How to Grow Weed from Seed
Steps to Grow Weed from Seed
Growing anything from seed is an exercise in patience. Growing cannabis from seed? Even more so. But not only is it NOT impossible, watching your medicinal harvest go from pop to pot is an incredible journey! Here's how to embark.
Buying Quality Seeds
Once you've decided to take the plunge, it's time to choose your seeds. There are two ways of going about this. You can either buy them from a dispensary or order them online from a reputable seed bank. We recommend the latter because you'll have a wider selection to choose from and you can be sure that they're good quality.
Germinate the Seeds
Place the seeds in a cup of water and wait until they sink to the bottom. Then transfer them to a damp paper towel and seal it in a plastic bag. Keep the bag in a warm, dark place until the seeds sprout.
Crafting the Perfect Seed Setup
Once you've got your seeds, it's time to get started! First things first: you need to germinate your seeds. The classic to do this is by using the paper towel method. Get a couple of sheets of paper towel and wet them until they're damp but not dripping. Place your seeds on one sheet, fold the other one over, and put the whole thing in a Ziploc bag. Put it in a warm place (like on top of your fridge) and check on it every day to make sure the paper towel stays damp. In a few days, you should see little white roots poking out of your seeds!
You’re also free to put your seedlings in a tiny pot with damp earth and wait for them to push themselves out.
If you’re focused on getting as much green per seed as you can, you might invest in a seed incubator! These specialty boxes keep your seeds moist, warm, and visible all at once–upping the odds on successful pops.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to check the PH levels of your water before moistening your planting medium. Ideal PH for cannabis seedlings is 5.5-5.8 on the scale (a nice yellow color in your testing vial).
If your water isn’t suitable right out of the tap (most growers’ aren’t), you can purchase adjusters, or even use reverse osmosis water from the bottle or fillable jug.
Permanent Seedling Housing
Your seedlings are ready to move to a bigger pot to continue growing once you see at least two pairs of true leaves on the tiny stalk. Cotyledons, ie the ‘baby teeth’ of leaves are the first two bits of green you’ll have seen as your plants emerged, but they are not true leaves. These little nubs are just there to get your plant a little light so it can make its real leaves–which will be serrated and multi-fingered like mini-versions of the iconic cannabis leaves.
Whether you’re planting in a soil pot, or a little hydrobucket, you’ll need to do so with care and freshly-washed hands to avoid contamination.
If you're growing in soil, get a small pot and fill it with soil, then make a small indent in the center. Gently place your seed in the indent, making sure that the root is pointing down, and cover it with soil. Water it lightly and put it in a warm spot.
If you're growing in hydroponics, you’ll very gently wrap the seedling’s roots around clay pellets, or between pieces of rockwool.
At this stage, you’ll want your lights bright and close. Too little light results in leggy seedlings growing towards inadequate sources, and later toppling under their own weight. Leave LED lights INSERT DISTANCE above, and CFM lights INSERT DISTANCE ABOVE for maximum effect.
Now what?
You’ve got about 2-3 weeks of growth before your plant matures and enters its vegetative stage in earnest! Be sure to keep water pure, and lighting near so your seedlings get their best start! Be patient. Feeding isn’t necessary at this stage, and attempts to hasten growth will end in overwhelmed plants and frustrated growers.
But trust us, the wait will be worth it! Want to share your journey? Check out our Reddit community and shoot the seeds with like minded growers.
How To Choose the Right Nutrient Delivery System for Your Cannabis Plants?
What are you most curious about when growing cannabis? How to nurture it and make it lively and productive, right? There are simple things you need to do for this.
Remember that your growing cannabis plants need the right balance of water, nutrients, and light to thrive and produce high-quality buds. A critical factor in achieving this balance is choosing the right nutrient delivery system for your cannabis plants. There are many methods to choose from, including hydroponics, soil, drip irrigation, and more.
In this article, we will try to explain how to choose the right nutrient delivery system for your cannabis plants.
