FAQ

Indoor and outdoor cultivation each has its advantages and challenges. Indoor cultivation allows growers to have more control over the growing environment, such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, resulting in potentially higher-quality buds and multiple harvests per year. However, indoor growing can be more expensive due to the need for equipment and energy consumption. Outdoor cultivation relies on natural sunlight and environmental conditions, making it more cost-effective but subject to seasonal limitations and weather-related risks. The choice between indoor and outdoor cultivation depends on factors such as available resources, desired yield, and local climate.

Indica and Sativa are the two main types of cannabis plants, each with distinct characteristics and effects. Indica strains tend to have a more compact growth pattern, with broad leaves and a shorter flowering time. They are known for producing relaxing and sedating effects, making them ideal for nighttime use or for managing stress and pain. Sativa strains, on the other hand, grow taller with narrower leaves and a longer flowering time. They generally produce uplifting and energizing effects, making them more suitable for daytime use or for promoting creativity and focus.

Autoflowering cannabis seeds are a type of cannabis seed that automatically switches from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without the need for a change in the light cycle. This characteristic is due to the presence of Cannabis ruderalis genetics, which allows plants to flower based on age rather than light exposure. Autoflowering plants typically have a shorter growing cycle and are generally smaller in size, making them an attractive option for growers with limited space or those seeking a quicker harvest.

Feminized cannabis seeds are seeds that are genetically engineered to produce only female plants. This is beneficial for growers because female plants are responsible for producing buds rich in cannabinoids, while male plants produce pollen and can potentially pollinate female plants, leading to a lower yield. By using feminized seeds, growers can ensure a higher likelihood of producing a crop of all female plants, maximizing their harvest potential.

THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are two of the most well-known and studied cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been found to have numerous potential therapeutic benefits. The balance of THC and CBD in a particular strain can influence the overall effects experienced by the user, with higher THC content resulting in stronger psychoactive effects and higher CBD content potentially mitigating some of the psychoactive properties of THC.

If it’s not possible to plant seeds upon receiving them, it’s important to store them properly.  For short-term storage, it’s best to keep them in their original packaging and leave them in a cool dark area.

If it’s necessary to store your cannabis seeds for a long period of time, it’s best to store them in an airtight container or vacuum-sealed bag inside of the refrigerator. Be sure not to let your seeds be exposed to light or extreme temperatures or humidity for either amount storage length.

The flowering phase refers to the period of growth in which the cannabis plant starts to bloom. Outdoors, this happens when the days begin to shorten, and indoors growers must switch their light cycle to 12/12 in order to replicate outdoor conditions. Each strain has its own length of flowering but generally, it will last between 7 and 10 weeks give or take. Again, this does not apply to autos as they will go into flower mode automatically.

The vegetative or growth phase of a cannabis plant is the phase where the plant grows its leaves and branches. Under an 18/6 light cycle, which is ideal for this stage, you can allow the plant to grow as tall and as big as you wish. This is not applicable to Autoflowering genetics as they will change from vegetative to flowering phase on their own.

There are various ways to germinate cannabis seeds. In every method, the most important thing is to make sure the seed is constantly moist. Here we will go over a few methods.

The paper towel method. Wet two paper towels with distilled and place seeds between them giving each seed its own amount of space, then place the paper towels with the seeds between two plates or inside a closed plastic container and leave in a warm dark area until tap roots emerge.

A glass of water method. Submerge seeds in a glass of distilled water and leave them in a warm dark area until tap roots emerge.

Directly in Medium method. Place the seed into a jiffy pod or directly into the pot with your medium of choice. Keep the medium moist, never letting it dry completely. Placing a cup or glass directly over the seed area can help maintain humidity which will help with germination.

The main nutrients used to grow cannabis are Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium or popularly referred to as NPK.

Nitrogen is responsible for the general development of the plant, especially during the vegetative phase due to its relationship to chlorophyll and converting sunlight into energy.

Phosphorus is important for nutrient absorption to grow healthy roots and subsequently healthy bud growth.

Potassium is an important nutrient for osmoregulation, aka the regulation of water and salt concentration of a plant. It also aids in photosynthesis by creating glucose which is then stored as energy for the plant, helping fortify growth.

The levels of each will vary based on the stage of growth your plant is in. During the vegetative phase, a general guideline is to use a nutrient brand with a high amount of Nitrogen, a medium amount of Phosphorus, and a high level of Potassium. Then while in the flowering phase, Nitrogen levels should be significantly decreased while Phosphorus and Potassium levels can remain the same.

Other nutrients which aid in cannabis growth but are given in smaller doses are Magnesium which makes chlorophyll, Calcium which aids in the transportation and absorption of other nutrients, and Sulfur which transports chlorophyll.

There are many brands that create separate nutrient compounds meant for the vegetative and flower phase. It’s important to follow the recommended doses on the bottle for photoperiodic cannabis plants, however, when growing autoflowering cannabis, it’s better to start with around ⅓ of the recommended dose and increase the dose as the plant grows and reacts to the nutrient amount.

Regulating pH levels is important when growing cannabis to allow all the necessary nutrients to absorb adequately. The pH level will differ based on the medium of choice for the grow. Here we will go over pH levels for soil, soilless and hydro.

For soil, it’s recommended to range between 6.0 and 7.0. It’s best to fluctuate up and down between the two extremes, rather than staying at one pH level in order to give nutrients the proper pH for their maximum absorption.

For soilless and hydro, it’s recommended to range between 5.5 and 6.5, once again fluctuating between the two to allow nutrients to absorb correctly.

Photoperiods: Generally speaking, the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant. That being said, It is recommended to start the plant in a small pot or solo cup. Once the seedling is big enough, transplant to a larger pot and continue to increase pot size throughout the grow to provide the roots with the sufficient amount of space they need to thrive, which could be from anywhere from 3 gallons to 12 or more, depending on the desired size of the plant.

Autoflowers: With Autoflowering cannabis seeds, it’s recommended to plant them directly into their final pots, rather than transplanting them throughout the grow. Autos have a short lifespan and can potentially be stunted from having their roots disturbed. Generally, pots of 3-5 gallons work best to provide enough space and allow them to grow to their maximum potential.