How to Grow Weeds From Seeds to Harvest? | A Full Guide to All the Steps!

With the legal status of weed changing in the United States, you've probably considered becoming a cannabis grower. It's a tremendous financial opportunity for those who want to start growing legally and safely. Among all ways to grow potent pots, cannabis seeds are still the top choice for millions of people.

There are plenty of benefits when growing weed from marijuana seeds, such as saving a significant portion of the money and not searching for male and female plants. Not to mention all the time you would save if you started your seed bank. If you want to enjoy the fruits of your labor during fall, here are a few tips on how to grow weeds from seeds to harvest.

How to Acquire Seeds

The first step is to get your hands on some high-quality cannabis seeds. You can either grow them yourself or get them from a reputable dealer. If you go with the latter option, ensure you get a certificate of authenticity from the seller that guarantees the genetics and quality of the seeds.

Types of Seeds Available in the Market

There are three different types of cannabis seeds available on the market.

1. Regular seeds: These are the most common type, and they grow into a mix of male and female plants.

2. Feminized seeds: Feminized cannabis seeds are made to produce only female plants. They are perfect for new growers because they eliminate the need for sexing and reduce the chances of variation in your crop.

3. Auto-flowering seeds: Auto-flowering seeds start flowering automatically, regardless of the light cycle. This makes them ideal for outdoor growing, where changing light conditions can be an issue.

Characteristics of Excellent Seeds for High Yielding Planting

When choosing seeds to plant for the best yield, keep a few things in mind. The following are some features to consider:

• The seed's size- The more significant the seed, the easier it is to plant and the bigger it will grow.

• The color of the seed- A dark seed is generally a good sign and indicates that the seed is healthy and will germinate quickly.

• The shape of the seed- A round seed is generally a good sign and indicates that the seed is healthy and will germinate quickly.

• The hardness of the seed- A hard seed is generally a good sign and indicates that the seed is healthy and will germinate quickly.

Seeding

The best time to grow marijuana plants from seeds is late spring or early summer, when seeds germinate and grow well. Ensure you have all the necessary equipment, such as soil, pots, containers, grow lamps, and fertilizers. Also, it is essential to choose the right type of cannabis seeds for your climate. If you live in a colder area, you might want to consider buying some auto-flowering seeds that will grow well in lower temperatures.

Once you get all the required supplies, it's time to plant the seeds. The simplest way to do this is by sprinkling them on top of the soil and then lightly pressing them into the ground. You should water the soil lightly after planting the seeds and keep them moist until they germinate.

Germination Process

Seed germination is done by wetting the seeds and then placing them in a warm place until they sprout. The seeds will begin growing in about 3-7 days, and you will be able to tell when they do by looking for the small white root that starts emerging from the seed. Once the root has grown a few inches long, it is time to transplant the seed into a pot or container. Ensure the pot you choose has good drainage, so the soil doesn't get waterlogged.

Transplanting the Cannabis Seedlings

The best time to transplant the cannabis seedlings is after they have developed their third set of leaves. This will ensure that they are big enough to handle the stress of being transplanted and that they will be able to absorb as many nutrients from the soil as possible. When transplanting, dig a hole in the soil that is big enough to accommodate the entire root system. Gently place the seedling in the dug hole and fill it with soil. Tamp down the soil gently so that it is in contact with the roots.

Mulching and Watering

Once you transplant the seedlings, it is essential to keep them moist. One way to do this is by mulching the soil with a layer of organic matter, such as compost or straw. This facilitates the retention of moisture and the suppression of weed growth. When the top part of the soil starts to feel dry, it's time to water the plants.

The amount of water your cannabis plant needs will vary depending on the size and type of plant and the climate. However, giving your plants about 1-2 gallons of water per day is crucial. You can either water them manually or use a drip irrigation system.

The Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage is the period when your plants are growing and expanding. This stage can last anywhere from 2-to 4 weeks, depending on the plant you grow. Keep the soil moist and adequately fertilize them regularly with a cannabis-specific fertilizer during this stage.

The Flowering Stage

The flowering stage is the final stage of the cannabis growing process. This is when your plants will start to produce buds. The flowering stage can last anywhere from 6-to 8 weeks, depending on the strain of cannabis you are growing. Always keep the soil moist and fertilize them regularly with a cannabis-specific fertilizer during this stage.

Harvesting and Seeding

Harvest time for your plants depends on the type of strain you are growing. Some strains are ready to harvest in as little as six weeks, while others can take three months. To determine when your plants are ready for harvest, look for the following signs:

• The buds have turned from green to a dark shade of purple or red
• The leaves have stopped producing new buds, and the trichomes (glittery resin glands that produce THC) have turned from clear to amber or gold.

To harvest your plants, cut off the branches at the base and hang them upside down to dry. Once the buds are dry, you can remove the seeds and store them for replanting or selling.

Store the weed seeds in a cool, dry, dark place, such as a refrigerator or freezer. Storing them in this way will keep them viable for five years.

Separating Male Plants From Female Plants

If you are growing your cannabis plants indoors, separating the male plants from the female plants is essential. The males will start to produce pollen at around 6-8 weeks of age and, if left unchecked, will fertilize all of the female plants. This will result in reduced yields and lower-quality buds.

To separate the males from the females, you can use a mesh screen or plant them in separate pots. The mesh screen will allow the males to grow through and keep the females from being pollinated. The plant pots will allow you to track which plants are male and which ones are female. The plant will rely on the sun on to get light and need to be pollinated to produce buds.

Common Diseases That Affect the Cannabis Plants

A few common diseases can affect cannabis plants, including powdery mildew, bud rot, and spider mites. These diseases can be treated relatively easily and will not cause too much damage to the plant.

• Powdery Mildew-It's a fungal disease that spreads a white powder on the leaves and buds of the cannabis plant. It can be treated relatively easily using fungicides or a baking soda solution.
• Bud Rot -Bud rot is a bacterial disease that causes the plant's buds to rot and decay. It can be treated using antibiotics or fungicides.
• Spider Mites -Spider mites are tiny arachnids that can cause severe damage to weed plants. They can be treated using pesticides or miticides.

Final Thought

Growing cannabis is a great way to produce quality buds. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can ensure that your plants grow big and strong and produce high yields. Greenthumb's website is your one-stop resource for all things cannabis cultivation. Check out our website for more tips and advice on growing your weed.