Growing Cannabis: Basics! What Should I Know?

If you're interested in growing cannabis , there are some basic things you should know. This guide will help you get the overview and ensure your plants grow healthy and productive.

1. Choice of strain

Before you start, you need to choose the right strain . There are two main types of cannabis:

Characteristic	Indica	Sativa	Hybrid
yield	Higher per square meter	Potentially higher per plant	Varies, can be high
growth	Compact and bushy	Tall and slim	combination of both growth forms
Good for beginners?	Yes, easier to handle	More suitable for experienced breeders	Yes, many hybrids are beginner-friendly
robustness	Very robust and durable	Less robust, more susceptible to pests	Often more robust than pure sativa
subtlety	Good, stay smaller and less conspicuous	Less good, often grow very tall	Can vary, often more compact than Sativa
high feeling	Relaxing, body-focused (couch lock)	Energetic, head-heavy (creativity)	combination of both high feelings
time until harvest	8-10 weeks flowering time	10-16 weeks flowering time	Typically 8-12 weeks flowering time

Click HERE for more information on the differences between Sativa and Indica.

For beginners, indica or indica-dominant hybrids are often easier to handle as they are more resilient and grow faster. Hybrids are a good alternative for many growers as they can often contain the desired characteristics of both plants.

2. Cultivation locations

You can grow cannabis both indoors and outdoors . Each growing location has its own advantages and disadvantages:

indoor cultivation

Control : You have control over light, temperature, and humidity.
Discretion : Indoor cultivation is less visible and therefore more discreet.
Costs : The initial costs for lighting, ventilation and other equipment can be high.

outdoor cultivation

Cost : Less equipment means lower costs.
Space : Plants can grow larger and produce greater yields.
Environmental dependence : You are dependent on the weather and the seasons.

3. Perfect conditions

To grow cannabis successfully, you need to create the right conditions :

Light : Cannabis needs a lot of light. Indoors, you should use high-quality LED lamps. Outdoors, the plants need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature : The optimal temperature is between 20-26°C. At night it can be a little lower, but never fall below 15°C.
Humidity : During the vegetative phase, the humidity should be between 40-70%. During the flowering phase, it should be reduced to 40-50% to avoid mold formation.

4. Start plants

There are several methods to germinate cannabis seeds . Here are three common methods:

cotton pad method

Place the seeds between damp cotton pads.
Make sure the pads are moist but not too wet.
Wait 3-7 days for the seeds to germinate.

peat pot method

Plant the seeds in small peat pots soaked with water.
Keep the pots moist and warm.
After 5-10 days the seeds should germinate.

Direct Soil Method

Plant the seeds directly into moist soil, about 1-2 cm deep.
Keep the soil evenly moist.
Germination takes 7-14 days.

Click HERE to learn more about cannabis germination!

5. Care and nutrients

Cannabis requires different nutrients during growth:

Vegetative phase : High nitrogen (N) requirement.
Flowering phase : Higher need for phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

Make sure you use specific cannabis fertilizers and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilizing. Less is more!

6. Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems and how to solve them:

Pests : Use natural insecticides or beneficial insects such as ladybugs.
Mold : Ensure good ventilation and keep humidity low.
Nutrient deficiency : Watch for signs of deficiency (yellow leaves, slow growth) and adjust fertilization.
Stress : Be sure to protect plants from overwatering, extreme temperature changes and strong winds.

By paying attention to these factors and taking appropriate measures, you can ensure that your plants grow healthily and productively. To prevent problems, check your plants regularly and prepare for your grow in advance (by taking measurements, preparing, etc.). The rule is: less is more!