12-hour light cannabis varieties usually refer to those that require a 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle to initiate the flowering phase. These varieties are also known as Photoperiod varieties and include the common Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica.Here are the details:
Characteristics of Photoperiod varieties
Photoperiod dependent: these varieties rely on changes in photoperiod to initiate the flowering stage. When light hours are reduced to about 12 hours, the plant will begin to shift from the growing phase to the flowering phase.
Growth Control: Growers can control the photoperiod to extend the growing period and increase plant size and yield.
Varietal Diversity: Photoperiod varieties include a large number of Sativa, Indica, and hybrid varieties for a variety of uses and effect needs.
Main types of photoperiod varieties
Sativa varieties
Characteristics: Tall, with long, narrow leaves.
Effects: euphoric, uplifting, creativity enhancing, suitable for daytime use.
Flowering cycle: 10-16 weeks.
Common varieties:
Sour Diesel
Jack Herer
Durban Poison
Indica variety
Characteristics: dwarf, wide and short leaves.
Effects: Relaxing, calming, stress relieving, good for evening use.
Flowering cycle: 7-9 weeks.
Common varieties:
Northern Lights
Granddaddy Purple
Bubba Kush
Hybrids
Characteristics: Combines the characteristics of Sativa and Indica.
Effect: balanced or leaning one way or the other, depending on the ratio of Sativa to Indica.
Flowering cycle: varies depending on the specific variety, usually 7-12 weeks.
Common varieties:
Blue Dream (Sativa-dominant)
Girl Scout Cookies (Balanced hybrid)
OG Kush (Indica-dominant)
Common photoperiod varieties
Sour Diesel
Type: Sativa
Flowering cycle: 10-12 weeks
Effect: Intense euphoria and energy boost for daytime use.
Northern Lights
Type: Indica
Flowering period: 7-9 weeks
Effects: Intense body relaxation and calming effect, suitable for evening use.
Blue Dream
Type: Hybrid (Sativa-dominant)
Flowering period: 9-10 weeks
Effects: Balanced euphoric and relaxing effects, often used to relieve stress, depression and pain.
Granddaddy Purple
Type: Indica
Flowering period: 8-9 weeks
Effects: Deeply relaxing and intensely calming, often used for insomnia and chronic pain.
Jack Herer
Type: Sativa
Flowering period: 9-10 weeks
Effects: Refreshing, enhances creativity and concentration, suitable for daytime use.
Tips for growing photoperiod varieties
Control photoperiod: Ensure plants receive 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day during the growing season. Adjust to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness as they enter flowering.
Light intensity: Use high quality grow lights (e.g. HPS, LED) to provide sufficient light to promote healthy growth and high yields.
Environmental control: Maintain stable temperature and humidity to avoid extreme changes. The appropriate temperature during flowering is 20-28 degrees Celsius with humidity between 40-50%.
Nutritional management: Use nitrogen-rich fertilisers during the growing period and phosphorus- and potassium-rich fertilisers when entering the flowering stage to promote bud formation and development.
Pruning and training: Use pruning and training techniques (e.g. LST, ScrOG) to control plant height and increase light penetration to improve yield.
Pest and disease control: Regularly inspect plants and promptly deal with pest and disease problems to ensure healthy plant growth.
Summary
Photoperiodic varieties offer more control and versatility for growers who want to maximise yield and results by regulating their growing environment and photoperiod. By knowing and understanding the characteristics and growing techniques of photoperiodic varieties, a high quality and productive harvest can be achieved.