By Max Sargent

If you have any interest in cultivating cannabis, you have probably heard of the "screen of green" or ScrOG method. This is where you grow plants through a mesh screen, bending and weaving the branches as they grow. This is to optimise light exposure to the canopy, boosting yields and keeping things neat in the process. A more focused approach with a quicker turnaround is the "sea of green" or SOG method, which maintains important differences from ScrOG. The SOG method is suited to growers with a greater number of plants to look after. It typically involves growing rooted clones from a strong mother plant in containers that are packed closely together.

You can also start your SOG from seeds; however, when doing so, it’s important to choose seeds from the same strain. Likewise, you'll want to germinate all of your seeds on the same day. The reason for this is that you want your plants to develop an even canopy; and this is only ensured with plants of the same strain and age.

These plants are not grown to produce dense bushes of bud. They are given a comparatively short time in the vegetative phase, ranging from 3 days to a maximum of 2 weeks. Then the flowering stage is triggered with a 12-hour light cycle. This leads to plants flowering 2 weeks earlier than usual. Typically, one large apical bud will appear at the top of the main stem, with few other branches. Plants in a SOG typically grow between 40–70cm tall. The advantages of growing this way are its speed, the neatness of plants, and the cost-effectiveness of requiring less water and electricity. Consult this guide and see if you have the capability to grow your own sea of green.

So, why should you grow with the SOG method at all? Here’s five reasons—five incredible strains available from Royal Queen Seeds that are particularly well-suited to this method.

1. Northern Light

Northern Light is a classic strain enjoyed throughout the world. Its spicy taste surprises many first-timers with its subtle earthy notes. Its heritage traces back to very potent landraces of Thailand and Afghanistan. The result is a relaxing high with euphoric impact. It is reputed to soothe depression, insomnia, and physical pain quite well. The enduring quality of this strain's powerful high makes it worth trying to grow for yourself. It is an easy plant to cultivate, with a quick flowering time. The SOG method will speed up that process without compromising on quality.

Northern Lights

2. White Widow

White Widow is an iconic strain that became famous for the strong buzz its high produces. You will feel a tingling in your face and an uplifting sense of joy that banishes stress and anxiety. Your mouth will water at the earthy taste with faint hints of citrus. It is a favourite among the coffeeshops of Amsterdam. Get growing your own and you will see resinous buds in beautiful shades of green.

White Widow

3. Critical

Another fantastic strain with a short growing time is any strain of the Critical variety. You're dealing with a high-quality indica-dominant hybrid skewing 60% indica, 40% sativa. The impact of its soothing, relaxing high is not soon forgotten. Its lineage comes from a crossing of Afghan and Skunk strains. It is known to produce large yields, boasting a strong skunk aroma with traces of blueberry and chocolate. As long as the growing conditions are warm and not too humid, you can have the sensuous experience of cropping Critical yourself.

Critical

4. Haze Berry

Another indica that's great for treating pain and stress is Haze Berry. In the 1970s, Californian breeders combined Thai, Afghan, and Purple strains. Purple strains tend to have a higher amount of anthocyanins. These produce more antioxidant properties, and are responsible for the purple colouring of buds. Grow Blueberry under slightly cooler conditions and you should see purple and even blue hues appearing. This distinctiveness is reflected in the succulent, sweet taste of berries. If you're looking for sticky buds with a knockout taste, you've found your strain.

Haze Berry

 
Haze Berry
23_genetic background_1 Blueberry x Shining Silver Haze
33_Yield indoors_1 525 - 575 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 20%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 60% Indica 40%
34_yield outdoor_1 600 - 650 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 180 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

Buy Haze Berry

5. Bubblegum XL

There is one other strain highly recommended for those with a sweet tooth. Bubblegum XL has gorgeously delicious scents of candy, berries, and flowers. The sweet scent makes its pleasant high all the more relaxing. It is a balanced hybrid, split 60/40 between sativa and indica genetics. That makes it adaptable to different situations, suited to both relaxation and the uplifted mood needed for creativity or fun. The dessert-like tones of its smoke really make this strain special. What's great about growing Bubblegum is that it won't grow too tall. It's a manageable plant to cultivate so long as you avoid too much dampness and humidity.

Bubblegum XL

Bubblegum XL
23_genetic background_1 Power Plant x Santa Maria
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 19%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 400 - 450 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Uplifting

Buy Bubblegum XL

Take care of your plants and you will have a decent yield of bud to show for it at the end. Get growing with our vast catalogue of top-quality seeds now!

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