Reducing Initial Stretch

1st, when you lower the power into a HID light it wrecks it. I veg with a 600w HPS all the time and start it about 4 ft above the plants until about the 4th node. Top them and drop light about 16 to 18in from the tops and leave it about that distance throughout the grow. Found topping at every 4th node for 2 to 3 toppings I end with plants around 30in tall.

 

I'd just leave the light at 100% more light = less stretch.

Having a low differential between day and night temps can help reduce stretch too. Also having less dark, such as running 20/4 instead of 18/6. It seems counterintuitive..but it's the darkness that makes them stretch as they seek out light.

 

I have no proof or science to my opinion below.

I have found that my seedlings stretch less when under the old Mars 300 led than under my quantum board 120.

As for flowering stretch. I feel its genetic or pheno type related. My Peyote Wifi stretches a lot between nodes once flipped to flower. It seem almost everyone I have seen online has had similar stretch too.

Wish I could stretch like Peyote Wifi with close nodes like blueberry

Sent from my SM-G960U using Grasscity Forum mobile app

 

I can’t comment on the 600. I never used one. I use a 200w induction light from start to flower.
I go 24 light at first. They still stretch no matter what I do. They only stay short outdoors. So maybe lower night temps do make a difference. And the earlier in the Spring they start the shorter they stay, like they are hugging the ground for warmth. So I just plant them low enough in the pot that I can add more soil in a few days. That works out fine.

 

I've got 2 plants under the same light.
Left = Sagarmatha Black Domina auto = almost 2 ft tall
Right = Anesia Purple Domina auto = almost 4 ft tall
This stretch is genetic.

 

I don't know what the minimum amount of watts per square foot of grow space is for MH lighting .
LED is 30 watts minimum per square foot .
Your lighting isn't enough/and not close enough ..

For 4x8 tent I am running a true 1280 watts of LED lighting

 

Is the Sun at half power when the seeds break ground ??
No.
Seedlings are tough and can be blasted with all the light you have.
T5 high output or CFL at less then 1 inch.

I run 24-0 veg cycle and have for 8 years.

BNW

 

Haven't had any stretch issues, I like to put 600w MH 3 ft above my seedlings, once they establish I lower until I find the sweet spot. Raise back up if stress incurs

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Grasscity Forum mobile app

 

Won't burn the seedling if it's 3ft+, atleast it didn't for mine under 600w.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Grasscity Forum mobile app