Cronk Clyde 3-6-5: Complete Guide to Autoflower Flowering NutritionUpdated 10 days ago
Cronk Clyde 3-6-5: Complete Guide to Autoflower Flowering Nutrition
Clyde 3-6-5 is a complete flowering nutrient formulated specifically for autoflowering plants during their rapid 5-7 week bloom phase. Where photoperiod plants flower over 8-10 weeks with time for gradual nutritional adjustments, autoflowers demand optimized bloom nutrition immediately—Clyde delivers precisely what fast-flowering genetics need from the moment pre-flowers appear.
Autoflower Flowering Challenges
Autoflowering plants complete their entire flowering cycle in 5-7 weeks—roughly half the time of typical photoperiod varieties. This compression creates unique nutritional demands:
Why Standard Bloom Nutrients Fall Short
- No transition period: Photoperiod growers gradually shift ratios over weeks. Autoflowers need optimized bloom nutrition immediately when pre-flowers appear.
- Compressed peak demand: The intense phosphorus and potassium requirements of mid-flower occur faster and at higher relative intensity.
- No correction window: Deficiencies during autoflower bloom permanently limit yield with no time for recovery.
- Accelerated metabolism: Autoflowers maintain high metabolic rates throughout flower, demanding consistent nutrient availability.
Clyde addresses these challenges with a formula specifically calibrated for rapid autoflower reproduction—not adapted from photoperiod products, but designed from the ground up for compressed bloom cycles.
The Science: Why 3-6-5 Optimizes Rapid Bloom
Reduced Nitrogen (3%): Preventing Vegetative Interference
Excess nitrogen during flowering is counterproductive:
- Promotes continued leaf growth that competes with flower development
- Delays maturation and extends flowering unnecessarily
- Reduces resin and terpene concentration in finished flowers
- Causes "foxtailing" and abnormal flower structure
The 3% nitrogen in Clyde provides just enough for maintaining photosynthetic tissue and basic metabolism without fueling unwanted vegetative growth. This controlled nitrogen level allows plants to focus resources on reproduction.
Elevated Phosphorus (6%): Powering Flower Development
Phosphorus demand peaks during flowering for multiple reasons:
- ATP energy production: Every metabolic process powering flower development requires phosphorus-containing ATP
- Nucleic acid synthesis: DNA and RNA production for rapid cell division in developing flowers
- Phospholipids: Cell membrane components essential for expanding flower tissue
- Sugar-phosphate metabolism: Energy transfer and carbohydrate processing
The 6% phosphorus in Clyde—elevated compared to standard bloom formulas—meets the intense energy demands of compressed autoflower flowering.
Increased Potassium (5%): Quality and Structure
Potassium plays critical roles during flowering:
- Enzyme activation: Over 60 enzyme systems, including those producing terpenes and secondary metabolites
- Sugar transport: Moving photosynthetic products from leaves to developing flowers
- Water regulation: Maintaining turgor pressure and stem rigidity under flower weight
- Stress tolerance: Buffering against environmental fluctuations during vulnerable flowering
The 5% potassium in Clyde supports both flower quality (terpenes, resins) and physical structure (stems strong enough to support dense buds).
