First timer - do I have to clone?

[OneDayJD]

I'm an extreme newbie and will be doing my first grow in January using a growbox in a closet. I don't understand what cloning is other than the obvious definition. Do I HAVE to do it? What is the reason for doing it? And when do I do it? Thanks, I am so lost trying to absorb all of this information before I get started.

OneDayJD Reviewed by OneDayJD on 11-09-2010. First timer - do I have to clone? I'm an extreme newbie and will be doing my first grow in January using a growbox in a closet. I don't understand what cloning is other than the obvious definition. Do I HAVE to do it? What is the reason for doing it? And when do I do it? Thanks, I am so lost trying to absorb all of this information before I get started. Rating: 5

[PhatJay]

Most people clone (make cuttings) for the following reasons....

1, You get an identical copy of the plant it was taken from(If you grow from seed your genetics can vary)

2,They will always be female (as long as you take a cutting from a female plant)

3, Cuttings are quicker to grow from (seeds can add a couple of weeks to the start of your grow).

4, If you make your own cuttings it is very cheap way of getting new plants.

5, It is easy to do

6, there are probabaly more reasons but 5 is enough.

[PhatJay]

If you want to know more about when and how to clone.....

YouTube - Jorge Cervantes - PREVIEW: Taking Clones Part 1

[OneDayJD]

Great info there, thanks. I guess I will clone with this one because I am only doing one plant due to the fact that I am doing it in a rubbermaid growbox in my closet and therefore if it turns out well, I will already have a clone ready to go. Is that possible? Or do I have to immediately start "growing" the clone after it's cut?

[Ocotillo]

Yes, you have to root the clone and then grow the clone. Read up and research all that. You'll need two growing areas with different lighting schedules.

Some have reported putting cuttings in the refrigerator to save them for later although that is an advanced technique. First master cloning, then try the fancy stuff.

Or do I have to immediately start "growing" the clone after it's cut?

[WashougalWonder]

More reasons.
You don't have to procure seeds
The plant will continue to get better for a few years, albeit slowly after the first grow or two.
You know your genetics and how to grow it every time.


Now, the cloning can be done with another domed tray and inexpensive light. Grow it out enough to clone it again, and continue until you have the first one done allowing for the previous to move to flower....perpetual garden, the only way to go.