It wasn't just about growing when BudBanditUK set his sights on Santa Maria Autoflower. He wanted to capture the legendary Brazilian spirit of a strain that is known for its unique mix of chill and cheer. Let's get into this fun green story, week by week.
Grow Setup
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Strain Name | Santa Maria Autoflower |
| Grow Medium | Coco Coir |
| Nutrients Brands | Canna, Advanced Nutrients |
| Lighting Setup | TS600 100W Full Spectrum LED |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Indoor (24 inchx24 inchx55 inch grow tent) |
| Training Techniques | Low-Stress Training (LST), Defoliation |
| Pot Size & Conditions | 12-liter pots, pH 5.8–6.2, Temperature 23 °C-28 °C, Humidity ~55% |
Grow Diary
Weeks 1 & 2: Vegetation
Santa Maria came out of the coco like a bright, eager Brazilian sunrise. The TS600 LED's soft light helped these seedlings grow bright, lush green leaves very quickly. A balanced diet from Canna and Advanced Nutrients got things off to a good start for healthy, quick early growth. The weather stayed perfect, with temperatures around 23 °C and humidity around 60%. This made a cozy paradise for these young beauties.
Weeks 3 & 4: Vegetation
BudBanditUK started his LST sessions in week three with great skill. He spread those branches wide, letting in as much light as possible, by using careful fingers and gentle bends. Santa Maria responded very well, showing strength and determination. By the fourth week, the plants had grown into thick, bushy shapes, showing that they loved their diet and the care they were getting. Coco was forgiving and responsive, and the pH level stayed around 6.0 all the time.
Weeks 5 & 6: Early Flowering
This is when things got interesting. The first pistils came out proudly, showing that Santa Maria was ready to bloom. As the flowers opened, the smell started off sweet, fruity, and like tropical breezes. Defoliation was planned, and it involved taking off the bigger fan leaves so that the lower buds could grow. Controlling the temperature and humidity became more important. BudBanditUK changed the conditions so that the temperature was 24 °C and the humidity was 50%, which helped the buds grow best.
Weeks 7 & 8: Flowering
These weeks were a great way to show off Santa Maria's Brazilian roots, with buds swelling and trichomes shining. Dense, fragrant resinous buds grew, giving off that well-known fruity, floral smell. LST kept paying off, making growth that was consistent and strong. BudBanditUK's experience and dedication showed in how carefully they managed nutrients, which kept tip burns and deficiencies from happening.
Weeks 9 & 10: Late Flowering
Santa Maria's last flourish phase began, and her buds grew into beautiful, dense nuggets covered in thick layers of shimmering trichomes. The smells got stronger, and the tent was filled with waves of sweet, tropical joy. As harvest time drew near, BudBanditUK cut back on nutrients to start the flush, which let the plant show off its natural flavours in a clear and distinct way.
Harvest & Reflections
When the shears finally came in week 11, it was a proud and quiet moment of satisfaction. The final yield was an impressive 3 oz per plant, which is great for the small space and the low-power 100W LED.
| Parameter | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry Yield | [29.65:gr:plant] |
| Smoke Profile | Sweet, floral, tropical fruit with uplifting effects |
| Difficulty | Beginner-friendly, enjoyable, and responsive to TLC |
BudBanditUK's Santa Maria Autoflower journey was more than just a grow; it was a lesson in patience, care, and a reminder of why this Brazilian beauty still charms growers all over the world. Keep your thumbs green and your spirits high until the next time you grow.
