Should I Yank Them or Keep Them?

[ExNavyInSTL]

These two Purple Lemonade Autos were overwatered after germination (and light burned a little), and they stunted right away. There is some new growth, but it is painfully slow.

Take a look at other grower's Purple Lemonade plants and compare them to mine (see attached photo). For reference, after 20+ days, or so, the tallest of the two is 2-1/2-inches tall.

I have an abundance of seeds, and it is an AutoFlower grow, so starting new plants in the tent is not an issue in the tent.

My having no history with this strain, and less than a year's experience at AutoFlower plants, I wonder if I should expect them to catch up and flourish enough for a good harvest.

If these are likely going to grow to yield 1-ounce or less, I don't want to spend the electricity, nutrients, and time. On the other hand, I don't want to give up on them if there is a chance to rebound in an AutoFlower's limited window.

Note: Mine are the top two.

 

[Smoke em if you got em]

I'd personally keep them going. I've had autos start out all runted up and sometimes malformed only to take off and become fairly large and decent yielders. Sometimes the roots are growing wild while the plant itself doesn't seem like its doing anything but it all catches up eventually.

 

[ExNavyInSTL]

Thanks, Smok em ...

My gut instincts are to keep them. It's just my inexperience with AutoFlowers that had me doubting.

I have a Critical Purple and a Gorilla Glue also in the tent that were both slightly stunted. However, both have recovered and are getting on pretty well.

I'll share a few pics for comparison. These 4 plants were all germ'd within a few days of each other. The youngest is the Gorilla Glue.

I'd personally keep them going. I've had autos start out all runted up and sometimes malformed only to take off and become fairly large and decent yielders. Sometimes the roots are growing wild while the plant itself doesn't seem like its doing anything but it all catches up eventually.

 

[Badfinger]

I had a very similar situation my last grow. Then they started shooting up, two ended up being 28" and one went to 46".
I recommend giving them til around day 35 before throwing in the towel.
These pics are day 21 and day 35. The one stretched over 26" in one week.

 

[logangrowgan2020]

split the baby, start some new ones and throw them in the same tent. dont cull until you run out of space :smoking:

 

[ExNavyInSTL]

@Badfinger,

That is extremely encouraging.

Of course, after I posted this thread they both jumped up an inch each. Day 35 it is.

I had a very similar situation my last grow. Then they started shooting up, two ended up being 28" and one went to 46".
I recommend giving them til around day 35 before throwing in the towel.
These pics are day 21 and day 35. The one stretched over 26" in one week.

 

[ExNavyInSTL]

@logangrowgan2020

I like the glass is half full and ready to be topped off attitude.

Funny you suggest that idea. The other day I started what I call a Mystery Seed.

A Podcaster that no longer seems to be active had some really cool t-shirts. So I ordered one. When the shirt was delivered, it came with a pack of 12 unnamed seeds. The seeds were very unexpected, as in it wasn't part of the deal or expected.

I reached out via email to thank them for the seeds and to ask what they were.

They never wrote back. So, I just put them with the rest of my seed collection thinking one day I would plant one just to see what it turned out like.

I'm assuming they are Auto Flowers because the name of the podcast included those words.

This grow seemed like the perfect time to throw a 5th plant into the tent. Why not add a little mystery to my life?

split the baby, start some new ones and throw them in the same tent. dont cull until you run out of space :smoking:

 

[Badfinger]

@Badfinger,

That is extremely encouraging.

Of course, after I posted this thread they both jumped up an inch each. Day 35 it is.

I think you will be glad you held off, they are a nice healthy green. And if you would yank them at 5wks, you'll still pickup two months towards a new grow.

 

[logangrowgan2020]

Love the photos of that new seed - enjoy unraveling the mystery homie!!!!

 

[ExNavyInSTL]

Update: The ladies have started growing upward (mostly). I do see some lateral growth, but not going crazy like the vertical growth.

@logangrowgan2020

Love the photos of that new seed - enjoy unraveling the mystery homie!!!!

Just for you, here are some more pics of the seed progress.

The Cheese XXL is already catching up to the Mystery Seed. Although, I noticed yesterday that the Mystery Seed's tap root has already make it to the bottom of the Solo cup. That Canna Rhizotonic is some good stuff for root stimulation.