Feeding During the Bloom Phase
by Kent Gruetzmacher photo by Kyle LeGrow
As a photoperiod plant , indoor cannabis growers must be aware of what their plants need at specific times during the life cycle . Kent Gruetzmacher provides insight on what your plants crave during the bloom phase .
In today ’ s sophisticated society , cannabis growers have more options than ever regarding cultivation products and methods . Due to widespread legalization efforts , the last two decades have seen amazing advancements in cannabis horticulture . These developments have been impactful on cultivation technology and methodology , as well as fertilization techniques . A trip to the hydroponics store quickly illuminates the fact that there are endless choices for cannabis plant food . The stores are adorned with extravagant display cases featuring nutrient products , feeding schedules , and success stories . A closer look reveals many of these nutrients are created specifically for the all-important flowering phase . Whether you are a hobbyist grower or a commercial producer , the process of choosing the right fertilizers for flowering cannabis can be quite daunting . To help alleviate some anxiety with the selection process , we put together the following criteria to consider for feeding cannabis plants during flowering .
Cannabis Growth Phases and Nutrient Requirements
When you look at various growth phases of the cannabis plant , you will see different periods demand specific fertilizers . These nutrient requirements are intimately tied to essential processes that occur throughout a cannabis plant ’ s life , from propagation to harvest . Cannabis is a photoperiodic plant species . This means changes in daylight hours stimulate different growth phases in the plant . To illustrate , cannabis plants remain in vegetative growth when they have considerably longer days than nights ( summertime ). Conversely , the flowering phase begins when cannabis plants receive 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day . This light schedule resembles the conditions of autumn in nature . When light periods change , cannabis is genetically wired to respond with specific growth phases . For cannabis plants to thrive in each of these growth periods , they require very specific nutrients . As such , hydroponic product companies have developed complex fertilizers to meet the nutrient demands of cannabis during every stage of growth .
N-P-K Ratio
Anyone who has read the label of a nutrient bottle has doubtlessly seen the “ N-P-K ” ratio . This ratio represents the amount of nitrogen ( N ), phosphorus ( P ), and potassium ( K ) found in different fertilizer products . When it comes to feeding cannabis plants , the N-P-K ratio of appropriate macronutrients will change with the different growth phases . During vegetative growth , cannabis plants demand high amounts of nitrogen . By keeping up with nitrogen demands during this phase , you will ensure the cannabis plants stay green and hardy . This nitrogen must also be slightly counterbalanced with phosphorus and potassium .
Example : N-P-K Ratio for Vegetative Growth : 24-14-11
As cannabis plants shift their nutrient demands during the flowering phase , they require less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium . If you look at any flowering nutrients for cannabis , you will see this shift represented in the N-P-K ratio on the bottle .
Example : N-P-K Ratio for Flowering Phase : 2-8-4
To help alleviate any potential confusion around the N-P-K ratio , nutrient companies have developed feeding calendars to accompany their products . These calendars easily direct you on when to change nutrient regimes throughout a cannabis plant ’ s life cycle . Importantly , calendars give you the ability to witness the N-P-K ratio changing from vegetative growth to flowering on specific dates .
Bloom Boosters
Nutrient companies have also created bloom boosters that are designed to further stimulate flower growth . These bloom boosters feature inflated N-P-K ratios for flowering that utilize much higher amounts of phosphorus and potassium .
Example : N-P-K Ratio for Bloom Boosters : 0-50-30
Bloom boosters present a somewhat divided subject among cannabis growers . Many feel cannabis plants can only handle certain amounts of phosphorus and potassium — anything beyond that threshold is considered extraneous . Some growers swear by bloom boosters , stating they are necessary for a big harvest , while others take a more passive approach during flowering .
Summary
In the modern cannabis industry , growers have more options than ever when it comes to feeding their plants . While it ’ s great to see such growth in the industry , choosing the right products can be quite daunting . All things considered , for both flowering and vegetative growth , it takes a discerning eye to understand what ’ s best for your plants .
It ’ s always a good idea to let your skill set and knowledge base dictate your approach to fertilization . If you are a novice grower , it is recommended you follow the directions on the feeding calendar . Conversely , experienced horticulturists have the confidence to critically assess nutrients and develop their own fertilization regimes . Either way , cannabis plants will always demand different variations of the N-P-K ratio , and we will continue to match our products against these requirements from Mother Nature .
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