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need help on growing auto's
- Thread starter Asce
- Start date
G
Guest 263194
18 6 light cycle n water properly so as nutes since they are weaker then normal strains.
cloudnine99
New member
Heres some info from various threads/posts on autoflowering strains. Helped me a ton.
1. LOWRYDER - THE OFFICIAL GROW GUIDE
Ideal Growing Methods
When planted indoors, the Lowryder has the ability to grow very well in soil-less systems or in soil mixtures. For soil mixtures such as pots or beds, Lowryder can be cultivated from a mere seed into a bud for a span of only two months.
Throughout this period, only 18 hours of light each day is recommended. This is due to the fact that switching the light cycles down to 12 hours runs the risk of diminishing yields and even shortening the plants life cycle even more.
Since Lowryder’s life cycle is brief, cloning it is deemed as an impractical method - growing only the plant and not the seed. Hence, by default, the Lowryder is then regarded as a “sea of green’s greatest choice”.
Due to the fact that the seedlings and even the flowering plants can be sustained in a similar room, the Lowryder showcases better possibilities for small up to medium ranged home growers. This even includes the so-called “staggering” of one’s indoor harvest. After which, a continuous system of harvest can be accomplished by periodically cultivating new plants that will replace the harvested ones.
This will ensure that your so-called “grow room” is constantly full of fresh buds. Hence, maintaining this system of cultivation provides you with the convenience of evenly dividing your workload.
In order to achieve the best results, place either a jiffy plant or pellet directly into a 1 up to 2-gallon pot. It is best to alternatively use peat pots that are about four inches in size. Once this is prepared, you can then place the rootbound females inside the assigned plant bed. Make sure that these rootbound females have already gone through the “sexing” phase for about 17 up to 20 days. As compared to the initial method, this actually produces smaller plants. Under this method also, 12 up to 24 hours of daily light are needed. However, studies show that it is best to make use of 18 hours each day. You can reduce it to 16 hours following the initial month, provided that there are no yields being lost.
For those who will plant this outdoors, once you have finished soaking the plant, you can start by sowing it directly onto the soil. For this process, you can use 2 gallon plant beds or pots. It is also indicated that you can plant the Lowryder’s new stands until the latter part of the summer season. Similar to the factors affecting indoor harvest, doing the latter can also assure you a continuous supply of Lowryders. Aside from this, it is best to avoid making any transplants. You can only do this once the plants are diagnosed as rootbound. Thus, you can remove the Rouge males only during a three-week cycle.
Factors that Affect its Growth
Since the Lowryder is highly versatile, it has the capability to grow in basically any type of “grow environment” or climate. In fact, it can even set the regarded “envelope of growing” aside and mainly focus on harvest areas like the North West Territories, Finland and other short-seasoned, Northern or high altitude locations. Plus, it can adapt rather fairly to window sills, backyard gardens, and patios. This is primarily due to its relatively small feature that can conceal its real identity.
Furthermore, nothing can compare to the quick maturation capability of the Lowryder! If other varieties are still going through the flowering phase, outdoor growers of Lowryders are, at the same time, basking their feet and benefitting from their harvests already.
Its Amazing Characteristics
The Lowryder has the ability to skip the stage of vegetative growth. It basically jumps from its seedling stage towards its flowering period in an instant. Studies also show that
Lowryders have the shortest life cycle and height feature amongst the famous cannabis species.
This is especially true with its male plants that showcase such attributes after approximately 17 up to 20 days. This is while its female counterparts show themselves only a few days after. Thus, these plants will then go through the flowering phase, provided that there is a continuous lighting system.
Lowryder females can generate a height that is no taller than approximately 16 up to 20 inches. The typical height for these females would be about 12 up to 16 inches only. Pot size, light intensity and appropriate pH are factors that play a significant role in influencing the female Lowryder’s size during its maturity. This means that given the best conditions, these female Lowryders will generate a bigger yield for its growers. Since these plants produce a main cola, if they can only obtain adequate lighting, their lower nodes will profusely branch out.
Moreover, its height and yield will depend on evident growth factors. A good example would be such plants that are only kept inside small-sized peat cups, which are then placed on a grower’s windowsill. Based from the factors mentioned above, this scenario will yield a mere 1 gram. Plus, the plant will grow only up to a maximum of 6 inches, having no branching features whatsoever. On the other hand, a plant placed inside a 4-gallon box and provided with high-intensity lighting, along with good methods of cultivation being put into practice, it can yield better results. It will yield a 45-gram, profusely branched, two-foot wide bud monster.
With regards to the use of fertilizer, during the initial two-week period of growth, Lowryders need to be provided with a weekly dose of light feedings. This is actually a nutrient “grow” type solution, equipped with micronutrients. Thus, when these plants become a full flower, a “blooming regime” is necessary. This should start from week 4 up to week 6. Hence, biological amendments or root stimulators that are of the Mycorise-type have the ability to significantly enhance the plant’s growth.
The Flowering Time Average
Outdoors: ripens in approximately 60 days – This is subsequent to the sowing of the seeds.
Indoors: 40 up to 45 days – This is following a seedling stage of 15 up to 20 days.
As an important note, studies show that 100% of such plants actually showcase the so-called “auto-flowering” genotype.
