Join us on our cultivation journey of Grapevine Candy Feminized. Gain insights into the best growing conditions and techniques for cultivating this exceptional hybrid. Our grow report offers an overview of the plant’s growth stages from seed to harvest, highlighting its rich cannabinoid profile and well-balanced effects.
Flowering stage: 57 days
Total time, seed to harvest: 85 days
Final yield: 132 grams
THC content: 23.7%
We are thrilled to share our experience cultivating Grapevine Candy Feminized. This strain was specifically developed for our Breeding Grounds program through collaboration with Serge Cannabis. The genetics of Grapevine Candy were carefully selected from a cross between the world-famous Zkittlez and Modified Grapes strains. Our team is excited to provide you with a comprehensive breakdown of our cultivation process and the remarkable growth in our indoor growing area.
During the cultivation cycle, we used BAC Lava Mix as our medium and supplemented our plant with Bio Grow and Bio Bloom nutrients. A 1000W Green Power Phillips HPS and reflector were hung three metres above the soil for optimal growth. The grow room temperature remained steady at 23°C during the day and 21°C at night. We started with a humidity level of 65% and gradually reduced it during the flowering stage.
Our light schedule during the seedling and vegetative stage was 18 hours on and 6 hours off, which was later changed to 12 hours on and 12 hours off during flowering. Oscillating fans were strategically placed at different heights to ensure adequate air circulation within the grow room and canopy. Inline fans were installed to exhaust stale air from the grow space, while a carbon filter removed any odours from the plants during the flowering stage.
Germination & seedling
To begin our Grapevine Candy Feminized grow cycle, we placed our seeds in a warm, dark environment using a damp paper towel for optimal germination conditions. After waiting 72 hours, we were ecstatic to observe the initial sprouts emerging from the seeds. We then created a hole around an inch deep in our plant pot. We carefully placed our seedling into the hole, ensuring the taproot was facing downwards before covering it with soil.
During this delicate period of growth, we carefully maintained our electrical conductivity (EC) levels at 0.8 and our relative humidity levels at 65% to provide the optimal nutrient balance for our plant. We supplemented 100 ml of water as needed to ensure that the growing medium remained moist but not waterlogged. Our dedication to attentive care paid off, as we were thrilled to observe that the cotyledon was flourishing and had grown to a height of 11 cm.
To implement our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy, we introduced Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius swirskii. Neoseiulus Californicus is a commonly used predatory mite that feeds on spider mites, while Amblyseius swirskii is known to feed on thrips and whiteflies. By introducing these sachets, we aim to maintain a healthy balance of beneficial insects and pests in our cultivation area, thus reducing the need for chemical pesticides and promoting a natural ecosystem.
Vegetation
During the second week of growth, we carefully transferred our Grapevine Candy into a 5-litre pot to provide sufficient space for the roots to expand and grow more robustly. The larger pot size supports the plant’s development, enabling it to absorb nutrients and water more efficiently, leading to healthier growth and a higher yield at harvest time. The additional space also allows for better soil aeration, preventing waterlogging and other soil-related issues.
We observed the development of its first set of true leaves, a crucial stage in its growth process. To support its continued growth and development, we introduced mild nutrient solutions and monitored nutrient levels closely to avoid overfeeding the plant. By being careful with nutrient levels, we can promote healthy growth and set the foundation for the plant to thrive throughout its growth cycle.
Throughout the week, we diligently monitored our watering and EC levels to ensure optimal growth conditions for our plant. To maintain proper moisture levels, we double our water intake to 200 ml around the base of the main stem. By the end of the week, our EC levels had increased to 1.4, indicating that the plant was receiving adequate nutrients. We were thrilled to observe that the plant had grown to a height of 27 cm, a promising sign of healthy growth and development.
As we approached the end of week three, our Grapevine Candy had already shown remarkable progress. The plant had grown to a height of 33 cm, and its vibrant leaves were broad and lush, displaying a rich, dark green colour. The apical mainstem looked robust and sturdy, swaying gently in the subtle breeze and thickening as it rocked back and forth. The overall growth and development of the plant were impressive, and we increased our watering volume to 400 ml.
