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Critical Hog
Critical Hog is a predominantly Indica strain that delivers a profoundly relaxing experience. Its effects are characterized by a sense of happiness and euphoria, often leading to a state of upliftment before culminating in drowsiness.
The strain's flavor profile is a rich blend of earthy and woody notes with a subtle floral undertone. Ideal for alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, Critical Hog is a go-to for those desiring tranquility after a long day.
Its genetic lineage stems from a cross between the powerful Critical Mass and the robust Tennessee Hog, combining their best traits to produce a strain with high therapeutic potential.
Critical Mass is a well-known Indica-dominant strain celebrated for its heavy yields and potent effects. It is a cross between Afghani and Skunk #1, resulting in a strain that offers a deeply relaxing experience. The flavor profile is a mix of earthy and sweet notes, making it a favorite among those seeking relief from pain, stress, and insomnia.
Tennessee Hog, often simply referred to as "The Hog," is a robust Indica strain known for its powerful sedative effects. It has a rich, earthy flavor with hints of wood and spice. This strain is particularly effective for those dealing with chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety, providing a heavy, body-centric relaxation that can lead to a restful sleep.
The ideal growing space for Critical Hog is a medium-sized area that allows for the plant's bushy and wide growth. A tent or room should have ample vertical space to accommodate the strain's height, which can reach up to 1 meter indoors. The space must be adaptable for training techniques like SOG (Sea of Green) or SCROG (Screen of Green) to maximize yield.
For Critical Hog, full-spectrum LED lights are recommended due to their efficiency and lower heat output. Alternatively, HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) lights can be used for their intense illumination, beneficial during the flowering stage. Lights should be arranged to evenly cover the canopy, ensuring all parts of the plant receive equal light for uniform growth.
Air circulation is crucial for maintaining plant health and preventing mold and pests. A combination of exhaust fans and oscillating fans will maintain air movement and help strengthen plant stems. Carbon dioxide enrichment can significantly increase growth rates and yields but should be monitored to maintain appropriate levels for plant safety.
Critical Hog thrives at temperatures between 68-80°F (20-27°C) with a relative humidity level of 40-50% during the vegetative phase and 35-45% during flowering. Consistent monitoring and adjustment of environmental conditions are vital to prevent stress and promote optimal growth and resin production.
Hydroponics can accelerate Critical Hog's growth by providing nutrients directly to the roots and allowing greater oxygenation. However, soil growing can enhance the strain's earthy and woody flavors. Both methods have their merits, but soil may be the best choice for those aiming to maximize the strain's aromatic profile.
As Critical Hog progresses from seedling to vegetative stage, adjust the light schedule to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. This simulates the long days of summer, promoting growth. Implement plant training techniques such as topping or low-stress training (LST) to encourage a bushier canopy and increase light exposure to lower branches, optimizing yield.
Pruning and defoliation are essential for maintaining Critical Hog. Remove lower branches that receive little light to focus the plant's energy on top growth. Regularly clear away yellowing or dead leaves to improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of mold and pests. Monitor plant health and adjust care as needed.
To induce flowering in Critical Hog, switch the light schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, mimicking the shorter days of autumn. This change signals the plant to enter the flowering phase. Additionally, maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels to support bud development and prevent stress that could lead to hermaphroditism.
During the flowering phase, Critical Hog requires nutrients with higher phosphorus and potassium levels to support bud formation. Reduce nitrogen intake to prevent foliage overgrowth at the expense of flowers. Follow a feeding schedule that aligns with the plant's flowering stage, gradually increasing nutrient concentration as buds mature, then tapering off as harvest approaches.
As Critical Hog progresses from seedling to vegetative stage, adjust the light schedule to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. This simulates the long days of summer, promoting growth. Implement plant training techniques such as topping or low-stress training (LST) to encourage a bushier canopy and increase light exposure to lower branches, optimizing yield.
Pruning and defoliation are essential for maintaining Critical Hog. Remove lower branches that receive little light to focus the plant's energy on top growth. Regularly clear away yellowing or dead leaves to improve air circulation and light penetration, reducing the risk of mold and pests. Monitor plant health and adjust care as needed.
To induce flowering in Critical Hog, switch the light schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, mimicking the shorter days of autumn. This change signals the plant to enter the flowering phase. Additionally, maintain optimal humidity and temperature levels to support bud development and prevent stress that could lead to hermaphroditism.
During the flowering phase, Critical Hog requires nutrients with higher phosphorus and potassium levels to support bud formation. Reduce nitrogen intake to prevent foliage overgrowth at the expense of flowers. Follow a feeding schedule that aligns with the plant's flowering stage, gradually increasing nutrient concentration as buds mature, then tapering off as harvest approaches.
Recognizing the optimal harvest time for Critical Hog involves observing the trichomes, the tiny resin glands on the buds. Use a magnifying glass to check the trichomes, which shift from clear to milky white as they mature. The ideal harvest window is when most trichomes have turned milky white with some developing an amber hue, indicating peak THC levels and a full expression of effects and flavors. Additionally, monitor the pistils, the hair-like strands on the buds; harvest when most have darkened and curled inward.
Harvesting Critical Hog requires a delicate approach to preserve its potent effects and flavors. Start by removing large fan leaves to access the buds more easily. Cut the branches individually, handling them gently to avoid trichome loss. Trim away excess leaves around the buds, known as sugar leaves, which contain lower cannabinoid concentrations. Use sharp, clean scissors to make precise cuts and minimize damage to the plant material.
