The concept of the vertical grow has been intriguing the minds and efforts of cannabis cultivators for several years. While it is easy to understand the relatively simple difference between a traditional horizontal style grow setup and a cutting-edge vertical design, these designs prove far more complicated than at first glance. It's often an issue of debate, whether they are beneficial or cumbersome; to settle this requires an in-depth exploration of the ins and outs of vertical growing.
Cutting-Edge Vertical Design
Vertical grow systems get their name simply due to the fact that the lighting is hung vertically, with the plants arranged around this pillar of illumination. Those who have embraced the technology of the vertical grow typically do so for the numerous benefits this process provides.
These grow setups allow growers to maximize the available height within the designated grow space and limit the need for cumbersome and costly reflective surfaces. The direct light allows the plants to be in complete contact with the energy source, making the scattered bouncing of reflective rays a non-issue. Every photon available in the 360-degree spread has direct access to the plant.
Space-Saving and Cost-Effective
While vertical grow systems may be praised for their space-saving and cost-effective lighting structure, adding another dimension to the grow system only increases the hopes and dreams of higher cannabis yields. This is not a length x width conversation anymore; now we're talking length x width x height, a cubic measurement that amps up potential yields and provides a three-dimensional environment in which the plants will, hopefully, thrive.
The short vegetative time necessary for the cuttings is another allure of the vertical grow system. While there may be more transplants necessary, growers are able to move these little gals into flower much sooner. Growers report that anywhere from a couple days to a week will be plenty of time for the veg stage. Once placed in their vertical grow unit, and moved into 12/12 day-night light cycle, the flowering stage can begin.
Commercial Systems
The number and required uniformity of the cuttings tends to be one of the greatest pitfalls of the vertical growing approach in terms of commercial scalability. Many of the commercial systems have room for hundreds and hundreds of clones, so there is a fair amount of front-loaded work to get one of these setups up and running. And given the typically tighter space, it is important that the many cuttings are properly spaced to ensure their ability to grow in the direction of the light without obstruction. If done well, each individual plant site should be able to put its energy into producing a dominant, high-potency Cola.
About the Creator
Ami Roach
Jewish Barnard graduate, surprise surprise.
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