Harvesting Autoflower Wedding Cake: Timing For The Perfect Buds

Wedding Cake Autoflower is a highly sought-after cannabis strain known for its ease of cultivation and exceptional characteristics. It is an autoflowering variant of the popular Wedding Cake strain, making it a favourite among growers. The best time to harvest the plant is when the trichomes are a mix of cloudy and amber, indicating peak THC and CBD levels. This usually happens within 8-10 weeks of the flowering phase, which is about 70-75 days from seed. However, the flowering time can vary depending on the phenotype and environmental conditions.

Optimal environmental conditions for growing Wedding Cake Auto

Creating the right environment for Wedding Cake Auto plants is essential for their growth and development. Here are some tips for achieving optimal results:

• Temperature and Humidity: Wedding Cake Auto thrives in a temperate climate, with daytime temperatures ranging between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and slightly cooler nights. Maintaining stable temperature and humidity levels is crucial to prevent stress and potential issues such as mould or mildew.
• Lighting: During the vegetative phase, provide 18-20 hours of light per day, and switch to a 12-hour light and 12-hour uninterrupted darkness cycle to initiate flowering. High-quality LED grow lights or HPS lamps are recommended to ensure proper photosynthesis and robust bud development.
• Soil and Drainage: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging and maintain a balanced pH level of approximately 6.0-6.5 for optimal nutrient absorption.
• Airflow and Ventilation: Install an efficient exhaust system with a carbon filter to control odours and prevent heat or humidity buildup. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, and ensure proper airflow to reduce the risk of mould or mildew formation.
• Nutrition and Fertilization: During the vegetative phase, Wedding Cake Auto plants require a balanced and nutrient-rich diet with a higher nitrogen (N) content. Transition to a bloom or flowering-specific nutrient formula during the flowering phase, generally higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
• Germination: Maintain a temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and provide a dark, undisturbed environment for germination. Once the seeds have developed taproots, carefully transfer them to pre-moistened growing medium. Place the seeds in a warm and humid environment with gentle airflow, maintaining a temperature of 75-80°F (24-27°C) and a humidity level of 60-70%.
• Training and Pruning: Employ training techniques such as low-stress training (LST) or topping to control the height and shape of your plants. Remove any lower branches or leaves that receive little light or show signs of disease or pests to improve airflow and reduce the risk of mould or mildew formation.
• Harvesting and Curing: Monitor the trichomes to determine the optimal harvest time. Look for a mix of cloudy and amber trichomes, indicating peak THC and CBD levels. Use sharp, clean pruning tools to carefully trim the branches with mature buds, and hang the harvested branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room to dry.

Germinating Wedding Cake Auto seeds

The Wedding Cake Auto strain is an autoflowering cannabis seed variety, which means it will flower without a change in light. This is a result of the plant's ruderalis genetics, which also makes it hardy and able to handle various conditions, both inside and outdoors.

To germinate Wedding Cake Auto seeds, you can use the paper towel method. Place the seeds on a damp paper towel and cover them with another damp paper towel to keep them moist. Keep the paper towel in a warm, dark place and check on it every day to ensure it remains moist. When the seeds have germinated, gently place them in soil or a similar growth medium.

The ideal temperature for germinating Wedding Cake Auto seeds is between 70°F-90°F (21°C-32°C). Temperatures below 70°F (21°C) or above 90°F (32°C) can prevent or compromise healthy germination. Low temperatures can delay or even stop germination, while high temperatures can cause poor germination, stunted or slow growth, and increase the possibility of seedlings drying out.

Another method for germinating Wedding Cake Auto seeds is to soak them in water for up to 72 hours in darkness. When the seed shows a tail, put it in loose soil with fertilizer and keep it light and damp. A seedling will soon appear!

Wedding Cake Auto seeds can be grown indoors or outdoors and typically take 70-75 days from seed to harvest. The plants usually reach a height of 80-100cm indoors and 100-120cm outdoors, with yields of up to 450-550 gr/m² indoors and 180-250 gr/plant outdoors.

