Simple Growing Guide: How to Grow Marijuana from Seed

What do you need to grow cannabis from seed?

To grow cannabis from seed, it is essential to have a series of tools and knowledge that allow you to have a healthy and productive crop. Here are the basic requirements you need to consider before starting your growing project.

Materials Needed

• Cannabis Seeds: Choose quality varieties, preferably feminized or autoflowering.
• Growing Medium: You can opt for soil, special substrates or hydroponic systems, depending on your knowledge and preferences.
• Containers: Pots or trays that facilitate drainage and root growth.
• Light Source: LED or CFL lamps that simulate the natural light cycle, especially if you grow indoors.
• Irrigation System: Tools to ensure adequate irrigation and avoid flooding or dryness.

Environmental Conditions

In addition to materials, it is essential to create an environment conducive to plant growth. This involves controlling:

• Temperature: Maintaining an optimal temperature range (between 22ºC and 28ºC) is key to avoiding stress in plants.
• Humidity: A humidity level of between 40% and 70% is ideal during the early stages of growth.
• Ventilation: Making sure your plants have adequate airflow, especially indoors.

Knowing the specific needs of your cannabis strain, as well as the optimal conditions for its growth, will help maximize the yield of your crop. Preparing properly will allow you to enjoy a successful and rewarding growing process.

Essential Steps in Your Simple Grow Guide: Preparation and Germination

Preparation and germination are crucial stages in the cannabis cultivation process. A correct start can make the difference between healthy plants and a failed crop. Here are the essential steps you need to take to ensure your seeds germinate properly.

1. Seed Selection

The first step in your germination process is to select quality seeds. Make sure to purchase feminized or autoflowering seeds that fit your needs. Research different strains and choose the ones that best suit your environment and growing style.

2. Preparation of the Culture Medium

Once you have your seeds, the next step is to prepare the growing medium. You can choose to:

• Organic soil: Ideal for beginners, it provides essential nutrients.
• Coco Coir: An inert medium that allows great oxygenation.
• Hydroponics: Perfect for those looking for fast growth and total control over nutrients.

3. Germination Techniques

There are several techniques to germinate your seeds. The most common are:

• Paper towel method: Place the seeds between damp layers of paper towels and keep them in a warm place.
• Method in water: Leave the seeds in a glass of water for 24 hours to activate the natural germination process.
• Direct seeding: Plant the seeds directly into the growing medium, making sure it is moist but not waterlogged.

By following these steps carefully, you’ll be well on your way to successful cultivation. Remember to maintain a warm and humid environment during the germination process to maximize your chances of success.

Ideal Conditions for the Growth of Your Cannabis Plants

The healthy growth of cannabis plants depends on several key factors. Below, we’ve detailed the ideal conditions you should provide to ensure your plants thrive and produce a bountiful harvest.

Light

Light is one of the most important factors. Cannabis plants require:

• 18 hours of daily light in the vegetative phase.
• 12 hours of daily light in the flowering phase.

It is essential to use full-spectrum lights to simulate sunlight, thus improving resin growth and production.

Temperature and Humidity

The optimal temperature for cannabis varies depending on the stage of growth:

• During the vegetative phase, between 20-28°C.
• In the flowering phase, between 18-26°C.

Humidity also plays a crucial role; Ideally, look for:

• 40-70% relative humidity in the vegetative phase.
• 40-50% humidity in the flowering phase.

Soil and Nutrients

The soil should be rich in nutrients and have good drainage. A pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is recommended for soil cultivation. In addition, it is essential to use cannabis-specific nutrients that provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the right proportions according to the growth phase.

Care and Maintenance During the Life Cycle of the Plant

Proper care of cannabis plants is crucial to maximizing their growth and production. The main stages of the plant’s life cycle and the specific care they require are described below:

1. Germination

During this initial phase, the seeds should be kept in a moist and warm environment. It is essential:

• Use damp paper towels to promote germination.
• Provide temperatures between 20°C and 25°C.
• Avoid exposure to direct light.

2. Vegetative Development

In the vegetative stage, the plant needs more light and nutrients. For optimal growth, it is recommended:

• Offer at least 18 hours of daily light.
• Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
• Make sure the substrate is well drained and aerated

3. Flowering

During the flowering stage, the plant requires specific care to maximize flower production. Some recommendations include:

• Reduce daylight hours to 12 hours a day.
• Use fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium.
• Monitor humidity to prevent mold and other diseases.

Each of these phases requires special attention to ensure the health and productivity of the cannabis plant throughout its life cycle.

Tips for Harvesting and Post-Harvesting Your Cannabis Grown From Seed

Harvest and post-harvest are crucial stages in cannabis cultivation that can significantly influence the final quality of your product. One of the first tips is to look at the color of the trichomes. Use a magnifying glass or microscope to assess their condition; When they are mostly milky with some amber colors, it is the optimal time for harvest.

Steps to Harvest

• Prepare the space: Make sure you have a clean, dry place to harvest.
• Use the right tools: Use sharp pruning shears to minimize damage to the plants.
• Cutting the plants: Proceed to cut off the main branches, leaving the leaves near the buds.

Once the cannabis has been cut, it is essential to carry out proper drying. Place the branches in a dark place with good ventilation, avoiding direct light and high humidity. Ideally, the temperature should range between 18-21°C and the relative humidity between 45-55%.

Post-Harvest: Curing the Buds

After drying, curing is an aspect that should not be overlooked. Place the buds in airtight jars, making sure to open them daily for the first few weeks to allow air circulation and the removal of residual moisture. This process not only enhances the flavor, but also enhances the effects of the plant.