WhiteWidow is a classic among cannabis strains. Its robustness makes WhiteWidow an option that is often preferred by novice growers in particular. Of course, experienced growers will also enjoy the plant. Both Sativa lovers and Indica enthusiasts will get their money's worth with this hybrid strain. WhiteWidow is characterized by other advantages such as a short flowering time and yet a high yield. Suitable for cooler temperatures in both spring and fall, this strain prefers temperate/continental climates. Don't worry - this hardy plant can also cope well with a hotter summer. So here we have an all-rounder in terms of taste, effect, cultivation and much more.
Starting with the first phase: germination
One of the most reliable methods of germinating seeds is the water glass method. This involves placing the seeds in a glass of cold tap water. Cold tap water, as this is significantly richer in oxygen than warm water. Now it is important to note: Hemp seeds are dark germinators. This means that they or the jar of water should now be kept in as dark a place as possible. A kitchen cupboard is suitable for this.
After 3 days, the seeds started to germinate. This can be seen from the fact that the seedling has opened slightly and a white root has grown out at this point. The seedling is ready to go into the soil.
Phase 2: Growth and vegetation
Now place the seeds in herb and potting compost. Initially, the seedling takes care of itself. It only adapts to its environment after 1-2 weeks. For this reason, the seedling is only placed in a nutrient-rich substrate after two weeks.
And here is the cutting in tomato soil. Vegetable soil is also suitable for hemp plants.
As you can clearly see, the plant in the large pot has grown considerably after just two weeks...
...which was also the reason for the first careful removal of the lower leaves...
...whereby the energy released has significantly promoted growth.
Now it's time to trim and use the tried and tested gardener's wire. Although plastic clips are available, as used in tomato cultivation, these are too large for the small indoor plants. To give the side shoots enough distance from the stem, they must be carefully bent downwards.
As can be seen here, a Widow can also withstand intensive pruning without any major problems. Nevertheless, it is important to note that not every variety reacts so robustly to stress. It is therefore advisable to approach it carefully. In the case of Widow, I deliberately drew on my experience, as this variety is known to withstand a lot of stress in order to achieve the desired growth habit.
As soon as the first trichomes became visible, pruning was only carried out when absolutely necessary - in other words, only those parts of the leaves that directly covered a flower were removed. Now light is the most important element for the growth and development of the plant.
Aren't they beautiful? They are as white as snow and the first brown flower hairs can also be seen - this means that the final phase has begun. From now on, it is important to keep some of the large leaves facing outwards to keep the flowers inside free. This allows the flowers to receive as much light as possible.
The time has come: the final cut has been made and everything that is not to end up in the grinder later has been removed. The plant was then stored in a tent for five days in complete darkness, with the exhaust air switched on to prevent mold growth. This step serves to further improve the flavor and potency of the plant - and I can only confirm this. It actually tastes less pungent and has an impressive effect. However, I cannot say for sure whether this method also works with other strains such as Widow.
The third and final phase: harvesting and drying
To harvest the plant optimally, you should wait for the right time. The ideal time is when the trichomes turn from clear to milky. With sativa/indica hybrids, a stronger sativa effect is achieved when the trichomes are clear and just beginning to turn milky. With milky to amber-colored trichomes, the indica effect tends to predominate. Everyone has to find out for themselves what they prefer, as this can vary depending on the strain, but unfortunately there is only this rule of thumb as a guide. An additional tip: If you don't have a drying net, you can also use a thin headscarf to hang the plant. With moderate ventilation, you can let the plant dry slowly and evenly. Make sure you do this in the dark and possibly use a dimmer for the exhaust fan.
Conclusion: The Auto Widow is robust and can tolerate a lot of stress, which makes it particularly suitable for beginners. However, you should not overdo it, as too much stress can impair growth. In these instructions, we have deliberately exaggerated a little in order to test the limits of an indoor plant. Despite a THC content of only 14%, the Widow can live up to its reputation and offers a strong effect. Especially in the medical field, it is well suited for people with spasms or pain, as it delivers deep relaxation.