Sexing and Pruning.... When do I start pruning and how much should I take off?

SuperSativa · Jun 21, 2016

Almost ready to harvest

Almost ready to harvest

Howdy folks, I just did the final, (2 week prior to harvest) flush/watering. I had planned on it being 2 weeks prior to harvest but these girls are looking close to ready. Yesterday was week 6 of flowering. I planned on going 8 weeks but I may cut that down to 7.
Here are some pics at week 6.

I'm also contemplating using molasses. Anyone have experience they can share?

DoDad · Jun 21, 2016

SuperSativa said:
I planned on going 8 weeks but I may cut that down to 7.
Here are some pics at week 6.

You can't really go by weeks, you have to go by looks. Many new growers harvest too way early. If you are out of weed, chop enough to keep you going and let them be.

At least, you want the pistils to all be red and curled back into the buds. That can take longer than what we think or what we have read, and always longer than we want.

One school of thought is wait for 10% amber trichromes, 80 percent cloudy, 10 clear. I've had females sit in flower for 3 weeks after they stopped growing entirely, and never did get an amber.

If you are going to error here, error on the side of over-ripe.

Remember this: It's easy to harvest before they are done, but nearly impossible to get them to over-ripen.

Learning to harvest when the plants are at their peak of potency will pay off in more ways than one.

SuperSativa · Jun 21, 2016

SuperSativa said:
I had planned on it being 2 weeks prior to harvest but these girls are looking close to ready.

Hey DoDad, how's it going? I actually am going by the color of trichromes. I wasn't very specific but that's what I meant by "looking close to ready". I have a 60X - 120X microscope and I'm starting to see some amber trichromes. It's strange though because I'll see ~2 out of 10 that are amber in some areas but other areas still have clear triches... And I'm not seeing many "cloudy/milky" triches but the amber sticks out like a sore thumb. What do you think? I'm gonna let them go 1 more week at least and maybe harvest next Sunday (which will be exactly 7 weeks into 12/12).

Anything on the molasses? Have you used em? Do you know if it's worth it to use molasses and is there a specific brand that's preferred? Anyone can feel free to jump in on this please..... :friends:

DoDad · Jun 21, 2016

SuperSativa said:
It's strange though because I'll see ~2 out of 10 that are amber in some areas but other areas still have clear triches... And I'm not seeing many "cloudy/milky" triches but the amber sticks out like a sore thumb. What do you think? I'm gonna let them go 1 more week at least and maybe harvest next Sunday (which will be exactly 7 weeks into 12/12).

Anything on the molasses? Have you used em? Do you know if it's worth it to use molasses and is there a specific brand that's preferred? Anyone can feel free to jump in on this please..... :friends:

https://www.icmag.com/ic/attachment.php?attachmentid=367603 View Image https://www.icmag.com/ic/attachment.php?attachmentid=368343 View Image

I have heard people harvesting different parts of the plant at different times but I don't do it. You know what that amber means so unless I was going for couch lock, I would chop the whole plant at 10% amber.

I don't use additives. I grow super easy. One thing I learned too late was the more complicated you make this, the less successful you may become.

You have spent months papering these plants and they are growing flowers. Be happy with what you will produce and don't risk your success for something that may not show any real reward and may screw something up.

After you have a couple of pounds put up in jars, you can experiment. I wouldn't change what I was doing and get these plants to the finish line.

Now, why molasses? I believe I read it's for plants with calcium deficiency and people were using that in organic grows over Cal/mag? I don't remember.

I've designed my grow to be the lowest level of effort possible. True, I may leave a gram or two off here and there, but I have a free life and don't have to worry about screwing anything up if I keep it simple.

mr.brunch · Jun 21, 2016

That ^^^^ right there for the win.

That's damn good advice.

Gnz · Jun 22, 2016

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?threadid=172063

Here's a reasonably informative thread about molasses, some of the claims are ridiculous but this one at least acknowledges it does nothing to directly boost the plant besides helping feed the micro-organisms which break down nutrients in the soil. I use it in the belief it helps with the flush process.

Most organic or 'amino' bloom boosters certainly smell like they're largely molasses too, I've noticed no difference between 'liquid lead' booster and plain black strop molasses from the supermarket in my 4 grows using molasses. I have noticed an increase in taste and burnability of the cured product in the last few grows I've used molasses for, but there have been many other variables that changed with these grows as well.

As far as I'm concerned feeding molasses isn't going to gain much other than maybe a slightly cleaner product, it certainly doesn't cause any harm but I wouldn't go out of my way to do it!

Ratzilla · Jun 22, 2016

Forgive me for not going to read the thread that was posted about molasses.
Buy I'll state what I know about molasses.
It usually has a NPK of 1-0-5 is a natural chelating element as well as food source for both the bacteria and fungus.
It also contains Sulfur, Iron, Magnesium and calcium.
I will use molasses up to 2 weeks before harvest after that I don't want to be giving my plants any Magnesium for I believe it will make the buds smoke harsh, the Mag.
Being it is a natural chelating element I like using it up until 2 weeks to go.
I use it in all my teas @1tsp/gal.
I opine that stopping molasses use with 2 weeks to go makes the buds smoke nice a smooth.
Ratz :tiphat:

SuperSativa · Jun 22, 2016

DoDad said:
Now, why molasses? I believe I read it's for plants with calcium deficiency and people were using that in organic grows over Cal/mag?

