Is it a thing that the leaves ripen before the plant flowers?

[Skafidr]

This is the first time for me growing this variety -- Harrow Velvet -- and it's a first for me: the bottom leaves appear like they're ready to be harvested but the flowers haven't showed up yet (although the buds are there, I think).

Is this situation common?

FWIW, I did mess up again this year, started the seeds late, took them out late, fertilized them only once (they flower on a schedule), didn't separate plants early enough when they were seedlings. (Let's hope I'm in a better spot next season! )

 

[deluxestogie]

I've grown Harrow Velvet several different seasons, but in the ground, rather than in bags. That variety does tend to yellow a bit in the lower leaves, under typical growing conditions. But not has yellow as yours. The only time I saw that degree of yellowing prior to blossoming was following flood conditions. Flooding that lasts more than 24 hours damages the root system by depriving it of sufficient oxygen.

My guess is that your exposed grow bags, combined with this summer's scorching temperatures may have caused some root system injury, and thereby triggered the early yellowing.

Bob

 

[Skafidr]

Thanks Bob!

This would make sense; we had a unusually hot summer so far and I may have forgotten to water in a timely fashion!