The Holiday Stash 2026 grow is officially underway.
This run consists of four feminized plants grown in coco and perlite:
- A-01: Cheetoz
- A-02: Cheetoz
- A-03: Cheetoz
- A-04: Potato Runtz
The goal is to document the entire process from seed to harvest, including the victories, mistakes, equipment adjustments, plant responses, and every lesson collected along the way.
Germination and planting
The seeds began with a 24-hour soak in water with a few splashes of hydrogen peroxide. After soaking, they were transferred to a damp paper towel and lightly introduced to Great White mycorrhizae.
Within approximately three days, the seeds had sprouted.
Each seedling was planted about one inch deep in coco and perlite. A few drops of Clonex cloning solution were placed into each planting hole to support early root development.
The seedlings initially emerged with pale yellow leaves, but after several hours under a small temporary clip light, they began turning green. They also started stretching toward the light, which told me they were alive, responsive, and looking for more intensity.
Moving into the main tent
The temporary light was never intended to carry the grow for long. The garden was moved closer to the Titan Controls Helios 8 so the Vanquish 650 LED could operate through its proper 240-volt connection.
There was a short learning curve with the fixture and timer setup. The Vanquish needed to be placed in EXT mode to respond correctly to the external timer and controller.
Once that was corrected, the main light cycle became operational.
Early irrigation
The seedlings were irrigated on:
- Day 6
- Day 9
Up to this point, they have received only:
- Reverse-osmosis water
- Honey
- Beneficial microbes
No complete nutrient feeding has been introduced yet.
The cups have been drying slowly, which tells me the root systems are still developing and have not fully occupied the containers. Because of that, I have been careful not to irrigate simply because a certain number of days have passed.
The weight of each cup remains the deciding factor.
Day 12 observations
By Day 12, the seedlings began showing signs that they were not completely comfortable.
The leaves had a slightly downward posture, and some appeared dull or ashy. Red and purple coloration was visible along portions of the stems and veins. The Cheetoz seedlings, especially A-02 and A-03, remained smaller than A-04.
A-04, Potato Runtz
Potato Runtz is currently the strongest and most vigorous plant in the group.
Her fan leaves are spreading outward, the node spacing remains tight, and there has been very little stretching. The cup is still holding noticeable moisture, so she will not be irrigated again until it becomes lighter.
A-02, Cheetoz
A-02 remains small. The leaves have a slightly dull appearance with some reddish coloration visible through the veins.
There are no severe burnt tips, dead spots, or obvious signs of advanced damage. She appears mildly stressed but stable.
A-03, Cheetoz
A-03 is also on the smaller side and currently appears to be the slowest of the group.
The stem and veins show red or purple coloration, and the leaves are angled downward. Like the others, her cup still contains enough moisture that another irrigation would not be appropriate yet.
A-01, Cheetoz
A-01 is currently the lightest cup, but it is not completely dry.
Because moisture is still present, I decided not to water today. She will likely be the first plant ready for the initial nutrient solution once the cup becomes noticeably lighter.
Environmental adjustments
The tent is being ventilated with two exhaust systems:
- An AC Infinity CLOUDLINE PRO T4 positioned at the lower right side
- An 8-inch Stealth exhaust fan removing hot air from the upper portion of the tent
A small circulation fan moves air gently around the interior.
Both exhaust fans are necessary. Turning either one off allows the temperature to rise beyond the range I am comfortable with.
With the tent closed and the light operating at maximum intensity, the environment was moving between:
- 78°F and 79°F
- 56% relative humidity
The walls of the tent were pulling inward from the negative pressure created by both exhaust fans.
To reduce stress on the seedlings, I lowered the Vanquish 650 to 60% power. I also placed a small humidifier near the intake so the incoming air would carry more moisture into the tent.
After approximately 30 minutes, the environment stabilized at:
- 76°F
- 62% relative humidity
That is a much more comfortable environment for the seedlings.
Nutrient plan
The Holiday Stash 2026 grow will use the General Hydroponics Flora three-part nutrient system from beginning to end.
The program will also include:
- General Hydroponics Armor Si
- Botanicare Cal-Mag
Because the plants are growing in coco and receiving reverse-osmosis water, calcium, magnesium, and complete nutrition will become increasingly important.
The first nutrient irrigation will begin once the cups become appropriately light. Feed strength will be monitored using PPM, not EC.
Current status
At the end of Day 12:
- All four seedlings are alive
- Potato Runtz is leading in early vigor
- Cheetoz A-02 and A-03 remain the smallest
- A-01 is drying faster than the others
- No irrigation was given today
- The light has been reduced to 60%
- The humidifier has been added near the intake
- The tent has stabilized at 76°F and 62% humidity
- The first complete nutrient feeding is approaching
The girls are not in crisis. They are communicating.
Now the job is to listen, make one adjustment at a time, and allow the roots to catch up with the garden above them.
Knowledge grows. We just give it direction.