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. selection of 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, which maximizes the yield of flowering buds. To enter the flowering phase, the plants require a change in the light cycle. This is why they can only be grown outdoors during a certain period.
• 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 enables 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 decisive 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 uniform moisture and temperature.

3. growth 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
    
• Coconut 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. A place where the plants get 10-12 hours of sun per day is best.
  
• 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.
• When to switch: Light switching is usually done after the vegetative growth phase, when the plant is ready to move into the flowering phase. This usually happens when the plant has reached a height of 30-60 cm or after it has been growing for at least 4-6 weeks in the vegetative phase.

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.

Casting

• When to water: Only water when the top layer of soil is about 1-2 cm dry. Water at the latest when the plant starts to droop its leaves.

• Water quantity: Use about 1/4 to max. 1/3 of the pot volume of water for each watering round.

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 growth 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 to maintain the balance.
  
  

Circumcision

• Purpose of pruning: Pruning promotes healthy growth and shaping of the plant. It helps to ensure even light distribution and better air circulation, which can increase yields.

• When to prune: Start pruning when the plant is 4-6 weeks old or when it has developed at least 4-5 internodal segments. Light pruning during the growth phase can stimulate the growth of side shoots.

• How to prune: Carefully remove the lower leaves and side shoots that receive little light. Do not cut more than 20-30% of the plant at a time to avoid stress. Use clean, sharp tools and disinfect them before use.

• After pruning: Ensure that the plant receives sufficient light and nutrients to support healing and the growth of new shoots. Monitor the plant regularly for signs of stress or disease.

Low-stress training (LST):

• Objective: Promotes uniform growth and better light distribution by gently bending and tying the plant.
• Technique: Carefully bend the branches and secure them with wire or string. This helps to keep the plant flatter and bring more light to the lower buds.
• Advantages: Minimal stress response, promotes uniform harvest and can increase yields.

High-stress training (HST):

• Objective: Increases yields through drastic interventions such as pruning, topping or fimming.
• Technique: Cut or break off the main shoots to encourage the growth of new shoots and create a bushier plant.
• Advantages: Can intensively promote growth, but requires careful application and can put a lot of stress on the plant.

8. harvest

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

Trichome maturity

• Clear: Not yet ripe.
• Milky white: Highest THC content, energetic effects.
• Amber colored: Higher CBN and CBD content, relaxing effects.

9. drying and fermenting

Drying

Drying reduces the moisture content and prevents mold growth:

• Temperature: 15-21°C.
• Humidity: 45-55%.
• Duration: 7-14 days.
  
  
• Drying technique: Cut the plant into individual branches or whole plants and hang them upside down, or place the cut parts on a net or drying rack. Make sure that the flowers are sufficiently far apart to ensure even drying.

Ferment

Fermentation improves taste and potency:

1. Store the dried flowers in glass containers.
2. Open the container daily for 10-15 minutes during the first two weeks to allow moisture to escape.
3. Curing can take several weeks to months to achieve optimum quality.
4. The humidity in the container should be 60-65%.

Conclusion

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

This guide should help you to get a rough overview of cannabis cultivation. 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, please send us an email or post on Instagram. You can never stop learning about this topic.

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

Your Blow-Seeds Team