From Blimburn Seeds, we bring you the best tips and tricks. Also, we are committed to all growers in the world to maximize their outdoor growing production. In other words, we will make you an expert grower and lover of our seeds.
Why choose SILVER SURFER HAZE?
Silver Surfer Haze is great for outdoor growing. This variety is born from the crossing of three old-school genetics such as Haze x Northern Lights x Skunk.
In addition, it is highly valued by indoor gardeners. Second, it is a mostly sativa strain, which has a flowering time of 70 to 80 days.
Third, it is a vigorously growing plant that develops large lateral arms and a large central stem.
Finally, it is outdoors where it acquires a large size, reaching 4m high, delivering large harvests that reach 1200 gr/plant.
However, we didn’t forget the most important thing. It has an indoor flowering period of 10 to 12 weeks, but we recommend 12 weeks for optimal maturation. Also, outdoors you can harvest your crop in late April.
Growing in Australia: Is It Possible?
Yes, it is! Growing Silver Surfer Haze Outdoors in Australia can be highly successful if you adapt your growing techniques to the specific conditions of the region. Australia’s diverse climate can work in your favor, whether you’re located in the tropical north or the more temperate south. Let’s explore the key factors that will set you up for success when growing Silver Surfer Haze in the Australian climate.
Geographic Considerations for Australian Growers
Australia’s varied climates mean that your approach to growing Silver Surfer Haze will depend on where you are. In the northern regions, tropical conditions dominate, with high humidity and warmth throughout the year. In contrast, the southern areas experience a more Mediterranean climate with cooler winters and warm summers. Knowing how to adapt your techniques for these environments is key to success when growing Silver Surfer Haze in diverse geographic conditions.
Outdoor Growing: North and South Australia
North Australia: Warm and Humid
Growing Silver Surfer Haze in northern Australia presents specific challenges. The combination of high humidity and warmth can lead to ideal conditions for mold and pests, select a location with abundant sunlight and proper airflow. The natural breeze aids in keeping the foliage dry, minimizing the chance of mold growth. In this region, using raised beds or containers improves drainage and offers greater control over environmental factors.
South Australia: Cooler and Temperate
In southern Australia, the climate is more forgiving for growing Silver Surfer Haze outdoors. The mild weather allows for a longer growing season, letting the plants develop fully. Choose a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Southern growers should be cautious of overwatering, as the cooler climate can lead to slower evaporation. This region provides a great environment for growing Silver Surfer Haze, as long as you manage watering and temperature fluctuations effectively.
Soil Preparation for Growing Silver Surfer Haze
Silver Surfer Haze thrives in slightly acidic, well-draining soil. The key to success lies in creating an environment where the roots can access both nutrients and oxygen. Start by using a high-quality organic compost mixed with perlite or vermiculite. This combination ensures good aeration while retaining enough moisture for the roots, providing the perfect setup for growing Silver Surfer Haze.
In Australia, soil types can vary. If you’re working with sandy soils, commonly found in coastal regions, you’ll need to enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or aged manure. This will help retain moisture and provide essential nutrients. For clay-heavy soils, mix in additional perlite or sand to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Photoperiod: Timing Your Outdoor Grow
Growing Silver Surfer Haze outdoors means you’ll rely on the natural photoperiod of the sun. This strain follows a traditional flowering cycle triggered by the change in daylight hours. In Australia, you should plan your grow around the seasonal daylight variations. Proper timing is essential for growing Silver Surfer Haze successfully in outdoor conditions, as the plant naturally transitions through its growth stages.
In the southern hemisphere, spring begins around September. This is the perfect time to start your seeds indoors. By mid-spring, the days become longer, signaling the plants to enter their vegetative phase. Transplant your seedlings outdoors once they’ve established a solid root system. As summer approaches, with its extended daylight hours, your Silver Surfer Haze will grow tall and bushy, focusing on building strong stems and foliage.
Nutrients for Growing Silver Surfer Haze
Silver Surfer Haze demands a nutrient-rich environment to produce those iconic buds. During the vegetative stage, focus on providing nitrogen-heavy fertilizers to support vigorous leaf and stem growth. Organic options like compost tea, fish emulsion, or worm castings can supply the needed nitrogen while promoting healthy soil microbiology, which is critical for growing Silver Surfer Haze to its fullest potential.
