18/06: Week 5 – early bloom stage confirmed! 🌱➡️🌸
We're entering week 5 with EC 1.6 and pH 5.8. The very first white pistils have emerged, confirming the transition into early flowering. The recent vertical surge was likely boosted by Far-Red and IR spectrum effects, along with enhanced metabolism from the CO₂ generator. From here, the plants will start shifting energy from stretch to flower production. Environmental control (especially RH and VPD) is now crucial to avoid early bloom issues. LST is being finalized as structure sets in.
21/06: We're now at day 31 since germination, and the flowering phase is clearly underway. Based on the canopy photo, the plants are thriving: a lush, uniform green with no signs of nutrient stress. Buds are starting to stack up nicely, and the foliage remains sturdy and intact.
EC has been bumped up to 1.8 this week to support early bloom demands — especially for phosphorus and potassium — and the plants are handling it smoothly. No burnt tips or discoloration, indicating stable nutrient uptake. With environmental parameters dialed in through the GGS controller, everything's in sync. Onward to some serious bud building.
22/06: Stretch is in full swing — the girls are reaching hard, and I’ve had to raise the lights multiple times over the last few days. They’re now hovering just 10 cm above the canopy, delivering 1200 PPFD at 38 °C. We're truly pushing the physiological limit here.
Dropping the lights any closer isn’t an option — cooling is maxed out, and more intensity = more heat. The only adjustable variable left would be CO₂ reduction, which I’d rather avoid at this stage. So far, no visible stress signs, but I’m watching them closely.
Water uptake is intense — 100L in just 5 days. I refilled today (rather than a full res change) to prevent air pocket formation. Slightly bumped up the EC to temper the stretch. If things keep going vertical, some LST may soon be necessary — a few tops are practically kissing the diodes.