Switching Plants from 16/8 to 12/12

Alright, so I want to switch my lights from 16/8 to 12/12. I have two plants. One is 37 days old, and the other is 27 days old. I have heard that you should do a dark period before switching the lights for faster sexing results. Also something about reducing stress on the plant from switching cycles. Is this true? If so should I do it, and how long should I do it for? 24 hours? I need to know as well how long should I wait to start using bloom nutrients after I switch my lights? My bigger plant is just about a foot tall and it is really bushy. I topped it once and have done LST quite a few times. The other is 6 inches tall and I am just letting it grow naturally to see the difference in yields of the two plants in the end. Here is a pic of each plant. I forgot to mention, if this is even useful information to anyone. I am using Fox farm grow big nutrients for veg, and the last time I fed them was this morning, but I didn't feed them much due to the fact I was seeing a little bit of nute burn on one of the plants. I would very much appreciate solid facts and advice on this.

I have done it both ways. I can not tell a difference my plants flower in 10-11 days no matter what I do. Also if you are giving them only Grow Big, you are only giving nitrogen. Try using more of the Organic Big Bloom and less Grow Big. You'll be happy with the results. Happy Plants!

All they need is grow big for vegging...they aren't even in bloom yet, I'm not going to give them any grow big nutes when they go into flower. Just bloom.

The 24 hour thing is a waste of light time. Mother Nature doesn't block the sun for 24 hours when going from summer to fall. Granted, the change in hours of daylight is gradual, but there is no need for a dark period. In certain strains I suppose it may be possible that they show sex a bit sooner, but how much sooner is the question. I wouldn't bother with a dark period before switching, especially if you're running 16/8 as opposed to 18/6.

Alright, so my lights are going to come on at 12:35 exactly later tonight. I should reset them to go off and 12:35 tomorrow afternoon then and continue this without the dark period?

can anyone answer this question? I need to know as well how long should I wait to start using bloom nutrients after I switch my lights?

nubbis1020 said:

Alright, so my lights are going to come on at 12:35 exactly later tonight. I should reset them to go off and 12:35 tomorrow afternoon then and continue this without the dark period?

Click to expand...

nubbis1020 said:

can anyone answer this question? I need to know as well how long should I wait to start using bloom nutrients after I switch my lights?

Click to expand...

To answer your first question, Yes. The whole dark period thing has never made any sense to me. It doesnt happen that way in nature, so why do it? Many times I have gone straight from 24/0 or 18/6 to 12/12 with no adverse affects. Thats not to say there aren't any to be had. Depending on the strain, Fem or reg seeds, and its ability to handle stress I could possibly see the immediate switch from 24/0 to 12/12 causing stress problems. My guess would be that this scenario is extremely rare at best and I personally have never experienced this. You will be perfectly fine with the switch.

The first two weeks of "flower" the plant really isnt "flowering" per say. Its going to grow like crazy, stretch to the sky, and at the least double in size in preparation for the flowers forming and all the extra added weight. During this time period your girl/s will be using nitrogen like mad for all the foliage growth so dont stop with the grow/veg ferts. Once the vertical growth has slowed and the plant is focusing more so on growth of flowers is when you will want to switch to bloom ferts. Failing to continue with grow ferts high in nitrogen during the stretch will most often result in major leaf loss late in flowering and in turn less energy being produced by the plant. Less energy being produced means diminished yields, possibly lower potency, and even a chance of longer flower times. (not to mention the elevated stress levels)

Can you feed bloom ferts right from the switch? yes, I am not saying it will kill the plant. It will only result in side effects most growers arent keen about. Would i suggest it? not by any means.

^good advice. I appreciate it. +rep