Hi mate! Time is ripe to embark on the most exciting journey of your life. With cannabis consumption and cultivation at home getting legalized in most states, you must try your hand at growing your weed.
Cultivating cannabis at home is a fun and simple process. However, it can get overwhelming if you don’t have access to useful tips and tricks. If you are blessed with a green thumb, you need the correct information about the process to ensure that you harvest dense and potent cannabis buds that give you an amazing high.
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are the best as they need a relatively short growth period. They get into the flowering phase fast and produce huge yields.
In this article, I will share all you need to know about cultivating cannabis at your home using autoflowering seeds. Let’s go.
What Is Meant By Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?
Autoflowering seeds, as the name suggests, develop into marijuana plants that automatically flower. They are not dependent on the light and dark period to flower, and they flower when they enter into the flowering stage of their growth cycle.
Here are some tips for you to grow marijuana plants from autoflowering seeds.
What Preparations Do You Need To Make?
It would be best to plan well in advance for growing cannabis from autoflowering seeds. This is crucial because these seeds grow fast. The preparations involve choosing the right medium and having access to proper nutrients.
You must also ensure that you have the means to provide proper lights, good ventilation in your grow room.
Purchase Quality Autoflower Seeds
Choosing the right strain and purchasing good-quality seeds is the starting point in your cannabis growing journey. It would be best if you researched thoroughly before buying the seeds.
It is another crucial thing to consider. It is prudent to carry out some research before purchasing autoflowering seeds. You must buy from high-quality online stores or seed banks to save yourself from disappointments like a poor yield, low-quality buds, and worse, seeds that do not germinate.
i49 is my preferred seed bank of choice as they have the best autoflowering strains with shorter growth periods and high quality. Read the descriptions of each strain to understand if they will meet your needs. For example, if you want to boost your creativity and induce happy feelings, you can purchase a strain like a Bruce banner; alternatively, a strain like blueberry x big devil will be great for you if you want to unwind and relax after smoking your joint.
Germinating Autoflowering Seeds
When you get the seeds, you need to ensure that they germinate properly. There are multiple ways of marijuana seed germination, and I suggest using the paper towel method as it is the most simple and reliable method.
To germinate using this method, you need paper towels, a plastic container with a lid, and water. Moisten the paper towel and wring them to let go of any excess water. Remember, the towels should be damp and not wet.
Place your seeds on them and fold them over. After that, please keep it in the plastic container and cover it. The container should be kept in a moderately warm, dark place.
Check on it daily. The towel should not get completely dry and if it does, sprinkle a tiny amount of water. If you notice a bad smell from the towel, allow it to dry for some time.
When you see the seed sprouting, allow the radicle to be 1-3 cm long and then plant in the final container. Try not to change the container after you have placed them, as the autoflower cannabis plants do not have sufficient time to recover from transplant shock, which might severely impact the quality of the buds.
Choosing The Correct Container
When you select the right pot for your cannabis plant, know that the container is a healthy and safe space for developing healthy cannabis roots. Roots not only anchor the plant, but they also facilitate nutrient absorption, water retention and are in charge of vegetative growth.
Therefore, the plant’s container should ensure proper drainage for your plant to be healthy.
Improper drainage can also cause root rot which might ultimately kill the plants. The container should also have proper perforation so that the roots get enough oxygen for their development.
The container should also provide enough space for the roots to develop and grow.
Using a medium-sized container would be the best bet as that would provide sufficient room for the roots to spread, and they can properly use up the nutrients you provide them.
Selecting Growing Medium
Though there are many mediums that the cannabis growers choose, such as coco peat, coconut coir, rock wool, perlite, or vermiculite, the soil remains the most widely used medium.
When preparing the soil for marijuana, you should know that the regular potting mix you get in stores is not sufficient for your cannabis baby. You must either prepare your soil mix or buy one prepared specially for the marijuana plant. Ensure that the soil stays aerated and well-drained.
Once you are experienced with soil, you can try alternative mediums like aeroponics and hydroponics.
Prepare The Container With Soil
Fill the pots with the soil mix and make a half or one-centimeter deep hole using a pen or a stick. Place the seedlings carefully and cover them with soil. You can wet them lightly but make sure not to drown them. When you see the cracks on the soil’s surface, water them again.
The best way to water correctly is to start with 100 ml of water once you notice the seedling has used up all the water in the soil and slowly increase the quantity as they grow.
Ensure The Correct pH level
The appropriate pH level is vital for your plant’s growth. Incorrect pH levels lead to many problems and can lead to a poor yield. Less or more than the needed pH level restricts the plants from absorbing vital nourishment from the soil. Regardless of whatever medium you use, check the pH level using basic testing strips. If you are growing in soil, the pH level should be within 6.0 to 7.0, and if you are using hydroponics, 5.5 to 6.5 is the ideal pH level.
Supply With Enough Nutrient
Though autoflowering plants do not require a large number of nutrients to survive, you need to provide them with the correct dosage for a potent yield. You must start adding nutrients after two weeks of growth and enhance the dosage gradually.
You need to pay attention to the plant’s nutritional requirements in each phase of its growth. Good bacteria and organic nutrients will nourish your cannabis plants well. You also need to add bloom boosters or fertilizers designed especially for the flowering phase.
However, ensure that you do not overfeed the plants as they might suffer a nutrient burn when they have more than enough nutrients. Your plant might show burnt leaf tips if they have more than enough nutrients. The best remedy in such a case should be to stop feeding the plants for a while and water them well to allow the nutrient to wash off.
However, it would be best if you took care to drain and aerate the soil completely, or the plants might suffer root rot.
Final Thoughts
I hope the above guide will inspire you to start your cannabis cultivation. When you put the above tips to use, you will get great yields with ease.
Though all these tips might feel overwhelming, you will master them with practice. Here’s wishing you a wonderful start to a journey of a lifetime. Have a good one and may the force be with you on your weed growing adventure!
