What a difference a month makes. As said, I was concerned about a lack of resin production over our Aussie summer and now 2 weeks into autumn things have changed. What were snowy button-sized buds have fattened along the horizontal tie-wires so much its impossible to find the stems. All are standing upright and thickening like mini-hedges. The bouquet around the plant is strong and distinctly citrus. If anyone is interested I'll figure out how to upload some pix.
I also found a grower's forum that suggested falling seasonal temps will not reduce resin production and is seen as beneficial in preserving terpines (flavour and aromatics) and promoting trichome production in the buds close to senescence. Colour responses to cooling weather are more pronounced in indica buds/sub-tending leaves than sativas, though Michka's petioles have been deep maroon throughout with no hint of colouring in the leaves, yet. The pistils are pure white so I guess its a case of hurry up and wait to see what happens. At this rate I reckon it will be a full year in the ground before she's ready to harvest. At least we don't get snow here over winter, so a few cold, rain-free sunny days will be on my wish-list to wrap up an interesting season.
Are there any other southern hemisphere outdoors growers still with a way to go before harvest? I used to use light deprivation techniques to trigger flowering in persistent longer-growing sativas but it was hit and miss so now I use nutrient banding and basically let the plant do its own thing.