Thanks for the link to that thread GNZ.

Dodad, I wanted to get back to you yesterday but was busy with last minute packing, driving and taking a ferry to Martha's Vineyard for vacation. Now I'm until Sunday.
P.S. I left my father responsible for the kids. He had a stroke a year ago which messed him up a bit, making him forgetful at times but, he's been doing much better and he's into this project 110% and loving every bit of it so I'm hoping the kids are nice healthy when I get back.
To answer your question
"Now, why molasses? I believe I read it's for plants with calcium deficiency and people were using that in organic grows over Cal/mag?"

I had heard people use molasses to bring out (amplify) and sweeten the taste of the smoke. After doing my own research, I've found mixed opinions but most are in favor of molasses. Also, as GNZ suggested, it apparently breaks down the macro and micro organisms and is advantageous when using molasses along with your regular nutrients. I didn't know about all this other stuff and just thought it was for taste until I started reading further into it. Although I must say, I do agree with GNZ and believe many of these claims are probably exaggerated. If you read this - https://www.zamnesia.com/blog-molasses-and-cannabis-taking-your-soil-to-the-next-level-n352 - you'd think it's God's gift to cannabis. I may add a little (1 tsp/gallon to the final watering. I'll let you know if I do.

Gnz · Jun 27, 2016

How's things coming along man? Did you decide to chop early?

SuperSativa · Jun 28, 2016

On the contrary GNZ.... I'm gonna go the full 8 weeks and now I'm thinking up to 9. It's crazy how many times I've changed my mind throughout this process and end up doing something completely different than planned. After speaking with a good friend that's been growing up and Maine for many years, he has me convinced they're not ready and he said he'd go at least 9 weeks. They seem to be really bulking up over the last few days. I gave them one last dose of nutrients last night and I'm going to get the room nice and cool (~60 - 65°) for the last few days. I'll try to keep y'all posted and get some more pics up over the next a couple days. :thank you:

Gnz · Jun 28, 2016

Looking forward to some pics!

Likewise here, was going to go 10 weeks but I might go 11.

SuperSativa · Jun 28, 2016

New pics

New pics

Here are some pics taken today. 2 more weeks my friends!!!!

mr.brunch · Jun 28, 2016

Gorgeous buds, well done.
Now just dry n cure with minimal handling and you are home free!

What you running next?

Gnz · Jun 29, 2016

SuperSativa said:
Here are some pics taken today. 2 more weeks my friends!!!!

Damn! I can see why you were gonna pull them!

Will be interesting to see how much it bulks up over the next two weeks though, puts mine to shame!

TnTLabs · Jun 29, 2016

good work man for the first time

SuperSativa · Jun 29, 2016

Thanks Mr. Brunch, TNT and GNZ.... I appreciate the comments. They definitely keep me coming back to provide updates.
I actually have 3 plants in veg (aka the grand kids) for my next run. I purchased the seeds from Nirvana. 1 x Super Skunk, 1 x Wonder Woman and 1 x Ice. Unfortunately, I had to veg these under T5 and CFL's since I only have 1 HID setup. My current batch had a lot of time under a 1000W MH. I'm hoping the T5/CFL setup doesn't have too much of a negative effect on the final quality and yield on the next batch.

Gnz · Jun 30, 2016

SuperSativa said:
Thanks Mr. Brunch, TNT and GNZ.... I appreciate the comments. They definitely keep me coming back to provide updates.
I actually have 3 plants in veg (aka the grand kids) for my next run. I purchased the seeds from Nirvana. 1 x Super Skunk, 1 x Wonder Woman and 1 x Ice. Unfortunately, I had to veg these under T5 and CFL's since I only have 1 HID setup. My current batch had a lot of time under a 1000W MH. I'm hoping the T5/CFL setup doesn't have too much of a negative effect on the final quality and yield on the next batch.

Shouldn't hurt too much dude, might just take a little longer to reach the same size compared to using a discharge lamp. Keep those bulbs as close as you can!

SuperSativa · Jul 1, 2016

Clone to flower experiment

Clone to flower experiment

Here are some pics of 2 clones that I put right into flowering about 4 weeks ago. They've looked extremely healthy and dark green throughout the grow. I'm gonna go another 4 - 6 weeks with these girls. I'm hoping to get an oz from each but that may be far fetched. They're about 12 inches tall now and their stalks are very solid!!!
Having fun!!!!

Edit.... I wish I knew how to keep the pics from posting sideways or at least rotate them after the fact. Is it possible?

mr.brunch · Jul 1, 2016

I find if I edit my pics before posting ( crop them down a little, so they still show the bud/plant ) they come out the right way up.

mr.brunch · Jul 1, 2016

Also choose 'original only ' instead of 'thumbnail ' on the drop down menu

Sexing and Pruning.... When do I start pruning and how much should I take off?

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