Growing cannabis from seed can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it also requires some planning, patience, and attention to detail. Here is a detailed guide on how to grow a cannabis plant from seed, from start to finish.

 

Equipment and Nutrient Purchases:

• Cannabis Seeds (choose a strain that suits your needs and growing environment)

• Grow Tent or Grow Room (a dedicated space to grow your cannabis plant)

• Lighting System (LED, HID, or Fluorescent)

• Growing Medium (soil or hydroponic medium)

• Nutrients (specific to cannabis plants, including macronutrients and micronutrients)

• pH Meter and pH Up/Down (to adjust pH levels of your water and nutrient solution)

• Temperature and Humidity Meter (to monitor your grow environment)

• Pots or Containers (to grow your cannabis plant)

• Fans (to circulate air and prevent mold and mildew)

• Carbon Filter (to control odors)

​

Germination Tips:

1. Soak your cannabis seeds in room temperature water for 12-24 hours.

2. Once the seeds have soaked, place them on a damp paper towel and fold it over the seeds.

3. Put the paper towel in a sealable plastic bag and keep it in a warm, dark place.

4. Check the seeds daily to make sure the paper towel stays damp.

5. Within 1-7 days, the seeds will begin to sprout.

​

Early Growth Tips:

1. Once your seeds have sprouted, plant them in a container with pre-moistened soil or hydroponic medium.

2. Keep the container in a warm and humid environment, with a temperature of around 70-80°F and humidity of around 60-70%.

3. Make sure your cannabis plant gets enough light (18-24 hours of light per day) and water.

4. Begin fertilizing your plant with a nutrient solution specific to cannabis plants, following the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Monitor your plant for any signs of pests or diseases, and address them promptly.

​

Common Plant Issues:

• Nutrient deficiencies or overfeeding

• Pest infestations (e.g. spider mites, thrips, aphids)

• Mold or mildew

• pH imbalances

• Heat stress or light burn

• Under or over-watering

​

When to Flip to Flower: Once your cannabis plant has reached a desired height (usually around 2-3 feet tall), you can switch to a 12/12 light cycle (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) to trigger the flowering stage. This usually takes 8-12 weeks, depending on the strain.

Flowering Tips:

1. Reduce humidity levels to around 40-50% to prevent mold and mildew.

2. Continue fertilizing your plant with a nutrient solution specific to the flowering stage.

3. Monitor your plant for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or pests.

4. Support your plant with stakes or a trellis if needed.

5. Stop fertilizing your plant 2-3 weeks before harvest to allow nutrients to flush out of the plant.

​

​​

Harvest Tips:

1. Harvest your plant when the trichomes (tiny resin glands) on the buds turn from clear to cloudy or amber.

2. Cut the plant at the base and remove any large fan leaves.

3. Hang the plant upside down in a dark, dry, and well-ventilated space to dry for 5-10 days.

4. Once the buds are dry, trim them from the stems and remove any remaining leaves.

5. Store the dried buds in airtight containers, like mason jars, in a cool and dark place.

​

Dry and Cure Tips

1. Harvest at the Right Time: Before you start drying and curing, make sure to harvest your buds at the right time. You can tell that the buds are ready for harvest when the pistils turn from white to reddish-brown, and the trichomes are cloudy.

2. Trim the Buds: Once you’ve harvested your buds, it’s time to trim them. Remove any large leaves and stems that are sticking out of the buds. This will help the buds to dry evenly.

3. Hang the Buds to Dry: Hang the buds upside down in a cool, dark, and dry place. Make sure that there is good airflow around the buds. You can use a fan to circulate the air and help the buds dry evenly.

4. Monitor the Humidity: Keep the humidity level in the drying room between 45% and 55%. If the humidity is too high, the buds may develop mold. If the humidity is too low, the buds may dry too quickly and become brittle.

5. Check the Buds Regularly: Check the buds daily to make sure they are drying evenly. If you notice any mold or mildew, remove the affected buds immediately.

6. Store the Buds in Jars: Once the buds are dry, it’s time to start curing them. Place the buds in airtight jars and store them in a cool, dark place. Open the jars once a day for the first week to release any excess moisture.

7. Monitor the Humidity and Temperature: Keep the humidity level in the jars between 60% and 65%. The temperature should be around 70°F. Check the buds regularly for mold or mildew.

8. Cure the Buds for 2-4 Weeks: Cure the buds for 2-4 weeks to allow them to develop their full flavor and potency. The longer you cure the buds, the better they will taste and the more potent they will be.

9. Enjoy Your Harvest: Once the buds are fully cured, it’s time to enjoy your harvest! Store the buds in a cool, dark place to preserve their flavor and potency.