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Flowering
We transitioned to the flowering stage in the fourth week. This is a crucial stage for cannabis growers as it marks a significant change in the plant’s growth pattern. To initiate this change, we adjusted the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This change in light schedule mimics the natural cycle of the seasons, where the days become shorter as autumn approaches. We also lowered the relative humidity to 60% to prepare for the flowering period.
During the flowering stage, the plants will start to produce buds, and switching to a nutrient formula supporting this growth phase is essential. We have switched to Bio Bloom, which is explicitly designed for the flowering stage. It provides a balanced nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratio to promote strong bud development. Due to the initiation of flowering, we raised our EC levels to 1.7 and volume solution to 400 ml. By the end of the week, our plant had reached 49 cm in height.
During week five, our plant reached a height of 76 cm. As the plant was still growing, we raised our EC to 1.7 and increased the amount of water we were giving it to 800 ml to accommodate the extra growth. It had been four weeks since we introduced beneficial insects to the plant. After removing excess lower foliage that restricted air movement through the canopy, we added new Neoseiulus Californicus and Amblyseius Swirskii sachets.
Our Grapevine Candy had grown to a height of 76 cm by the end of the week, and we subsequently increased our EC levels to 1.8 to ensure a smooth transition into the flowering stage, which will help the plant to produce healthy, robust buds with a high cannabinoid content. The foliage of the plants was thriving, and the lateral branches had nearly caught up with the main stem. Buds were developing rapidly, and large clusters could be spotted at each internodal junction.
In order to maintain a healthy growing medium and ensure optimal growth for our plant, we carried out a soil flush in week six. We added substantial water to the root zone to flush out excess nutrients. Our goal was to achieve around 20% run-off water. Despite no change in environmental conditions, except for a 1000 ml increase in water, the plant grew to an impressive height of 92 cm.
As we progress into the seventh week, we are glad to report that the buds are steadily growing, and resin production is increasing. Furthermore, we have observed that our Grapevine Candy plant has grown by 8 cm. To avoid humidity-related problems, we carefully defoliated the lower parts of the plant, ensuring better air circulation and light penetration.
We noticed that the branch tips and apical stem had more internodal space than the previous week, creating a framework for the apical cola to flourish and a well-spaced candelabra structure from the lower branches. The volume of water was raised to 1500 ml and would remain unchanged until harvest.
At the end of week eight, our plant had reached 108 cm, and we finished another defoliation round, which helped reduce the potential for stagnant air pockets to form within the lower canopy and enabled maximum light penetration to reach the lower bud sites. Our Grapevine Candy Feminized was ideal for accumulating bud weight, and we were excitedly anticipating the transition from vertical growth to bud formation.
The plant appeared to be in excellent condition; calyxes were swelling, and clusters of buds were emerging from both the apical mainstem and lateral branches. Moreover, the broad green leaves were remarkably healthy, with no discolouration, pest or disease damage, and had a noticeable glossy sheen.
In the ninth week, the buds had started to mature beautifully. Trichomes were developing, and an abundance of slightly orange pistils emerged from the buds. The plant had gained 5 cm since our last check, but the growth on the buds was genuinely remarkable. Many of the branches were weighed down by the buds’ weight, and to provide extra support, we added stakes in the soil. As part of our commitment to using IPM, we hung more sachets of predatory insects on our Grapevine Candy.
By the end of week ten, we observed that our plant had slowed down regarding its vertical growth, reaching 116 cm, indicating that it was now focusing more on its bud development. This is a common phenomenon observed in cannabis plants during the flowering stage. As the plant diverts its energy towards producing buds, it reduces its vegetative growth to ensure maximum energy is directed towards blooming.
In week eleven, we began preparing the plants for harvest by lowering the relative humidity to 56% to account for the buds’ increased bio-mass and moisture content. We kept a close eye on the trichome development, waiting for the desired level of maturity to be reached, which typically occurs when around 80% of the trichome heads are milky, 10% are clear, and 10% are amber. As we neared the end of the week, our Grapevine Candy had reached 118 cm.
