Grow Guide

Welcome to the complete Empire grow guide. We wish you a fruitful and enjoyable growing experience with our Empire Genetics super auto flowering seeds. Engineered for simplicity and efficiency, these seeds are perfect for growers of all experience levels. In this post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of growing auto flowering cannabis plants, ensuring you achieve a bountiful and high-quality harvest. Whether you're a seasoned cultivator or just starting your green journey, Empire Genetics seeds promise robust growth and impressive yields. For more information on each strain and it’s qualities, check them out on the Empire page.

Lets begin and happy growing!

Step 1: Preparing Your Growing Space

Whether you choose to grow indoors or outdoors, preparation is key.

  • Indoors: Use a grow tent or dedicated grow room. Ensure you have proper ventilation, temperature control (between 21-29°C), and humidity levels (40-60%). Set up fans, exhaust systems, and carbon filters to manage airflow and odor.

  • Outdoors: Select a spot that receives plenty of sunlight (at least 5-6 hours a day). Prepare the soil by enriching it with compost or organic matter. Consider using pots or raised beds to control soil quality and drainage better.

Step 2: Germinating Your Seeds

To start your seeds, use the paper towel method:

  1. Soak: Place seeds in a glass of water for 12-24 hours. This softens the seed shell and promotes germination.

  2. Germinate: Transfer the seeds to a damp paper towel, fold it over, and place it inside a plastic bag or between two plates. Keep in a warm, dark place (around 21-27°C).

  3. Plant: Once the taproot emerges (typically within 24-48 hours), plant the seed about 1-2 cm deep in your chosen growing medium with the taproot facing down. Gently cover with dirt.

Step 3: Planting and Initial Care

Plant your germinated seeds in a small pot (around 3-5 gallons) filled with high-quality soil designed for cannabis.

  • Soil Mix: Use a light, airy soil mix with perlite and vermiculite for drainage. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much water. Cannabis prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

  • Watering: Water the soil until it is damp but not waterlogged. Keep the soil moist but not soaked. Overwatering can suffocate the young roots.

  • Lighting: If growing indoors, place your seedlings under a gentle light source, such as a CFL or LED grow light, to prevent stretching. Provide 18-20 hours of light per day to maximize growth during the vegetative stage.

Step 4: Lighting

Auto flowering plants do not rely on light cycles to flower, but providing ample light is crucial for growth.

  • Indoors: Use LED grow lights for energy efficiency and effective light spectrum. Maintain a consistent light schedule of 18-20 hours of light per day throughout the plant's life cycle. Position the lights at the correct distance to avoid light burn or stretching (usually 45-60cm inches above the canopy).

  • Outdoors: Ensure your plants receive maximum sunlight. Position your plants to get the most direct sunlight, ideally in a south-facing location. Rotate the plants if needed to ensure even light distribution. Supplement with artificial lights if necessary, especially during cloudy days or shorter daylight hours.

Step 5: Nutrient Management

Auto flowering plants have a shorter lifecycle and require a careful balance of nutrients.

  • Seedling Stage: Use a light mix or a gentle nutrient solution designed for seedlings. Start with ¼ strength and gradually increase as the plant grows. Seedlings are delicate and can be easily burned by strong nutrients. Observe the plants for any signs of nutrient deficiency or burn. Adjust the nutrient strength accordingly.

  • Vegetative Stage: Switch to a nutrient solution with higher nitrogen content. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and adjust based on plant response. Nitrogen promotes leafy growth, which is essential during this stage.

    • Organic vs. Synthetic Nutrients: Choose between organic nutrients (which improve soil health over time) and synthetic nutrients (which provide immediate availability).

  • Flowering Stage: Use a blooming nutrient mix with higher phosphorus and potassium levels. Gradually transition from vegetative nutrients to flowering nutrients over a week. Phosphorus aids in bud development, while potassium enhances overall plant health.

  • Nutrient Schedule: Follow a feeding schedule that alternates between nutrients and plain water to prevent nutrient buildup and potential lockout.

Step 6: Watering

Proper watering practices are vital for healthy plant growth.

  • Check Soil Moisture: Insert your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Use a moisture meter for more accurate readings.

    • Watering Technique: Water slowly and evenly around the base of the plant to ensure the entire root zone is hydrated. Avoid splashing water on the leaves, which can cause mold and mildew.

  • Watering Schedule: Typically, water every 2-3 days, depending on your environment. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Consider using fabric pots to improve aeration and prevent overwatering.

    • Signs of Overwatering: Drooping leaves, yellowing, and a general lack of vigor can indicate overwatering.

    • Signs of Underwatering: Wilting, dry soil, and slow growth can indicate underwatering.

  • pH Levels: Maintain a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Test your water and soil pH regularly and adjust as needed using pH up or down solutions. Incorrect pH can lock out essential nutrients.

Step 7: Monitoring Growth and Adjustments

Regularly check your plants for signs of stress, pests, or nutrient deficiencies.

  • Yellowing Leaves: Possible nutrient deficiency or overwatering. Diagnose and adjust your nutrient regimen accordingly. Yellowing at the bottom could indicate nitrogen deficiency, while yellowing at the top could suggest a micronutrient issue.

    • Corrective Measures: Flush the soil with pH-balanced water to remove excess nutrients and then resume feeding with a balanced nutrient solution.

  • Wilting or Curling: Could indicate overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient imbalances. Assess your watering schedule and nutrient levels.

    • Leaf Curling: Upward curling can be a sign of heat stress, while downward curling can indicate overwatering.

  • Pests: Inspect leaves for signs of pests, such as aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Treat with organic insecticides or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory mites.

    • Preventative Measures: Use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth as preventative measures against pests. Maintain good airflow and cleanliness to deter pest infestations.

Step 8: Flowering and Harvest

Auto flowering plants typically begin to flower 2-4 weeks after germination and are ready for harvest in about 8-12 weeks.

  • Monitor Trichomes: Use a magnifying glass or microscope to check trichomes on the buds. Harvest when they are mostly milky with some turning amber for a balanced high. Clear trichomes indicate under-ripeness, while mostly amber trichomes suggest a more sedative effect.

    • Harvest Window: Harvesting too early or too late can affect the potency and flavor of your buds. Aim for a balance of milky and amber trichomes for optimal results.

  • Harvest: Cut the plant at the base and trim leaves. Hang the plants upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry. Avoid direct light and maintain a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C) with 50-60% humidity.

    • Trimming: Remove large fan leaves first, then carefully trim the sugar leaves around the buds. These trimmings can be used to make concentrates or edibles.Step 10: Drying and Curing

Step 9: Drying and Curing

Drying and curing are essential for developing the best flavor and potency.

  • Drying: Hang your trimmed plants or branches in a dark room with good airflow and a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C). This usually takes 7-10 days. Buds are dry when the small stems snap rather than bend.

    • Drying Environment: Maintain good air circulation to prevent mold. Use a dehumidifier if necessary to control humidity levels.

  • Curing: Place the dried buds in glass jars. Open the jars daily for the first week to release moisture, then less frequently over the next few weeks. Cure for at least 2-4 weeks for optimal results. Proper curing enhances flavor, aroma, and potency.

    • Burping: The process of opening the jars daily is called burping. This releases excess moisture and allows fresh air to enter, preventing mold growth.

    • Storage: Store the jars in a cool, dark place to preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes. Properly cured buds can be stored for several months to a year without significant degradation

We hope this guide helps you along your growing journey. However, as any expert grower will tell you, experience is the best teacher. One more tip: the sooner you begin the sooner you can enjoy the fruits of your harvest ;) 

Happy growing!

your Empire Team