Growing Cannabis: What Do You Need?
Cannabis is a robust and hardy plant with the extraordinary ability to grow almost anywhere. To grow it at home, you need a pot that offers enough space for the roots , but ideally still fits on the windowsill . You also need nutrient-rich soil and, of course, the right strain for you.
How much light does cannabis need?
In general, the more light a cannabis plant has access to, the better. They will then produce more energy , grow faster and yield a larger harvest .
The plants thrive best when they receive between 10 and 12 hours of direct sunlight a day. But the plants can also survive with less without any problems. A windowsill is ideal as it receives a lot of light .
A south-facing windowsill will give the plant the greatest amount of direct sunlight . East-facing windows are the next best option. A west-facing windowsill will provide good exposure but will expose the plant to the often intense and drying afternoon heat. If you place your plant there, be sure to provide adequate watering .
Growing hemp: Which soil is good?
The more concentrated the nutrient concentration in the soil , the better. The soil should be rich and airy - it should not be muddy or clayey. It should contain macronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium as well as micronutrients .
Cannabis plants need a lot of nutrients . Cannabis plants are so-called "heavy feeders". This means that they need a lot of fertilizer and consistent moisture , as they can grow up to two meters tall outdoors, depending on the variety . A long-term fertilizer , such as sheep's wool pellets, is ideal. Here you use around 100 grams per plant and then liquid fertilizer every two weeks over the course of the year.
Planting and harvesting cannabis outdoors If you can comply with the relevant regulations , you don't have to grow cannabis as a houseplant , but can also plant it in the garden . Sowing should take place by around mid-May. When the seedling has formed five pairs of leaves, it is planted outdoors . It is important to harden off the small cannabis plants . This means that they must be gradually accustomed to the light and air outside over three to four days.
The hemp only flowers when the days get shorter again, so depending on when the cultivation begins and the weather, from mid-August to mid-September. The flower buds are then harvested from mid-September to the end of October or the beginning of November. The first frosts then put an end to outdoor cannabis cultivation !
Where can I get seeds to grow my own cannabis?
You can buy the seeds online. You can also import cannabis seeds from EU member states for the purpose of private cultivation. German seed banks also implement this. When choosing a seed supplier, make sure they have good genetics. It usually makes sense to choose seed banks that already have reviews on the internet.
Which cannabis strain is the right one?
Choosing the right cannabis seeds is the first step to a successful cannabis cultivation . There are a variety of seed types that offer different characteristics and benefits. Here are some of the most important categories and terms you should know:
Photoperiod seeds
Photoperiod seeds respond to the length of the light cycle to begin their flowering phase . They require a change from long days to shorter days to flower. These seeds are ideal for experienced growers who can and want to control lighting to optimize the growth cycle . They often offer higher yields and a greater variety of strains .
autoflower seeds
Autoflower seeds flower regardless of the amount of light . These plants automatically switch to the flowering phase after a certain period of time, usually after about 2-4 weeks. They are smaller and ready to harvest more quickly, which makes them particularly attractive for beginners . Autoflower seeds are also feminized , which means that they produce almost exclusively female plants . Female plants are crucial for flower production , as male plants mainly produce pollen .
F1 hybrids
F1 hybrids are crosses between two different varieties and combine their best characteristics. These seeds are often characterized by uniform growth , high resistance and strong yields . They are particularly suitable for growers who want to achieve reliable results .
Regular seeds
Regular seeds can produce both male and female plants . These seeds are ideal for growers who want to develop their own strains or clone . Since they are not feminized, the male plants must be identified and removed early to avoid unwanted pollination of the female plants .
Why Autoflowers are Feminized and Why It's Confusing!
Many autoflower seeds are feminized , which means they have been bred to produce almost exclusively female plants . This is beneficial because female plants produce the flowers that are used for consumption . However, for beginners, it can be confusing to understand the different terms and types of seeds . In particular, the difference between photoperiod, also called feminized, and autoflower seeds can seem confusing at first. Because photoperiod/feminized plants require a controlled light period , while autoflower plants flower independently, but are still feminized.
Choosing the right cannabis seeds depends on your individual needs, experience level, and the conditions you want to grow in. With the right selection, you can effectively achieve your growing goals .
What should I pay attention to when growing cannabis at home?
The plants must be grown in a fenced, enclosed area without outside visibility or access. The cannabis plants and seeds must be inaccessible to minors and third parties. The plants and harvested parts of them can be stored in lockable cupboards or rooms, for example. In addition, no unreasonable nuisance or disturbance, such as odor nuisance , must be caused to the neighborhood.
Artificial light can also be used to grow cannabis . A plant does not smell particularly strong as a cutting , but the smell begins when it flowers . And the cultivation of hemp plants is also prohibited in allotments that belong to the Association of Allotment Garden Clubs . For safety reasons, the garden area should definitely be lockable so that unauthorized entry is at least made more difficult.
How many cannabis plants can I have at home?
Adults are allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants at the same time at their place of residence or habitual abode for the purpose of personal consumption . This applies to each adult person in a household .
