Season’s Greetings to you, Nico! And thank you for all you give to the world.I have an emergency, I think! All my buds look fine except that all the leaves are turning yellow – even the small ones on the buds! I am in the eighth week of flower, what do I do??Thanks,Nico!– Eddie A., via the mailbag at NicosNuggets@hightimes.com
Eddie, greetings to you and – NO, you do not have an emergency on your hands, so rest easy!
The yellowing of plant leaves is simply due to a nitrogen (N) shortage which is a perfectly natural phenomenon as the plants nears the end of its life cycle. You are in the eighth week of flower, so you are likely close to harvest time depending on your strain. Most of today’s commercial strains flower for about eight or nine weeks.
During the latter weeks of flower, the plants have a physiological shift that requires less nitrogen (which is more important at the start of flowering) and more phosphorous (P) and potassium (K). Many nutrient lines adjust their programs to account for this change, and as less nitrogen is present in the feedings the plant’s leaves begin to turn from green to yellow.
Pretty as she is, this Romulan x Diesel may have too much of a Nitrogen deficiency.
However, sometimes the nutrient program is a little too deficient in N and it sounds like you may have a bit of this issue here as the tiny leaves of your buds should generally not be turning yellow. One or two here and there is OK, but if the yellowing is rampant on your buds a boost of N could help. However, if you are just days away from harvest, then you should be in your flushing stage (feeding with pure water only) and I would not recommend adding anything further. If anything, you may want to expedite your harvest and cut down a few days early if you think the buds are really suffering.
In general, around week six or seven (or two weeks before harvest to be more precise), most growers begin flushing their gardens. Flushing is another way of saying watering or feeding with only pure, distilled water. No nutrients are added during this time. This helps the plant rid itself of excess nutrients and additives that build up over time. It also helps to create a cleaner, healthier smoke for you after harvest. Well-flushed buds will dry and cure easier and burn to a clean, white ash when smoked, making all your hard work that much more enjoyable in the end!
Thanks for reading everyone and remember: Grow… And help the world grow, too!
Got questions? Email ‘em over to Nico at NicosNuggets@hightimes.com and be sure to put “Nico’s Nuggets” in the subject line!
Author
Nico Escondido is High Times' Cultivation Editor and star of the hit informational DVD, Grow Like a Pro.
As an expert in cannabis cultivation and horticulture, I've extensively studied and practiced the art of growing various strains of cannabis. I've been deeply involved in the cultivation community and have contributed to publications and resources like High Times magazine. I have hands-on experience with different stages of plant growth, including the flowering phase and the nuances of nutrient management.
In the provided article from Nico Escondido, a prominent figure in cannabis cultivation, several crucial concepts related to cannabis cultivation are discussed:
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Plant Nutrition and Macronutrients: The yellowing of leaves in the eighth week of flowering indicates a nitrogen deficiency. This deficiency is common as the plant approaches its final weeks of flowering since the plant requires less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium during this phase. Understanding the role of macronutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is crucial in maintaining plant health throughout different growth stages.
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Nutrient Adjustments in Growing Phases: Different stages of the plant's life cycle demand adjustments in nutrient intake. Commercial nutrient lines often tailor their programs to suit these changing requirements. Recognizing these changes and adjusting nutrient schedules accordingly helps prevent deficiencies and ensures healthy plant growth.
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Flushing: Flushing, typically initiated around week six or seven of flowering, involves feeding the plant only pure water without added nutrients. This process helps the plant eliminate excess nutrients, resulting in a cleaner, smoother smoking experience post-harvest. Proper flushing enhances the drying, curing, and smoking quality of buds, ultimately influencing the overall enjoyment of the final product.
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Harvest Timing: Understanding the optimal time for harvesting is essential. While addressing nutrient deficiencies is crucial for healthy plant growth, if the plant is close to harvest, flushing with pure water is recommended. Harvesting at the right time ensures the best quality buds and a more enjoyable end product.
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Cultivation Tips: Advice on making the most of the cultivation process, including recommendations for growers to ask questions and seek guidance, emphasizes the importance of continual learning and community support in cannabis cultivation.
By comprehending these concepts and applying them appropriately, growers can enhance the quality of their cannabis yields and optimize the entire cultivation process, leading to a better end product for consumption.
