tice the germination process on inexpensive seed , as you don ’ t want to risk ruining a costly batch while you ’ re still learning to grow properly .
The germination process is expedited when seeds are kept warm . Once the seeds are ready for grow medium , place the seeds about two inches deep in the medium . It is crucial to keep the seeds moist but not soaking . If the seeds dry out , the process stops there . Older seeds germinate slower and often have lower germination rates than newer seeds . However , even with fresh seeds , some strains germinate better than others .
Once your seeds become seedlings , there are other things to consider in caring for your indoor cannabis garden . Novice cannabis cultivators often accidentally overwater their seedlings , causing many problems such as sluggish growth , droopiness in the plant , or nutrient deficiencies . Properly watering your seedlings is important for the growth of your plants so they can be strong enough to support large flowering buds .
The first time you water your seedlings , give them two cups ( 500 milliliters ) of water per seedling . Pour the water in a small circle around the base of the seedling to ensure you ’ re watering it instead of the dirt . Wait until the top part of the soil is mostly dry before watering again .
When your seedling starts to grow , slowly increase the water amount so the circle around the base is about the same width as the leaves . Different grow mediums will require different amounts of water . On average , seedlings need to be watered every two to three days until they are no longer seedlings . When your seedling is a few weeks old , it should have a healthy root system that can handle more water .
Switch to a regular watering practice once you transplant , which means watering your plant until there ’ s a slight runoff near the bottom , but do not let your plant remain in the runoff water . Wait until the top inch of soil feels dry before you water again . If you decide to grow in Coco Coir or hydroponics , it is vital to add nutrients to the water . Coco Coir and other hydroponic grow media do not have enough phosphorus , nitrogen , or potassium to sustain plant life . Potting soil , however , only requires minimal extra nutrients .
When your seedlings are ready , you ’ ll need to transfer them into a larger garden . Remove the seedlings from their small containers and place them into large containers to continue to grow properly . It is crucial to complete this process with as minimal light as possible , so the plants will have time to settle into their new homes before the next cycle of photosynthesis begins . Transplanting can cause damage to the root system that can cause stress to the plant . Allowing proper settling time will alleviate this stress as well .
I covered this in a previous column , but the vegetative stage is next . During this stage , your plants will start to produce new stems and leaves without buds . Caring for your cannabis plants during this stage is rather simple , especially if you have any gardening experience . Water the plants regularly or maintain the water reservoir if you ’ re using hydroponics . To prevent excessive heat from killing your plants , periodically adjust the grow lights as the plants get taller . Look for discolored leaves or droopiness . Removing discolored leaves from your cannabis plant will help to grow bigger buds because the plant can focus its energy on growing buds instead of trying to revive the leaves .
After your plants reach half the desired size , they should start flowering . Initiate the flowering stage by setting your grow lights on a timer and schedule with the lights on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours . Make sure the plants are in absolute darkness during the dark period , or the buds will not grow properly . Ensuring the grow space is totally without light is the key to this process .
After the first few weeks with the 12 / 12 light schedule , your plant will grow quickly . Many cannabis cultivators get extra growth out of their buds during this period by providing their plants with CO2 and switching from regular nutrients to bloom nutrients . Your cannabis plants will typically start growing buds within two to three weeks . At that point , you should double-check to make sure all of them are female . If you find any male plants , remove them immediately and discard them in plastic bags to prevent pollen spread . The presence of male plants will significantly reduce your flower yield .
Make sure the soil you select for your cannabis plants is highly drainable but still can retain water . You ’ ll also want to consider the pH level , nutrients , and texture . Coco Coir is currently a popular choice and is sold in large bags or bricks . Many cannabis growers like to mix Coco Coir and regular potting soil to create a super soil of sorts . It ’ s very helpful to purchase a soil pH testing kit and meter to ensure your plants are growing properly by making accurate pH assessments . It is also important to be mindful of the nutrients you put into the soil as they relate to the pH balance as well .
The primary nutrients required for a high-quality cannabis crop are nitrogen ( N ), which helps stems and leaves grow ; potassium ( K ), which helps the plant absorb water and other nutrients ; and phosphorus ( P ), which allows plants to produce bigger buds . There are micronutrients such as calcium , magnesium , sulfur , and several others as well . While these micronutrients aid specific growth processes , they are less crucial than the three core nutrients .
There are many things to consider when implementing an indoor cannabis grow ; I have just outlined the basics here . However , at the end of the day it is just a plant , and most anyone can succeed with it so long as you have the proper environment and materials , and of course , the time to commit to it ! It can be one of the most satisfying experiences as a cannabis consumer , so remember to enjoy it !
Have a cannabis education related question for Leah ? She ’ s a St . Louis native and a cannabis activist since 2010 ! Leah is excited to help answer all your medical marijuana questions . Please send questions to
leah @ theweedblog . com . Your question may be featured in a future issue of The EVOLUTION Magazine .