Grow Diary Granddaddy Purple

Granddaddy Purple – Week #9 of Flower (Ripening)

Week nine marked a clear transition from late flower into active ripening for Granddaddy Purple, with visual, aromatic, and trichome indicators all confirming steady progression toward harvest. Calyxes remained swollen and resin production dense, while senescence accelerated across older fan leaves-particularly in the upper canopy - consistent with nutrient reallocation and the plant’s natural finishing process.

Light management was a key focus this week. Early in the week, canopy PPFD was measuring higher than desired for this stage, reaching approximately 945–990. In response, intensity was gradually reduced first to the 825–850 range, and then further dialed back mid-week to approximately 725 PPFD. These adjustments were made to reduce late-cycle stress, preserve resin quality, and better align light levels with ripening physiology.

Mid-week trichome analysis confirmed that Granddaddy Purple had entered the harvest window, with distributions showing a dominant cloudy profile and a modest but increasing amber presence:

Trichome Analysis
Format ( % Clear / % Cloudy / % Amber )

GDP1: Top 6/84/10 · Bottom 21/81/7 · Overall 9/83/9

GDP2: Top 7/85/8 · Mid 9/82/9 · Bottom 18/74/8 · Overall 11/80/8

In conjunction with these findings and visible signs of ripening, the nutrient regimen was shifted fully into ripening. Two ripening feeds were applied this week-the first at medium strength (~440 ppm) and the second slightly reduced (~400 ppm). With senescence progressing and trichomes nearing the desired range, the plan is now to transition to plain, pH-adjusted water in preparation for harvest within the coming week.

UVA exposure was fully phased out during week nine, stepping down from approximately 45 minutes at the start of the week to 30 minutes, and ultimately to zero as all plants in the tent entered ripening. Environmental conditions remained stable, with temperatures ranging from approximately 63–76°F and average relative humidity holding near 43%, providing a dry, controlled finish well-suited to late flower.

Visually, Granddaddy Purple has become increasingly striking. Deep red, blue, purple, yellow, and orange hues have spread across foliage and sugar leaves, giving the plant a pronounced autumnal appearance. Aromatically, the profile has sharpened noticeably, with layered notes of dark berry, coffee, skunk, and floral tones becoming more pronounced as ripening advances.

Overall, Granddaddy Purple is now firmly in its final phase. Current strategy is centered on maintaining environmental stability, completing the transition to plain water, and allowing trichomes to finish maturing naturally ahead of an anticipated harvest in the coming week.