It is a misconception to assume that matters about cannabis cultivation lack depth. Perhaps, this erroneous view is championed by the media or people who regard cannabis as a fruitless venture. According to Highway420, there is an overwhelming amount of theoretical and practical evidence that proves the contrary. A grower of cannabis is expected to have a vast knowledge of industry terms, practices, and ancient cannabis history.
The vast number of strains in the market today is also another pointer to the depth involved in cannabis cultivation.Right now, we have about 800 strains of cannabis. You should note that majority of these strains were derived through evolutionary adaptation, hybridization, and landrace genetics. Landrace genetics is the genetic makeup of a plant usually defined in terms of its original geographic origins.
The landrace genetics of a particular strain significantly influences its pattern of growth and adaptation to other climes. A good example of this is the photoperiod strains which possess historical significance. These strains have their roots in ancient Russia where there is the frequent occurrence of shorter days and longer nights. This explains why this seed blooms and transitions into the flowering phase during the nighttime or in the absence of light.
What are photoperiod seeds?
To fully understand this concept let us consider the interplay between the two root words. These two root words are photo (which means light) and period (which denotes a time or season). Some people define photoperiodism as the amount of light needed for a plant.Hence, photoperiod seeds are seeds that only require light for some time. This period is termed the vegetative state. It is this period where the photoperiod strain gathers all necessary nutrients pivotal to flowering and reproduction. This is also the stage where the strain grows its roots, leaves, and branches.
Flowing from this, it is safe to say that photoperiod strains require light for ONLY the vegetative phase. To activate the flowering phase, there must be a change in the light pattern. This change denotes a reduction in the exposure of the strain to sunlight.Usual industrial practices require the grower to put in place some light -deprivation techniques to trigger the flowering phase. Industrial standards demand a time frame of 12hours or more in daily darkness. Hypothetically, the shorter daylight usually experienced during the fall (autumn) triggers the strain production of flowers.
Mathematically, this concept is usually denoted in a functional form or proportional way. For example, 18/6, 24,0 19/5. The first number is the amount of light the strain should get. The second number on the other hand is the amount of time the strain needs to rest in the dark for it to flower. The total number should translate to 24 (the number of hours we have in a day). If the addition of both numbers doesn’t equal 24, then something is missing.
Upon planting the seed, the ratio of light to darkness exposure is significantly higher. This is because the plant must first develop its vegetative qualities before it transitions into the budding phase. During this time, the second number is increased to trigger the production of flowers. Normally, photoperiod plants take up to 5-7 months before they are ready for harvesting. Hence, their yield is significantly better than other strains.
Photoperiod seeds versus Autoflower seeds
Photoperiod seeds are usually compared to auto-flower seeds. This is probably a result of the alternate factors involved in their growth process and their unique responses to seasonal changes.
The latter doesn’t require a pre-determined lighting structure while the former does. Photoperiod strains require a fair amount of physical exertion. It also demands top-notch maintenance culture like pruning and shaping. You would need to make several calculations and postulations. Starting your cannabis cultivation journey with this strain might not be seamless unless you have decent plant-husbandry skills.
It is also worthy of mention that you make necessary inquiries before you plant any photoperiod seed. This is because some subspecies of photoperiod strains thrive better outdoors while some thrive both indoors and outdoors. . For instance, the Sativa strain maximizes its full potential outdoors as a result of its size.
The Indica strain, on the other hand, can be cultivated either indoors or outdoors. Auto flower seeds like the name imply have an automatic growth process. Hence, it does not require any special lighting regimen for it to transit into the flowering phase. The growth cycle of these seeds is predictable and fixed.
Pros and cons of planting photoperiod seeds.
PROS:
- They produce more yield than other strains. This is because the strains continue to growand vegetate until the flowering phase is activated.
- Photoperiod seeds contain a high amount of CBD and THC which are the most predominant and effective cannabinoids. Growers have a penchant for this strain because of its potency
- These seeds allow you to manipulate the growth of the strain by controlling its vegetative state. The grower can decide to limit the size of the strain by reducing its vegetative period and vice versa.
This feature makes it a top pick amongst growers because it subjects the reins of cultivation to
the grower’s control.
- The strains from these photoperiodic seeds when cut can be used as mother plants to maintain genetic consistency. This perk is particularly enjoyed by commercial growers.
- Growers have the luxury of choice in terms of photoperiodic seeds subspecies options. You can tweak your eventual photoperiodic seed option to your preferences and present cultivation circumstances.
CONS:
Photo periodic seeds do not grow on time as opposed to auto-flower seeds. Hence, if you are expecting quick growth for immediate personal consumption, you should reconsider. Besides, there are fluctuations in the growth cycle of a photoperiod strain.
- They require a huge deal of physical exertion and a decent mastery of plant husbandry. The technical know-how of grooming techniques like Pruning shaping, and application of fertilizer is pivotal.
- They are not beginner-friendly. As they require a fair amount of exposure and knowledge concerning the cultivation of photoperiodic seeds.
Wrapping up
Cannabis cultivation requires a lot of mastery of industry concepts and practices. Hence, it is not as easy as it seems. The vast array of seeds and their strain in the modern market is an indication of the richness of this niche. One of such seeds is the photoperiodic seed.
This seed is besieged with a series of problems. These problems range from the physical exertion needed to make the strain bloom to the grower’s professional maintenance culture. However, despite these loopholes, they are still highly sought after by growers as a result of their potency.
