New Grower First Grow - Iranian Autoflower (fem) in hydro

[low_and_slow]

I know, I know..."your first few grows should be in soil so you can learn how the plant responds to feedings, moisture, environmental factors, etc."

I understand all of that, but I want a challenge and if this pays off the reward will be sweet. I'm using a 150w HPS Sun Systems light over a General Hydroponics standalone drip setup.

http://generalhydroponics.com/site/index.php/products/systems/powergrower/powergrower_individual/

I'm going to trust the nutes in the kit until I have reason not to or someone can give firsthand experience from burning a plant up with that kit. I'll go with a "less is more" philosophy and will be very sparing with feedings and adding chemicals to the system...there is an enclosed feeding chart that breaks down how to add nutrients based on the volume of the kit which I will follow closely while watching for signs of overfeeding/watering. I have a PH shaker tester, don't have an EC/PH meter right now but I'll probably invest in one prior to transplanting the seedling(s).

I have 2 seeds in Rapid Rooter medium in a little bubble house under the light. I'm going to see if both pop, then probably put 1 in the hydro and 1 in some plain old potting soil in a party cup. I don't want to go crazy and put 2 plants in the bucket because I need this to be small scale and simple to start out. All of this is setup in my 23"x36"x58" closet which will have a small fan for circ, no ventilation setup planned as of right now since I have a powerful AC and I can leave the door open during the day. Walls are white, floor is wood, no mylar in play as of yet. I'm concerned about the smell, but I'm willing to forge on and adjust/adapt as I go.

As previously discussed in my first thread, I'm not sure if this is a true auto plant. I'm going to try it at 20/4 starting out and I'll watch for flower development. If it looks like it's not going to auto, I'll switch to 12/12 after a few weeks and try to get some buds quickly vice letting her grow legs and try to overgrow the space. The end-goal is to grow a healthy plant quickly on a small scale and produce a quality end product. If something else happens (i.e. I get a great yield from an awesome plant) that will be a bonus, but right now I just want a small victory to get my feet wet.

I invite any and all comments, critiques, and helpful ideas. I know this isn't the most idiot proof way to start out, but I figured I'd give it a go and see how things develop.

 

[PrezDickie]

iranian auto, where did you get it? heard this is a pretty expensive strain, your really going for it on your first grow hydro with pricey beans... wish you the best

 

[low_and_slow]

Dr. Greenthumb. I got an extra seed, so I'm giving myself a mulligan, lol. I know it's not the easiest first time plan, but there's a lot of knowledge on the internet, and I want to learn by doing, jumping in feet first.

 

[HomieHogleg]

Irainian Autoflower, is not a true auto. You will have to reduce the hours of light, to get her to flower.
Personally, I would not have spent the money, that Dr Greenthumb, extorts for his seeds. But that said, best of luck to you.
Green Mojo Sent.

HomieHogleg

 

[Muddy]

As Homie said, this plant is not an auto flower but an early flowering photo strain. So you'll need to switch it to 12/12 as soon as it gets to a desirable size. Bear in mind that most photo strains will double or triple in size once they are switched to 12/12, so don't let it veg too long or you could end up with a bigger plant than you want.

 

[low_and_slow]

Thanks for the advice muddy. I might just top the plant after about a month to ensure that she stays small. I'm definitely going to try to find a true auto for the next go around.

 

[low_and_slow]

2 of 2 beans popped...got 'em under the light at 20/4. Put just the TINIEST trace of nutes (.2ml each of the 3 part solution that came with the kit) in the water solution and put it in the incubator underneath them (no direct application of liquid) to see if they'll drink some up through their rapid rooters. Hopefully I'll have some leaves by the end of next week and be ready to throw 'em in the hydro pot. I'm thinking I might put both in there and see how it goes. If that doesn't look viable, I'll put one outside in the woods and just chalk it up as a loss, hope for a miracle, and expect to get pillaged.

 

[low_and_slow]

Okay, so the sprouts are growing out, not down. Has anyone had this problem with Rapid Rooter plugs? Not sure what to do...I haven't touched them for fear of unsettling them, I just didn't anticipate this...

 

[low_and_slow]

Bump...should I just drop some new beans in fresh RR's and start over? I did not plug the RR's after I put the seeds in, perhaps that has something to do with it?

 

[low_and_slow]

Took another look at 'em tonight. They're pretty much wasted, the tap root isn't even going into the RR's.

I pulled 'em and threw 3 beans into party cups with moss/coco/perlite. I'll do a party cup grow and just see where that gets me. I have some JEM and AK seeds on the way, I'll reconsider my plan once those get here and I'm dealing with a true auto strain.