Can we really affect the number of Amber Trichomes?

[Insight]

I've been growing for the past 7 years using everything I learned on GrowWeedEasy, inside a tent, one 315 ceramic LEC, AC infinity fan and controller. I usually grow one plant, though I have done up to 3.

Of course I would like many amber trichomes and thought the amount of grow time would affect the number of amber trichomes. I am not finding that is the case. It seems that number of amber trichomes I see in late flower stays a constant throughout the grow even if I extend the grow a few weeks...no significant increase in amber trichomes. Do you find the same? Is it mainly determined by genetics as opposed to external factors?

On another note..I started growing in coco coir the first few grows and then wanted to try hydroponics. I set up a system and first grew some heirloom cherry tomatoes...I grew the same seeds in the house in hydroponics and outside in soil on my deck. Fed them both the same nutrients. My yield from the hydroponic tomatoes was easily 10x the yield from outside..but...the hydroponically grown tomatoes had very little taste and the ones grown in soil outside were really good and sweet.

I've been feeling that my hydroponically grown weed may not have been as potent as the coco coir grows... Anyone have any similar experiences?

I think I'll try coco on my next grow..its been a few years since I grew in soil.

Thanks for any feedback.

[Bluey]

I'm only 4 grows in coco indoors but many more outdoors in soil.

Soil gave flavour I'm not getting yet indoors but I'm getting better quality and probably 5 times the yield also with coco and controlling the environment. I've grown pound + plants outdoors but mold is often a problem and they take longer to grow also.

Genetics are a big one but late flower low temps and low humidity should maximise yield and potency for whatever your growing.

I think you'll find you will get better yields and less heat with a high powered full spectrum bar light LED than that LEC you're using. More efficient too and maybe greater penetration.

[Insight]

Thanks for your thoughts. I haven't looked at LED lighting in the past 5 years...what is the current favored lighting for 4'x4'x6' ht grow tent?

[Allenpro]

Have you tried using recharge in your coco coir grows? That stuff makes a difference by providing amino acids among other good stuff, sadly it doesnt work in water grows

[Bluey]

https://www.growweedeasy.com/lec-vs-led-grow-lights-side-by-side-journal#summary

A 4x4 I'd be looking at a Spider Farmer SE7000 or a Mars Hydro FC 6500 and other equivalents. Also consider perhaps two smaller lights but dimmable bar lights are where its at for even spread and height restrictions. Buy from the manufacturers website on sale with promo code for best deal.

[Rootsruler]

For a 4 x 4 I would go with a Medic Gro Smart 8 or a Gavita 1700ePro.

[Allenpro]

The Gavita 1700ePro is a great light, I was on the fence between those and the Chilled Grow crafts. I would recommend the Chilled lights but I have concerns about the company being solid

[Bluey]

Those two lights I recommended will flower a 5x5 so probably overkill for a 4x4.

If you want the inside on actual numbers watch this video and check out the tables. Do your own sums on cost though because you can probably get them cheaper, maybe.

This channel is full of science on lights and enviro

https://youtu.be/eTZvFpLfzaw?si=-NUsyaxMv5LdjyLz

[Insight]

Thanks for all the replies. Found a nice deal on a VIPARSPECTRA KS5000 on sale at Amazon for $369. Will use it for the next grow starting in a week or 2. Don't want to change too many variables at once so will stick with a hydro grow for now.

I'll try to remember and post a follow up after the grow.

[Smallgrow]

Genetics will definitely affect amount/possibility of amber trichomes.

I found in my last grow stopping all water 5 days before harvest really seemed to push the ripening faster and thus more amber sooner

[Bluey]

I've found stressing them brings everything on sooner but drops yields also. The more you stress them the higher the risk of hermie and mold.

Edit. I also gave a water only for the last 7 to 14 days on the autos I'd overfed and a 3 day darker spell without water before harvest. Did it make any difference to the flowers, no idea to be honest.