how long should it take

[mr.mcweed]

i started my plants out 3 days ago and there all already about 3 inches high its my second grow but last time didnt work i have 9 plants in a 2 sq ft area and have 2 small cfls in there when should i switch to flowering stage. how much more light will i need, im running the lights on 24 hours until florwering

 

[thehomegrown]

You're definitely going to need a lot more light to grow 9 plants. Also, you'll need more space. Since this is your first grow, I would recommend taking it slow. Focus on only a couple plants so you can learn to take care of them. Jumping in head first, you will not get good results.

In general, you will need minimum 3-4 CFLs per plant depending on size. Also, each plant needs AT LEAST a square foot of growing space... how do you plan on fitting 9 5-gallon pots in 2 square foot. Do some research, read the stickies in growing forums and if you want to, my guide.

Also a 24-hour light schedule is a pretty stressful light schedule for most plants. Most plants prefer less light, 18-6 is the most popular vegetative light cycle. Take your time if you want great crops.

i started my plants out 3 days ago and there all already about 3 inches high its my second grow but last time didnt work i have 9 plants in a 2 sq ft area and have 2 small cfls in there when should i switch to flowering stage. how much more light will i need, im running the lights on 24 hours until florwering

 

[mr.mcweed]

i have them in that small space just for now im going to move them into a bigger space that will be fine until they get a lil bigger right,

 

[Cr8z13]

Not without more light. You need at least 200W of CFL's right now and I don't mean equivalent watts.

 

[mr.mcweed]

Not without more light. You need at least 200W of CFL's right now and I don't mean equivalent watts.

what are equivalent watts

 

[Cr8z13]

CFL's usually have 2 numbers on the box. Equivalent watts(usually a 26W bulb is the equiv. of a 75W incandescent bulb) and the amount of actual electricity used. This is the number you need to focus on.

 

[mr.mcweed]

k i know what u mean thanks, should i be keeping them 6 inches from the plant because the soil is getting dry every 6 hours i wet them i only water them when there completely dry tho

 

[Cr8z13]

You normally want the light within a few inches of your plants but only if the bulbs don't get too hot. You're dealing with seedlings, so they don't need that much light. If you notice stretching, you need more light and/or closer proximity to the lights. Once your seedlings are rooted you can transplant them into larger pots, that way you won't have to water as often. Try and get more lights ASAP. You don't want to end up with stretched plants that can't even support their own weight when they finally bud. You should be using a small desk fan too if you have one.