What is a Perpetual Grow?
A perpetual grow refers to a method of continuously growing your plants in a controlled environment, rather than growing a single batch and then starting fresh[cite: 15]. This method allows for a constant supply of fresh cannabis buds, while also reducing the cost and effort involved in starting new batches of plants[cite: 15].
Seedling Stage
The seedling stage is the first stage of a cannabis plant's life[cite: 15]. During this stage, the plant's main focus is on developing a strong root system[cite: 15]. Seedlings should be kept in a warm and moist environment with high humidity and relatively low light intensity[cite: 15]. A temperature range of 70-80°F and a humidity level of 70-80% is ideal for seedling growth[cite: 15]. Seedlings should be watered sparingly, as they are susceptible to over-watering[cite: 15]. It is important to use a soil mix that is well-draining and high in organic matter[cite: 15]. This stage lasts for about 2-3 weeks[cite: 15].
Vegging Stage
The vegging stage is next, and during this stage, your focus should be on maximizing vegetative growth and building a strong stem structure[cite: 15]. The plant should be kept in a warm and well-lit environment with a temperature range of 70-85°F and a humidity level of 40-60%[cite: 15]. It is important to provide plenty of light during this stage[cite: 15]. The vegging stage lasts for about 4-6 weeks[cite: 15].
During this time, you will be training the plant and removing material that can be used for clones; careful attention should be paid to marking the clones to confirm you want to flower them out should the parent turn out to be exceptional[cite: 15]. These can be used for mother plants down the road or rebreeding purposes if you do that sort of thing[cite: 15].
Throughout these first two phases, the lights will be set to 18 hours on, and 6 off, and therefore can be done in the same small area[cite: 15]. Place the vegging plants directly under the lamp, and the seedlings to one side[cite: 15].
Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is the most interesting part of a cannabis plant's life[cite: 15]. During this stage, the plant focuses on producing buds and flowers[cite: 15]. The flowering area should be 3-4 times the size of the vegging area[cite: 15]. Flowering plants should be kept in a moderate environment with a temperature range of 60-70°F and a humidity level of 40-50%[cite: 15]. It is important to provide at least 12 hours of darkness per day during this stage, as cannabis plants require a certain amount of darkness to trigger flowering and remain in a flowering mode[cite: 15]. The length of the flowering stage can vary from strain to strain, typically from 6-10 weeks[cite: 15].
Timing
Timing is really the most important factor in the perpetual grow of cannabis[cite: 15]. The availability of the flowering arena is key in determining the timing of the crop rotation[cite: 15]. The flowering arena can be tied up for up to 10 weeks, during which time the plants are in the flowering stage[cite: 15]. This means that the vegging and seedling stages must be completed within this 10-week period[cite: 15]. This is actually plenty of time, as some people will start flowering at the third week[cite: 15]. A common method is to have a batch of seedlings or clones in the vegging stage while the previous batch is in the flowering stage[cite: 15]. This method also allows for the vegging plants to be properly trained and shaped, with time to recover and grow[cite: 15]. This allows for a constant supply of fresh buds while minimizing the time and effort required to start new batches of plants[cite: 15].
In summary, the perpetual grow of cannabis involves continuously growing cannabis plants in a controlled environment, rather than growing a single batch and then starting over[cite: 15]. The crop will rotate from the vegging area to the flowering area as soon as the flowering area has been harvested[cite: 15]. Once a crop has been placed into the flowering area, a new set of clones or seeds is started in the vegging area[cite: 15]. Staggered this way, you will have a perpetual harvest[cite: 15].
Note: This table is an example of a 1-year perpetual grow cycle with 2 areas and the rotation is based on the availability of the flowering area. Keep in mind that this is just an example; the number of areas and the rotation schedule can be adjusted to suit your specific needs and setup[cite: 15].
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