THE FLORAISON

The flowering cycle is based on a continuouslighting period of 12 hours during the day and 12 hours at night. This cycle must be imperatively respected in order not to stress the plants ("flashing") and not to restart them by growth.

Moreover, it is necessary to know that a plant will start to flower only one to several weeks after the passage in cycle of flowering. It is precisely during the pre-flowering period that the plant still requires a significant amount of nitrogen (growth fertilizer) until the first flowers or fruits appear. At this point, the plant goes into " declared bloom " and its needs are essentially based on two other macronutrients: Phosphorus (P ) and Potassium (K).

For an optimal flowering, the temperature of the space or box of culture must be limited between 20 and 25°C and the hygrometry between 45 and 50% (to avoid any mould at the level of flowers or fruits).

In soil :

At the time of the passage in "cycle 12/12", it is advised to transplant the plants in their final pots (from 7 to 30 liters) according to the size of the desired plants, the duration of their bloom and the type of fertilizers (mineral or organic) used, by not forgetting to line the bottom of the pots with clay balls. For the 2 to 3 consecutive waterings, the only contribution of a root stimulator (pH between 6.2 and 6.8) is recommended to limit the stress undergone during the repotting.

Then, according to the range of fertilizers used, the growth fertilizer must be continued until the first flowers appear. At the " declared bloom ", the bloom fertilizer, rich in phosphorus and potassium, is gradually applied and adjusted in a pH 6.8 solution (between 6.6 and 7). To increase the flower production or fruiting of the plants, it is recommended to add a flowering stimulator to this fertilizer base. Finally, for plants intended for consumption, a rinse (only water pH 6.8) will be done two or three weeks before harvesting to remove all traces of fertilizer in the finished product. The yellowing of the leaves is a sign of a good rinsing process. After that, bon appétit!

Hydroponics:

Like growing in soil and depending on the range of fertilizers chosen, the switch toflowering fertilizer is only made when the first flowers appear. Thus, the growth fertilizer should be continued during the pre-flowering period (about 10-15 days). To optimize the yields, a flowering enhancer (e.g. PK 13/14) or a flowering stimulator (e.g. Top Max) should be added to the base of the flowering fertilizer (pH between 5.8 and 6.5), the dosage of which is increasing.

THE BASICS OF INDOOR GROWING

• Check and completely redo the electrical installation at the end of each growing season.
• Keep the growing area and the work surface hygienic to avoid the invasion of pests attracted by the organic waste on the ground.
• Invest in foliar anti-pest and/or anti-mould treatments to prevent and fight effectively against potential attacks, often applicable during the off-flower stages.
• Keep liquid or powder products away from light, humidity and at a temperature lower than 16°C (keep away from the growing area and children!!!).
• Stir fertilizers or additives well before use.
• Have a syringe or a pipette for each liquid product used to avoid deteriorating them.
• Never mix pure products together (in the same bottle but already filled with water...).
• Store liquid fertilizers or additives not more than 1 year after opening (6 months for products containing hormones and place them in the vegetable bin of the refrigerator).
• Calibrate the EC meter and pH meter once a month, only with specific calibration solutions.
• Renew bulbs or neon lights every 3 growing sessions.
• Change the nutrient solution tank once a week and clean it when changing from growth to flowering fertilizers.
• Clean and disinfect the space, hydroponic systems and/or pots, dosing and cutting tools at the end of each growing session.
• Create two spaces to create a cycle, to establish a selection of the most satisfactory plants and to save time: one for growth (where seedlings and cuttings will evolve and mother plants will be kept) and one for flowering.
• Keep a careful and regular eye on the proper functioning of your growing space to guarantee results that meet your expectations.

... And all the Culture Indoor France network wishes you a good culture!

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