Growing cannabis from seeds can be a rewarding and straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Here’s a guide to help you get started on planting and caring for your cannabis seeds.
Step 1: Select the Right Seeds
The first step is to choose high-quality cannabis seeds. Look for seeds from a reputable source, ensuring they are healthy and mature. Good seeds are typically dark brown with a hard shell, while immature seeds are lighter and greenish.
Step 2: Germinate the Seeds
Before planting, you will need to germinate the seeds. One of the easiest methods is the paper towel technique:
Moisten two paper towels and place them on a plate.
Place the cannabis seeds on the damp paper towel, and then cover them with another moist towel.
Keep the plate in a dark, warm place about 70-85°F or 21-29°C.
Check the seeds daily, keeping the towels moist but not soaking. In about 2-7 days, the seeds should start to sprout, showing tiny taproots.
Step 3: Plant the Seeds
Once the seeds have sprouted, it is time to plant them. Here’s how:
Fill small pots 2-3 inches deep with a light, well-draining growing medium such as seedling starter mix, coco coir, or light potting soil. Make a small hole about ½ inch deep in the soil. Place the seed in the hole, taproot facing down, and marijuana seeds gently cover it with soil. Water the soil lightly using a spray bottle, making sure it is damp but not waterlogged. Place the pots under gentle lighting, such as CFLs or LED grow lights, set on a 16-18 hour light cycle per day.
Step 4: Care for the Seedlings
During the seedling stage about 2-3 weeks, it is important to maintain a stable environment. Keep the temperature between 70-80°F 21-27°C and humidity around 60-70%. Water the plants sparingly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Seedlings are sensitive, so avoid overwatering and nutrient overload. If using nutrient-rich soil, additional nutrients may not be necessary at this stage. Otherwise, feed the plants with a diluted, balanced fertilizer.
Step 5: Transplant to Larger Pots
Once the seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves and roots begin to outgrow the small pots, transplant them into larger containers. Carefully transfer the plants by gently removing the root ball and placing it in fresh soil.
Step 6: Vegetative and Flowering Stages
As the plants grow, transition them into the vegetative stage by increasing the light cycle to 18-24 hours a day. Maintain proper watering, feeding, and pruning. After a few weeks, induce flowering by reducing the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.