What Does Flushing Mean?
Usually the only time we hear the word flushing is when it comes to a toilet, so what exactly does it mean when growing plants?
Basically, water is a solvent and will break down and dissolve minerals of salt. As plant nutrients are salt based, especially hydroponic nutrients over time a build up of undissolved salts can occur in the growing medium and around the root zone. If a root zone is unable to buffer the remaining minerals in the growing medium, this may lead to a lock out, nutrient deficiency or toxicity. By Stoney Tark. Flushing plants simply means to supply only water for a certain time frame to act as a solvent and to break down any remaining undissolved salts. Enzymes will help speed this process up as their role is to actively break down organic substrate into smaller bite sized pieces the roots can utilise. The way that plants absorb nutrients from the growing medium to the root hairs is through the fine film of water that come in contact with the root hairs and growing substrate, so the plants will always be able to access nutrients if they require them.
Why Is Flushing Necessary?
Flushing Cannabis plants is necessary for a number of reasons and they cover both the growing experience and the overall quality of the harvested flower. Commercially in coffee shops, social clubs and dispensaries, smokers who go to these places as part of their normal culture will expect the flowers to be well grown, correctly flushed and trimmed to as close to perfection as can get. Any of the outlets that supply Cannabis to connoisseurs and Cannabis enthusiasts would soon go out of business if they provided flower that was harsh on the lungs and throat, joints that constantly needed relighting and a charcoal black ash that falls of in lumps. Flushing is part and parcel of growing top quality Cannabis, so those who skip this part of the grow cycle are usually short sighted or are simply number driven and are only focused on the largest harvest without consideration to the taste and overall experience to the end user.
Well Flushed Characteristics
Well flushed Cannabis when smoking will supremely smooth on both inhale and exhale, accompanied by a lip licking after taste, that is long lasting an clear. The joint will burn with ease and at an even speed meaning there will be no side burning of the paper. When tapping the joint in the ashtray, the ash will be very soft and seem lightweight as it falls very similar to cigarette ash. You should not need to light the joint more than once and the clean, oily flower will burn all the way down the end without being nursed from a lighter or constantly blowing the ember. The actual ash will be so clean you should be able to drop some ash in the palm of your hand and once rubbing it in to the skin, there will be zero residue and you can simply blow the soft ash away. • Soft light grey ash • Evenly burning joint • No need to relight joint • No coughing sensation at all • Long lasting flavours on both inhale and exhale • The aroma of a burning joint will smell very pleasant • Best possible experience and feeling • All excess salts removed
