NEED ADVISE!

I have 5 plants that have been under a 400w HPS for 8 weeks. They have been receiving several nutrients, but something has come up and I need to abandon the place that I am growing in immediately. I have put a lot of work into the plants and I don't want to see it all go to waste.

So I am unable to flush the plants with plain water for 2 weeks as is recommended, instead I only have time for two days of flushing, also I will not be able to have a 24-hour dark period...how necessary is that?

Lastly, the soil will not be completely dried out when I cut them to hang, how much of an issue is that?

P.S. This is my first time growing and these pictures were taking 1 week ago

None of those are much of any issues considering the big picture. I grow in hydro, so of course making sure the soil is dried out wouldn't apply in my situation. However I have cut down plants outdoors without the soil being dry, and guess what? I still got weed! The plants dried out all by themselves. I niether flush or have a dark period and I end up with fantastic weed. I will probably try flushing at some point in the future, but I have yet to find any scientific proof that a dark period is advantagous.

those are pretty impressive for your first grow! and i would have to agree with Opie Yutts, those are not serious issues. I would just flush them with what time you have left and then harvest.. looking at the plants in your picture they look like they're not to far off from avg. harvest time anyway so if you do go ahead and chop em' down they should still provide pretty dank-ass nuggs..

Ok, I'm less worried now, however I have one more question...is 8 weeks with a HPS 12/12 enough?...what is the normal amount of time for flowering?

datz different from strain to strain .. there is strains like earlybud or AK47 which flower in a short time ... then there is Sativas that need more then 11weeks of flowering.

The strains are sour diesel and bubbleberry kush

Both of those need a couple weeks more than you have available to give them.
However, as posters above said, the flushing and darkness issues are not as bad as you think. Flush a couple days and don't worry about the dark period at all.
Nice work there; too back you could not finish- best luck on future grows!!

So because both of those strains require several more weeks under the HPS with 12/12 does this mean I'm going to have shitty weed and its going to turn into dust, or be the kind that gives you headaches?!?!:(

i have harvest one bud @ week 3 and the bud didnt turn into dust nor gave me a headache..maybe dis can help:

Harvesting Marijuana! When To Harvest Your Marijuana Crop - Growing Marijuana Forum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s9mWiuU3Y4

Quote:

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Originally Posted by montelimar

what is the normal amount of time for flowering?

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I've heard of 42 days. I've also heard of 140 days (don't ask, don't remember strain). If you can't spend the $8 to get a pocket microscope (for the real way to check for readiness), then look up your strains on seed banks for flower times and other information.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by montelimar

So because both of those strains require several more weeks under the HPS with 12/12 does this mean I'm going to have shitty weed and its going to turn into dust, or be the kind that gives you headaches?!?!:(

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It won't give you headaches, unless you get one from inhaling so much smoke, due to the fact that the weed will be less potent than it should. The sooner you harvest, the less your weed will stone you, and the more it will be a light, heady, thinking man's experience. If you see resin on your bud you will probably get high to some degree. Look close for a sugar-like coating on the buds.

You need a pocket microscope so that you can look at trichomes (search this) and see when to harvest. Clear = heady and more able to think, cloudy = normal, amber = stoned and couch-locked.

Those are great plants, im sorry you must harvest early.