Photoperiod cannabis seeds refer to cannabis strains that follow a traditional light cycle for flowering. Unlike autoflowering strains, which automatically shift from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age, photoperiod strains rely on changes in the light cycle to trigger the flowering process.
Key features of photoperiod cannabis seeds include:
- Light Cycle Dependency:
- Photoperiod cannabis plants require a specific light cycle to transition from the vegetative growth stage to the flowering stage. Typically, they need a longer period of uninterrupted darkness (usually 12 hours or more) to initiate flowering.
- Control Over Flowering Time:
- Growers have greater control over the flowering time of photoperiod plants. By adjusting the light cycle, growers can induce flowering when they choose, allowing for strategic planning and longer vegetative growth if desired.
- Multiple Harvests:
- With photoperiod strains, growers can extend the growing season by manipulating the light cycle. This allows for multiple harvests in a single growing season, especially in regions with longer growing seasons or when cultivating indoors.
- Genetic Diversity:
- Photoperiod cannabis strains come in a wide range of genetic varieties, including indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. This diversity allows growers to choose plants that suit their preferences in terms of effects, flavors, and growth characteristics.
- Breeding and Genetic Preservation:
- Photoperiod strains are commonly used in cannabis breeding programs. Breeders can selectively cross different photoperiod strains to create new varieties with specific traits. Additionally, growers can preserve desirable genetics through cloning.
To cultivate photoperiod cannabis plants, growers typically provide 18-24 hours of light during the vegetative stage and then switch to a 12/12 light/dark cycle to induce flowering. This mimics the natural change in day length that occurs as the seasons transition from summer to fall.
While photoperiod strains offer more control and flexibility, they also require careful management of the light cycle, especially when cultivating indoors. Any interruptions in the dark period during the flowering stage can disrupt the plant’s hormonal balance and potentially reduce yields. Growers should also be aware of the potential for light pollution, which can affect outdoor cultivation in areas with artificial light sources at night.