Drying and curing are critical for enhancing Critical Hog's potency and flavor profile. Hang the trimmed branches upside down in a controlled environment with a temperature around 60-70°F and humidity between 45-55%. Ensure good air circulation to prevent mold growth. The drying process typically takes 7-14 days; buds should feel dry to the touch but retain slight internal moisture. After drying, place the buds in airtight containers, opening them daily for the first week to release moisture and replenish fresh air, a process known as burping. Continue curing for at least two weeks to a month, allowing the flavors and aromas to fully develop.
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and quality of Critical Hog. Store the cured buds in airtight containers made of dark glass to protect them from light, which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes. Keep the containers in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard or a drawer, maintaining a stable temperature to prevent fluctuations that can harm the buds. Avoid storing near electronics or appliances that generate heat. For long-term storage, consider vacuum sealing to preserve potency and prevent oxidation.
Selecting an optimal location is crucial for the growth of Critical Hog. The area must receive ample sunlight, as cannabis plants require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. Protection from strong winds is also essential to prevent physical damage to the plants and to reduce water loss through evaporation. Additionally, privacy is important for security reasons and to comply with local regulations regarding cannabis cultivation.
Critical Hog flourishes in soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter, with a loamy texture that allows for good drainage while retaining moisture. To optimize nutrient content, incorporate compost, worm castings, or well-aged manure into the soil before planting. Preparing the site by tilling the soil can improve aeration, which is vital for root development and overall plant health.
Consistent access to water is vital for cannabis plants, which can be particularly thirsty during the vegetative and flowering stages. If the natural rainfall is inconsistent, setting up an irrigation system can provide regular watering that meets the plant's needs without over-saturating the soil. Drip irrigation is a water-efficient method that delivers water directly to the base of each plant, reducing waste and minimizing the risk of fungal diseases that can arise from excessive moisture on the leaves.
For Critical Hog, an Indica-dominant strain, outdoor planting should align with the last frost date in your climate zone to prevent cold damage. In temperate regions, this typically falls between late April and early May. In warmer climates, planting can occur as early as late March. Monitor seasonal temperature shifts closely; Critical Hog thrives in stable conditions with consistent warmth.
Begin by acclimating Critical Hog seedlings or clones to outdoor conditions through a process called hardening off. Gradually increase their exposure to sunlight and outdoor temperatures over a week. When transferring outdoors, space plants at least one meter apart to allow for ample growth and airflow. Water the plants deeply after planting to establish roots, avoiding over-saturation as Critical Hog is sensitive to excessive moisture.
Young Critical Hog plants are vulnerable to pests, animals, and harsh weather. Employ cloches or row covers for frost protection and to maintain a stable microclimate during early growth stages. Install fencing to deter animals. For pest management, introduce beneficial insects or apply organic pesticides. Regular inspection of plants will allow for prompt action against any threats to their health.
During the vegetative stage, Critical Hog requires a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to support its leafy growth. As the plant transitions to the flowering stage, phosphorus and potassium levels should be increased to promote bud development. Outdoor growers must adjust feeding schedules based on rainfall and soil fertility, reducing nutrient concentrations if natural precipitation provides ample water, as overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn. Organic options like bone meal, bat guano, and worm castings can be effective for outdoor cultivation.
Organic pest control methods include introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to combat aphids and using neem oil as a natural pesticide. For fungal diseases, a baking soda and water mixture can act as a preventative foliar spray. Chemical solutions should be used as a last resort due to their environmental impact; however, miticides and fungicides may be necessary for severe infestations or infections. Regular inspection of plants is critical for early detection and intervention.
Pruning Critical Hog involves removing lower growth to enhance air flow and concentrate energy on upper colas. Topping, or cutting off the main stem, encourages bushier growth and more bud sites. Trellising supports the plant's structure and maximizes light penetration, essential for outdoor grows. Low-stress training, which involves gently bending and tying branches, can also improve light exposure and air circulation without stressing the plant as much as high-stress techniques like topping.
To determine the optimal harvest time for Critical Hog, closely monitor trichomes and pistils. Trichomes should transition from clear to a milky white color, with some turning amber for peak THC levels. Pistils, initially white, will darken and curl inward. Harvesting when 70-90% of pistils have changed color typically results in the highest potency and best effects.
Efficient harvesting of Critical Hog involves clean, sharp scissors to cut the branches. Remove large fan leaves to access the buds more easily. Cut the branches into manageable sections, trimming away excess leaf material to enhance the buds' appearance and concentrate the cannabinoids. Work in sections to maintain control over the process, reducing the risk of damaging the plant's valuable trichomes.
Drying and curing Critical Hog outdoors or in non-controlled environments requires careful attention to humidity and temperature. Hang trimmed branches upside down in a space with good air circulation, low humidity (around 50%), and temperatures around 70°F. This environment prevents mold growth and preserves terpenes. Curing involves placing dried buds in airtight containers, opening them daily for the first week to release moisture and periodically thereafter to maintain proper humidity levels.
Store Critical Hog buds in airtight containers, such as glass jars, in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Keep them away from direct sunlight and sources of heat to prevent degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes. Check regularly for signs of mold or moisture, and use humidity control packs to maintain an ideal environment inside the storage containers.
Critical Hog is predominantly an Indica strain.
Users typically report feeling relaxed, happy, uplifted, euphoric, and sleepy.
This strain is known for its earthy, woody, and flowery flavors and aromas.
Yes, Critical Hog is commonly used to alleviate stress.
Yes, it is often used to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Many users find Critical Hog beneficial for managing depression.
Critical Hog is considered a potent strain with strong effects due to its Indica dominance.
Due to its relaxing and sedative effects, evening or nighttime use is recommended.
Critical Hog thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments, with a preference for warm and dry climates.
This strain is relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for both novice and experienced cultivators.
The flowering period for Critical Hog typically ranges from 8 to 9 weeks.
Growers can anticipate a high yield when cultivating Critical Hog, especially with proper care and techniques.
