell when autoflower is flowering, the grower is attentive and meticulous to the growing process of the plant. Since this is also one of the most crucial parts, knowing when these would happen will allow the growers to prepare for the necessary things needed, such as airflow, nutrients, and good light. Now, knowing how to tell when autoflower is flowering is as easy as knowing the basic steps of marijuana breeding and cultivating.
