There are many ways to grow cannabis plants at home. Most people use seeds, some use clone babies, and others use cuttings, but you can also grow them from the roots. The best way is to start by using feminized cannabis seeds, which ensure a 100% female result with the same characteristics as the mother plant.
If you have a big garden, you can start by planting the seeds directly in the ground, but you'll need to use pots if you're growing weeds indoors. This article will guide you on planting your marijuana seeds properly so they germinate and grow into healthy plants.
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How To Plant Weed Seed: Step By Step Guide
Seed Selection
The first step is to buy quality marijuana seeds. You can find feminized seeds, regular seeds, and auto-flowering seeds. Choose the type of cannabis plant you want to grow and the amount of space you have.
If you're growing indoors, you should also decide if you want a short or a tall plant. Indica strains are shorter and bushier, while Sativa strains are taller and thinner.
Best Strains available on the market
There are many different strains of cannabis with different effects. Some make you feel energetic, while others make you feel relaxed. The most popular strains are:
- OG Kush
- Sour Diesel
- Green Crack
- Girl Scout Cookies
- Blue Dream
Preparation
You will need some quality potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. You can also use coco coir instead of soil. It's a growing medium made from coconut husks that holds water well and doesn't compact.
Once you have all your materials, it's time to prepare the pots or grow area. Mix it with some perlite and peat moss to improve drainage and aeration if you're using soil.
If you're using coco coir, mix it with perlite and vermiculite. These products help improve drainage and aeration in coco coir.
Other planting mediums you may use when germinating cannabis seeds include:
- Rockwool
- Clay pellets
- Oasis cubes
- Hydroton clay balls
Cannabis Seed Germination
The next step is to germinate your cannabis seeds in a few different ways. Discussed below are various pupilar methods you may use:
The Paper Towel Method
The method is the most popular way to germinate cannabis seeds. It's easy and only requires paper towels, water, and a dark place.
- Get two plates, and line one with several layers of paper towel in order to germinate marijuana seeds
- Using distilled or reverse osmosis water, wet the paper towels. You should avoid using tap water since it contains chemicals that can harm the taproot.
- Place your viable cannabis seeds on the wet paper towels and cover them with more damp paper towels.
- Put the second plate on top of the first plate and ensure airtightly. You can do this by placing a rubber band around the edge or covering it with duct tape.
- Put the plate in a dark place like a cupboard or closet.
- Check on your seeds every day and ensure the paper towels are still wet. If they're dry, add more water.
- Seeds germinate after a few days, and you should see taproots poking out of the seeds, which shows they're ready to be planted.
The Glass of Water Method
Another popular way to germinate cannabis seeds is the glass of water method. It's easy and only requires water and a dark place.
- To germinate cannabis seeds, pour distilled or reverse osmosis water into a shot glass or small cup. You should avoid using tap water since it contains chemicals that can harm the taproot.
- Place your cannabis seeds in the water and make sure they're covered.
- Put the glass in a dark place like a cupboard or closet.
- Check on your seeds every day and ensure the water is still covering them. If it's not, add more water.
- Germination will take place within five to seven days.
The Soil Method
The soil method is the most popular way to germinate cannabis seeds outdoors. It's easy and only requires soil, water, and a warm place.
- Get a pot or small container and fill it with quality potting soil.
- Water the soil until it's damp but not soggy. You don't want to drown the seeds.
- Place your cannabis seeds on the soil and lightly cover them with more soil.
- Put the pot in a warm place like on top of a radiator or near a heat vent.
- Check on your seeds every day and make sure the soil is still damp. If it's dry, add more water.
- After a few days, you should see taproots poking out of the soil.
Depending on the germination method you choose, the time it will take for your seeds to germinate may vary. However, you should see taproots within 5-10 days with all procedures.
The Seedling Stage
Once your cannabis seeds have germinated, they're ready to be planted. The first stage of pot seeds' life is called the seedling stage, right when they're starting to grow and develop their first set of true leaves.
The seedling stage can last anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. They need this time to develop a robust root system that will support them through the rest of their life cycle.
During the seedling stage, your plants will need:
- Warmth: Cannabis seeds like it warm. The ideal temperature for germination is 77-86°F (25-30°C). Once they've germinated, they can tolerate a broader range of temperatures but should still be kept warm. A good range for seedlings is 70-85°F (21-29°C).
- Humidity: Cannabis seeds also like it humid. The ideal humidity for germination is around 80%. Once they've germinated, they can tolerate a more comprehensive humidity range but should still be moist. A good range for seedlings is 60-80%.
- Light: Weed seedlings need light to grow but not direct sunlight. The ideal way to provide light is with fluorescent bulbs. You can also use LEDs, incandescent bulbs, or natural sunlight. Make sure the light isn't too harsh or too weak.
- Water: Seedlings need to be watered regularly but not too much. The best way to water them is with a spray bottle or a watering can with a small spout. Water the soil until it's damp but not soggy. You should also make sure the leaves aren't getting wet because this can cause mold or mildew to grow.
- Nutrients: Seedlings don't need nutrients for the first few weeks, but they will need them eventually. The best way to give them nutrients is through a process called fertilization. At this point, you mix nutrients into their water before you water them. You can buy nutrient solutions at your local gardening store or online.
Once your cannabis plants have reached the seedling stage, they're ready to be transplanted into their final home. The transplantation space is usually a bigger pot or the ground if you grow them outdoors.
- Preparing the ground for transplanting:
- Loosen the soil with a rake or hoe.
- Dig a big enough hole for the plant's roots.
- Mix in some organic matter like compost or manure.
- Water the hole until the soil is damp but not soggy.
