A cannabis seed is a tiny nugget of marijuana plant genetics that contains the genes that can grow into a full-fledged marijuana plant. You can buy these seeds in a variety of forms and from many different breeders.
A cannabis seed can be germinated in a peat pellet or directly into soil. Once the seed splits and a taproot appears, it’s ready to move on to the next step in its growth cycle.
Germination
The germination of cannabis seed is the process by which it splits open and becomes ready to transfer to its next growing medium. This is a simple process that takes between 3 and 10 days depending on the type of seed you are working with.
Once a seed has germinated it is time to plant the little white tap root (which will grow into the main stem of the seedling) in its new growing medium such as soil or coco coir. When planting, it is important to point the little white tap root down into the soil.
When germinating cannabis seeds it is not recommended to disturb them as this can damage the tap root and stunt their growth. If you do disturb a seed, it is best to move it very carefully or use tweezers.
Soil
The type of soil you use can have a big impact on how your cannabis seed grows. Soil that is not nutrient-rich will result in stunted plants with less vigour and lower yields.
A good soil will have a combination of nutrients, a good balance of moisture and air, and an appropriate pH. It should also contain organic substances such as compost, humus, and worm castings.
Worm castings are rich in organic microorganisms that improve the microbial life of your soil. This microbial life makes many of the nutrients that your cannabis seed needs available to the roots on demand.
Light
The correct amount of light at each stage of your cannabis seed’s life cycle is vital. If you use too much or too little light at any point, your plant’s growth may suffer and result in a lower yield.
During the seedling phase, marijuana plants need to receive at least 16 hours of light per day. This will ensure that they grow healthy leaves and develop their root system.
Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, they will move into the vegetative stage. This phase lasts for about 3 to 16 weeks.
This is a crucial time for cannabis plants to grow vertically and achieve maximum heights. The right amount of full-spectrum light and a proper photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) light spectrum is critical for this stage to encourage optimal growth and production.
Temperature
Cannabis seeds grow best when the temperature is between 70degF and 90degF (21degC-32degC). Temperatures below 70degF and above 90degF cause seeds to become hard, immature and ineffective.
High temperatures also upset seed chemistry. This can lead to poor germination and the plant becoming susceptible to disease and other pests.
When growing outdoor cannabis seed it is vital to keep the temperature as low as possible during the flowering stage, around 26degC (80degF). This is because hot temperatures can trigger the evaporation of terpenes which are responsible for the plant’s aroma and taste.
In addition, hot weather can also slow down trichome production and reduces the plant’s ability to repel pests. Trichomes are the appendages that hold cannabis’ natural compounds such as THC and terpenes.
Water
Watering your cannabis seed is one of the most important things you can do to ensure that it thrives. The amount of water a plant needs to grow depends on the stage of its life cycle, soil type and temperature.
Water is essential for a healthy root system and to help with the uptake of nutrients. Under-watering and over-watering can both negatively affect a plant’s growth, yield and taste.
For most plants, a normal frequency for watering is every two to three days. This can vary depending on the plant’s age, but is generally a good rule of thumb for beginners and experienced growers alike.