Its Average Height
The average height of Lowryders is approximately 12 inches. Its minimum height would be approximately 5 inches while its maximum height would be 16 inches. Thus, this will really depend on the lighting and regarded slight phenotype variants.
The Awaited Yield
As mentioned, depending on the lighting and other significant factors, Lowryders can yield up to approximately 45 grams. In fact, there was even one situation where in a 96-gram yield was accomplished. However, this was achieved under a process called “hydroponics”.
Hence, it is vital to understand that the yield is extremely and majorly dependent on the volume of light it obtains. If these plants are provided with less than the average conditions, they will remain extremely small. Even so, they can still create decent smoke outputs.
Moreover, Lowryders’ buds are close-quartered and compact, as well as slightly variable and irregular in features. It also has a high leaf/bud ratio, which goes with its thick pistils that possesses a medium-sized, orange colored and individually classified calyxes. Although it has tendencies to become “top-heavy” when grown indoors, it is rather typical to find its budding sites starting very near the soil already.
With regards to the result, you will get a “High” that feels uplifting, surprisingly strong and well-rounded. In fact, this is more appropriate for certain outdoor activities. Aside from this, the smoke emitted is described by many as smooth and equipped with an earthy, pleasant undertone. You will find its smell as not that overpowering and its flavor, quite unique and satisfying.
Feedback
There are so many requests for additional information about the Lowryder’s nutrient necessities. The factors affecting this would include the amount a grower can shell out in order to purchase these nutrient products.
There are advanced nutrient products that can be bought on discounted rates. You can also adapt its formula for your own usage. These advanced nutrients actually provide a full program for sustaining a desired 8-week growth. It will also come packaged with a guide that will feature various growing mediums.
Hence, for the initial two-week period, you can make use of the ones recommended for seedlings. After this, you can then shift to the Micro 2+ Light Feeding system. This is already for the entire life cycle of the Lowryder. There are those who actually skip weeks three and five in order to follow a six week program instead. This can be done right after the sexing of the LR’s.
As a general rule, you need to treat these Lowryders similar to seedlings in the initial 2 up to 3 week time frame. Subsequent to this, you can shift to the so-called “light bloom program”. During the initial 2 weeks, you can feed them with a type of transplanting/seeding formula. After this, you can switch and use an N-P-K 1-2-1 or 5-10-5 ratio of bloom fertilizer. You can give this weekly during weeks 3 up to 6. For week 7, you only need to feed it with water that is pH-balanced.
Thus, for those who practice organic methods, you can plant the Lowryder into an organic soil mixture and add Bat Guano into it.
Autoflower Tips:
SOIL
Choosing a good quality soil will make a huge difference to your plants and will help them to develop to their maximum potential. If you skimp on the soil it WILL show. Plants will not be as healthy or vigorous nor will they grow as big and yield as much. I use Bio-Bizz All mix right from seed. Canna Terra and Fox Farms Ocean Forest are also great soils. Adding a little perlite can help with aeration and drainage.
WATER
Don't water every day! A lot of people make this mistake. It will slow growth, lower yield significantly and make your plants take longer to finish. Only water when the pot feels light or the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This is usually every 3-5 days.
POT SIZE
This one is important. The first few weeks of an autoflower's life is spent developing a strong root system which will provide it with the nutrients and water it needs to go through the rapid growth spurt to come. If there is not enough space within those first few weeks, the plant will not develop a big, healthy root system in time and as a result will grow smaller and yield less.
Start in the biggest pots you can. The bigger the better. 5L to 7L is good, 8L+ is best.
NUTRIENTS
If using a good quality soil like one of the above, start feeding after week 3 from seed. Give only 1/4 strength to begin with. You don't want to overfeed at this stage as this is when the plant begins flowering and goes through a massive growth spurt. Overfeeding will stress the plants and slow down growth considerably. After week 4 increase the nutrients to 1/2 strength and then onto full strength feeding every second watering. If you notice a pale colour to the leaves or the lower leaves beginning to yellow then you need to increase feed at this point. Despite what a lot of people say, some auto's have quite an appetite.
LIGHT
HPS
If you can, go with HPS. Do everything you can to go down the HPS route as apposed to CFL. Even a 150W will do wonders if you are only plan on growing 1-2 plants. When growing under HPS light, plants will grow lots of branches because the light is strong enough to penetrate further down the canopy and reach the small branches between the nodes of the plant. These then grow out and become their own little plants, each producing their own colas.
CFL
CFL's are ok and that's about it. Don't expect much branching or tonnes of bud. Plants will also be smaller and take longer to mature. Keep CFL's as close to the tops as possible, 2-3 inches away or maybe even closer if you can.
When growing under CFL's, plants won't branch as much as the light can't penetrate past a few inches and therefor doesn't reach the lower branches. These stay small and usually stay close to the main stem to form a single cola.
SUN
If you have nice weather where you live you can just grow them outside. You can get great results depending on weather conditions and how much sun you get. If you get sun all the time, expect BIG plants and BIG yeilds. Don't let plants stay out at night if it's too cold ( under 15C) though as this will slow growth. Monitor buds carefully in the last 2 weeks for bud rot.
TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY and AIR CIRCULATION
Don't allow temperatures to exceed 30C (86F) as this will hinder growth. At night, stay above 15C (60F). Humidity can be between 20/50 the entire grow, too high and you could loose your entire crop to bud rot. Make sure you have fresh air circulating in your grow area at all times.
LIGHT CYCLE
18/6, 20/4 or 24/0? Which one do you choose? That is entirely up to you. There isn't much difference between them. 24/0 will produce slightly shorter plants and about a 5% increase in yield. That's about it. Just remember to give your plants at least 18 hours of light per day for maximum growth and yield.
STRAINS
Be careful when choosing seeds, especially auto varieties. Do a bit of research on a strain before ordering. There are many new auto strains popping up from different breeders all over the place. Some don't show the auto-flowering trait and will have to be put into 12/12 to induce flowering. This is a pain in the ass so rather go with a tried and tested strain and save yourself the hassle of it all going wrong 3-4 weeks from now.
Here are some strains which I recommend and that have been tried and tested:
Lowlife AK47 - High yield, strong, big plant
Buddha White Dwarf - Strong, beautiful aroma, potent smoke
Lowlife Blueberry - Very tasty, strong, good yield
Dinafem Roadrunner - Strong smoke, good yield, not 100% stable but close
Lowlife White Russian - High yield, strong smoke
Lowlife Hindu Kush - Small, tasty, strong couchlock
Joint Doctor Easy Ryder - Tasty smoke, high yield
Joint Doctor Lowryder - Small, medium strength, low yield, low odour
Joint Doctor Lowryder 2 - Tasty, medium yield, good strength
Joint Doctor Diesel Ryder - Smelly, tasty, small, potent
There are many more, but these are some of the best and most stable.
TIME FRAME
Ok, so how do you know if you're doing it all right? This time frame should give you an idea of what to expect and when. If your plant is considerably behind what I've put here, then go back and read again.
DAY 1 - First real leaves emerge
DAY 6-7 - Plant has 3 nodes with smaller branches beginning to emerge
DAY 10-12 - 5 nodes
Day 17-21 - 8 to 10 nodes, plant sex is shown. Very fast growth by this stage.
Day 25-30 - Plant begins flowering and starts to stretch. Bud sites popping up.
Day 35-45 - Growth slows, gets a bit boring, buds slowly develop more and more each day.
Day 50+ - Buds begin to fatten, heavy trichome production and smell. This is the exciting part.
Day 65-75 - Harvest.
LST, SCROG, TOPPING & SUPER-CROPPING
Yes, you can LST autos and it works a treat too! Start tying them down after they reach the 5th/6th node. I usually get 12-14 tops with this method. It also doesn't slow growth which is important. SCROG is also a great way to maximise yield. TOPPING and SUPER-CROPPING are big no no's though! There just isn't enough time for the plant to heal and so will actually end up reducing your yield quite a bit.
The original auto-flowering strain was created by The Joint Doctor and Highbred seeds.This is the revolutionary Lowryer.It was created by back breeding Northern Lights and William's Wonder with a Mexican Ruderalis.The amazing thing about this new strain was that the only Ruderalis trait left was the auto-flowering gene.This means that flowering is triggered by age rather then light/dark schedule.
The lifetime of the plants is short, lasting only 9 - 11 weeks.Within 2 weeks males will show themselves with the female showing around a week after that.From there the females go into a quick and violent flowering stage.They only reach an average highth of 12" with average harvests of 25 grams give or take depending on growing conditions.Giving it maximum stealth outside with up to three harvests a year.The size of the containers used will dramasticly effect size.Most growers use 1 - 2 gallon containers and can get well over an ounce out of each plant.
Due to the quick lifespan cloning becomes impracticable and is only grown from seeds.Since a separate light schedule isn't needed a grower can vegetate and flower in the same area.This creates new possibilities for small or macro operations.A small grow area can sustain a continuous S.O.G. giving a fresh harvest every few weeks.Most auto growers keep their lights at 18/6 or 20/4.A 12/12 schedule will dramatically hurt the final yield.
After the benefits of auto's was realized breeders began playing with them trying to make them bigger,stronger,and more potent.After Lowryder came Lowryder 2, also by the Joint doctor and using Santa Maria genetics.From these two strains a vast array of strains have been created in the last few years.With Low Life seeds, Mdanzig, and Dutchbreed joining to the new auto movement.Some of these new strains are said to have up to 23% Thc!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some of the strains available on the market -
Joint Doctor Highbred seeds- Lowryder , Lowrider 2 , Dieselryder , Snowryder(?)
Low Life Seeds- Automatic AK-47 , Automatic Blueberry, Automatic Lemon Skunk, Automatic White Russian, Automatic Hindu Kush
Mdanzig seeds- Masterlow, Power Stout, Blue Streak
Dutchbreed- Lowberry, Blue Barrel, Little Red Ryderhood, Lowryder Mint, Low Master, Mini Thunderfuck, Short Term Amnesia
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is the Joint Doctors grow guide for the original Lowryder-
OFFICIAL LOWRYDER GROW GUIDE (10/04) - written by the Joint doctor
Preferred growing methods
Indoors, Lowryder performs very well in soil mix (pots or beds) or in soil-less systems, where it can be cultivated from seed to bud in two months – 18 hours of light per day is recommended all the way through. Switching light cycles down to 12 hours may diminish yields and shorten the already-short life cycle slightly. Because Lowryder’s life cycle is so brief, cloning becomes impracticable, so only plants from seed are grown. By default, Lowryder is a great choice for sea-of-green.
