i started off with a few clones that were already rooted when i got them 4 weeks ago. I'm using soil and a bunch of CFLs. I stayed away from nutes based on the advice of a friend until a couple days ago. i am using some 8-7-6 miracle grow.

i got the clones from a friend that grows so i assume they are pretty good genetics. the plants look very healthy (aside from a light burn or two) and they are approx. 18" tall. they're still on 24/0 and I was wondering how i can tell when they are mature enough or big enough to start blooming. they have been preflowering for about 2 weeks now i'd guess.

Also, as an aside, when is the best time to clone these beauties?

u clone as soon as you see the female pistals. any balls then cut the plant and throw it away.. its 18" tall right. well when u switch the time cycye to 12/12 its gonna double in size. u may have to tie them down. I see its ur first post so welcome to roll it up. maybe introduce yourself in the newbie section and look at the top of the page and go into the grow faq. there is alot of good help there for any research u wanna do. its really helpfull.

MRbudsmoker

sorry u did post in the newbie section... lol im stoned

haha. no worries. thanks for the tips. let me just make sure i have this right. i can begin flowering anytime i want, keeping in mind the plant will likely double in size, so i should do it according to space constraints?

Yes, except it will at least double in size, more like triple depending on strain. I would clone them right now, since you need to trim off the bottom 1/3 of the plants and put them into flowering anyway. Take at least two clones from each now and again in two weeks. Save a couple for mothers and your off and running. VV

Ehhh dont listen to the double the size thing.
Test it with a clone, if it grows even after you see pistils/bawls then it will grow. If it doesnt it wont.

That doesnt make much sense. if the leaves look mostly stativa it will continue to grow. If they look more on the indica side. it wont grow any more. Well, maybe a cm.

i dont know what im doing here, lost or summit, my female plant is preflowering, do i change down to 12/12 now? help!!!!!! im scared for my babies!!!!!

You need to do some research. Read EVERYTHING in the GrowFAQ in the top left corner of the page.