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• Carbon dioxide
• Light
• Water
From the ground, the roots take in water and transfer that precious liquid to the leaves, with the help of the stalks.
The leaves are then ready to remove carbon dioxide from the air, while also taking in light.
Oxygen is then produced. Factors like humidity, temperature and soil quality also play a role here. Once you learn the balancing act of managing optimal conditions for your plants, these factors will come like second nature to you.
There are six important stages in the growth process, starting with a simple seed and ending with cured cannabis buds in storage.
1. Seed
2. Germination
3. Seedling
4. Vegetative
5. Flowering
6. Harvesting, including drying, curing and storing
Do keep in mind that the length of these steps is dependent on a plant’s location (indoors or out) and the strain.
This is where it all begins! Because of this, it’s important that you choose a trusted supplier with high-quality seeds.
In general, your seeds should feel both dry and hard, and be brown in color.
Different shades of brown are common, but if you receive a softer, greener seed, this means the seed isn’t development and probably won’t grow.
For this to happen, your original seed needs:
• Water
• Heat
• Air
Once you build a moist, warm (between 70℉ and 90℉ /21℃ – 32℃) environment for your seeds, your patience will come into play. It doesn’t take much but a small space and some basic supplies. You’ll find that some will germinate quite quickly, while others move at a snail’s pace.
When a single sprout appears, you know the seed has germinated, and it’s time to transplant it.
The roots will then start to form with a few fanned leaves, which constitutes a seedling.
Seedling (2–3 Weeks) During this stage, the seedling will need around 18 hours of light per day.
As the seed progresses, you’ll notice more fingers showing up on the leaves, whereas a baby seedling will only have one, rigid blade, initially. Most species will grow between 5 and 7 fingers in total, per leaf.
Your seedling is now in a larger pot and has developed leaves and roots. At this time, you’ll start training your plants..
During this stage, your baby plant, at less than 25 cm/10 inch tall, will grow up to a whopping 250 cm/98 inch.
For this to occur, three main things will need to happen:
• Scale back light from 18 hours to 12 per day
• Add nutrients, including phosphorus and potassium
• Stop pruning as it disturbs the hormones at this point
On a grown cannabis plant, you’ll notice little resinous glands/hairs called trichomes springing out from the buds.
The THC and CBD cannabinoids are located within these glands, so it’s critical you take care of them. After all, that’s where you’ll find all the psychoactive and medicinal properties. When fully grown, these guys will change color from a clear, milky hue to being more opaque or even amber.
You’ll start by cutting the trunk from the roots. Do this as close to the base as possible and divide the branches, so the drying process is easier. The plants will be left alone for another 4 to 5 days, hung up in a dry environment.
After the plants are completely dried, you’ll remove all the beautiful buds and place them in containers, preferably glass. They’ll stay here for 2 to 3 weeks as they cure. This stage allows for the drying process to continue and produces a smoother smoke.
