Triggering the Bloom: The Light Flip

To initiate flowering, you must change the light cycle to **12 hours of light and 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness** (12/12). The long period of darkness signals to the plant that it’s time to reproduce (create flowers).

• Total Darkness is Essential: Any light leaks during the 12-hour dark period can stress the plant, potentially causing it to revert to veg or develop hermaphroditic traits. Ensure your grow space is completely sealed from light.
• The Stretch: In the first 1-3 weeks of flowering, most strains will stretch significantly, sometimes doubling in height. Be prepared for this growth spurt.

Flowering Nutrients & Environment

The plant’s nutritional needs change dramatically during flowering. It now requires less Nitrogen (N) and much more Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to build dense, resinous buds.

• Switch to “Bloom” Nutrients: Use a nutrient formula specifically designed for the flowering stage. These are high in P and K.
• Temperature & Humidity: Lower your temperature slightly to 65-80°F (18-26°C). It’s also critical to lower your humidity to 40-50% to prevent bud rot (botrytis).
• Airflow: Good airflow is more important than ever. Ensure air is circulating around the buds to keep humidity down and prevent mold.

Late Flower & Flushing

As you approach the end of the flowering cycle (typically 8-11 weeks), it’s time to prepare for harvest.

• Check Trichomes: The best way to know when to harvest is by inspecting the trichomes (the tiny resin glands on the buds) with a jeweler’s loupe. Harvest when they are mostly milky white with some amber.
• Flushing: For the final 7-14 days before harvest, stop feeding your plants any nutrients. Water them with plain, pH-balanced water only. This process, called “flushing,” helps remove excess nutrient salts from the plant, resulting in a smoother, better-tasting final product.