Introduction
Light plays a pivotal role in the life cycle of a cannabis plant. It not only fuels photosynthesis - the process by which plants produce energy - but also controls the plants' transition from vegetative growth to the flowering stage. This transition is triggered by changes in the photoperiod, or the duration of light the plant receives. In this article, we'll delve into the pros and cons of flowering cannabis under different photoperiods.
12/12 Photoperiod (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness)
The 12/12 photoperiod is the standard light schedule for triggering cannabis plants to flower indoors. This mimics the natural light conditions of autumn when outdoor plants naturally begin to flower.
Pros:
Reliable Results: A 12/12 photoperiod reliably induces flowering in cannabis plants and has been used successfully by growers for decades.
Energy Efficient: By providing 12 hours of darkness, growers can save energy compared to more light-intensive schedules.
Cons:
Slower Growth: With only 12 hours of light per day, the growth rate may be slower compared to more light-intensive photoperiods.
18/6 Photoperiod (18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness) During Flowering
Some growers choose to keep their plants on an 18/6 light schedule even during the flowering stage. This is not typically recommended because cannabis plants usually need long nights to flower. However, auto-flowering strains, which automatically flower after a certain period of time regardless of light conditions, can be grown under this photoperiod.
Pros:
Accelerated Growth: The extra light can promote faster growth, leading to larger plants and potentially higher yields.
Ideal for Auto-Flowering Strains: Auto-flowering strains do not rely on light cues to flower and can take full advantage of the extra light.
Cons:
Unsuitable for Photoperiod-Dependent Strains: Regular cannabis strains may not flower under these conditions, leading to perpetual vegetative growth or hermaphroditism.
Increased Energy Use: An 18/6 light schedule requires more energy, potentially increasing costs.
Continuous Light (24 hours of light)
Using a continuous light schedule during flowering is controversial. While some growers believe the extra light maximizes photosynthesis and growth, others argue that plants need a period of darkness to rest and carry out essential biological processes.
Pros:
Maximum Photosynthesis: Under continuous light, plants have the maximum potential for photosynthesis and growth.
Potential for Increased Yields: If managed correctly, continuous light can lead to larger plants and increased yields.
Cons:
Plant Stress: Without a period of darkness, plants may become stressed, which could affect their health and productivity.
Energy Intensive: A 24-hour light schedule uses significantly more energy, which can increase cultivation costs.
14/10 Photoperiod involves 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness each day. This schedule is somewhat of a middle ground between the traditional 18/6 and 12/12 photoperiods typically used in cannabis cultivation. The idea behind this approach is to give the plants a longer period of light to maximize photosynthesis and growth while still providing enough darkness to trigger the flowering stage.
Let's look into some pros and cons of the 14/10 photoperiod:
Pros:
Enhanced Growth: With two additional hours of light compared to the 12/12 schedule, plants may experience enhanced vegetative growth, potentially leading to larger yields.
Energy Efficiency: The 14/10 photoperiod uses less energy than the 18/6 or 24/0 schedules, which can result in significant savings over time.
Sufficient Darkness: The 10 hours of darkness is typically enough to trigger flowering in photoperiod-sensitive cannabis strains.
Cons:
Possible Stress: Some cannabis strains may experience stress if the darkness period is not long enough, potentially affecting their growth and yield.
Risk of Hermaphroditism: In some cases, the shorter dark period may not be sufficient to trigger flowering, which can cause stress and lead to hermaphroditism, particularly in genetically susceptible strains.
Less Tested: The 14/10 photoperiod is not as commonly used or as well-studied as the 18/6 or 12/12 schedules, so there may be less guidance available from the growing community.
Conclusion Optimizing Light
Choosing the right photoperiod for flowering cannabis is a delicate balance between optimizing growth and managing resources. The 12/12 photoperiod is a proven and reliable method for most growers. However, other light schedules may be beneficial depending on the specific strain and the grower's unique goals and constraints. As always, the key to success is careful observation and adaptation to the needs of your plants.
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