So I started with cfl's and switched to an hps a few weeks ago. The main cols looked close while the rest needs some time. Now I've gotten some now growth in the main cola since the switch to hps, yet the hairs are red and starting to get sucked in. The rest of the plant has time to go though obviously. Should I chop this main few buds bow and let the rest of it grow? Let the bottom catch and evaluate the top over time? Or chop it as it looks done and allow more light?
You should buy a scope and look at your buds through 60x magnification or more and look at your trichs to see if they are ready. Hard to tell by looking at the buds with the naked eye. Radio Shack sells them for $12. Or you can buy a USB version, hook it up to a laptop and snap pics. Here is what your buds will look like under a scope. You want to see mostly cloudy trichs, and some amber trichs.