Vegetative growth phase

The vegetative growth phase is a crucial stage in the development of Wedding Cake Autoflower plants. Here are some key considerations during this phase:

Lighting

Provide your Wedding Cake Autoflower plants with 18-20 hours of light per day to promote vigorous vegetative growth. High-quality LED grow lights or HPS lamps are recommended to ensure sufficient light intensity and spectral distribution. Maintaining optimal light conditions is essential for healthy plant development.

Nutrition

During the vegetative phase, this autoflower plant requires a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. Use a reputable cannabis fertilizer with a higher nitrogen (N) content to encourage healthy leaf and stem growth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and monitor the plants for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

Watering

Water your plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions, but ensure the plants do not experience extreme drought. Maintaining proper hydration is crucial for the plants' health.

Training

Consider employing training techniques such as low-stress training (LST) or topping to control the height and shape of your Wedding Cake Autoflower plants. These methods help create an even canopy, increase light penetration, and promote better bud development. Training techniques can enhance the overall structure and yield of your plants.

Pruning

Remove any lower branches or leaves that receive little light or show signs of disease or pests. This helps improve airflow and reduces the risk of mold or mildew formation. Pruning also encourages the plant to focus its energy on developing healthier branches and foliage.

By providing your Wedding Cake Autoflower plants with the right environmental conditions, nutrition, and care during the vegetative phase, you can establish healthy and robust plants ready for the subsequent flowering stage.

Flowering phase

The flowering phase is the most anticipated stage of growing Wedding Cake Autoflower, as it is when the plants develop their characteristic buds. Here is what you need to know to ensure a successful flowering phase:

• Lighting: Adjust the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness to initiate the flowering phase. Use a timer to maintain a consistent light schedule. During this stage, autoflower plants require intense light, so ensure your grow lights provide adequate coverage and maintain the appropriate distance from the canopy.
• Nutrition: Transition from a nutrient formula higher in nitrogen to a bloom or flowering-specific nutrient formula. These formulations are generally higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which promote bud development and overall flowering performance. Monitor the plants closely and adjust nutrient levels as needed to avoid deficiencies or toxicities.
• Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a slightly lower temperature during the flowering phase, ideally around 65-75°F (18-24°C), to encourage resin production and prevent heat-related stress. As for humidity, aim for levels around 40-50% to minimize the risk of mould or bud rot.
• Support: As your Wedding Cake Autoflower plants enter the flowering phase, the weight of the developing buds may cause branches to bend or break. Provide adequate support using stakes or trellises to ensure the plants can bear the weight and avoid bud damage.
• Flowering Time: This autoflower typically has a flowering time of 8-10 weeks, but this can vary depending on the specific phenotype and environmental conditions. Monitor the trichome development using a magnifying tool to determine the optimal harvest window.
• Pest and Disease Control: Throughout the flowering phase, maintain a vigilant eye for any signs of pests or diseases. Implement proper pest management practices and take immediate action at the first sign of infestation or abnormalities.

Pest and disease control

While Wedding Cake autoflower is known for its resilience, it is still susceptible to pests and diseases. Implementing proper pest and disease control measures is crucial to protect your plants and ensure a successful harvest. Here are some preventive and corrective actions:

• Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of pests such as spider mites, aphids, or thrips. Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation.
• Maintain a clean and tidy growing space, removing any dead plant material or debris that could harbor pests or pathogens.
• Introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or predatory mites, to your garden to help control pests naturally.
• Ensure proper airflow and ventilation in the growing space to reduce the risk of mold or mildew formation.
• Quarantine new plants or clones before introducing them to your growing area to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
• If you detect pests, use organic or low-toxicity pest control products specifically formulated for cannabis. Follow the instructions carefully and avoid using harsh chemicals that can compromise the quality of your harvest.
• For common fungal diseases like powdery mildew or botrytis, remove infected plant material, increase airflow, and consider using organic fungicides or natural remedies such as neem oil or a milk spray solution.
• When dealing with severe infestations or persistent diseases, consult a professional grower or horticulturist for targeted advice and solutions.
• Regularly inspect your plants and stay proactive in pest and disease management to ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest.

Frequently asked questions