Because flowering plants and seedlings can be maintained in the same room, Lowryder presents new possibilities for the small to medium home grower, including “staggering” your indoor harvest. A true continuous harvest system may be achieved by planting new plants periodically to replace the ones that have been harvested. This ensures that a grow
room is always full and always producing fresh bud, and one never has too much work at once. Click here to learn more about the Joint Doctor’s “1-2-3” continuous harvest method.
For best results, place jiffy pellet or plant directly into 1-2 gal.pots. Alternatively, start in 4-inch peat pots, then place
rootbound females into a plant bed after sexing (at approx. 17-20 days) – this may result in smaller plants than the first method. Grown under a 12 to 24 hour/daylight cycle from start to finish. I recommend 18 hours per day; this can be decreased to 16 after the first month with no loss of yield.
Outdoors: sow directly into soil after soaking, in 2 gal. pots or plant beds. New stands of Lowryder can be planted up until late summer, to ensure a continuous harvest outdoors. Avoid transplanting if you can, but do so if plants become rootbound. Rogue (remove) males at three weeks.
Growth Factors
Lowryder is extremely versatile in that it can be cultivated in virtually any climate or grow environment. In fact, it has pushed the envelope of growing, enabling early harvests in unlikely places like Finland, the North West Territories, and other northern, short-season, or high altitude areas. It is also well-adapted to backyard gardens, windowsills and patios where plants can be easily concealed because of their tiny size.
Nothing will mature earlier or faster than Lowryder! When other varieties have barely begun flowering, Lowryder outdoor growers are kicking up their feet and already enjoying their fresh harvests.
Characteristics
Lowryder virtually does away with the vegetative growth stage: it passes almost immediately from the seedling stage to the flowering period. To our knowledge, Lowryder has the shortest known life cycle and height in the cannabis species.
Male plants may be identified as such after approx. 17-20 days, while females show themselves a couple days later. Plants will even flower under a continuous light regime.
Lowryder females usually grow no taller than 16-20 inches. 12-16 inches is typical. Light intensity, pot size, and proper pH all play an important role in determining the size of plants at maturity – the better the conditions, the bigger the yield. Plants produce one main cola, although when they receive adequate light, lower nodes branch out profusely.
Yield and height are dependent on obvious growth factors. For example, plants kept in small peat cups on a windowsill may yield as little as 1 g. and grow no taller than 6 inches, with no branching whatsoever; while a plant in a 4-gallon container under high-intensity lighting and good cultivation methods, can turn into a profusely branched, two-foot wide 45-gram bud monster.
Fertilizer: During the first two weeks of growth, Lowryder should be weekly light feedings of a “grow” type nutrient solution, with micronutrients. When plants pass into full flower, they should be started on a “bloom” regime for weeks 4 through 6. Mycorise-type biological amendments (root stimulators) seem to increase growth significantly.
Average flowering time
Indoors: 40-45 days (after a 15-20 day seedling stage)
Outdoors: ripens approx. 60 days after seed is sown.
Note: 100% of plants display the auto-flowering genotype.
AVERAGE HEIGHT
12 inches. Minimum: 5 inches, maximum 16 inches (very light-dependent, with slight phenotype variations).
YIELD
Depending on light and other factors, Lowryder yields up to 45 g – one report even claims 96 g for one exceptional plant under hydroponics. Extremely light-dependent in terms of yield. Without adequate conditions, plants may stay extremely small, almost comically so – but still produce a decent smoke.
Buds are compacted close-quartered, slightly irregular and variable, with high bud/leaf ratio. Thick pistils, with orange coloration, and medium-sized, individual calyxes. Tends to be top-heavy indoors. Typically, budding sites start very close to the ground.
High is uplifting, surprisingly strong. Well-rounded. Best suited for outdoor activities. Smoke is smooth with pleasant, earthy undertones. Smell is not overpowering. Unique flavor, with echoes of NL and William’s Wonder in the bouquet.
JD on nutes:
I get a lot of requests for more info on nutrient needs for Lowryder. This is a hard question to answer as it depends how much money you want to shell out for nutrient products.
I get Advanced Nutrient products (many say the best) at a discount and I have adapted their formula for my own use. Advanced Nutrients provides a complete program for an 8-week grow and has a guide for different growing mediums.
For the first two weeks, I use what they recommend for seedlings.
Then I use the Micro 2+ Light Feeding program for the rest of their life cycle. I usually skip week 3 and 5 to bring it down to a 6 week program which I begin as soon as LRs are sexed.
I know it sounds complicated. Obviously all this is not needed.
As a rule of thumb, treat Lowryders like seedlings for the first 2-3 weeks, then switch them onto a light bloom program. So, you feed them a seedling/transplanting formula the first 2 weeks, then switch to a bloom fertilizer with something like a 5-10-5 or 1-2-1 ratio of N-P-K.
Give them a feeding of bloom fertilizer every week on weeks 3,4,5,6. Just pH-balanced water on week 7. Flushing solution on week 8.
