LST Autoflowers?

[mike827]

Hi all, I had some questions about LSTing autoflowers, Easy Ryder to be specific.

I am currently working on a PC server (24") soil grow as seen here:
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?p=4975326

My issue is I only have 17.5" of vertical grow space, and would like to maximize yield.
I've heard that LSTing autoflowers is not optimal because of the short (15-20 day) seedling/vegging period, which jumps straight to flower by the 4th week.

Any opinions? Should I LST through flowering as well?
Or perhaps letting it grow as one main cola would get me the most bud? I've heard Easy Ryder tends not to go over 16", but if it does, I'd be in trouble.

Thanks!

 

[pop pop]

Hi Mike827.

From what I've read, auto's aren't great candidates for topping or super cropping either and they don't veg long enough to try and LST a scrog, but you could tie her down to keep her from going to close to the lights (pipe cleaners work). So I guess that's a form of low stress that in your case might be helpful. I've also seen height managed by using smaller containers but that generally means smaller yields.

As someone who is new to this also, I hope this helps! It'll be great to see what some of the experts here think.

 

[mike827]

Thanks for the tips! I've been reading that it appears to be strain dependent for LSTing autoflowers.

Luckily I'm growing Easy Ryder (Lowryder #2 X AutoAK47) which apparently takes kindly to some LSTing.

 

[pop pop]

Thanks for the tips! I've been reading that it appears to be strain dependent for LSTing autoflowers.

Luckily I'm growing Easy Ryder (Lowryder #2 X AutoAK47) which apparently takes kindly to some LSTing.

You're welcome.

Sounds like you've been reading up on things too. ICM is full of great forums I think.

Here is a thread I found that I think you will find helpful. It's about a PC grow and the OP is very helpful answering questions. In case you haven't seen it here is a link:

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=231475

Good Luck with your grow! You going to chop soon?

 

[mitch_connor]

Yes you can LST, Top and FIM to manage height and create an even canopy with Auto's.

But it is strain dependant, and timing is a big part of it.

A dwarf AF very fast into flowering that has limited branching won't be as trainable as something bigger and branchier with a longer veg/stretch period.

I'd go LST as soon as they have a few nodes and are large enough to tie down.

Here is a thread with someone LSTing AF's under T5 lighting iirc. https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=230858

Here is my thread where I did Topping and fimming. A little late on some, but it still worked. https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=227240

Good luck man

 

[mike827]

Hey pop and mitch, thanks for the replies!

My Easy Ryder is supposed to be in seedling/veg until about day 20 which is when it switches into flowering mode...

I'll have to read those links and make a decision... This seems to be a hotly debated topic. I've spoken with some people who grow Autoflowers who say yes LST, and some who vehemently say no, let it be one main cola. So frustrating!

Also, I've read that growing an autoflower on 24/0 (as opposed to 20/4 or 18/6) can help keep the plant shorter, while simultaneously increasing yield. Can anyone comment on this?

 

[mike827]

You're welcome.

Sounds like you've been reading up on things too. ICM is full of great forums I think.

Here is a thread I found that I think you will find helpful. It's about a PC grow and the OP is very helpful answering questions. In case you haven't seen it here is a link:

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=231475

Good Luck with your grow! You going to chop soon?

Not quite, only on day 3! haha

I'm just trying to make sure I have as much information as possible before I have to make the decision. I'd rather be informed than simply wing it!

You can check out my journal here:
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?p=4975326

 

[pop pop]

Not quite, only on day 3! haha

I'm just trying to make sure I have as much information as possible before I have to make the decision. I'd rather be informed than simply wing it!

You can check out my journal here:
https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?p=4975326

LOL I mixed this thread up with one in the New Growers forum who is ready to chop. I seem to be going between 3 or 4 forums here as I read up on things.

Measure twice cut once for sure guess we think alike. I'll be sure to see your journal link and encourage you along.

That was a great question you have about the length of the light phase and I would also like to see if 24/0 makes it shorter with better yield. That would be terrific!

 

[mike827]

Can't wait to read your journal!

 

[pop pop]

See ya on your other thread!

 

[stinkhairs]

I've grown quite a few strains of autoflowers, and whilst i don't lst them the way i would a regular female plant that is going into flowering, you can semi-lst them to a degree - the key principle is about light getting to the lower sections of the plant. So whilst you may not be tying down the main cola to get the growth hormone into other bud sites, you can certainly spread your plant open and let the light in, so the plant looks more like a sattelite dish with one big cola/antenna in the middle, with all the branches held away for light penetration.

 

[Husky Jackal]

Bu what about LST outdoors ? Does that cause a lot of stress ? I'm planning to grow a Big Devil #2 outdoor in a big pot, but I want to keep it at a lower height.

 

[stinkhairs]

I can't see why lst'ing outdoors would cause any more stress than lst'ing indoors. And the clue is in the name - low stress training.

 

[Husky Jackal]

I know, but I thought that indoors the light cycle is better(18/6 or 24/0) than outdoors and they have a better chance to recover. But anyway I'll try it because Big Devil #2 can reach 1.5 metres out easily.

 

[#1cheesebuds]

I have lsted and toped my AF plants in the passed and now. so far there hasn't been any problems. knock on wood.
see pix at bottom of page 1. there out doors but I have done it indoors befor too.
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=230251

 

[Husky Jackal]

Thanks a bunch, cheesebuds !