Welcome to my spring journal, where I will again grow with two Vipar Spectra XS 1500 Pro lights configured the same way as they are now for my winter grow.
Genetics:
I am growing two Red Russian XXL auto plants by Victory Seeds. I have grown one before and I quadlined it. However, it was too compact a plant and I didn’t enjoy the quad with it at all. I will play it by ear when it comes to training these two.
I am growing this strain because this herb makes excellent sleep meds. One hit and I’m history.
Genetics are Red Russian XXL x Low Ryder #2, said to be indica dominant and to have an ancestry that includes the following:
Brazil, Mexican, Thai and Colombian sativa, Afghani indica, White Russian, White Widow, AK-47, our AK-77V, Northern Lights, #1 Skunk, Mexican Haze, Mexican ruderalis, Silver Pearl.
Indoors, the flowering period is expected to be 7 to 8 weeks. It’s available as a feminized photoperiod too.
Medium:
I am growing in Freedom Farms Seed Starter, and when I up-pot, I will be using the Freedom Farms Organic Classic blend.
Seedstarter
Ingredients: Prepared Coco Coir, Fine Vermiculite, Fine Perlite, Premium Earthworn castings, Volcanic Rock Dust, Bone Meal, Gypsum, Freedom Farms Bokashi, Bacillus thuringiensis (fungus gnat larvae prevention), Trichoderma harzianum (soil borne pathogen prevention).
Application:
– A fine matrix specifically formulated for seed germination
– Free from pathogens and weeds
– Excellent for all varieties of seeds
– Suitable for both inorganic and organic fertilizer amendments
The Seedstarter is a premium germination medium formulated to create the ideal conditions for seed germination. The finer soil matrix, excellent aeration, seedling specific nutrient levels and inoculation with beneficial microorganisms, are the main reasons for the high success rate of the Seedstarter.
Directions of use: Add germination soil to seedling tray and water thoroughly the first time. Plant seeds and water again lightly for seeds to settle. After the first drying cycle, keep the soil moist.
Organic Classic
Ingredients: Coco Coir, Worm Castings, Compost, Perlite (10%), Vermiculite, Volcanic Rock Dust, Bone Meal, Gypsum, Fermented probiotic bran, Organic nutrients
Application:
– Ideal for container growing
– Indoor, Greenhouse or Outdoor cultivation
– Quality organic potting soil for vegetables, herbs and general plants
– Raised bed system re-planted over multiple cycles (No-till, covercrop)
– Cultivation of organic medicinal grade CBD plants
The Organic Classic blend is formulated mainly for organic growing practices and organic nutrients. First watering can either be clean water or for hungrier plants add a single recommended dosage of organic nutrients. The nutrients in the soil should be adequate for approximately 2-6 weeks before additional nutrient applications are required. At this point earth worm compost should be applied as a top dressing.
Lights:
The lights (@ViparSpectra ) are already set at 100 % intensity for the flowering plants. I have slotted the new babies in under those lights at PPFD 225.
“To maximise your yield, always aim for 40 moles, or 40,000,000 μmol, per day. Here is how much PPFD is needed per second for each phase of cannabis growth to achieve the DLI of 40 moles of light per day.
- Seedling phase (18hr cycle): 200–300 μmol m-2 s-1
- Vegetative phase (18hr cycle): 617 μmol m-2 s-1
- Flowering phase (12hr cycle): 925 μmol m-2 s-1” (Royal Queen Seeds)
Thank you for your company on my grow journey 
your soil selection, I never heard of that brand before. Is it a local thing or is it everywhere? CL
Thanks for pulling up a chair!