...or for organic freaks, just plant into organic soil mix with bat guano mixed in... and put away the calculator... .[/CENTER]
[/LEFT][/LEFT]1. LOWRYDER - THE OFFICIAL GROW GUIDE
Ideal Growing Methods
When planted indoors, the Lowryder has the ability to grow very well in soil-less systems or in soil mixtures. For soil mixtures such as pots or beds, Lowryder can be cultivated from a mere seed into a bud for a span of only two months.
Throughout this period, only 18 hours of light each day is recommended. This is due to the fact that switching the light cycles down to 12 hours runs the risk of diminishing yields and even shortening the plants life cycle even more.
Since Lowryder’s life cycle is brief, cloning it is deemed as an impractical method - growing only the plant and not the seed. Hence, by default, the Lowryder is then regarded as a “sea of green’s greatest choice”.
Due to the fact that the seedlings and even the flowering plants can be sustained in a similar room, the Lowryder showcases better possibilities for small up to medium ranged home growers. This even includes the so-called “staggering” of one’s indoor harvest. After which, a continuous system of harvest can be accomplished by periodically cultivating new plants that will replace the harvested ones.
This will ensure that your so-called “grow room” is constantly full of fresh buds. Hence, maintaining this system of cultivation provides you with the convenience of evenly dividing your workload.
In order to achieve the best results, place either a jiffy plant or pellet directly into a 1 up to 2-gallon pot. It is best to alternatively use peat pots that are about four inches in size. Once this is prepared, you can then place the rootbound females inside the assigned plant bed. Make sure that these rootbound females have already gone through the “sexing” phase for about 17 up to 20 days. As compared to the initial method, this actually produces smaller plants. Under this method also, 12 up to 24 hours of daily light are needed. However, studies show that it is best to make use of 18 hours each day. You can reduce it to 16 hours following the initial month, provided that there are no yields being lost.
For those who will plant this outdoors, once you have finished soaking the plant, you can start by sowing it directly onto the soil. For this process, you can use 2 gallon plant beds or pots. It is also indicated that you can plant the Lowryder’s new stands until the latter part of the summer season. Similar to the factors affecting indoor harvest, doing the latter can also assure you a continuous supply of Lowryders. Aside from this, it is best to avoid making any transplants. You can only do this once the plants are diagnosed as rootbound. Thus, you can remove the Rouge males only during a three-week cycle.
Factors that Affect its Growth
Since the Lowryder is highly versatile, it has the capability to grow in basically any type of “grow environment” or climate. In fact, it can even set the regarded “envelope of growing” aside and mainly focus on harvest areas like the North West Territories, Finland and other short-seasoned, Northern or high altitude locations. Plus, it can adapt rather fairly to window sills, backyard gardens, and patios. This is primarily due to its relatively small feature that can conceal its real identity.
Furthermore, nothing can compare to the quick maturation capability of the Lowryder! If other varieties are still going through the flowering phase, outdoor growers of Lowryders are, at the same time, basking their feet and benefitting from their harvests already.
Its Amazing Characteristics
The Lowryder has the ability to skip the stage of vegetative growth. It basically jumps from its seedling stage towards its flowering period in an instant. Studies also show that
Lowryders have the shortest life cycle and height feature amongst the famous cannabis species.
This is especially true with its male plants that showcase such attributes after approximately 17 up to 20 days. This is while its female counterparts show themselves only a few days after. Thus, these plants will then go through the flowering phase, provided that there is a continuous lighting system.
Lowryder females can generate a height that is no taller than approximately 16 up to 20 inches. The typical height for these females would be about 12 up to 16 inches only. Pot size, light intensity and appropriate pH are factors that play a significant role in influencing the female Lowryder’s size during its maturity. This means that given the best conditions, these female Lowryders will generate a bigger yield for its growers. Since these plants produce a main cola, if they can only obtain adequate lighting, their lower nodes will profusely branch out.
Moreover, its height and yield will depend on evident growth factors. A good example would be such plants that are only kept inside small-sized peat cups, which are then placed on a grower’s windowsill. Based from the factors mentioned above, this scenario will yield a mere 1 gram. Plus, the plant will grow only up to a maximum of 6 inches, having no branching features whatsoever. On the other hand, a plant placed inside a 4-gallon box and provided with high-intensity lighting, along with good methods of cultivation being put into practice, it can yield better results. It will yield a 45-gram, profusely branched, two-foot wide bud monster.
With regards to the use of fertilizer, during the initial two-week period of growth, Lowryders need to be provided with a weekly dose of light feedings. This is actually a nutrient “grow” type solution, equipped with micronutrients. Thus, when these plants become a full flower, a “blooming regime” is necessary. This should start from week 4 up to week 6. Hence, biological amendments or root stimulators that are of the Mycorise-type have the ability to significantly enhance the plant’s growth.
The Flowering Time Average
Outdoors: ripens in approximately 60 days – This is subsequent to the sowing of the seeds.
Indoors: 40 up to 45 days – This is following a seedling stage of 15 up to 20 days.
As an important note, studies show that 100% of such plants actually showcase the so-called “auto-flowering” genotype.
Its Average Height
The average height of Lowryders is approximately 12 inches. Its minimum height would be approximately 5 inches while its maximum height would be 16 inches. Thus, this will really depend on the lighting and regarded slight phenotype variants.
