The 12/12 Method: The New Craze in The Canna-Cultivation World

12/12 marijuana growing method

Cannabis growers all over the world are constantly seeking new methods and ways of cultivation; this is especially true for indoor growers because of space restriction. They believe that having limited space should not hinder their plant growth and yield.

The introduction of a new method known as the 12-12 from seed method has gained wide acceptance among the indoor cannabis growers. The photoperiod cannabis strains usually flower based on their light cycle, this is usually recreated by the indoor cannabis growers to keep them in their vegetative phases and enable them flower. The 12-12 in the name refers to the 12 hours each of light and darkness the plant is exposed to immediately after germination.

The normal method which has been used for a long time is to use an 18/6 cycle in the vegetative phase which takes about 2-4 weeks before switching to a 12/12 light cycle for the flowering phase. However, the 12/12 technique skips the traditional vegetative phase entirely to force them into flowering immediately by making use of the 12/12 light cycle. Rather than the plant focusing on developing its size and leaves, it is tricked into flowering immediately in a bid to reproduce.

It is especially appealing for growers who have serious space problems as the plants grow much smaller and manageable than the regular plant which went through the vegetative phase. They are a lot less bushy and have fewer branches and can produce an average of 5 harvests per year in some cases thus making it more attractive for those growers who don’t have a lot of time. The 12/12 photoperiod growing method is an economical and space-saving way of growing your cannabis plant. It takes an average of only 7-9 weeks straight from seed to harvest which is quite faster when compared to the regular cannabis growth.

The 12/12 method of cultivation does not need any special care except changing the duration of its light cycles. The plants are still to be treated as always, receiving care and love from the grower as always in terms of growing medium conditions, nutrients, pest and disease control among others. This should be monitored most especially while the plants are young just like it would be during a normal bud cycle.

Advantages

They are easier to maintain as there are far fewer leaves to handle while trimming thus freeing up your valuable time.

It allows for good light penetration to the plants and an easier maintenance routine as the plants are accessible and can be moved around.

They are capable of growing in a tiny area

it is money-saving as there is a reduction in demand for resources like water, nutrients, and electricity across the board and reduces wear and tear on the moving components.

It allows for efficient space-saving as the plants have fewer side branches and do not spread excessively like those grown using the regular method.

The 12/12 cannabis growing method has both its opponents and proponents as some believe that plants that are produced using this method give growers lower yields as a result of being unable to produce budding sites and have lower concentrations of THC. On the other hand, some growers say it is so effective that it produces very good and bountiful cannabis harvests with some of them claiming to get as much as one gram of weed per every watt of light used. Although this might not be the case, the 12/12 cannabis growing method has its merits and will continue to be adopted by many cannabis growers over time.

Some Tips

Resterilizing the grow area after every crop is important to keep it clean and sanitized.

Keep mold and mildew at bay by regularly checking your plants especially those in areas with less light.

The right cannabis plant variety is important for this cultivation method as some varieties like Indica are known to not work well with this method. Hybrids and the Sativa varieties are known to work well as their growth and root development make them ideal candidates for this method.

Powerful lighting and air circulation system ensures that your plants get strong lighting and enough air to develop well.

Your plants will notice any abrupt changes in lighting so use the right one such as the HPS lamps from the beginning and a poor lighting system will result in stunted growth.

It is important to keep in mind that a cannabis plant that has undergone the 12/12 method of cultivation will look different from your regular plants. This is because the photosensitive hormones on your plant make the largest cola its highest point and the plant will likely have a few short branches with only a major bud. However, this is where the difference ends as there is no means of identifying cannabis grown through this method through flavor and effect.