Cannabis growers have discovered a method of cultivating that involves deprivation of light or “light dep,” to manipulate light cycles and induce plants to bloom earlier than they would on their own. Because this method allows growers to harvest multiple crops annually, optimize yields, and increase the quality of their cannabis, it is this method that is chosen. Nevertheless, choosing the best cannabis Strains to use in light dep is important. Certain strains are adapted to it for their faster flowering windows, resistance, and flexibility.
Today, we’re going to look at some of the best cannabis strains for light deprivation to get the most out of your harvest and have potent, quality flowers.
What Is Light Deprivation?
Light depreciation (or control) of cannabis plants is done by using blackout tarps or greenhouse covers to keep down the amount of light plants receive. The growth of a plant is controlled by light exposure and reducing light to 12 hours a day triggers growth during the day and by doing so mimics the natural light cycle which triggers the flowering phase in a plant and it will bloom sooner. For outdoor growers who want to harvest before the colder months kick in or multiple harvests in a single growing season, this is a particularly good technique to use.
Benefits Of Choosing The Right Strains For Light Deprivation
To be successful and yield enough of a harvest, you will need to select the correct cannabis strains for light dep. The best strains for light deprivation should have:
Short flowering times to fit within the controlled light cycle.
As the light dep method can increase humidity levels, this method is also highly resistant to mold and pests.
Growth patterns that are robust to light stress.
Light Deprivation: Best Cannabis Strains
1. Gelato
Gelato is a hybrid strain that will finish in around 8-9 weeks and is perfect for being in light deprivation. Often referred to as ‘sweet and funny’, Gelato boasts dense buds and top resin production delivering a very balanced high that is potent. This is why it’s popular when it comes to mold and pest resistance: Both the beginner and the experienced growers like to get maximum yield in their light dep setup.
2. Northern Lights
A classic Indica strain, Northern Lights is best grown in complete darkness. This one flowers super quick and in 7-8 weeks making it ideal for growers who want to get multiple harvests a season out of a single crop. Dense and resinous buds with a sweet spicy smell, Northern Lights is also very caked. With such a strong resistance to diseases and pests, its growth is extremely successful even with the most challenging conditions.
3. Blue Dream
A versatile hybrid strain, Blue Dream can be grown indoors and out and, when grown in light deprivation, there are super strong candidates. This is a moderate flowering time of around 9 to 10 weeks, and produces high yields, with large dense buds. Sweet berry aroma and balanced effects make Blue Dream a favorite among many and produce a soothing body high with a clear head feeling. For light dep, it is an excellent choice for growers looking for a reliable, productive strain.
4. Critical Mass
Critical Mass is an Indica dominant strain that is perfect for light deprivation, first to grow and has extremely high yield potential. The buds are what make it so special, typically flowering in 7 to 8 weeks, and are full of THC. Its known calming, sedative effects allow for Critical Mass to be used both recreationally and medicinally. One reason light dep growers use it is because it has super high resilience to mold and environmental stress.
5. Sour Diesel
A light deprivation strain will be Sour Diesel, one of the most popular Sativa dominant strains. It is known to have a relatively short 9-10 week flowering period, and for its energizing, uplifted effects. These tall plants, with their large dense, fluffy buds have a pungent, diesel-like aroma are the result of the strain. Sour Diesel is known to be pest and mold-resistant, which makes it a great choice for growers who want to get the most crop out of a light dep situation.
Tips for Successful Light Deprivation Growing.
Timing is Key: Make sure you follow a strict light schedule and you should provide 12 hours of darkness every day to stimulate the flowering phase.
Maintain Proper Ventilation: Blackout covers do tend to increase humidity so it is important to evenly ventilate to stop the molds from growing.
Choose Fast-Flowering Strains: Choose strains with shorter flowering times to fit within the limit of the controlled light cycle.
Monitor Plant Health: Make it a habit to always check if your plants show signs of stress, mold, or pests; other ways how to know if your plants are doing well.
Grow With CertaMD
Shop Top Strains
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Conclusion
For cannabis growers who are seeking that perfect harvest, light deprivation is a powerful technique to utilize. If you pick the right strains for light dep, for example, Gelato, Northern Lights, Blue Dream, Critical Mass, and Sour Diesel, you can get high yields, potent buds, and several harvests a season. Resilient, fast flowering, and perfect for controlled light cycles, they are perfect for getting the most from cannabis growing. CertaMD has got you covered with top-quality strains from which you can begin your light deprivation journey and harvest a bountiful and satisfying crop.
