Dropped seedling/veg tent humidity to 65% (from 70%), maintaining the temperature at 78-80F.
Plant 1 - Not Topped vs Topped:
Topped today, likely a bit early. Common practice is to wait for 5-7 developed nodes; this was topped as the 5th node was forming.
Topping now will slow initial growth, but with a longer vegetative cycle planned, this aligns with the overall strategy.
Topping early can promote bushier growth, which is helpful for mainlining.
Seedling 3 - just growing about it's own business:
Continuing to grow steadily.
Now covered with a 2-liter bottle to maintain higher humidity after the tent adjustment.
Training Plan for this run:
Attempting mainlining for this run, aiming for a cleaner moree structured train this time around.
Goal: Develop 4-6 main stems extending to the pot rim or slightly beyond, then encourage upward growth... basically at a 90* angle.
Mainlining involves early and aggressive training, which i think will be better for the two-plant setup than SCROG.
Mainlining prioritizes vertical growth, instead of solely outwards like SCROG.
I'm to adapt to another method if this approach isn't lo0oking good early on.
Mainline Example:
Day 20 (12/15/24):
Seedling 1: Transplanted. Root system was huge, no concerns on this one.
Seedling 3: I rushed this transition to the 5gallon pot. I had all the stuff out for the other gal, so I just did it. She looks okay, but there was not much of a root system. I would not be surprised if I lost it to transplant shock.
Light is at 450 PPFD.
Small one is still just getting a couple drops and a spritz around it. Bigger one gets 10ml of water/day minimum. These are easy to overwater, so more frequent but light watering is the way to go.
Day 17 (12/12/24):
Seedling 1: Continuing strong.
Seedling 2: It has not moved in days. I gently split the rapid rooter in case it was growing... it was not. Victim of root rot.
Seedling 3: Shed it's shell today with a little help from tweezers. Thicker stem than seedling 1 out of the gate. Likely from being under proper lighting. This one is growing fast.
2/3 is not bad for my first round of germination! While the dome was supposed to be easier, seed 3 was by far the fastest and best method this time around. Plus there is no transplanting with the rapid rooter. I think this will be my go to in the future.
Seedling 1:
Seedling 3:
Day 15 (12/10/24):
Germination is tough, especially when you're impatient...
Seedling 1 is looking wonderful and has it's third set of true leaves coming in. There is some algae growing on the top.
It's rare that there are issues with a little algae, but it does take nutrients away from the plant.
The tin foil blocks the light which should kill the algae.
A few drops of hydorgen peroxide in my spray bottle will also help. On top of combating the algae, it provides oxygen to the roots and helps cure/prevent root rot.
Seedling 2 is really trying... it's been stuck with the cotyledon leaves half in the rapid rooter, half out. It's been stuck like this for several days. I'm letting it run, but I doubt it will survive even if it does take off.
Seed 3 is now in a solo cup. I did not have luck with the rapid rooters. They are finicky with mostuire. For diversity and to see what works for me, this one i did in a paper towel until I saw the tap root (2 days) and straight to the solo cup.
Day 12 (12/7/24):
Notes:
Seedling thickening up and spreading out instead of reaching now that it is in the tent.
Transplanted to solo cup. 60% Fox Farms Ocean and 40% Perlite.
Lined opening with Great White mycorrhizae (promotes root growth).
PPFD 430ish
It is key now to water aound the edge of the cup. This forces the roots to push out for water.
Second seed I am considering dead, but I left it in there since I can see some green poking out.
Remember when I said I wouldn't care if I only did 1? That was a lie. I want to try too. It's a little more difficult to manage. Considering that the 2nd one is likely done, I am germinating another seed.
If all 3 pop, it will be interesting!
While looking better, this is still a crucial time to monior growth and how how she reacts to light and water amounts. Still on 18/6.
Cotyledons: First small, rounded leaves providing initial nutrients.
True leaves: Second set with serrated edges, marking photosynthesis start.
First true leaves are growing well.
Stem is stretching due to weak light. Light was initially at 25%, which was a mistake.
Light now set to 100% intensity to balance growth. Roots are visible at the bottom. I will porbs be transplanting to a solo cup in the next couple days. Then into the tent she goes.
Seedlings are very vulnerable at this stage. The leggy seedling is even more so at risk because of weak/thin stem, slow growth, and transplant issues. All which can lead to death.
My timeline allows for 1-2 seedling failures, so there is room to still meet my important deadlie (which only exists in my head LOL)
Day 7 (12/2/24):
Notes:
One seed broke ground this morning, other should overnight.
I don't think I kept the rapid rooters moist enough. The first four days might have been wasted due to lack of water.
Next time I will start with the paper towel method until I see a taproot. This removes any guesswork about whether the seed is viable before placing it in the medium.
A litte more exciting pic:
Day 1 (11/26/24):
Notes:
Starting Blueberry Sunset from Blazed Genetics (CT based), purchased at Better Ways in Branford.
Doubling the plant count to 2 this time.
About Brewberry Sunset:
Type: Indica dominant hybrid
Genetics: Blueberry Kush x Sunset Sherbert
Flower time: 8-10 weeks (excluding veg stage, which I'll prolong)
Easy to grow, but slightly more advanced than beginner strains.
Process:
Soak seeds in distilled water + splash of hydrogen peroxide for 12-24 hours (I soaked for 17 hours).
Wet Rapid Rooters plugs (peat moss for drainage).
Place seeds half inch deep in plugs, with the butt pointed end up. Cover with plug corner.
Add a few drops of water on the seed and place in germination tray.
Range: 70-85* and 70-80% RH
Alternatively, germinate with a damp paper towel and plates. This works well, but I prefer using the $30 germination tray for better success and seed conservation.