Understanding Nutrient Delivery Systems for Cannabis Cultivation
Consider the Growing Environment
Before choosing a nutrient delivery system, it is very important to consider the growing environment. If you're growing indoors, hydroponic may be the best option, as it provides precise control over nutrient levels and pH. On the other hand, if you are growing outdoors, the soil may be a better option as it can provide more natural nutrients and water retention.
Understand the Advantages and Limitations of Each System
Every nutrient delivery system has benefits and limitations. Hydroponics is known for its efficiency and ability to produce high yields, but it can be more complex and expensive to set up. Soil, on the other hand, is easier to manage and may give your buds a more natural flavor but may not give the same yield as hydroponic.
Drip irrigation is an excellent choice for those who want to conserve water and ensure an even distribution of nutrients, but it may not be suitable for all cannabis strains. Other nutrient delivery systems, such as aeroponics and deep water culture, have their own benefits and limitations, so it is crucial to explore each option in detail.
Consider the Type of Cannabis
Different cannabis strains have different nutritional requirements. Some strains can thrive in hydroponic systems, while others may prefer soil. Understanding the nutritional needs of your cannabis strain is crucial to choosing the right nutrient delivery system. Research your own species to determine your preferred nutrient delivery system and nutrient requirements.
Choose the Right Fertilizer
After choosing your nutrient delivery system, it's important to choose the right fertilizer. There are different types of fertilizers, including organic and synthetic, and each has its benefits and limitations. Cannabis growers often prefer organic fertilizers because they give the buds a more natural taste and are less harmful to the environment. Synthetic fertilizers can yield higher yields, but they can also lead to chemical buildup and nutrient imbalances if not used properly.
Monitor Nutrient Levels and pH
Regardless of the nutrient delivery system, it is very important to regularly monitor nutrient levels and pH. Nutrient levels can fluctuate based on factors such as temperature and water quality, so it's crucial to ensure your plants get the right balance of nutrients. pH levels can also affect nutrient absorption, so it's important to keep the pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
Set Your Budget
Different nutrient delivery systems have different costs associated with them. For example, hydroponics can be more expensive than soil-based systems. When choosing a nutrient delivery system, it's important to consider your budget and factor in ongoing maintenance and operating costs.
Consider Your Level of Expertise
Some nutrient delivery systems, such as hydroponics, require more knowledge and expertise to install and maintain. If you're a beginner, it may be best to start with a simpler system, such as soil-based or drip irrigation. As you gain experience, you can move on to more complex systems.
Research Local Regulations
Before choosing a nutrient delivery system, it is very important to research local regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on certain types of systems or fertilizers, so it's important to make sure you follow local laws and regulations.
Get Advice from Experienced Breeders
If you are unsure which nutrient delivery system is right for you, seek advice from experienced growers. Online forums, social media groups, and local grower associations can be excellent resources for learning about different nutrient delivery systems and seek advice from experienced growers.
Top 5 Tips for Growing Healthy and Prolific Cannabis Plants
In this article, we will list the tips you need to know to grow healthy and productive cannabis plants.
Green Thumbs Unite: How to Grow Healthy and Productive Cannabis Plants
Provide adequate lighting:
Cannabis plants require a lot of light to grow and thrive. Make sure they get at least 12 hours of light a day, preferably from a high-quality grow light that mimics natural sunlight.
Water your plants properly:
Overwatering or overwatering can damage your cannabis plants. Water them when the soil is dry to the touch and make sure the soil has good drainage.
Use quality soil and nutrients:
The soil you use should be rich in nutrients and have a good pH level. In addition, use high-quality nutrients specifically designed for cannabis plants.
Control temperature and humidity:
Cannabis plants grow best in warm and humid environments. Aim for around 75°F during the day and 65°F at night. Humidity should be around 50-70% in the vegetative period and around 40-50% in the flowering period.
Prune and train your plants regularly:
Pruning and training your cannabis plants will help them grow in the right direction and produce more buds. Use techniques such as hilling, low-stress training, and defoliation to encourage healthy growth.