We flushed our Grapevine Candy to eliminate all the remaining nutrients from the plant. After the flush, we closely monitored the plant’s leaves to determine the procedure’s effectiveness. The degree of fading on the leaves indicates that our flush successfully removed excess nutrients from the plant.
As the twelfth week commenced, we were amazed by the remarkable growth of our Grapevine Candy plant, standing at an imposing height of 118 cm. The sight of the clusters of buds was breathtaking, as they had grown so large and dense that they seemed to be stacked upon themselves. The thick layer of trichomes threaded with deep orange pistils covering the buds was a sight to behold, and their pungent aromas indicated that it was time to harvest.
Upon closer inspection, we noticed that the trichome heads were in the perfect ratio for harvest. The heads were milky and cloudy, with a few amber ones indicating that the buds had reached their peak potency. The result was a batch of Grapevine Candy buds rich in flavour and potency. The long weeks of careful cultivation had paid off, and we were thrilled with the final product. It was a reminder that patience and attention to detail are crucial in the world of cannabis growing.
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Harvest
After harvesting our Grapevine Candy Feminized, the next crucial step is to dry the buds. The most common technique used by many growers, including us, is to cut the plant down at the stem and hang it upside down in a drying area. We left our plants to dry for 21 days in our drying room, which was maintained at a temperature of 15.5°C with a relative humidity of 60%.
Even though we had an efficient ventilation system, we checked our Grapevine Candy regularly during the drying process to preserve the potency and terpene content. This step helps prevent the development of mould or mildew. It requires attention to detail and careful monitoring to ensure the buds are drying correctly. By taking these precautions, we could undergo a successful drying process, and we are one step closer to enjoying a high-quality harvest.
Once we had harvested and dried the plants, it was time to start trimming. The first step was removing the fan leaves, which do not contain many cannabinoids. After that, we carefully trimmed the remaining buds, removing any excess plant material, such as small leaves and stems, to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance. It is a delicate process, but ensuring the final product is essential.
After trimming the flowers, we divided the sizable main cola into smaller pieces for the curing process. Curing involves placing the trimmed buds inside airtight containers, and we placed our dried buds into mason jars, leaving them to sit for several months. This was done to prevent excess moisture from being released within our curing jars, as large buds can retain moisture at their centre.
During the initial days of the curing process, we made sure to burp our mason jars for an hour to release excreted air and replace it with fresh air. As the curing process progressed, the frequency of burping was reduced gradually. During this time, our buds will continue to dry slowly and release any excess moisture, improving their flavour and aroma. Towards the end of the curing process, we only needed to burp the jars weekly.
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Terpene profile
Our Grapevine Candy emitted a subtly sweet floral aroma during the closing weeks of flowering. Through the subsequent drying and curing phases, this fragrance intensified every day. We noticed an aroma that combines vibrant tropical mango and zesty citrus notes with a subtle earthy background. A hint of diesel adds depth and complexity to the scent.
The flavour profile of Grapevine Candy Feminized is equally as impressive as its aroma. As we inhale our joint, the sweetness of the strain is immediately apparent, followed by a burst of juicy mango and tangy citrus that dance on the tongue. The bubblegum flavour is also evident, adding a playful and nostalgic element to the overall flavour profile. The earthy undertones are more prominent on the exhale, providing a satisfying finish that ties everything together.
Suddenly starting to feel the effects, its potent high unfolds in stages, commencing with a euphoric burst that ushers in feelings of happiness, creativity, and mental clarity. As the journey continued, we felt an uplifting experience that seamlessly evolved into a profound body high while maintaining a clear and focused mind.
The outcome
We had a great experience during this grow cycle and were amazed by the results. Our Grapevine Candy Feminized grew to a total height of 118 cm over 91 days, giving us an impressive harvest of 132 grams. The buds of Grapevine Candy had a one-of-a-kind terpene profile, and we are thrilled to savour the fruits of our labour and share them with our friends.
If you have any questions regarding this cultivation cycle or any tips and suggestions to share, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below. Until next time, happy growing!
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.
