I’m at a loss. This morning I checked in on my 6th attempt to grow from autoflower seeds and it sprouted out of the soil yesterday, this morning it was wilted over and pretty much dead.
I’ve got a 24 x 24 grow tent, overhead filter and ventilation, fan and grow lights (blue at this stage) on a 12hr cycle (it only allows 4-6-12 hr), I can’t recall the wattage at the moment, but I can find out.
Soaked the seed for 36 hrs, planted in regular potting soil, 1/4 gallon pot, watered accordingly with ILGM seedling fertilizer.
Of these 6 attempts, only my first attempt grew. It got to about 4" and started to bloom. Took the recommended corrective actions of 24 hr blue light, still failed. It was planted in Miracle Grow soil, which I later read not to do. So I switched to regular potting soil for the other 5 attempts. Of those last 5 attempts, 2 seeds never germinated and the other 3 sprouted to all of maybe 2" and wilted and died.
I’m at a loss. It shouldn’t be this complicated, at least I hope not. I simply cannot afford to keep purchasing from local shops.
My guess is, unless using a cannabis optimized soil that you are running into the same issues as you would with MG.
Seedlings respond well to 24/0 light until established.
I have a Northern Lights Auto that is doing the same. I would suggest you rethink the idea of using autos as I believe they are harder to be a successful grower using them (until more experienced). I prefer photoperiod and frankly the best plants are grown from regular seeds; but you have to grow extra to cull males.
The neat thing about photos is if you mess up you just veg longer.
What exactly are you using for potting soil? If it says anything on the bag like: “Needs no fertilizer for 3 months!” or “Moisture Control” you got the wrong stuff.
The problem with commercial soils is the use of harsh fertilizers really only usable when you stab nursery plants (already established) into the soil. Cannabis-friendly soil is PH buffered to be in the correct range for optimal growth with cannabis so run into far fewer nutrient issues. Remember: anything) can stall an auto.
If continuing with autos, here’s a mad auto grower: @Not2SureYet . Maybe he can help.
I don’t assume anything. So, recommend heading the ILGM Guide section and read or re-read germination - seedling sections. The go to Weedeasy and read their articles then another reputable publication. To go 0 for 6, you have to be doing something very wrong.
I just want to say welcome here! All I know with my seedlings, and last auto grow, I go for a 24/0 light schedule then reduce to 18/6. My two autos now are on a 12/12 only because I am experimenting on how well they do with photo grow in a tent. And right now my thought is that they do not like the 12/12 as much. Also, for the first couple of weeks I only put them under a T5 light as it is gentler.
Loads of info here and some really good veteran growers. Read across many different sites on grow information. ILGM is wonderful but other sites may have that one tiny bit of information crucial to your strain, environment, etc. while they all generally agree on how a particular strain grow environment, there is so much information that one site most sites just don’t bog down into minutia that could be critical. If that makes sense.
All I can say right now is, Wow! You all are so great in your replies. Sorry it’s taken me this long to reply back…work has been nuts. Anyhow, a few quick items while I have a moment between meetings…I double checked the potting soil n sure enough, a very small symbol on the bag stating “feeds up to 6 months”. So it’s no diff than using miracle grow…ugh. thats problem #1 I’m sure. Next, I figured out a trick to get the lights on 24hrs. Takes some finesse with the switch, but it works. I added a pic of what it looked like right before another watering, but since then, with the lights on 24h, it looks to be coming back! Damn, gottarun. I’ll be back on tonight. Thank you so much for the info and recommendation of articles, I’ve got lots of reading to do.
Hey man. You said the soil you used had 6 months worth of nutrients? Get rid of that. There are quite a few good soils you can get but I would recommend Fix Farms Happy Frog. You can get it online, but if you can find a local grow store (search Hydroponics store near me) that has it, it will be way cheaper.
It seems like you have germination down now. I would recommend planting into a solo cup first, as this makes it easier to tell when you need to water. Put some holes in the solo cup for drainage, and make sure you water till you get some runoff, then don’t water again until the cup is super light.
Thank you! I see 51.4 qt bag on Amazon for $40. I’ll see if anyone local has such and compare fir sure. I really appreciate all the help and info everyone is providing. I can’t thank you all enough.
Good stuff man! Yeah getting it online is expensive.
Have you thought about what nutrients you are going to go with? I personally use Jacks Hydroponics formula with added Silica for strong stems and a product called Real Growers Recharge. It’s got loads of good stuff in it, like beneficial bacteria and fungi. Here’s some info on it.
This stuff is freaking amazing! Night and day difference.
Ok, just an update on this. I decided to go fool proof and purchased one of the “A Pot for Pot” starter kits.
Followed the directions to a T. Everything seemed to be going well. I’m in the midst of week 4 and my plant seems to be too tall for its leaves. Yes, the lights are within 1 foot of the plant as was directed. But as of yesterday when I checked on her, see was drooped over at about a 45 degree angle. So I had to prop it up (see attachment). Also, directions say to water every 5 to 6 days, but that seems to be a bit too long as the Pot gets very light. I’m afraid I’m watering it too much and thus in turn not watering it enough???
This is attempt number 7 and I have zero confidence. It shouldn’t be this damn difficult.
Fool proof to the extent of good potting soil. But my concern is the lighting you’re using. For your lite to be so close, and still have that much stretch, don’t think it’s the light you need. Also watering schedule is just a suggestion. If it’s dry, give some water. The pic looks like it’s very thirsty.
Watering…thats what I’m thinking, just wasn’t sure. I’ll water it more each time I water and note the weight of the pot.
Lighting - I felt it was stretching a lot as well. I have to assume I need stronger ones. I’ll have to check what these are, I don’t recall off top of my head, but if you have suggestions, please, by all means.
The kit has Super Soil, perlite, a cocoblock, etc. Basically everything that’s needed other than the seed…so they claim.
But again I think the issue is watering, always worried of too much and I guess the lighting based on the stretch. The lights are at highest setting.
Also, water…ive read a few places where it states to use only bottled water, others have stated tap water thats sat for a few hours to rid of the chlorine, etc. I have to safely assume distilled water would be a good option as well?
It’s ok to start. Do you have a ph meter? Distilled water should run at 7, which is neutral. And you want to hit 6.5. As for lights, that’s a personal choice as to what works best, cheapest, ect. @dbrn32 is the light guru! I have mars tsl2000. Seems to work ok for me!
