1st Time Grower needs advice from the experts

[Ezygee]

Hi All,
Been here a while but this is my 1st post. I am currently on my first ever grow and must say that i love it already!!

Anyway to the question-
I am growing a K2 cloned from a Mother. Hydroponic system (top feed) 600W HPS. I am just about to make the switch over from vegetative to flower and have been given advice from a commercial grower with many years experience, but i am unable to clarify the information as given. I was told to switch the light off totally for 3 days, before switching to 12/12. However, ive searched here and read several books, but have been unable to find any reference to this, other than a 30-36 hour dark period. Wondering if any of you 420ers have heard of this or used it successfully. Apparently the process will allow my cutie to stretch in search of light and cause the flowerering to start earlier and also produce larger buds. However, im worried that this will stress the plant and cause a hermie.

Thanks for a great site and im looking forward to being part of the community.
EzG

edit, the light has currently been out for approx 40+ hours

 

[420fied]

I have heard of this but have never done it. I simply switch the light cycle with no dark period. I'm not saying that what he told you isn't true.....just that I have never tried it.

It certainly isn't necessary.

 

[Roseman]

I've heard of a 24 hour dark period to speed up the process, but it is not necesary.

 

[Ezygee]

Thanks guys, very much appreciate the advice. Seeing as though its only a day to switch on and its only one plant, i let it continue as to my friends advice(apparently 20+ years experience). I will let you all know the outcome.

 

[Crower619]

My past couple grows ive done 24 hours of dark time before going into the flowering stage this past grow i just did i didnt do the 24 hrs of dark and just went straight to my hps bulbs doesnt matter

 

[Ezygee]

Thanks for your reply, Crower. In the end, i decided to let it go through 72 dark period, she came out of it with a little yellowing and had stretched approx. 4 inches. Im currently on day 8 of flower, and it looks like i have a couple of fluffly white hairs at the nodes.

 

[Roseman]

Unsubscribed

 

[Ezygee]

thanks for dropping by Roseman

 

[PitViper]

for what its worth...I do a 30-36 hr dark cycle then flip them 12/12.

 

[Ezygee]

thanks for stopping by PitViper and thanks for the info. Do you find it helps in getting the ladies to flower/show sex a little earlier?. Does it help increase yield?

 

[PitViper]

thanks for stopping by PitViper and thanks for the info. Do you find it helps in getting the ladies to flower/show sex a little earlier?. Does it help increase yield?

yes it does show sex maybe 2-3 days earlier, yield does not increase. the plant will stretch less and the stalk will be be thicker

 

[Ezygee]

thanks PitViper, I certainly noticed a massive thickening in the stalks. So i was wondering what it like putting up a grow journal here. Im a little worried about the police/pigs/babylon from getting wind of my grow from info provided here.

Love this friendly place. Thanks everyone.

 

[420]

move to faq and advise