Growing cannabis has always been a journey of patience, observation, and learning. This season, I decided to document my experience cultivating the Northern Lights strain https://northernlightsseeds.com a classic indica-dominant variety known for its resilience, compact growth, and relaxing effects. What follows is a personal account of the process, from seed to harvest, with all the small victories and lessons along the way.

Starting the Seeds

I began with three feminized Northern Lights seeds from a reputable breeder. I soaked them in distilled water for 18 hours, then transferred them to a damp paper towel inside a plastic container. Within 48 hours, all three seeds had sprouted taproots. I planted them in small starter pots filled with a light seedling mix and placed them under a 24-watt LED light.

The seedlings emerged within three days. Their first sets of leaves looked healthy and green, and I kept the environment warm and slightly humid. I made sure not to overwater, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before each watering.

Vegetative Growth

After two weeks, I transplanted the seedlings into three-gallon fabric pots filled with a mix of organic soil, perlite, and worm castings. I switched to a 18/6 light schedule using a full-spectrum LED grow light. The plants responded well, growing steadily and developing thick stems and broad leaves.

During this stage, I began low-stress training by gently bending the main stems and tying them down to encourage a more even canopy. Northern Lights is known for its bushy structure, and training helped improve light penetration and airflow.

I fed the plants with a mild organic nutrient solution every other watering, focusing on nitrogen to support leafy growth. By week five, the plants were about 18 inches tall and had a strong, healthy appearance.

Flowering Stage

I switched the light cycle to 12/12 to initiate flowering. Within 10 days, I noticed the first signs of pistils forming at the nodes. The stretch during the first few weeks of flowering was moderate, and the plants topped out at around 30 inches.

As buds began to form, I adjusted the feeding regimen to include more phosphorus and potassium. I also added a bloom booster made from bat guano and kelp extract. The aroma started to develop around week four of flowering, with a sweet, earthy scent that hinted at the classic Northern Lights profile.

I kept a close eye on humidity levels, keeping them below 50% to prevent mold. I also increased airflow by adding a second oscillating fan. Trichomes began to appear in week five, and by week seven, the buds were dense and covered in a frosty layer of resin.

Harvest and Curing

I harvested the plants at week nine of flowering, when most of the trichomes were cloudy with some turning amber. I cut the branches and hung them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room with a temperature of 65°F and humidity around 50%.

After ten days of drying, the buds were trimmed and placed in glass jars for curing. I opened the jars daily for the first week to release moisture and allow fresh air in. Over the next three weeks, the aroma deepened, and the smoke became smoother.

Final Thoughts

Growing Northern Lights was a rewarding experience. The plants were easy to manage, resistant to pests, and produced a generous yield of high-quality buds. The final product had a relaxing effect, perfect for evening use, with a sweet, piney flavor and a smooth finish.

This journal not only helped me track progress and make informed decisions but also deepened my appreciation for the cultivation process. Each grow teaches something new, and Northern Lights proved to be a forgiving and satisfying strain for growers of all levels.