Fritter Licker & WINDU: Week 5 Bloom!

Hey guys! Welcome to another exciting week in the grow room! This week, we're diving deep into the progress of our Fritter Licker (Archive) and WINDU (Wizard Trees) strains as they kick off week 5 of flowering. Get ready for a detailed look at their development, any challenges we've faced, and the sweet aromas that are starting to fill the air. Let's get started!

Fritter Licker (Archive): A Sweet Start to Week 5

The Fritter Licker strain is living up to its name, and believe me the aroma is something else! As we enter week 5, the buds are starting to plump up nicely, and the trichome coverage is becoming increasingly impressive. Fritter Licker, known for its sweet and fruity profile, is really beginning to showcase its genetics. We've been meticulously monitoring the environment, ensuring that temperature and humidity levels are optimal to avoid any potential issues like bud rot or powdery mildew. So far, so good! We're maintaining a consistent feeding schedule, providing the necessary nutrients to support robust bud development. The plants seem to be responding well, exhibiting healthy green foliage and minimal signs of stress. One thing we've noticed is the slight variation in phenotypes among the Fritter Licker plants. Some are showing a more indica-dominant structure, with tighter node spacing and bushier growth, while others lean towards a sativa influence, displaying a bit more stretch and elongated bud formations. It's always fascinating to observe these nuances and how they ultimately translate into differences in aroma, flavor, and effects. To maximize light penetration and airflow, we've been diligently pruning any excessive fan leaves that may be shading the lower bud sites. This helps ensure that all parts of the plant receive adequate light, promoting even development and preventing any larfy buds from forming. Overall, the Fritter Licker is on track and showing great promise as we continue through the flowering stage. We're excited to see how these buds continue to develop and mature over the coming weeks!

WINDU (Wizard Trees): Exotic Genetics in Full Bloom

The WINDU strain from Wizard Trees is proving to be an absolute showstopper! This exotic cultivar is exhibiting vigorous growth and stunning visual appeal as it progresses through week 5 of flowering. The buds are dense, resinous, and absolutely glistening with trichomes. The aroma is a complex blend of sweet, floral, and gassy notes that fills the entire grow room – a testament to its high-quality genetics. WINDU, with its unique terpene profile, is definitely a standout in our garden. We've been particularly impressed with the plant's resilience and its ability to handle environmental fluctuations. Even with slight variations in temperature and humidity, the WINDU plants have continued to thrive, showing no signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies. This speaks volumes about the breeding and selection process that went into creating this exceptional strain. To further enhance bud development, we've been supplementing with a bloom booster rich in phosphorus and potassium. These essential nutrients play a crucial role in promoting flower formation, increasing bud density, and enhancing trichome production. We're also closely monitoring the pH levels of our nutrient solution to ensure optimal nutrient uptake. Maintaining the correct pH range is essential for preventing nutrient lockout and ensuring that the plants can efficiently absorb the elements they need. One of the challenges we've encountered with the WINDU strain is its tendency to stretch during the early stages of flowering. To manage this, we've implemented a combination of techniques, including low-stress training (LST) and strategic pruning. LST involves gently bending and tying down the branches to create a more even canopy and maximize light exposure to all bud sites. Pruning helps remove any unproductive growth and redirects the plant's energy towards developing the main colas. The WINDU is definitely a high-maintenance strain, but the results are well worth the effort. We're confident that this exotic cultivar will deliver a truly exceptional final product. Stay tuned for more updates as we watch these buds mature and reach their full potential!

