Growing cannabis plants requires patience, knowledge and attention. This guide is designed to help you understand the basic techniques of cannabis cultivation in order to achieve the best possible results.


 1. Choosing the seeds

One of the most important decisions that depends heavily on the type of grow you choose. Cannabis seeds can be divided into three main categories:

  • Regular seeds: Produce both male and female plants. These seeds are useful for breeding programs as male plants are needed for seed production.
  • Feminized seeds: Genetically modified to produce almost exclusively female plants, maximizing the yield of flowering blooms. To enter the flowering phase, the plants require a change in light cycle. This is why they can only be grown outdoors in a certain period of time.
  • Autoflowering seeds: These plants automatically switch from the growth to the flowering phase based on their age, not on light cycles. They contain genes from Cannabis ruderalis, which allows for a faster ripening time. Theoretically can be grown outdoors all year round as long as the weather is suitable. (Which is only the case in a few regions).

 

2. Germination

Germination is the first and crucial step in the plant's life cycle. The process begins with the hydration of the seed, which activates the metabolic activity and growth of the embryo.

Germination methods

  • Paper towel method: The seeds are placed between two constantly damp paper towels to ensure even humidity. A temperature of 20-25°C is ideal. After a few days, the first roots will appear and the seeds can then be planted.

  • Direct planting: The seeds can be planted directly into the growing medium, about 1-2 cm deep, to ensure even humidity and temperature.

3. Growing medium

  • Soil: Soil provides a natural environment for plant growth and contains organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. A pH value of 6.0-7.0 is ideal for nutrient uptake.

  • Hydroponics: Hydroponic systems enable faster growth through direct nutrient uptake. The pH level should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Common hydroponic systems include:

    • Nutrient film technique (NFT)
    • Deep water culture (DWC)
    • Ebb and flow systems
  • Coco fibers: Coco fibers offer a sterile, well-draining alternative to soil. However, they require precise nutrient control as they do not contain any nutrients themselves.


4. Lighting

Light is essential for photosynthesis, in which plants convert light energy into chemical energy.

Types of lighting

  • Sun: The sun is the light source for every outdoor grower. The best location is one where the plants receive 10-12 hours of sunlight per day.

  • LED lamps: Provide a broad spectrum of light and are energy-efficient. They produce little heat, which reduces the risk of overheating.
  • HID lamps: These include metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. MH lamps are ideal for the growth phase, while HPS lamps are preferred for the flowering phase. Due to their higher initial investment, they are more suitable for professional growers who want to maximize their efficiency.

 

Light cycles

  • Growth phase (vegetative phase): 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness promote vegetative growth.

  • Flowering phase: 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness initiate flowering by mimicking natural fall conditions.


5. Nutrients and water

Cannabis plants require a balanced supply of nutrients, which are divided into macro, secondary and micronutrients. All the substances listed are available in the form of special cannabis fertilizers. The needs of your plant change depending on the stage of growth.

Macronutrients

  • Nitrogen (N): Essential for vegetative growth and chlorophyll production.

  • Phosphorus (P): Important for energy transfer and flower formation.

  • Potassium (K): Regulates the water balance and strengthens the plant structure.

 

Secondary nutrients

  • Calcium (Ca): Supports cell wall formation and root development.

  • Magnesium (Mg): Central component of the chlorophyll molecule.

  • Sulphur (S): Component of amino acids and proteins.

 

Micronutrients

  • Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), boron (B), chlorine (Cl), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo): Necessary in small quantities, but support many enzymatic and physiological processes.


6. Air circulation and temperature

Constant air circulation prevents mold growth and promotes the absorption of carbon dioxide, an essential component of photosynthesis.

 

Temperature

  • Optimum temperature: 18-26°C

  • Humidity: Around 60-70% in the growth phase and 40-50% in the flowering phase.


7. Care and monitoring

  • pH value: The pH value of the growing medium influences the availability of nutrients. Regular pH tests are essential.

  • Pests and diseases: Regular inspections for pests such as spider mites, thrips and aphids are important. Biological pest control and beneficial insects can help maintain balance. 


Pruning

Note that your tools should always be sharp and sterilized to avoid infecting your plant.

  • Topping: The removal of the main tip to encourage bushier growth. It is done during the vegetative growth phase when the plant has developed about 4-5 flowers.

8. Harvest

The harvest time depends on the maturity of the trichomes and pistils.

 

Trichome ripeness

  • Clear: Not yet ripe.

  • Milky white: Highest THC content, energetic effects.

  • Amber colored: Higher CBN and CBD content, relaxing effects.


9. Drying and fermentation

Drying

Drying reduces the moisture content and prevents mold growth:

  • Temperature: 15-21°C.
  • Humidity: 45-55%.
  • Duration: 7-14 days.


Fermentation

Fermentation improves flavor and potency:

  • Store the dried flowers in glass containers.
  • Open the container daily for 10-15 minutes for the first two weeks to allow moisture to escape.
  • Curing can take several weeks to months to reach optimum quality.

 


Conclusion

 Growing cannabis plants requires attention and care, but with the right techniques and impeccable seeds, you can achieve high-quality harvests.

This guide is designed to help you get a broad overview of growing cannabis. We will endeavor to provide you with a detailed blog post for each chapter, covering the topics in more depth.

If you are particularly interested in a topic or would like to share your expertise, feel free to write us an email or contact us on Instagram. One can never stop learning about this topic.


We look forward to hearing from you and wish you great success with your grow,

 

Your Blow-Seeds Team

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