The Awaited Yield
As mentioned, depending on the lighting and other significant factors, Lowryders can yield up to approximately 45 grams. In fact, there was even one situation where in a 96-gram yield was accomplished. However, this was achieved under a process called “hydroponics”.
Hence, it is vital to understand that the yield is extremely and majorly dependent on the volume of light it obtains. If these plants are provided with less than the average conditions, they will remain extremely small. Even so, they can still create decent smoke outputs.
Moreover, Lowryders’ buds are close-quartered and compact, as well as slightly variable and irregular in features. It also has a high leaf/bud ratio, which goes with its thick pistils that possesses a medium-sized, orange colored and individually classified calyxes. Although it has tendencies to become “top-heavy” when grown indoors, it is rather typical to find its budding sites starting very near the soil already.
With regards to the result, you will get a “High” that feels uplifting, surprisingly strong and well-rounded. In fact, this is more appropriate for certain outdoor activities. Aside from this, the smoke emitted is described by many as smooth and equipped with an earthy, pleasant undertone. You will find its smell as not that overpowering and its flavor, quite unique and satisfying.
Feedback
There are so many requests for additional information about the Lowryder’s nutrient necessities. The factors affecting this would include the amount a grower can shell out in order to purchase these nutrient products.
There are advanced nutrient products that can be bought on discounted rates. You can also adapt its formula for your own usage. These advanced nutrients actually provide a full program for sustaining a desired 8-week growth. It will also come packaged with a guide that will feature various growing mediums.
Hence, for the initial two-week period, you can make use of the ones recommended for seedlings. After this, you can then shift to the Micro 2+ Light Feeding system. This is already for the entire life cycle of the Lowryder. There are those who actually skip weeks three and five in order to follow a six week program instead. This can be done right after the sexing of the LR’s.
As a general rule, you need to treat these Lowryders similar to seedlings in the initial 2 up to 3 week time frame. Subsequent to this, you can shift to the so-called “light bloom program”. During the initial 2 weeks, you can feed them with a type of transplanting/seeding formula. After this, you can switch and use an N-P-K 1-2-1 or 5-10-5 ratio of bloom fertilizer. You can give this weekly during weeks 3 up to 6. For week 7, you only need to feed it with water that is pH-balanced.
Thus, for those who practice organic methods, you can plant the Lowryder into an organic soil mixture and add Bat Guano into it.
Autoflower Tips:
SOIL
Choosing a good quality soil will make a huge difference to your plants and will help them to develop to their maximum potential. If you skimp on the soil it WILL show. Plants will not be as healthy or vigorous nor will they grow as big and yield as much. I use Bio-Bizz All mix right from seed. Canna Terra and Fox Farms Ocean Forest are also great soils. Adding a little perlite can help with aeration and drainage.
WATER
Don't water every day! A lot of people make this mistake. It will slow growth, lower yield significantly and make your plants take longer to finish. Only water when the pot feels light or the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This is usually every 3-5 days.
POT SIZE
This one is important. The first few weeks of an autoflower's life is spent developing a strong root system which will provide it with the nutrients and water it needs to go through the rapid growth spurt to come. If there is not enough space within those first few weeks, the plant will not develop a big, healthy root system in time and as a result will grow smaller and yield less.
Start in the biggest pots you can. The bigger the better. 5L to 7L is good, 8L+ is best.
NUTRIENTS
If using a good quality soil like one of the above, start feeding after week 3 from seed. Give only 1/4 strength to begin with. You don't want to overfeed at this stage as this is when the plant begins flowering and goes through a massive growth spurt. Overfeeding will stress the plants and slow down growth considerably. After week 4 increase the nutrients to 1/2 strength and then onto full strength feeding every second watering. If you notice a pale colour to the leaves or the lower leaves beginning to yellow then you need to increase feed at this point. Despite what a lot of people say, some auto's have quite an appetite.
LIGHT
HPS
If you can, go with HPS. Do everything you can to go down the HPS route as apposed to CFL. Even a 150W will do wonders if you are only plan on growing 1-2 plants. When growing under HPS light, plants will grow lots of branches because the light is strong enough to penetrate further down the canopy and reach the small branches between the nodes of the plant. These then grow out and become their own little plants, each producing their own colas.
CFL
CFL's are ok and that's about it. Don't expect much branching or tonnes of bud. Plants will also be smaller and take longer to mature. Keep CFL's as close to the tops as possible, 2-3 inches away or maybe even closer if you can.
When growing under CFL's, plants won't branch as much as the light can't penetrate past a few inches and therefor doesn't reach the lower branches. These stay small and usually stay close to the main stem to form a single cola.
SUN
If you have nice weather where you live you can just grow them outside. You can get great results depending on weather conditions and how much sun you get. If you get sun all the time, expect BIG plants and BIG yeilds. Don't let plants stay out at night if it's too cold ( under 15C) though as this will slow growth. Monitor buds carefully in the last 2 weeks for bud rot.
TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY and AIR CIRCULATION
Don't allow temperatures to exceed 30C (86F) as this will hinder growth. At night, stay above 15C (60F). Humidity can be between 20/50 the entire grow, too high and you could loose your entire crop to bud rot. Make sure you have fresh air circulating in your grow area at all times.
