Any techniques to slow or retard growth?

[Singlemalt]

Tried the search but couldn't find what I need.

I'm a fairly experienced outdoor grower; usually start my plants early under lights and put 'em out after last frost. I bought some nice clones last month (2) and have 2 more of a different strain that I cloned; and 2 F1 6 week old seedlings of a 3rd strain. All are in 1 gal. pots. Its too late for outdoors and I usually put them outside in March. So, other than cloning all of them every month, how can I keep them alive and happy and SMALL for the next 4 months. Right now they are in a 31x31x40 grow box with a total of 300watts of CFL. They are happy but I see them getting too big too soon.

Appreciate any advice thanks

 

[Ringsixty]

cut down the light wattage, Fim and top, restrict pot size. just off the top of my head

 

[Singlemalt]

cut down the light wattage, Fim and top, restrict pot size. just off the top of my head

If I reduce wattage won't they stretch? Thanks BTW

 

[budbro18]

You can pinch and bend all the tops. This will slow the top growth but make the side branches come out. Hope this helps.

Most people want to stop growth when its vertical so this will help that but make it afucking bush.

 

[Singlemalt]

Any type of root pruning? Never really been in this situation before lol

 

[JohnnySocko]

Any type of root pruning? Never really been in this situation before lol

I don't see why just keeping them in those small pots shouldn't also help somewhat, if not; 2nd on the root pruning, probably the safest (relatively) most effective way...I'd probably remove a proportionate amount of foliage with that ... I saw a thread on Bonsai mums somewhere, I'd think there should be some helpful info there

 

[Singlemalt]

Thanks guys

 

[herballuvmonkey]

prune them like they were a hedge and keep cutting them back

 

[lilroach]

I think your best bet is to do what you didn't want to do in the first place (all the above suggestions will indeed slow growth, but you have five months to go) and that's to re-clone at some point.

 

[Singlemalt]

Yeah, I figgered I'd have to clone them all...just wanted to do them once. In fact I did yesterday; but I think I may have to do it again in a couple months. I know for a fact that 2 of the strains are female, so thats good. When the clones take I'll force the 'mothers" to flower and see what they are.
Thanks, lilroach