Sexing... + Plus rep,Please respond!

Hey guys, first time outdoor grower here. I did do a search but I would like some clarification in regards to force flowering to determine sex. ATM I have a few plants that have been in Veg for around 4 weeks. They are only around 7-8” tall due to a terrible bout of cold weather. I finally went and bought some CFLs and had them under lights for around two weeks. Weather has improved and I have begun acclimatizing them for the past four days.
My question is if I can bring my plants back in, set their light schedule to 12/12 for about a week, and force them to flower so I can determine sex. In my circumstance its kindda important that if I can, determine their sex to prevent planting males (I know, shoulda gotten clones) Anyways, is it to early in their life cycle to do this? Can this even be done? Will I stress the shit outta my plants to the point where it could reduce their potential potency? How long does this process normally take? Should I stop feeding them? (20/20/20)
Any suggestions, answers, etc would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

I do not like trying force plants into flower.

Some people on here do but I think it is always best to wait until they are suxually mature before putting them into flower.

These are plants you are keeping outside? If so then why not just leave them out there and check on them regularly? There is plenty of time to get rid of the males from the time you can determine sex before they open up and pollinate the females.

I think that forcing plants to show their sex stresses them out and also gives you a greater chance a male to female ratio. Of course you Can do it, I mean it is possible but I Do Not reccomend it.

DownOnWax said:

I do not like trying force plants into flower.

Some people on here do but I think it is always best to wait until they are suxually mature before putting them into flower.

These are plants you are keeping outside? If so then why not just leave them out there and check on them regularly? There is plenty of time to get rid of the males from the time you can determine sex before they open up and pollinate the females.

I think that forcing plants to show their sex stresses them out and also gives you a greater chance a male to female ratio. Of course you Can do it, I mean it is possible but I Do Not reccomend it.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the response Down + Rep.
Anybody else?

bump for the night

your best bet is to let nature do its course forcing them to flower can result in hermies just wait till there good and ready and pull the males and clone the females good luck bro

You could take a clone and flower that for sex. That's a typical approach, I'd guess. The book I read says take two cuts from each plant and put them in 12/12 once they root.

darookie2000 said:

You could take a clone and flower that for sex. That's a typical approach, I'd guess. The book I read says take two cuts from each plant and put them in 12/12 once they root.

Click to expand...

Right on, thanks Ace and rookie! I was thinking the same but being a first time grower iam under eductated when it comes to cloning.
How long into the plants life cycle is it safe to start snipping?
I know MJ is a hearty plant but will the "cut" side be succeptable to disease, etc?
Will I need some sort of root gel for the tips of the clones?
Can I use Jiffy pellets for these clones?
How long does it take for the clones to start showing signs of sex?(7-14days)
any info on cloning would be great.
Thanks again.plus rep for both of ya

Shit..BTW my plants are in their 4,5,and sixth nodes
Peace

killian123 said:

Right on, thanks Ace and rookie! I was thinking the same but being a first time grower iam under eductated when it comes to cloning.
How long into the plants life cycle is it safe to start snipping?
I know MJ is a hearty plant but will the "cut" side be succeptable to disease, etc?
Will I need some sort of root gel for the tips of the clones?
Can I use Jiffy pellets for these clones?
How long does it take for the clones to start showing signs of sex?(7-14days)
any info on cloning would be great.
Thanks again.plus rep for both of ya

Click to expand...

you can take a cutting after you see a few shoots.. i wait till there are 3 sets of nodes... this will ensure your plant can handle the stress without any side affects...

yes taking a cutting can leave an open wound that is succeptable to disease and whatever.. the best way to get around this is to make sure you are using a sharp cutting utensil, a razor blade or exacto knife works great, and dip it into rubbing alcohol before each cutting... unless you strip down a plant and grow in really shitty conditions you prolly wont have to worry about disease...

you will want to use some sort of cloning gel or powder... it helps also if you scrap away the bottom 1/2" to 1" of flesh away from the bottom of the cutting to expose more surface area for the powder/gel to touch... it will speed along rooting...

you can use jiffy pellets, rockwool cubes, or just put them into a dixie cup with soil.... although rockwool cubes are my personal favorite..

and it takes about 2 weeks to see clone sex... about 7 days to establish roots and another 7 or so to see sex on a 12/12 cycle... so start to finish it takes about 2 to 3 weeks...

good luck
sampson