LIGHT CYCLE
18/6, 20/4 or 24/0? Which one do you choose? That is entirely up to you. There isn't much difference between them. 24/0 will produce slightly shorter plants and about a 5% increase in yield. That's about it. Just remember to give your plants at least 18 hours of light per day for maximum growth and yield.
STRAINS
Be careful when choosing seeds, especially auto varieties. Do a bit of research on a strain before ordering. There are many new auto strains popping up from different breeders all over the place. Some don't show the auto-flowering trait and will have to be put into 12/12 to induce flowering. This is a pain in the ass so rather go with a tried and tested strain and save yourself the hassle of it all going wrong 3-4 weeks from now.
Here are some strains which I recommend and that have been tried and tested:
Lowlife AK47 - High yield, strong, big plant
Buddha White Dwarf - Strong, beautiful aroma, potent smoke
Lowlife Blueberry - Very tasty, strong, good yield
Dinafem Roadrunner - Strong smoke, good yield, not 100% stable but close
Lowlife White Russian - High yield, strong smoke
Lowlife Hindu Kush - Small, tasty, strong couchlock
Joint Doctor Easy Ryder - Tasty smoke, high yield
Joint Doctor Lowryder - Small, medium strength, low yield, low odour
Joint Doctor Lowryder 2 - Tasty, medium yield, good strength
Joint Doctor Diesel Ryder - Smelly, tasty, small, potent
There are many more, but these are some of the best and most stable.
TIME FRAME
Ok, so how do you know if you're doing it all right? This time frame should give you an idea of what to expect and when. If your plant is considerably behind what I've put here, then go back and read again.
DAY 1 - First real leaves emerge
DAY 6-7 - Plant has 3 nodes with smaller branches beginning to emerge
DAY 10-12 - 5 nodes
Day 17-21 - 8 to 10 nodes, plant sex is shown. Very fast growth by this stage.
Day 25-30 - Plant begins flowering and starts to stretch. Bud sites popping up.
Day 35-45 - Growth slows, gets a bit boring, buds slowly develop more and more each day.
Day 50+ - Buds begin to fatten, heavy trichome production and smell. This is the exciting part.
Day 65-75 - Harvest.
LST, SCROG, TOPPING & SUPER-CROPPING
Yes, you can LST autos and it works a treat too! Start tying them down after they reach the 5th/6th node. I usually get 12-14 tops with this method. It also doesn't slow growth which is important. SCROG is also a great way to maximise yield. TOPPING and SUPER-CROPPING are big no no's though! There just isn't enough time for the plant to heal and so will actually end up reducing your yield quite a bit.
The original auto-flowering strain was created by The Joint Doctor and Highbred seeds.This is the revolutionary Lowryer.It was created by back breeding Northern Lights and William's Wonder with a Mexican Ruderalis.The amazing thing about this new strain was that the only Ruderalis trait left was the auto-flowering gene.This means that flowering is triggered by age rather then light/dark schedule.
The lifetime of the plants is short, lasting only 9 - 11 weeks.Within 2 weeks males will show themselves with the female showing around a week after that.From there the females go into a quick and violent flowering stage.They only reach an average highth of 12" with average harvests of 25 grams give or take depending on growing conditions.Giving it maximum stealth outside with up to three harvests a year.The size of the containers used will dramasticly effect size.Most growers use 1 - 2 gallon containers and can get well over an ounce out of each plant.
Due to the quick lifespan cloning becomes impracticable and is only grown from seeds.Since a separate light schedule isn't needed a grower can vegetate and flower in the same area.This creates new possibilities for small or macro operations.A small grow area can sustain a continuous S.O.G. giving a fresh harvest every few weeks.Most auto growers keep their lights at 18/6 or 20/4.A 12/12 schedule will dramatically hurt the final yield.
After the benefits of auto's was realized breeders began playing with them trying to make them bigger,stronger,and more potent.After Lowryder came Lowryder 2, also by the Joint doctor and using Santa Maria genetics.From these two strains a vast array of strains have been created in the last few years.With Low Life seeds, Mdanzig, and Dutchbreed joining to the new auto movement.Some of these new strains are said to have up to 23% Thc!
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Here are some of the strains available on the market -
Joint Doctor Highbred seeds- Lowryder , Lowrider 2 , Dieselryder , Snowryder(?)
Low Life Seeds- Automatic AK-47 , Automatic Blueberry, Automatic Lemon Skunk, Automatic White Russian, Automatic Hindu Kush
Mdanzig seeds- Masterlow, Power Stout, Blue Streak
Dutchbreed- Lowberry, Blue Barrel, Little Red Ryderhood, Lowryder Mint, Low Master, Mini Thunderfuck, Short Term Amnesia
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Here is the Joint Doctors grow guide for the original Lowryder-
OFFICIAL LOWRYDER GROW GUIDE (10/04) - written by the Joint doctor
Preferred growing methods
Indoors, Lowryder performs very well in soil mix (pots or beds) or in soil-less systems, where it can be cultivated from seed to bud in two months – 18 hours of light per day is recommended all the way through. Switching light cycles down to 12 hours may diminish yields and shorten the already-short life cycle slightly. Because Lowryder’s life cycle is so brief, cloning becomes impracticable, so only plants from seed are grown. By default, Lowryder is a great choice for sea-of-green.
