How to Properly Plant Cannabis Seeds: A Detailed Guide

Growing cannabis from seeds can be an interesting and rewarding process, but it requires a meticulous approach and knowledge of specific stages. In this guide, we will cover all the key steps that will help you successfully grow healthy plants.

Step 1: Choosing and Preparing Seeds

1.1. Choosing Seeds Selecting the right seeds is one of the most important steps. There are many different cannabis strains, each with its unique characteristics:

• Feminized seeds: Ensure that most plants will be female, which is important for obtaining flowers.
• Autoflowering seeds: Do not depend on the light cycle and start flowering after a certain period.
• Regular seeds: Can produce both male and female plants, which is useful for creating new hybrids.

1.2. Checking Seed Quality High-quality seeds should be hard, dark in color, and free of visible damage. Seeds that float in water or break easily are unlikely to germinate.

Step 2: Germinating Seeds

2.1. Paper Towel Method

1. Moisten two paper towels with water.
2. Place the seeds between the two towels.
3. Place the towels in a plastic container or on a plate and cover with another container or plate to create a humid environment.
4. Keep the towels moist but not soaked in a warm place (22-28°C).
5. Seeds usually germinate within 1-7 days.

2.2. Water Germination Method

1. Place the seeds in a glass of room temperature water.
2. Leave them for 24-48 hours until the seeds start cracking and show roots.
3. Transfer the germinated seeds to moist paper towels or directly to the substrate.

Step 3: Preparing Soil and Pots

3.1. Choosing the Substrate The best substrate for cannabis should be light, aerated, and well-drained. An ideal mix includes:

• Coconut fiber or peat for moisture retention.
• Perlite or vermiculite for better drainage.
• Compost or organic additives for nutrition.

3.2. Preparing Pots Choose pots with a capacity of 10-20 liters for each growing cannabis plant. Ensure the pots have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water stagnation.

Step 4: Planting Germinated Seeds

1. Make small indentations (1-2 cm) in the soil in the center of each pot.
2. Place the seeds root-side down into these indentations.
3. Gently cover the seeds with soil, without compacting too hard.
4. Water the soil until it is moist but not overly wet.

Step 5: Caring for Seedlings

5.1. Light Regime Cannabis seedlings require intense lighting. During the growth stage, it is best to use LED or fluorescent lamps with blue and red spectral components:

• 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness for the vegetative stage.

5.2. Watering Water the seedlings when the top layer of soil begins to dry out. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

5.3. Ventilation and Temperature Ensure good ventilation and maintain a temperature of 20-28°C. Humidity should be around 60-70% in the early stages, decreasing to 40-50% during flowering.

Step 6: Transplanting

When the plants reach a height of 10-15 cm and have several pairs of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or into the open ground (if climate conditions allow).

6.1. Preparing for Transplanting

1. Water the plants a few hours before transplanting to minimize stress.
2. Prepare new pots or ground areas by adding quality substrate.

6.2. Transplanting Process

1. Gently remove the plant from the pot, trying not to damage the root system.
2. Place the plant in the new location, cover with soil, and slightly compact it.
3. Water the plant and monitor its adaptation over the first few days.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis from seeds requires attention and adherence to all stages from germination to transplantation. By following these recommendations, you will be able to grow healthy and productive plants. Good luck!