Yo, How to Know When Yo Autoflower is Ready to Chop?
Yo, what’s good fam? If you tryna grow that sticky icky and you new to the game, ya probably wonderin’, “How I know when my autoflower ready to get chopped?” Aight, let me break it down for you in a way you gon’ understand.
What’s the Deal with Autoflower?
So check it, autoflowerin’ be when your cannabis plants switch up from just growin’ leaves to start producin’ them buds, all on their own. They be doin’ this without needin’ mad sunlight, which is tight for us growers who might not get that full sun all day. You just plant that seed, and before ya know it, it’s flower time, baby!
How Long it Take to Get to Harvest?
Now, don’t get it twisted, every strain be different, but generally, you lookin’ at about 8 to 11 weeks from seed to harvest. That means from the moment you drop that seed in the soil to when you ready to chop it down, it gon’ take a bit of time. Just keep in mind, even if you plant 10 seeds at the same time, they might not all grow the same way. Some might stretch out while others just chill.
Do I Trust the Breeder’s Schedule?
When you buy them autoflower seeds, they might come with a timeline on the pack. But, yo, don’t take that as gospel. That’s just a guideline, and sometimes it can be way off, so you gotta pay attention to your plants and how they livin’. Watch for them signs instead!
The Life Cycle of Yo Cannabis Seeds
Before we dive into them harvest signs, let’s peep the life cycle of your cannabis seeds. Knowing this helps you keep track of how your girls (or boys) be growin’:
- Germination Stage (1 to 2 weeks): This is when that seed cracks open and starts growin’ roots. It can take up to a week, don’t sweat it if it takes a lil’ longer.
- Seedling Phase (2 to 4 weeks): This is when your plant starts peepin’ outta the soil. Keep an eye out for them first green leaves, that’s your signal that things are movin’.
- Vegetative Stage (1 to 8 weeks): This is the stage where your plant is all about growin’ leaves and roots. It’s just chillin’, but be ready ‘cause it might outgrow that pot fast!
- Flowering Stage (4 to 11 weeks): Finally, we gettin’ close to harvest! Look out for them buds startin’ to form. This is where the magic happens.
How to Tell When Your Autoflower is Ready for Harvest?
Aight, so let’s get into the real stuff. How you know when it’s time to chop? Here’s a few signs to look out for:
- Timing: Keep track of how long it’s been since you planted. If it’s around that 8 to 11 weeks mark, start lookin’ closer.
- Water Consumption: When your plant starts drinkin’ less water, that’s a big clue. If it’s takin’ forever to soak up water, it’s time to think about harvest.
- Pistils and Stigmas: Look for them white hairs on your buds. If they start turnin’ brown, that’s a sign it’s almost time!
- Trichomes: Yo, these tiny hairs are key. You gotta check ‘em with a magnifying glass. If they clear, wait a bit. If they cloudy, you’re at peak potency. Amber trichomes mean it’s time to chop!
- Leaf Colors: If them fan leaves start turnin’ yellow, that’s a sign your plant is ready to get its final cut.
Flushing Before Harvest
Now, before you chop, you gotta flush your plants. This mean give ‘em water without any nutrients for about 1 to 2 weeks. This helps get rid of any leftover fertilizers, makin’ sure you get that clean smoke.
Best Time to Harvest
If you growin’ outdoors, best time to harvest is in the fall. If you in the Northern Hemisphere, look out for September to November. Southern Hemisphere? March to May is your time!
FAQs
- What if I harvest too early? You gon’ lose out on that potency, and your stash won’t hit like it should.
- What if I wait too long? THC levels drop, makin’ it a more chill vibe rather than that uplifting high.
- Do autoflowers need dark before harvest? Nah, they don’t need that dark like photoperiod plants do.
Final Words
Ayo, if you been wondering how to tell if your autoflower is ready, just remember to keep an eye out for them signs. Each plant unique, so trust your gut, and don’t be scared to chop when the time is right! Happy growin’!