As the plants transition to the flowering stage, the nutrient needs change. Reduce the nitrogen levels and introduce more phosphorus and potassium into the mix. Phosphorus boosts bud development, while potassium strengthens the plant’s overall structure. Organic sources like bone meal, bat guano, and seaweed extract are excellent choices for adding these nutrients.
Week-by-Week Care for Growing Silver Surfer Haze
Week 1: Germination and Seedling Care
Start by germinating your Silver Surfer Haze seeds indoors. Use the paper towel method or plant directly in small pots filled with light, well-draining soil. Keep the seeds in a warm location with indirect sunlight. During this initial stage, keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off, a common issue for seedlings. This careful beginning sets a strong foundation for growing healthy plants outdoors.
Week 2: Acclimating to Outdoor Conditions
Once the seedlings develop their first set of true leaves, begin acclimating them to the outdoor environment. Place them outside for a few hours each day, gradually increasing their exposure to sunlight and fresh air. This hardening-off process is key to reducing transplant shock. By the end of the week, the young plants will be ready for permanent outdoor placement.
Week 3: Early Vegetative Stage
Transplant your seedlings into their final outdoor location, either directly into the ground or in large containers. Choose a spot that receives ample sunlight. Start feeding with a mild nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support strong vegetative growth. Deep watering is essential, but let the soil dry out slightly between sessions to promote root expansion. Keep an eye out for pests, as early detection can save your plants from severe damage.
Week 4: Encouraging Growth and Training
Your plants will begin to grow rapidly, focusing on developing a strong root system and sturdy stems. Now is the time to start training. Low-stress training (LST) works well with Silver Surfer Haze, as it allows more sunlight to reach the inner parts of the plant. Tie down branches gently, promoting a bushier structure. Adjust your nitrogen feeding slightly to encourage further leaf and stem growth, preparing the plant for a robust flowering phase.
Week 5: Expanding Canopy
By week 5, your Silver Surfer Haze plants will have a well-established canopy. Continue to train the branches using LST to maximize light exposure. If you notice lower leaves yellowing, trim them off to improve airflow around the base of the plant. Maintaining air circulation helps prevent mold, especially in regions with high humidity. Ensure the soil pH remains between 6.0 and 7.0 to optimize nutrient absorption.
Week 6: Transition to Flowering Preparation
As your plants get ready to move from the vegetative to the flowering stage, it’s time to modify their nutrient mix. Lower the nitrogen levels while increasing phosphorus and potassium to encourage bud growth. Keep training the branches, but take care not to over-stress the plant. Providing adequate support is important, as the branches will soon need to carry the weight of the growing buds.
Week 7: Full Vegetative Growth
Your plants will reach their peak vegetative growth during week 7. Perform a final round of pruning to remove any excess foliage, allowing more light to penetrate the canopy. This step helps direct the plant’s energy toward the flowering sites. Ensure a balanced nutrient mix to maintain the plant’s health, avoiding over-fertilization.
Week 8: Start of Flowering
As daylight hours decrease, Silver Surfer Haze will naturally enter its flowering phase. Switch to a bloom-specific nutrient formula, focusing on phosphorus and potassium to encourage bud formation. During this period, monitor for pests and diseases, as the dense foliage and budding flowers can attract unwanted attention. Maintaining proper airflow around the plants is key to preventing mold and mildew.
Week 9: Early Flowering Development
Buds will begin to form, emitting the characteristic aroma of Silver Surfer Haze. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule using your bloom nutrients, ensuring the plants have what they need for healthy bud development. In regions with fluctuating weather, consider installing a simple canopy to shield the plants from heavy rain or unexpected cold snaps. This protection is vital for maximizing the quality of your outdoor harvest.
Week 10: Enhancing Bud Growth
Your plants will now focus entirely on bud production. Continue with the bloom nutrient regimen but monitor for nutrient burn, characterized by yellowing leaf tips. Regularly inspect the buds and leaves for signs of mold, particularly in humid conditions. Adjust watering practices to avoid over-saturation, as excessive moisture can lead to root issues and rot.
