Growing Auto Strains
Autoflowering cannabis plants automatically flower based on age, rather than light cycles. They are easier to grow for novices and require less training. However, some training techniques can still be used to improve yield. Autoflowering plants are a good option for faster and simpler growth with fewer training tasks.
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Autoflowering Stage
Autoflowering cannabis plants have a fixed lighting cycle of 18 hours on and 6 hours off for both the vegetative and flowering stages. To support their growth, the app will prompt you to change the water and nutrients on a weekly basis before week 4, and every three days after week 4. This ensures that the plant receives the necessary nutrients for optimal development.
Training required during the autoflowering stage
1. Trim&LST
Trim:
Trimming is also known as defoliating, which means removal of leaves from your plant. It can be done for various reasons, such as to control pests, promote better air circulation and light penetration, and to increase yields.
At this stage (week 3 of the autoflowering stage), the primary purpose of trimming is to promote the growth of strong branches from axillary buds. This can be achieved by removing the large fan leaves located under the axillary buds.
It's essential to trim with caution to avoid stressing the plant, and only remove necessary leaves to encourage healthy growth.
To trim a plant, follow these steps:
Determine which fan leaves to remove by targeting the ones located under the axillary buds.
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make a precise cut and remove the identified fan leaves.
After completing the trimming process, the plant's growing energy will shift towards the development of its branches. At this point, you can begin Low-Stress Training (LST) by following these instructions:
Low-Stress Training (week 3):
Low-stress training (LST) is a cannabis cultivation technique that involves bending and tying down the branches of a plant to encourage horizontal growth and even canopy development.
By using LST, growers can control the shape and size of the plant, increase light exposure to lower bud sites, promote more productive lateral growth, and create more space for buds to grow in abby, ultimately leading to a larger yield.
2. Trimming&LST(week 4)
Trim:
During week 4 of the autoflowering stage, the aim of trimming is indeed to promote the growth of strong branches rather than leaves. Cultivating 8-12 strong branches at this stage can enable a switch to the flowering stage sooner, which can ultimately lead to earlier bud production.
To achieve this, removing fan leaves located under the axillary buds can help redirect the plant's energy toward the branches, resulting in robust and bushy plants.
Before
After
(example from our user: @Chris Mafia)
Low-Stress Training (week 4):
In the fourth week of the autoflowering stage, Low Stress Training (LST) is implemented to shape the plant by gently bending and spreading out the branches in the desired direction. This is achieved by using a trellis net to hold the branches in place and manipulate the overall size and shape of the plant, ensuring that the branches are evenly distributed throughout the abby growing space.
3. Lollipopping (week 5)
Lollipopping aims to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mold or mildew, and also redirect the plant's energy towards the buds, resulting in better quality buds. However, this technique can also cause stress to the plant, potentially reducing the overall yield.
It's important to proceed with caution when lollipopping during the flowering stage, and to stop once the buds have formed to avoid causing undue stress to the plant and reducing the yield.
To lollipop a plant, follow these steps:
Prepare tools: You will need a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to avoid damaging the plant.
Identify the small, weak branches that are new and growing under the 4th node of each robust branch and remove them.
