Many cannabis growers look forward to spring as the ideal time to begin planting seeds and kickstart the growing season. The weeks between seed germination and transplanting or potting up are a critical phase for ensuring a healthy and productive crop. Oversights during this crucial stage can lead to issues and higher cultivation costs for cannabis companies. Weak and spindly all gas og seeds are more susceptible to crop problems. Here are six key steps to help you cultivate robust cannabis seedlings and start the growing season on the right foot.
Cannabis seeds come in various shapes and colors, making it challenging to predict which ones will germinate successfully. While tiny, white, or green seeds can occasionally sprout, when you have the option, choose large, plump seeds with distinct "tiger stripes." These robust seeds are more likely to thrive.
2. Choose a Germination Method:
Cannabis seeds can be germinated using various methods. Home gardeners often use moist paper towels or plant seeds directly in small pots. Commercial producers typically place their seeds in 50- or 72-cell plug trays germination chambers or provide a continuous mist in a greenhouse. Indoor growers employ the same space for propagation as they use for root cuttings.
3. Maintain Consistent Temperature and Humidity:
For germination, cannabis seeds require a warm environment with ample moisture. Keep the temperature around 85°F until the seeds start to crack or emerge from the soil, then gradually reduce it to 75-78°F as they begin to grow. Handling the seeds during this delicate phase should be done with care. Utilize tweezers and a gentle touch.
4. Provide Adequate Lighting:
Once the seeds break through the soil, ensure they receive enough light to prevent stretching. If you want to be extra cautious, start lighting the seedling trays a day before you anticipate their emergence.
5. Allow Sufficient Space:
Cannabis plants undergo a transition from "outward" growth to "upward" growth as they sense the presence of nearby leaves. To give plants the space they need to expand, maintain appropriate distances between them. Overcrowding can lead to undesirable stretching and poor plant health. Consider using 50-cell plug trays to ensure plants have ample space to establish strong root systems without overcrowding.
6. Implement Height Control Techniques:
While plant growth regulators (PGRs) are not yet approved for cannabis, growers can employ mechanical height control methods to manage the height of closely spaced seedlings. Simply brushing seedlings by hand multiple times a day can help achieve this. Some professional growers cover the watering booms on their irrigation systems with delicate material and use them to gently mist their plants throughout the day, effectively controlling height.
Conclusion:
Although the seedling stage represents only a fraction of a cannabis plant's life cycle, it is a critical phase for ensuring a bountiful harvest. The good news is that growing healthy cannabis seedlings and successfully germinating all gas og seeds are relatively straightforward processes. By following the six steps outlined above, you can ensure that this year's growing season gets off to a strong start, emphasizing timeliness and attention to detail.
