Grow Q&A: Should I Be Feeding My Auto-flowering Pot Plants?

By
Danny Danko

Dear Dan, Should I add nutrients to auto-flowers – and when? I’ve heard conflicting opinions. – Corey. E

Dear Corey,
Unless you’ve customized a “hot” soil mix that has the nutrients built right in, you will need to feed your auto-flowering plants. My suggestion is to not feed for the first 4 weeks or so, then start a vegetative feeding regiment higher in Nitrogen. Continue feeding the vegetative nutrients until the plant has stopped growing upwards. With most autos, this would be about a two week period into week 6 or so.

After that, switch to a flowering nutrient regimen higher in Phosphorus for the next few weeks until you plan to start flushing the plants. Remember that auto-flowering plants are smaller with diminished root systems and ability to uptake nutes so avoid over-feeding at all costs. Start with 1/4 strength of the recommended formulas and work up to half strength if you see signs of yellowing.

Have a grow question? Ask at deardanko@hightimes.com

(Photo by @dannydankoht)

 

Danny Danko

Danny Danko is a writer, photographer and the Senior Cultivation Editor of High Times magazine. He has selected High Times’ annual Top 10 Strains of the Year since 2005 and is also the creator and founder of the High Times Seed Bank Hall of Fame, author of The Official High Times Field Guide to Marijuana Strains and the forthcoming book Cannabis: A Beginner's Guide to Growing Marijuana. He hosts the podcast High Times presents "Free Weed from Danny Danko."

By
Danny Danko
Tags: Interviews

Recent Posts

Where the Sherbwalk Ends

A Rhode Island-based cultivator riffs on a classic.

23 hours ago

Is Hop Latent Viroid Everywhere?

We examine whether smaller, isolated grows might be safer when it comes to spreading disease.

2 days ago

Connecticut House Approves Bill Regulating Hemp Products

Connecticut lawmakers have passed legislation to regulate hemp products, including a provision that sets a…

3 days ago

Hemp Clothing Market to Hit $23B by 2031, Report Predicts

The hemp clothing industry is making a resurgence as a popular textile choice.

3 days ago

Friends Don’t Let Friends Jump Through Loopholes

It’s time to take a stand against gas station weed.

3 days ago

Survey: High-THC Flower Yields Few Serious Side Effects in Patients

Medical cannabis patients who were administered high-THC marijuana flower found the experience to be both…

3 days ago