Complete Chelated Micronutrients
Clyde includes chelated iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum. During flowering:
- Boron: Critical for reproductive development and pollen viability
- Molybdenum: Essential for nitrogen metabolism even at reduced N levels
- Iron/Manganese: Maintain photosynthetic capacity powering flower development
- Zinc: Hormone production affecting flower formation
- Copper: Lignin synthesis for stem strength
What's Inside Clyde
| Nutrient | Percentage | Form | Function in Flowering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Nitrogen (N) | 3% | Nitrate | Maintains photosynthesis without promoting vegetative growth |
| Available Phosphate (P₂O₅) | 6% | Monopotassium phosphate | ATP energy; cell division; flower development |
| Soluble Potash (K₂O) | 5% | Potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate | Enzyme activation; sugar transport; quality attributes |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.025% | EDTA chelate | Chlorophyll maintenance; electron transport |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.01% | EDTA chelate | Photosynthesis; secondary metabolite synthesis |
| Zinc (Zn) | 0.01% | EDTA chelate | Hormone production; enzyme activation |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.01% | EDTA chelate | Lignin synthesis; photosynthesis |
| Boron (B) | 0.009% | Boric acid | Reproductive development; cell wall formation |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.002% | Sodium molybdate | Nitrogen metabolism |
Application Guide & Dosage
Dosage by Flowering Week (Per Gallon)
| Flowering Week | Clyde | CalMag | Bud Booster (optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Transition) | 9 mL | 2 mL | — |
| Week 2 | 10-11 mL | 2 mL | — |
| Week 3 | 12-13 mL | 2 mL | 1 mL |
| Week 4 (Peak) | 14-15 mL | 2 mL | 1-2 mL |
| Week 5 (Peak) | 14-15 mL | 2 mL | 1-2 mL |
| Week 6 (Ripen) | 12-13 mL | 1-2 mL | 1 mL |
| Week 7 (Finish) | 10 mL or flush | 1 mL or flush | — |
Target Ranges
- pH: 5.8-6.5 (all media)
- EC Early Flower: 1.2-1.4 (600-700 PPM)
- EC Peak Flower: 1.4-1.8 (700-900 PPM)
- EC Late Flower: 1.2-1.4 (600-700 PPM)
Mixing Guide
Correct Mixing Order
- Water: Room temperature (65-75°F)
- Armadillo Armour: If using silica (0.5-1 mL/gal), add first and stir
- CalMag: Add 1-2 mL/gal, stir thoroughly
- Clyde: Add per dosage chart, stir thoroughly
- Bud Booster: If using (1-2 mL/gal during peak flower)
- Sticky Bandit: If using for terpene enhancement
- pH adjustment: Always last, after all nutrients added
Critical: Continue CalMag throughout flowering. Many autoflower deficiency issues during bloom trace back to inadequate calcium or magnesium.
Pro Tips
- Higher Clyde concentrations (vs. Bonnie) are normal—bloom formulas are more concentrated
- Stir thoroughly (30+ seconds) between each addition
- Let mixed solution sit for 15 minutes before final pH check
- Mixed solutions stable for 7-10 days in cool, dark storage
Feeding by Flowering Stage
Transition / Stretch (Flower Week 1-2)
Plants typically stretch 50-100%+ in height during early flower. This final vegetative push requires some nitrogen.
- Clyde: 9-11 mL/gal (lower end of range)
- CalMag: 2 mL/gal
- Expect rapid vertical growth
Flower Formation (Week 3-4)
Visible flowers develop and expand. Phosphorus demand increases significantly.
- Clyde: 12-14 mL/gal
- CalMag: 2 mL/gal
- Begin Bud Booster at 1 mL/gal
- Sticky Bandit optional for terpene enhancement
Peak Flowering (Week 4-5)
Maximum flower development. Highest nutrient demand of entire cycle.
- Clyde: 14-15 mL/gal
- CalMag: 2 mL/gal
- Bud Booster: 1-2 mL/gal
- Monitor for signs of overfeeding (tip burn)
Ripening / Late Flower (Week 6-7)
Flowers mature and develop final characteristics. Trichomes cloud and amber.