Week 5 Challenges and Solutions

Every grow has its challenges, and this week was no exception. We encountered a minor issue with humidity levels in the grow room, which spiked slightly due to the increased transpiration from the plants. High humidity can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew, so it's crucial to address it promptly. To combat the humidity issue, we increased the ventilation in the grow room by adding an additional exhaust fan. This helped improve airflow and reduce the overall humidity levels. We also adjusted our watering schedule to allow the soil to dry out slightly between irrigations. Overwatering can contribute to high humidity, so it's important to strike a balance and avoid saturating the soil. Another challenge we faced was a minor infestation of spider mites on a few of the Fritter Licker plants. Spider mites are notorious pests that can quickly decimate a crop if left unchecked. To eradicate the spider mites, we implemented a multi-pronged approach. First, we physically removed any visible mites and webs with a damp cloth. Then, we treated the affected plants with a natural insecticide containing pyrethrin. Pyrethrin is a botanical insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers that is effective against a wide range of pests, including spider mites. We also introduced predatory mites, which are beneficial insects that feed on spider mites. These natural predators help keep the spider mite population in check and prevent future infestations. Regular monitoring and early detection are key to managing pests and diseases in the grow room. By staying vigilant and taking prompt action, we were able to mitigate the challenges and keep our plants healthy and thriving.

Nutrient Management and Environmental Control

Maintaining optimal nutrient levels and environmental conditions is essential for successful cannabis cultivation. Throughout week 5, we continued to closely monitor the pH and PPM (parts per million) of our nutrient solution to ensure that the plants were receiving the proper balance of elements. pH affects the availability of nutrients, so it's important to keep it within the optimal range for cannabis, which is typically between 6.0 and 6.5. PPM measures the concentration of dissolved solids in the nutrient solution, providing an indication of the overall nutrient strength. We adjusted the nutrient solution as needed based on the plants' growth stage and nutrient requirements. During the flowering stage, cannabis plants require higher levels of phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for bud development. We also supplemented with micronutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, to prevent deficiencies and support overall plant health. In addition to nutrient management, we also paid close attention to environmental control. Temperature, humidity, and light intensity all play a crucial role in plant growth and development. We maintained a consistent temperature range of 70-75°F during the day and 65-70°F at night. Humidity levels were kept around 40-50% to prevent mold and mildew. We also ensured that the plants were receiving adequate light by positioning our grow lights at the appropriate distance and adjusting the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. By carefully managing nutrient levels and environmental conditions, we created an optimal environment for our Fritter Licker and WINDU plants to thrive and reach their full potential.

Anticipating the Harvest

As we move further into the flowering stage, the anticipation for harvest continues to build. The buds are becoming increasingly dense and resinous, and the aromas are intensifying with each passing day. It's truly a rewarding experience to witness the fruits of our labor and see these plants transform into beautiful, potent flowers. Determining the optimal harvest time is crucial for maximizing potency and flavor. We'll be closely monitoring the trichomes on the buds, using a magnifying glass to observe their color and development. Trichomes are the tiny, resinous glands that cover the surface of the buds and contain the majority of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes. When the trichomes are clear, the buds are not yet fully mature. As they mature, the trichomes will turn cloudy, indicating peak THC levels. When a significant percentage of the trichomes have turned amber, it's a sign that the THC is starting to degrade into CBN, which has more sedative effects. The ideal harvest time is typically when the majority of the trichomes are cloudy with a small percentage of amber. This ensures a balance of potency and flavor. In addition to trichome development, we'll also be assessing the overall appearance of the buds, including their size, density, and color. The buds should be firm and plump, with a vibrant color and a generous coating of trichomes. We'll also be paying attention to the pistils, which are the small, hair-like strands that protrude from the buds. As the buds mature, the pistils will typically turn from white to orange or brown. Harvesting at the right time is essential for achieving the desired effects and maximizing the overall quality of the final product. We're excited to see how these Fritter Licker and WINDU plants develop over the next few weeks and can't wait to harvest these beautiful buds!

We are so happy with the progress of both the Fritter Licker and WINDU strains as they progress through week 5 of flowering. The buds are developing nicely, the aromas are intoxicating, and the plants are exhibiting overall health and vigor. Of course, we faced a few challenges along the way, but we were able to overcome them with prompt action and careful attention to detail. Nutrient management and environmental control have been key to creating an optimal growing environment, and we're confident that these plants will continue to thrive as we approach harvest. Stay tuned for more updates as we watch these buds mature and reach their full potential. Happy growing, everyone!