Cannabis is grown from seeds or clones. Seeds have genetic information from two plants and can exhibit different traits. On the other hand, clones allow consistent genetics for mass production. Nowadays, most growers prefer seeds over clones. You can get them in leading seed banks, and the stains to choose from are limitless. The challenge lies in germinating the seeds, though! And understanding how to go about this ensures healthy plants and better yields.
Why use cannabis seeds instead of clones?
Growing marijuana from seeds comes with numerous gains. They generate more vigorous plants with more solid genetics. Plants from seeds are hearty with strong taproots. There are different types of seeds, and i49 guides you on the different types and strains available.
How do seeds work? Cannabis seeds are either male or female. Females produce excellent buds while males feature pollen sacs to and pollinate the females. Once the plants mature, the females drop the seeds on the ground and begin withering. You can also store and sow them as desired.
On the other hand, clones are cuttings from vegetating mother plants. They save time since you don’t have to wait for seeds to germinate. However, they are hard to find and are more delicate than seeds. Moreover, you also inherit any undesirable traits from the mother plant.
Here’s how to grow cannabis from feminized seeds:
- Choose your seeds
The first step to growing marijuana involves buying quality seeds. Decide whether to use feminized autoflowers or feminized photoperiod seeds.
Feminized autoflower seeds: These are ideal for beginners. They are easy to grow and maintain and can withstand harsh climates, and still generate good yields. Feminized autoflowers mature in about 75 days and require 20 hours of light daily.
Feminized photoperiod seeds– These are also known as feminized seeds and have two growth phases. When grown indoors, the plants will bloom under 12 hours light schedule. To maximize your yield, provide a lot of light during the flowering period.
No matter the choice of seeds, the features to look out for are;
- Appearance & Color
- Size & Shape
- Hardness & Durability
- Age
- Germinate the seeds
Just like other plants, marijuana seeds require water, heat, and air to germinate. There are various ways to grow your seeds. The most popular approach uses paper towels.
To achieve this, you need;
- Two plates
- Paper towels
- Cannabis seeds
The procedure involves various steps, these are;
Step 1:
Soak four paper towel sheets in distilled water, and avoid excess running water. Place two of the soaked paper towels on a plate, place the seeds, and cover them with the remaining paper towels.
Step 2:
Place the covered seeds in a dark place, and cover with the other plate. Keep the area warm, preferably between 70-90 degrees F.
Step 3:
Keep checking whether the paper towels are well saturated. Apply some water to keep them saturated in case they lose the moisture. Once you notice a single sprout, know that your seeds have germinated. Avoid touching the seeds or the taproot, and keep the area sterile.
- Transplant the germinated seeds
Once you spot the taproot, you can now transfer the germinated seeds to the growing medium. Use two tiny pots for a start, and fill them with loose, airy soil. Follow the steps below;
- Use a pen to create a hole in the middle of the soil.
- Gently pick the seeds using tweezers and transfer them to the hole.
- Ensure that the taproot faces down, and then cover with soil
- Water the soil using a spray bottle to avoid overwatering.
Control the temperature and moisture levels, and you’ll have seedlings growing within a week. However, the growth may vary; some seeds grow fast while there may take longer to sprout. Remember, cannabis seedlings are delicate, and the roots should constantly stay moist to remain healthy. Water them regularly; otherwise, your seedlings will dry up.
Are there other ways to grow cannabis seeds?
Of course! You can germinate your feminized seeds directly into the soil or grow them in water.
- Growing directly into the soil
Growing your seeds directly into the soil is a common approach and is very efficient. It ensures minimal interference to the seeds and roots, thus minimizing the chances of drying. However, use the right soil mix, preferably a mildly fertilized potting soil with a PH of 6. Don’t add extra nutrients, for this can kill the seedlings.
The steps:
Prepare the soil and create a small hole in the middle using a fine. The hole should be about 1.5 cm deep. Place the seed into the hole and cover it with soil. Don’t interfere with it or try to push it further.
- Moisten the soil using a plant sprayer, and place a fluorescent lamp over the pots. Moreover, maintain a temperature of about 72 degrees F.
- Keep your soil moist, and you will start seeing stems emerge within a few days. Transplant your plants into a pot when they are about1-2 inches tall.
- Germinating seeds in water
Soak your seeds in a cup of water for about 3-5 days. This triggers growth hormones that boost growth. Don’t leave the seeds in water for long; this can deprive the seeds of oxygen, resulting in rotting. The seeds will pop up to produce tails. Once they start germinating, pick them carefully and plant them in soil with the root facing down.
What are the feminized cannabis strains to consider?
Feminized seeds produce female plants only, and you can be sure of dense flowers without having to sex the pants or cull the males. Your plants will bloom depending on the light, and you have a lot of control when growing indoors.
However, if growing your plants outdoors, the plants will flower depending on the seasons.
The common strains to go for are;
- RoyalGorilla
- Afghan Kush
- Alien Gorilla Glue
- Wedding Gelato
- American Haze
- Sherbet Queen
- White Widow and more.
A quick wrap up
You’ll get different feminized cannabis seeds online. Buy from accredited seed banks that offer grower support and tips for healthy growth. This way, you can always reach out for clarification at any stage of growth. Also, use the right soil mix, and learn how to water your plants appropriately.