Transplanting
After you germinate seeds and taproots are poking out, they're ready to be transplanted. If you sprout them in water, gently transfer them to soil or another growing medium.
If you germinate them in soil, lightly dig a hole and place the seed in the hole, gently cover it, and pat it down.
The process ensures the holes are wide and deep enough to plant seedlings. If the hole is too shallow, the taproot will grow on top of the soil, and if it's too deep, the plant will have a hard time getting enough oxygen.
Water the seedlings until the soil is damp but not soggy. You may also loosely cover them with a plastic bag to help retain moisture.
Leave the seedlings in their new home for a week before fertilizing them. It will give them time to adjust to their new environment.
Tips For Caring for The Seedlings After Transplanting
- Water them regularly but do not overwater.
- Make sure they're getting enough light but not too much.
- Do not fertilize them for the first week or so.
- Watch out for pests and diseases.
After a few weeks, your marijuana plants should be big enough to start the vegetative stage. This stage is when they begin to develop their leaves and stems. The vegetative stage can last anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.
During the vegetative stage, your male or female plants will need you to monitor them and take care of them closely. They'll need the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to grow properly.
Light: The vegetative stage is when your cannabis plants need the most light. They should be getting at least 18 hours of light a day. You can provide this with fluorescent bulbs, LEDs, incandescent bulbs, or natural sunlight.
Water: Your cannabis plants will also need to be watered more during the vegetative stage. Water them until the soil is damp but not soggy. You should also make sure the leaves aren't getting wet because this can cause mold or mildew to grow.
Fertilizer application: You can buy nutrient solutions at your local gardening store or online. Repeat the process as in seedlings to achieve the best results.
Pests and diseases: The vegetative stage is when pests and diseases are most likely to attack your plants. Watch out for signs of pests or disease and take action if you see any.
After the vegetative stage, your cannabis plants will enter the flowering stage. It's when they start to grow flowers (or buds). The flowering stage usually lasts around two months, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the cannabis strain you're growing.
During the flowering stage, your plants will need less light but more nutrients. They'll also need to be watered less often. However, you'll still need to monitor them to ensure they're healthy closely. Continue tending to them as you did during the vegetative stage.
Depending on your selected strain, your plants will mature in around two to six months and be ready to harvest. Ensure you cure your buds adequately, so they're nice and potent.
Tips For Germinating and Planting Stubborn Weed Seeds
If your weed seeds are Stubborn during germination, you can do a few things to try and get them to sprout.
First, make sure you're using fresh, viable seeds. Old seeds are less likely to germinate. You can test the viability of your seeds by putting them in a glass of water. If they sink, they're probably still good. If they float, they might be old and not worth germinating.
Second, make sure you're using the right kind of soil. Cannabis seeds need light, fluffy soil to germinate properly. You can buy a unique seed-starting mix online or at your local gardening store.
Third, make sure you're giving the seeds enough heat. Cannabis seeds need to be kept warm (but not too warm) to germinate. An excellent way to do this is to put them on top of a heating pad set on low.
Finally, be patient. Germinating weed seeds can take a few days or even a week. Don't give up if they don't sprout right away.
Your weed seeds should have no problem germinating if you follow these tips. However, if they don't germinate, here are various ideas you should consider:
Pre-Soak With Supplemented Water:
If you have old or stubborn weed seeds, pre-soaking them in water can help. To do this, put the seeds in a glass of water and add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will help to break down the seed's shell, making it easier for them to germinate. Let the seeds soak overnight, then plant them as usual.
Use A Heat Lamp:
If you're having trouble germinating your seeds, try using a heat lamp. Put the seeds on a wet paper towel and place them under the heat lamp. The heat will help to warm the seeds and make them more likely to sprout.
Try Planting in A Warmer Area:
If you're having trouble getting your seeds to germinate, try planting them in a warmer area. Cannabis seeds need to be kept warm (but not too warm) to germinate properly. An excellent way to do this is to put them on top of a heating pad set on low. You can also try using a grow light to keep the area warm.
FAQs
What Is the Best Way of Germinating Marijuana Seeds?
The best way to germinate cannabis seeds is to plant them in soil. You can also use hydroponics, but it's more complicated.
How Deep Should I Plant the Seed?
The hole should be wide enough and deep enough for the seedlings. If the hole is too shallow, the taproot will grow out of the top of the soil, and if it's too deep, the plant will have a hard time getting enough oxygen.
When Should I Water the Seedlings?
Water the seedlings until the soil is damp but not soggy. You may also loosely cover the germinated seed with a plastic bag to help retain moisture.
Should I Fertilize the Seedlings?
No, don't fertilize the seedlings for the first week to allow them time to adjust and settle.
Can You Put Seeds Straight into The Soil?
Yes, you can put weed seeds straight into the soil, but it's better to germinate them first to help them grow faster and healthier.
They will give you the best recommendations and guidance on developing robust and healthy plants. When it comes to cultivating cannabis, the Green Thumb Gardener crew has a wealth of knowledge and experience. To learn more, give them a call or go to their.Final Thought
You've learned how to plant weed seeds. Make sure to follow each stage of the process's instructions attentively. You can grow your weed at home with little time and care. Green Thumb Gardener is always available to provide additional information.
They will give you the best recommendations and guidance on developing robust and healthy plants. When it comes to cultivating cannabis, the Green Thumb Gardener crew has a wealth of knowledge and experience. To learn more, give them a call or go to their website.🌿 Join my "growing" community
of 5000+ happy
cannabis farmers! 👩🌾
Receive my weekly articles in marijuana growing,
from seeds to smoke!
— Morgan, 420GreenThumb 🌱