I like nice compact bushy seedlings like that...

Interesting development in the outdoor plant: She's started to flower. Not supposed to be 12 hrs of light here yet (end of September). We have had temps into the 40's already. Wonder if that is causing it to flower now??

rkymtnman wrote:Interesting development in the outdoor plant: She's started to flower. Not supposed to be 12 hrs of light here yet (end of September). We have had temps into the 40's already. Wonder if that is causing it to flower now??

You're getting really close though I think to the 12 hour dark period here. I just checked sunrise and sunset times for co spgs today, 6:30 am and 7:27pm. So yeah it's only the beginning of September and you have 11 hours dark. She's in your greenhouse? Is it possible that enough evening light is being filtered out by shadows and your greenhouse walls to give her enough dark for 12 hours even though technically the sun hadn't set? I know in some places I've lived, like New Castle, the night seems to come sooner due to all the high hills surrounding he area. The high mountains block the sun before sunset and sunrise, so even though he sky is dim, the ground and anything shaded is still dark.

That's just a theory. It also plays into my theory that outdoor plants are less photosensitive at night due to the moon, stars, and brighter than bright sun all day. Perhaps someone with some more knowledge of outdoor growing can correct me and my theory. I've never grown anywhere but indoors.

Looking great though! I just now found this thread. I was in your "getting dirty" thread thinking that was current. I guess I didn't look in the non-CLW folders. Those seedlings sure are bushy!

hey MC,

SME looked it up awhile ago: Sept 26 is when Denver goes to 12/12. We're south of that by 70 miles. But it started almost a month early.

This is my first plant outdoors so I'm kinda stumped too. We have a pretty clear view to the west so it gets sun very late into the day/evening. But I do know what you mean about towns that get the sun blocked by nearby mtns.

I'm with you on your theory about outdoor plants. When the moon is full, it's pretty bright and you'd think it would affect the dark period.

rkymtnman wrote:Interesting development in the outdoor plant: She's started to flower. Not supposed to be 12 hrs of light here yet (end of September). We have had temps into the 40's already. Wonder if that is causing it to flower now??

rkymtnman wrote:SME looked it up awhile ago: Sept 26 is when Denver goes to 12/12. We're south of that by 70 miles. But it started almost a month early.

This is my first plant outdoors so I'm kinda stumped too. We have a pretty clear view to the west so it gets sun very late into the day/evening. But I do know what you mean about towns that get the sun blocked by nearby mtns.

I'm with you on your theory about outdoor plants. When the moon is full, it's pretty bright and you'd think it would affect the dark period.

OK, here's the deal. She was ready and her biological clock couldn't wait any longer.

With indoor plants, even with 18/6 the plants will eventually go to flower with age. That's another reason why I always use 24/0 for veg and for mother plants. So, what happened was that the plants were vegging all spring and summer and finally gave up and flowered even though you're not at 12/12 yet. This might add more stress but it is natural. Had the plants been younger they might not have started flowering as early.

Yes, the moon and stars are natural too and it can/does affect the dark period, perhaps that's why there are more hermaphrodites in nature than in indoor grows. That's a natural trait that breeders have tried to breed out.

I wouldn't worry too much though, you only have one plant out there so it should be easy to keep an eye on. If male parts develop cut them off and hope you catch them all...either that or you can save the seeds...

thanks for clarifying that SME. makes sense 'cause she stopped growing vertically a few weeks ago. onwards and forwards then...

2 plants at day 51:



2 plants at day 7:

SisterMaryElephant wrote:
OK, here's the deal. She was ready and her biological clock couldn't wait any longer.

...

Yes, the moon and stars are natural too and it can/does affect the dark period, perhaps that's why there are more hermaphrodites in nature than in indoor grows. That's a natural trait that breeders have tried to breed out.

SME thanks for that. I'm glad I understand a little better now, it explains a few underdeveloped bag-seeds in some prime bud from a dispensary that grows in greenhouses I got a year or so ago.

RKY, I don't think I mentioned how jealous I am that you have a greenhouse. I'd love an option like that. Do you enjoy growing more indoors vs. outdoors when the season is right?

Day 51 plants look awesome!

hey MC,

the greenhouse is nice. it was just an old wood storage area when we bought the house years ago. 2 years ago I replaced the opaque plastic sheets with clear ones and plugged some of the holes to keep rodents out.

i like it for fresh veggies. the jury is still out on how weed grows in it. we'll see after it flowers. but free lighting is pretty cool!

one plant getting close.

here's a close up of sugar leaf