so I hear some growers like to go totally dark for 24-36 hours when going from vegetative stage to flowering

and I hear some growers just go on a 12/12 cycle without the 24-36 hours of dark time

what is best? any advice?

thanks !!

I haven't tried going straight to 12/12 from veg without an extended dark period. I usually go 36 hours of dark before lights on again for 12/12.

From what I've read, it is said to help "kick start" them into flowering. Is this a fact? Dunno.

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cb
If you don't run, you rust. - Tom Petty
“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”, a scheme to enslave the able to the unable. - Ayn Rand

Alvis, it is always hard to answer a question that asks "which is best" since there is a lot of variation in how different people grow and what might be best for one person will not be best for another. But with that said, I'll try to explain the theory behind 24-36hrs of dark when changing photoperiods.

During the dark period the plant starts to produce hormones and enzymes, this process stops and starts to reverse itself with light. Most mj will not flower till it sees at least 8-10hrs of dark, hence the traditional 12/12 ususally will get them flowering. By going to an extended dark period of 24-36 hrs you can be sure the plant has built up enough internal chems to switch to flowering when you do go to 12/12. It is believed that they will start producing buds faster using this method and might even cut the flowering time down.

From my experience trying the method (24-36hrs dark) it will start producing buds faster but I have not seen a major difference in flowering times. The real problem I have with it is this; if you have a veg room and a seperate bloom room that is in continuous use (plants at various stages of flower) it's not easy to have a spot to put them in dark for that long. Plus the few days you pick up in finishing time is lost by a few days getting started at 12/12. To me it seems to be a case of 6 of 1, 1/2 dozen of the other.

It is worth the experiment to see which works "best" for you, you can't hurt or hermie the plant using either method. Hope this helps you.

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Don't touch my Willie - Kevin Fowler
Keep it civil please, gentlemen. -stinkyattic
I think people should be educated to the fact marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say God is wrong? -Willie Nelson

Didn't see you there Crabby. Almost stepped on you.

OT: I've been fine, just took off to a car show last weekend with Tonto (his car) and we took our time coming back, little road trip for us old guys.

On Topic, nice to see you use the 36hr dark period, you got experience don't try to kid me.

__________________
Don't touch my Willie - Kevin Fowler
Keep it civil please, gentlemen. -stinkyattic
I think people should be educated to the fact marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say God is wrong? -Willie Nelson

OT: Oldmac, glad to hear you guys doing a road trip. How cool! I was afraid you had defected to <***brandx***> forum, LOL. All our peeps seem to be drifting that way.

Topic: I knew someone would chime in with the science.

__________________
cb
If you don't run, you rust. - Tom Petty
“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need”, a scheme to enslave the able to the unable. - Ayn Rand