How to Grow Cannabis: Complete Seed-to-Harvest Guide

Advanced Cannabis Cultivation: Complete Seed-to-Harvest Guide V3

🌿 Advanced Cannabis Cultivation Guide

Complete Seed-to-Harvest Reference: Science-Backed Methods for Maximum Yield & Quality

🌱 Seedling
0-3 Weeks
🌿 Vegetative
3-16 Weeks
🌸 Flowering
6-12 Weeks
✂️ Harvest
Final Stage
🍯 Curing
2-8 Weeks

🧬 Genetics & Seed Selection

🔬 Strain Types

Indica

Shorter, bushier plants with relaxing effects. Ideal for indoor growing and pain relief.

8-10 weeks flower Compact

Sativa

Taller plants with energizing effects. Requires more vertical space and longer flowering.

10-16 weeks flower Tall

Hybrid

Balanced characteristics from both parents. Offers customized growing traits and effects.

9-12 weeks flower Versatile

⏱️ Growth Cycles

Photoperiod Strains
  • Trigger: Light cycle change (12/12)
  • Veg Time: 4-8 weeks (grower controlled)
  • Pros: Higher yields, cloning capability, size control
  • Cons: Longer total time, requires light management
  • Best For: Experienced growers, maximum yield
Autoflower Strains
  • Trigger: Age-based (automatic)
  • Veg Time: 2-4 weeks (fixed)
  • Pros: Fast harvest (8-12 weeks total), beginner-friendly
  • Cons: Lower yields, no cloning, less control
  • Best For: Beginners, quick harvests, stealth grows

🌱 Germination Process

💡 Pro Tip: Germination success rate is typically 80-95% with quality seeds. Store seeds in cool, dark, dry conditions.

Day 0-1: Seed Selection

Choose viable seeds: dark brown/gray color, hard shell, no cracks. Avoid pale green or white seeds.

Day 1-2: Water Soak Method

Soak seeds in distilled water (20-25°C) for 12-24 hours until they sink. Add 1-2 drops of hydrogen peroxide to prevent mold.

Day 2-5: Paper Towel Method

Place seeds between damp paper towels in a sealed container. Keep in dark, warm area (22-25°C). Check daily for taproot emergence.

Day 5-7: Planting

Plant germinated seeds 1-2cm deep, taproot down. Use light, airy soil or starter plugs. Keep humidity at 70%.

🌡️ Seedling Environment

22-25°C Temperature
65-70% Humidity
200-400 PPFD (µmol/m²/s)
18-24h Light Cycle
Common Seedling Problems & Solutions
Problem Cause Solution
Stretching (elongated stem) Insufficient light Move light closer (30-45cm), increase intensity
Damping off (stem rot) Overwatering, poor airflow Reduce watering, increase ventilation, use fungicide
Yellow cotyledons Nutrient burn or deficiency Use plain water, check pH (6.0-6.5)
Slow growth Cold temps, overwatering Increase temperature, let soil dry slightly between watering

🌿 Vegetative Stage Optimization

⚠️ Critical Phase: Vegetative growth determines final plant structure and yield potential. This is when training techniques are most effective.

💡 Light Requirements

18/6 Light/Dark Hours
400-600 PPFD Target
25-40 DLI (Daily Light)
Alternative Light Schedules
  • 24/0: Continuous light - fastest growth but higher electricity costs
  • 20/4: Extended light - good balance of growth and cost
  • 18/6: Standard - best efficiency and plant health
  • 12/12 from seed: For limited space or early flowering

🌡️ Climate Control

Parameter Optimal Range Notes
Day Temp 22-28°C (72-82°F) Lights on period
Night Temp 18-22°C (64-72°F) Lights off period
Humidity 55-65% RH Lower gradually toward flower
CO₂ 400-1000 ppm 1200-1500 ppm with enrichment
Airflow Gentle oscillation Strengthen stems, prevent mold

✂️ Training Techniques

🔪 High Stress Training (HST)

Topping

Method: Cut main stem above 4th-6th node

Result: 2 main colas instead of 1, bushier growth

Timing: After 5-6 nodes, during early veg

Recovery: 3-7 days

Yield Impact: +25-40%

Stress: Medium Difficulty: Easy
FIMing (F*** I Missed)

Method: Pinch/cut 75% of new growth tip

Result: 3-4 main colas, less stress than topping

Timing: Same as topping

Recovery: 2-5 days

Yield Impact: +20-35%

Stress: Low-Medium Difficulty: Medium
Super Cropping

Method: Squeeze and bend branches until inner tissue softens

Result: Horizontal growth, increased light penetration

Timing: Mid-late veg

Recovery: 5-10 days

Yield Impact: +15-30%

Stress: High Difficulty: Advanced

🪢 Low Stress Training (LST)

Tie-Down Method

Method: Bend and secure branches horizontally using soft ties

Result: Even canopy, multiple bud sites exposed to light

Timing: Throughout vegetative stage

Recovery: No recovery needed

Yield Impact: +30-50%

Stress: Minimal Difficulty: Easy
SCROG (Screen of Green)