Week 11: Peak Flowering
In week 11, the buds will thicken and become sticky with resin. At this stage, reduce the feeding levels to prevent nutrient buildup. Proper airflow remains critical, so continue removing excess foliage as needed. Monitoring trichome development closely will help you gauge when the plants are approaching their optimal harvest window.
Week 12: Flushing
Begin the flushing process in week 12 by watering the plants with plain water only. This practice removes excess nutrients from the soil, resulting in a cleaner, smoother final product. Maintain flushing for 1-2 weeks, depending on the soil’s condition. During this time, watch for signs of overwatering, as excess moisture can harm the buds’ quality.
Week 13: Final Preparations for Harvest
Your plants are now almost ready for harvest. Check the trichomes daily to determine the perfect moment to cut. Most trichomes should appear milky with some amber for peak potency. Avoid watering a few days before harvest to help with the drying process. This final touch ensures a successful end to the outdoor growing season for Silver Surfer Haze.
Week 14: Harvest
Harvest your Silver Surfer Haze plants early in the morning when they are most aromatic. Use sterilized scissors to cut the branches, and hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry for 7-14 days. Proper drying and curing preserve the strain’s signature flavor and potency, bringing your cultivation journey to a rewarding conclusion.
Harvesting Tips for Quality and Yield
Harvesting your Silver Surfer Haze at the optimal time is key to maximizing potency, flavor, and yield. Aim to harvest when most of the trichomes are milky with a few amber ones. Cutting too early can reduce potency, while waiting too long may lower THC levels. For better results, harvest early in the morning, once the dew has evaporated. This timing ensures that the plant’s oils are at their peak.
When trimming, use sterilized scissors to remove excess leaves and stems. This not only helps with airflow during the drying process but also enhances the final product’s appearance. Be gentle with the buds to preserve the trichomes, which contain the cannabinoids and terpenes responsible for the strain’s effects and aroma. Proper harvesting techniques directly impact the outcome of growing Silver Surfer Haze, so take your time during this stage.
Drying and Curing: Locking in Potency and Flavor
Drying and curing are essential steps that often get overlooked. Once harvested, hang your Silver Surfer Haze branches upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area. The drying process usually takes 7-14 days, depending on the ambient humidity and temperature. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing the quality of your hard work in growing Silver Surfer Haze.
After drying, move the buds to airtight jars for curing. Open the jars daily for the first two weeks to release excess moisture and prevent mold growth. This process, known as “burping,” allows the buds to develop their full flavor and potency. Proper curing can take several weeks but is well worth the effort, as it significantly enhances the smoking experience.
Health and Maintenance Throughout the Grow Cycle
Maintaining your Silver Surfer Haze in good health throughout its growth cycle is important for a successful harvest. Outdoor cultivation faces risks like pests, mold, and environmental stress. Regular plant inspections are vital. Check beneath the leaves and along the stems for any signs of pests such as spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars. Natural treatments like neem oil and insecticidal soap can help manage these problems without damaging the plants.
Mold prevention is another vital aspect of growing Silver Surfer Haze, especially in Australia’s varied climates. Maintain adequate spacing between plants and prune excess foliage to allow better airflow. This reduces the risk of mold during the flowering stage when the buds are dense and moisture-prone. In wetter regions, consider building a simple canopy to protect your plants from heavy rain.
Nutrient Adjustments for Different Australian Climates
Northern Australia: In the tropical north, the warm and humid conditions can cause soil to dry out quickly. This means you need to water more frequently but in smaller amounts to avoid root rot. Incorporate organic matter into the soil to help retain moisture and provide a slow release of nutrients. During the flowering stage, continue with the bloom-specific nutrients, as the rapid growth will demand a steady supply. Managing humidity is critical for growing Silver Surfer Haze here; regular pruning and spacing of plants will help.
Southern Australia: Cooler and more temperate climates in the south can support a longer growing season. However, the soil here retains more moisture, so reduce watering frequency to prevent over-saturation. Focus on providing balanced nutrients during the vegetative stage and then switch to a bloom-specific mix as the plant enters flowering. Protect your plants from sudden temperature drops by using garden fabric or shade cloth. These adjustments are vital for growing Silver Surfer Haze successfully in southern conditions.