Cannabis seeds are a crucial component of any marijuana growing setup. Getting them right is key to producing healthy plants with strong genetics and no pests or diseases.
A good place to start is with reputable seed banks that have been around for years and have a solid reputation. They will often have a growing guide and give you plenty of advice to help get your weed seeds started.
Germination
Germination is a critical stage in a Cannabis plant’s growth. It’s the first step in establishing a robust, vigorous plant that produces healthy buds and abundant harvests.
While some Cannabis seeds can germinate outside, it’s easier and safer to start indoors. Germinating seeds indoors also makes it easier to maintain the right temperature, light exposure, and moisture that can improve your germination results.
Seeds can be soaked in water and then placed on paper towels, in a plastic container, or between two plates. Place the papers in a warm place (preferably away from windowsills) and keep them moist, but not soaking wet.
Within a few days, you’ll see seeds sprouting tiny roots. Transfer these to your next growing medium when they’re ready.
Soil
Soil is the foundation of a healthy cannabis grow. It contains nutrients, beneficial microbes, and moisture. The best soil is a mixture of organic materials like perlite and compost.
Soils come in many different ratios and types — for example, you may see loam, sandy-silt, or clay-silt combinations. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Silt is a medium-coarse soil that is loaded up with minerals and organic material. It retains water well and provides good drainage while still being easy to work with.
Sand is a very coarse soil composed of granular particles with a lot of space between them. This makes it extremely easy for water and nutrients to wash right through the soil.
Using sandy soil is a great way to start seedlings, but they will need frequent watering and feeding to thrive. In addition, sandy soil can have poor drainage and low oxygen levels, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
Water
Water is one of the most essential nutrients for cannabis plants. It keeps the soil moist, promotes nutrient absorption and helps prevents pests and diseases.
How much and how often water is needed depends on a variety of factors, including temperature and light intensity. Plants in cool environments, for instance, will require more water and a broader range of nutrient sources than those growing under balmy conditions.
The type of growing medium you use also plays a big part in how much water it retains. Well-draining media can keep moisture longer, requiring less frequent watering.
The pH level of your water will also affect germination and the absorption of nutrients by the roots. Marijuana plants prefer a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 when growing hydroponically or between 6 and 6.8 in soil.
Stone Wool Blocks
Rock wool blocks are a popular growing medium among growers. This inert, mineral-based material has been developed over a century by Danish entrepreneurs in Scandinavia, Germany and New Jersey to promote germination, drainage, and root development of cannabis seed.
It is made by melting basalt rocks and spinning them into a fiber-like consistency that resembles cotton candy. The process imitates the natural phenomenon of Pele’s hair, which is a filamentous form of basaltic glass produced by the eruption of the volcanic island Kilauea in Hawaii.
The resulting material is hygienic and clean, as it contains no organic matter that could be consumed by fungi and bacteria. This makes it a nutrient-rich substrate that enables the growth of healthy, strong roots for cannabis plants.
If you are a hydroponic grower, you should water your rock wool blocks regularly to prevent them from drying out. They are able to retain up to 80% of water and 20% air in their hydrated state.