Method: Use horizontal screen/net to train branches

Result: Maximum canopy coverage, uniform colas

Timing: Install screen in early veg, train through to flower

Space Required: Medium-Large

Yield Impact: +40-80%

Stress: Minimal Difficulty: Medium
SOG (Sea of Green)

Method: Many small plants in short veg, quick flip to flower

Result: Fast harvest cycles, single main cola per plant

Timing: 1-2 weeks veg only

Plant Count: High (9-16 per m²)

Yield Impact: +50-100% per m²

Stress: None Difficulty: Medium-Advanced
Mainlining (Manifolding)

Method: Create symmetrical 8-16 cola structure through precise topping

Result: Uniform colas, easier nutrient distribution

Timing: Early veg, requires 3+ weeks extra time

Recovery: 14-21 days total

Yield Impact: +20-40% quality/size per cola

Stress: Medium-High Difficulty: Advanced
💡 Training Strategy: Combine techniques for maximum yield. Example: Top once at 5th node, then LST all branches outward for an even canopy. Add SCROG for large plants.

💧 Nutrient Management

🧪 NPK Ratios by Stage

Growth Stage N-P-K Ratio Focus
Seedling 1-1-1 (low) Gentle feeding
Early Veg 3-1-2 Nitrogen for leaves
Late Veg 3-1-3 Structure building
Transition 2-2-3 Pre-flower prep
Early Flower 1-3-2 Bud formation
Mid-Late Flower 0-3-3 Bud swelling
Flush (Final 1-2wk) 0-0-0 Plain water only

⚗️ Essential Micronutrients

Primary Macronutrients
  • Nitrogen (N): Leaf and stem growth, chlorophyll production
  • Phosphorus (P): Root development, flower formation, energy transfer
  • Potassium (K): Overall plant health, disease resistance, bud density
Secondary Nutrients
  • Calcium (Ca): Cell wall structure, prevents tip burn
  • Magnesium (Mg): Chlorophyll production, enzyme activation
  • Sulfur (S): Protein synthesis, terpene production
Micronutrients (Trace Elements)
  • Iron (Fe): Chlorophyll synthesis
  • Manganese (Mn): Photosynthesis, nitrogen metabolism
  • Zinc (Zn): Enzyme function, growth regulation
  • Copper (Cu): Reproductive growth
  • Boron (B): Cell division, sugar transport
  • Molybdenum (Mo): Nitrogen fixation

📊 pH & EC Management

5.5-6.5 Hydro/Coco pH
6.0-7.0 Soil pH
0.8-1.4 Veg EC (mS/cm)
1.2-2.0 Flower EC (mS/cm)
💡 pH Drift: Check pH daily in hydro systems, weekly in soil. Adjust gradually (0.5 units max per correction). Keep calibration solutions for accurate readings.

🌸 Flowering Stage Excellence

⚠️ Light Leak Prevention: Any light interruption during dark period can cause hermaphroditism or re-vegging. Ensure complete darkness for 12 hours.

💡 Flowering Light Strategy

12/12 Photoperiod
600-1000 PPFD (µmol/m²/s)
35-50 DLI Target
2700-3000K Color Temp
Advanced Lighting Techniques
  • Far-Red Initiation: 15 min far-red at lights-off speeds flowering by 7-10 days
  • UV-B Supplementation: 2-4 hours daily increases trichome production
  • Light Intensity Ramping: Gradually increase PPFD weeks 1-5, maintain through harvest
  • Spectrum Shift: Add red spectrum (660nm) for denser buds

📅 Flowering Timeline

Week 1-2: Transition/Stretch

Plants stretch 50-200%. Begin bloom nutrients. Minimal defoliation.

Growth: Rapid vertical

Week 3-4: Early Flower Formation

Pistils appear, bud sites form. Heavy feeding. Strategic defoliation for light penetration.

First flowers visible

Week 5-6: Bud Development

Buds swell, trichomes begin. Peak nutrient uptake. Monitor for deficiencies.

Peak feeding

Week 7-9: Ripening

Trichomes cloud, pistils darken. Begin reducing nitrogen. Check trichomes daily.

Maturation phase

Week 9+: Final Flush

Plain water for 1-2 weeks. Trichomes turn amber. Prepare for harvest.

Harvest window

⚠️ Identifying Nutrient Issues

🍂 Mobile Nutrients (Appear in Lower/Older Leaves)

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms Toxicity Symptoms
Nitrogen Yellowing lower leaves, slow growth, pale green color Dark green, clawing leaves, weak stems
Phosphorus Purple/red stems, dark leaves, blue-green tint Zinc and iron lockout
Potassium Brown leaf edges, yellowing between veins, weak stems Calcium and magnesium lockout
Magnesium Yellowing between veins (lower leaves), leaf curling Calcium lockout, rare

🌿 Immobile Nutrients (Appear in Upper/New Growth)