Because flowering plants and seedlings can be maintained in the same room, Lowryder presents new possibilities for the small to medium home grower, including “staggering” your indoor harvest. A true continuous harvest system may be achieved by planting new plants periodically to replace the ones that have been harvested. This ensures that a grow
room is always full and always producing fresh bud, and one never has too much work at once. Click here to learn more about the Joint Doctor’s “1-2-3” continuous harvest method.
For best results, place jiffy pellet or plant directly into 1-2 gal.pots. Alternatively, start in 4-inch peat pots, then place
rootbound females into a plant bed after sexing (at approx. 17-20 days) – this may result in smaller plants than the first method. Grown under a 12 to 24 hour/daylight cycle from start to finish. I recommend 18 hours per day; this can be decreased to 16 after the first month with no loss of yield.
Outdoors: sow directly into soil after soaking, in 2 gal. pots or plant beds. New stands of Lowryder can be planted up until late summer, to ensure a continuous harvest outdoors. Avoid transplanting if you can, but do so if plants become rootbound. Rogue (remove) males at three weeks.
Growth Factors
Lowryder is extremely versatile in that it can be cultivated in virtually any climate or grow environment. In fact, it has pushed the envelope of growing, enabling early harvests in unlikely places like Finland, the North West Territories, and other northern, short-season, or high altitude areas. It is also well-adapted to backyard gardens, windowsills and patios where plants can be easily concealed because of their tiny size.
Nothing will mature earlier or faster than Lowryder! When other varieties have barely begun flowering, Lowryder outdoor growers are kicking up their feet and already enjoying their fresh harvests.
Characteristics
Lowryder virtually does away with the vegetative growth stage: it passes almost immediately from the seedling stage to the flowering period. To our knowledge, Lowryder has the shortest known life cycle and height in the cannabis species.
Male plants may be identified as such after approx. 17-20 days, while females show themselves a couple days later. Plants will even flower under a continuous light regime.
Lowryder females usually grow no taller than 16-20 inches. 12-16 inches is typical. Light intensity, pot size, and proper pH all play an important role in determining the size of plants at maturity – the better the conditions, the bigger the yield. Plants produce one main cola, although when they receive adequate light, lower nodes branch out profusely.
Yield and height are dependent on obvious growth factors. For example, plants kept in small peat cups on a windowsill may yield as little as 1 g. and grow no taller than 6 inches, with no branching whatsoever; while a plant in a 4-gallon container under high-intensity lighting and good cultivation methods, can turn into a profusely branched, two-foot wide 45-gram bud monster.
Fertilizer: During the first two weeks of growth, Lowryder should be weekly light feedings of a “grow” type nutrient solution, with micronutrients. When plants pass into full flower, they should be started on a “bloom” regime for weeks 4 through 6. Mycorise-type biological amendments (root stimulators) seem to increase growth significantly.
Average flowering time
Indoors: 40-45 days (after a 15-20 day seedling stage)
Outdoors: ripens approx. 60 days after seed is sown.
Note: 100% of plants display the auto-flowering genotype.
AVERAGE HEIGHT
12 inches. Minimum: 5 inches, maximum 16 inches (very light-dependent, with slight phenotype variations).
YIELD
Depending on light and other factors, Lowryder yields up to 45 g – one report even claims 96 g for one exceptional plant under hydroponics. Extremely light-dependent in terms of yield. Without adequate conditions, plants may stay extremely small, almost comically so – but still produce a decent smoke.
Buds are compacted close-quartered, slightly irregular and variable, with high bud/leaf ratio. Thick pistils, with orange coloration, and medium-sized, individual calyxes. Tends to be top-heavy indoors. Typically, budding sites start very close to the ground.
High is uplifting, surprisingly strong. Well-rounded. Best suited for outdoor activities. Smoke is smooth with pleasant, earthy undertones. Smell is not overpowering. Unique flavor, with echoes of NL and William’s Wonder in the bouquet.
JD on nutes:
I get a lot of requests for more info on nutrient needs for Lowryder. This is a hard question to answer as it depends how much money you want to shell out for nutrient products.
I get Advanced Nutrient products (many say the best) at a discount and I have adapted their formula for my own use. Advanced Nutrients provides a complete program for an 8-week grow and has a guide for different growing mediums.
For the first two weeks, I use what they recommend for seedlings.
Then I use the Micro 2+ Light Feeding program for the rest of their life cycle. I usually skip week 3 and 5 to bring it down to a 6 week program which I begin as soon as LRs are sexed.
I know it sounds complicated. Obviously all this is not needed.
As a rule of thumb, treat Lowryders like seedlings for the first 2-3 weeks, then switch them onto a light bloom program. So, you feed them a seedling/transplanting formula the first 2 weeks, then switch to a bloom fertilizer with something like a 5-10-5 or 1-2-1 ratio of N-P-K.
Give them a feeding of bloom fertilizer every week on weeks 3,4,5,6. Just pH-balanced water on week 7. Flushing solution on week 8.
...or for organic freaks, just plant into organic soil mix with bat guano mixed in... and put away the calculator... .[/CENTER]
