The Brickz Gardenz Grow Guide: Seed to Harvest

This process is broken down into four major phases: Germination, Seedling, Vegetative, and Flowering/Harvest.

 

Phase 1: Germination & Seedling (Approx. 2–3 Weeks)

The goal here is to sprout the seed and establish a strong, healthy root system.

 

💧 Soaking Germination Method

The main benefit of this technique is that it provides immediate, full hydration to the seed, which can significantly speed up the time it takes for the root to emerge. 

You Will Need:

• A small, clean cup or glass (a shot glass works well).

• Room-temperature, filtered, or spring water (pH balanced water is best).

• Your seeds.

The Steps:

1. Fill the Container: Fill the cup with water. The temperature should be comfortable to the touch—not too hot and not ice cold. 

 

2. Add the Seeds: Gently drop your seeds into the water. They should float at first.

 

3. Wait and Watch: Place the cup in a warm, dark place. The ideal temperature range is typically between 70-80*

 

4. Monitor the Seeds: Leave the seeds in the water for 12 to 48 hours.

• Good Sign: After a few hours, the seeds should sink to the bottom. A seed that sinks is usually a sign of good viability and hydration. If they don't sink after 24 hours, they can still be viable.

 

5. Look for the Taproot: After 12-48 hours, you will often see a tiny white tip, the taproot, emerging from the seed. This means the seed has successfully germinated.

 

Germinate the Seed (Paper Towel Method)

• Place your seeds between two lightly moistened (not soaking wet) paper towels.

• Place the towels inside two plates (like a clamshell) or a zip-top bag to maintain humidity.

• Keep them in a warm, dark place (ideally 70* to 80*) for 1–5 days.

• Result: A small white taproot will emerge. Once the taproot is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, it is ready for step 2.

 

2. Plant the Sprout

• Fill a small container (like a solo cup or 1-gallon pot) with a light, non-amended seedling mix or a very lightly amended mix (plain soil is best).

• Use a pencil or your finger to create a small hole, about 1/2 inch deep.

• Gently place the sprouted seed (taproot down) into the hole.

• Lightly cover the seed and mist the surface with plain, pH-balanced water (or just use filtered water).

• Initial Light: Place the container under a low-intensity grow light (e.g., set 24 to 36 inches away) on an 18/6 light schedule (18 hours light / 6 hours darkness) or 24/0.

 

3. Initial Feeding (Water Only & Cal-Mag)

• For the first two weeks, only use plain water for watering.

• If you are using filtered or reverse osmosis (RO) water, you may need to add a Cal-Magsupplement at the manufacturer's lightest recommended dose to prevent deficiencies. Tap water users may not need it yet.

• Watering: Water sparingly—only when the top inch of soil feels dry. ***Do not overwater***

 

Phase 2: Vegetative Growth (Approx. 3–8 Weeks)

This phase focuses on rapid growth and building a large plant structure.

 

4. First Transplant & Soil Amendment

• When the plant's leaves reach the edge of its initial container (usually around 2–3 weeks), it's time to transplant into its final pot (e.g., 5-gallon fabric pot).

• Amend the Soil (Pre-Mix): When preparing the soil in the final pot, mix in the Gaia Green All-Purpose (4-4-4) to pre-charge the soil.

• Ratio: Mix about 3 tablespoons of All-Purpose per gallon of soil into the new medium.

• Transplant your seedling carefully into the center of the pre-amended soil.

5. Vegetative Period Care

• Light: Continue the 18/6 light schedule. As the plant grows, increase the light intensity and/or lower the light fixture.

• Watering: Water when the pot feels light or the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Continue to monitor for Cal-Mag needs, especially if the leaves show signs of yellowing/spotting.

• First Top Dress: After about 3–4 weeks in the new amended pot, your initial nutrients will be depleted. Top-dress with another application of the Gaia Green All-Purpose (4-4-4).

• Application: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of All-Purpose per gallon of soil onto the soil surface and gently scratch it in, then water thoroughly.

Phase 3: Flowering (Approx. 8–12 Weeks)

This is the bloom stage where the plant focuses its energy on producing flowers.

6. Flip to Flower (Light Change)

• To trigger the plant into the flowering stage (usually after 4–8 weeks of vegetative growth, depending on your desired size), change the light schedule.

• Light Schedule: Switch the timer to 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness / 12 hours of light (12/12).

• Tip: Total darkness is crucial; even small light leaks can stress the plant.

7. Bloom Amendment (First Bloom Top Dress)

• Immediately after or within a few days of flipping the lights, do your first bloom-focused top dress.

• Ratio: Top-dress with a mix of:

• 1 part Gaia Green All-Purpose (4-4-4)

• 2 parts Gaia Green Power Bloom (2-8-4)

• Example: 1 tablespoon All-Purpose, 2 tablespoons Power Bloom per gallon of soil.

• Gently scratch in and water thoroughly.

8. Mid-Flower Amendment

• Repeat the bloom top dress (Step 7) 3–4 weeks after the first bloom application. The plant will be deep into flower production now.

• Ratio: Continue to use a high-phosphorus/potassium mix:

• 1 part Gaia Green All-Purpose (4-4-4)

• 3 parts Gaia Green Power Bloom (2-8-4)

Phase 4: Harvest & Cure (Final Weeks)

The plant has reached maturity and is ready to be collected.

9. The Final Flush (Last 1–2 Weeks)

• Around 1–2 weeks before your anticipated harvest date, stop all nutrient and Cal-Mag applications.

• Switch to watering with plain, pH-balanced water only.

• This process, called "flushing," helps the plant use up any stored nutrients, which can lead to a smoother final product.

10. Harvest

• The plant is typically ready when the small crystal-like structures (trichomes) on the flowers have mostly turned from clear to cloudy, with a few starting to turn amber (brown). Use a jeweler's loupe or magnifying glass to check.

• Cut the plant at the base and remove the large fan leaves.

11. Dry & Cure

• Drying: Hang the branches in a dark room with good airflow. Aim for a temperature of 60*and a relative humidity of 60%. Drying should take 7–14 days. The branches should snap, but the flowers should still feel slightly spongy.

• Curing: Once dry, remove the flowers from the branches and place them in airtight glass jars. Open the jars (burp them) for a few minutes 2–3 times a day for the first week, and then once a day for the next 3–4 weeks. This process, known as curing, develops the final quality and smoothness of the product.

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