Many people today choose to grow cannabis. They enjoy watching the plants go from seeds to buds and appreciate having control over every step of the process. What should a new grower know before embarking on this incredible journey?
Germination
Seeds must germinate and sprout before they can grow, and this process typically takes four to ten days. However, the seeds must have the right conditions to germinate and be healthy. Look for dry, firm cannabis seeds for your garden. Many people look at the color, but new growers must understand that weed seeds come in different shades. However, avoid green and white seeds because they aren't mature. Keep the seeds moist in a warm and dark environment to encourage germination. Once the seeds develop roots and leaves, it's time to plant them in soil or put them in a hydroponics system.
Seedlings
The plant reaches the seedling stage when it develops the leaves people associate with marijuana. During this stage, the plants need 18 hours of light and eight hours of darkness. Artificial light might be required to provide the correct light-dark cycle the plants need to grow and thrive. Keep the plants in small pots during this stage so they can soak up the nutrients they need with little effort. Don't overwater the plants because the tiny roots can't handle excessive moisture. They may develop mold or contract a disease.
Remove Male Plants
Male plants must be removed from the crop to prevent pollination. The harvest will be a dud if male plants pollinate the female plants. Only female plants produce THC, which is what many people grow cannabis to obtain. Male plants lack the hairy white structures known as pistils. To eliminate this step, consider purchasing feminized seeds with male seeds already removed.
The Vegetative Stage
Cannabis plants grow in the vegetative stage, where the roots spread and the stalks harden. To reach their full potential, marijuana plants need plenty of room, so they should be transferred to bigger pots. In addition, provide them with the nutrients they need to thrive. Continue providing them with sunlight and increase the water intake as the roots grow stronger and spread. This stage lasts a few months. Remain patient and nurture the plants so they will provide an abundant crop.
The Flowering Stage
Buds begin to appear on plants during the flowering stage. While they initially look like leaves, they're easy to distinguish. The buds have pistils and crystals, differentiating them from the rest of the plant. Now is the time plants need less sunlight. The darkness encourages the buds to grow.
Pistils are the first thing to appear during the flowering stage. The buds will flatten, and the plant will stop growing, although trichomes will continue developing. Watch for bud rot and monitor the plant to know when to harvest.
Harvesting the Cannabis
Wait until the pistils are brown or orange-red and the plant is sticky. Examine the trichomes to see if they are cloudy white. If they are, it is time to harvest the plants.
Growing cannabis can be fun. Once you get the basics down, experiment with different strains or try autoflowering seeds rather than regular ones. With many advances in this industry happening regularly, there is always something new to learn. The most important thing, however, is to have fun.