- Reduce Clyde to 10-13 mL/gal
- CalMag: 1-2 mL/gal
- Some growers flush final 5-7 days with plain water
Plants & Growing Systems
Designed For
- Autoflowering cannabis – Primary intended use; optimized for 5-7 week bloom
- Fast-finishing photoperiod strains – 7-8 week flowering varieties
- Flowering vegetables and fruits – Tomatoes, peppers, strawberries
- Ornamental flowers – Any flowering plant in bloom phase
Growing System Compatibility
| System | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soil | Excellent | Standard application; may reduce frequency in amended soil |
| Coco Coir | Excellent | Feed every watering; CalMag essential |
| Hydroponics | Excellent | Fully soluble; monitor EC closely |
| Drain-to-Waste | Excellent | 10-20% runoff recommended |
| Aeroponics | Good | Use lower concentrations |
Compatibility
Required
- CalMag 2-0-0: Essential throughout flowering for calcium and magnesium
Highly Recommended
- Bud Booster 0-1-3: Additional PK during peak flower (weeks 3-5)
- Sticky Bandit: Carbohydrates for terpene production and microbial support
Compatible Additives
- Armadillo Armour (silica for stem strength)
- Monkey Juice (beneficial bacteria)
NOT Compatible With
- Bonnie: Never use simultaneously—switch completely, don't blend
- Classic 3-Part (Micro/Grow/Bloom): Different system; don't combine
- PuurOrganics line: Different system; don't combine
Troubleshooting
Yellowing Lower Leaves During Flower
Cause: Often normal—plants redirect nitrogen from lower leaves to flowers.
When to act: Mild yellowing in lower canopy is expected. Rapid yellowing moving up the plant or affecting flower leaves indicates nitrogen deficiency or pH lockout.
Solution: Check pH (5.8-6.5). If severe, slightly increase feeding frequency rather than concentration.
Flowers Not Developing / Staying Small
Possible causes:
- Insufficient light intensity or wrong spectrum
- Temperatures too high (above 85°F reduces flower development)
- Phosphorus deficiency (check pH; P locks out below 5.5)
- Genetics (some autoflowers are naturally smaller yielders)
Solution: Verify environment first. Ensure Clyde dose is adequate. Add Bud Booster for extra PK.
Leaf Tips Burning
Cause: Nutrient burn from overfeeding.
Solution: Reduce Clyde by 20%. Check runoff EC—if significantly higher than feed EC, flush medium with pH-adjusted water.
Purple/Dark Leaves
Cause: Can be genetic, cold temperatures (below 65°F at night), or phosphorus deficiency.
Solution: If temperatures are good and plants show other stress signs, check pH and ensure phosphorus availability. Some purple coloring late in flower is normal for certain genetics.
Airy, Loose Buds
Cause: Usually environmental—insufficient light, high temperatures, or low humidity extremes.
Solution: Increase light intensity if possible. Maintain temperatures 75-82°F day / 65-75°F night. Ensure adequate airflow. Nutritionally, verify adequate PK with Clyde + Bud Booster.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch from Bonnie to Clyde?
Switch when pre-flowers appear—typically 3-4 weeks from seed. Look for small white pistils (hairs) at nodes. Switch completely; never use Bonnie and Clyde together.
Do I still need CalMag during flowering with Clyde?
Yes. Continue CalMag throughout flowering. Calcium supports flower structure and cell wall integrity while magnesium maintains photosynthetic capacity during the energy-intensive bloom phase.
Why is Clyde's dosage higher than Bonnie's?
Flowering nutrients are typically more concentrated, and plants have higher overall nutrient demand during reproduction. The 9-15 mL/gal range for Clyde reflects the increased PK requirements of flowering autoflowers.
Should I flush before harvest?
Optional. Many growers flush with plain water for 5-7 days before harvest. Some studies show no quality difference; others prefer the practice. If you flush, reduce feeding strength gradually during late flower rather than stopping abruptly.
Can I use Clyde for photoperiod plants?
Yes, but the Classic 3-Part system (Micro/Grow/Bloom) offers more flexibility for photoperiod plants with their longer flowering periods. Clyde is optimized for the compressed 5-7 week autoflower bloom phase.
What's the difference between Clyde and Bloom?
Clyde (3-6-5) is a complete autoflower bloom formula containing nitrogen and micronutrients—it doesn't require Micro. Bloom (0-5-3) is part of the Classic 3-Part system and requires Micro for complete nutrition. Use Clyde for simplified autoflower feeding; use Bloom with Micro for maximum flexibility.