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms Toxicity Symptoms
Calcium Brown spots, twisted new growth, tip burn Potassium and magnesium lockout
Sulfur Yellowing new leaves, stunted growth Rare, pH drop
Iron Yellow new leaves with green veins Bronze spots on leaves
Manganese Yellowing between veins on new growth Brown spots, chlorosis
Zinc Twisted leaves, stunted growth, chlorosis Iron deficiency symptoms
🔍 Diagnosis Priority: 1. Check pH first (90% of issues) 2. Verify EC/PPM levels 3. Assess watering schedule 4. Examine environmental conditions 5. Then address specific nutrient

🐞 Pest & Disease Management

🦟 Common Pests

Spider Mites - High Risk ⚠️

Identification: Tiny red/brown dots, fine webbing, stippled yellow leaves

Prevention: Keep humidity 50-60%, strong airflow, inspect plants weekly

Organic Treatment:

  • Neem oil spray (lights off)
  • Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
  • Insecticidal soap
  • Rosemary/peppermint oil spray

Chemical Treatment: Abamectin, Spiromesifen (veg only)

Difficulty: Hard to eliminate
Fungus Gnats - Medium Risk

Identification: Small black flies, larvae in soil, root damage

Prevention: Let top soil dry, yellow sticky traps, avoid overwatering

Organic Treatment:

  • Bacillus thuringiensis (BTI) in water
  • Nematodes (Steinernema feltiae)
  • Diatomaceous earth on soil surface
  • Hydrogen peroxide soil drench (1:4 ratio)
Difficulty: Easy to control
Thrips - Medium Risk

Identification: Silver streaks on leaves, tiny elongated insects

Prevention: Screen intake fans, sticky traps, companion planting

Organic Treatment:

  • Spinosad spray
  • Predatory mites (Amblyseius cucumeris)
  • Neem oil
Difficulty: Moderate
Aphids - Low-Medium Risk

Identification: Clusters of small green/black insects, sticky honeydew

Prevention: Natural predators, air circulation

Organic Treatment:

  • Ladybugs (release 1500-3000 per room)
  • Insecticidal soap spray
  • Strong water spray
  • Pyrethrin spray
Difficulty: Easy

🦠 Common Diseases

Powdery Mildew - High Risk

Identification: White powdery spots on leaves and buds

Prevention:

  • Keep RH below 50% in flower
  • Strong air circulation
  • Avoid leaf-to-leaf contact
  • UV-C lights during dark period

Treatment:

  • Potassium bicarbonate spray
  • Sulfur burner (veg only)
  • Milk spray (1:9 milk:water)
  • Remove affected leaves immediately
Critical: Can ruin harvest
Botrytis (Bud Rot) - Critical Risk

Identification: Gray/brown fuzzy mold inside buds, starts from stem

Prevention:

  • RH below 45% in late flower
  • Excellent airflow through canopy
  • Avoid dense bud clusters
  • Remove dying leaves immediately

Treatment:

  • Remove affected buds entirely + 5cm around
  • Increase airflow and decrease humidity
  • No saving affected buds - discard immediately
Fatal: No cure for affected buds
Root Rot (Pythium) - High Risk

Identification: Brown slimy roots, wilting despite wet medium, foul smell

Prevention:

  • Proper drainage in all containers
  • Oxygen in hydro (air stones)
  • Cool reservoir temps (18-20°C)
  • Beneficial bacteria/fungi (Hydroguard, Great White)

Treatment:

  • Hydrogen peroxide flush (initial treatment)
  • Beneficial microbes (ongoing)
  • Improve drainage/aeration
  • May require plant replacement if severe
Difficulty: Hard to reverse
🚫 Never spray plants after week 3 of flower: Sprays can damage trichomes and cause mold. Focus on prevention and biological controls only.

✂️ Harvest Timing & Technique

🔬 Trichome Inspection Guide

Clear/Transparent Trichomes

Effect: Too early - minimal potency, racy/anxious high

Action: Wait longer

Immature

Cloudy/Milky Trichomes (70-90%)

Effect: Peak THC, energetic/cerebral high

Best For: Sativa effects, daytime use

Peak Potency

Amber Trichomes (10-30%)

Effect: THC converting to CBN, relaxing/sedative

Best For: Indica effects, sleep, pain relief

Balanced

Amber Trichomes (50%+)

Effect: Heavy couch-lock, very sedative

Best For: Insomnia, severe pain

Maximum Sedation

📋 Other Harvest Indicators

Pistil Method (Less Accurate)
  • 50-70% brown: Early harvest window opens
  • 70-90% brown: Peak harvest window
  • 90%+ brown: Late harvest, more sedative
  • Note: Pistils can brown from stress - always verify with trichomes
Breeder Timelines
  • Use as general guide only
  • Add 1-2 weeks to breeder estimates typically
  • Environment significantly affects finish time
  • Phenotype variations exist within same strain
Plant Signals
  • Leaves yellowing/fading naturally (good sign if flushed)
  • Buds stop swelling
  • Reduced water uptake
  • Strong aroma development peaks
🔍 Equipment Needed: 60-100x jeweler's loupe or USB microscope. Check trichomes on calyxes, not sugar leaves (which mature faster).

✂️ Harvest Process

48-72 Hours Before: Darkness Period

Optional: Give plants 24-48h darkness before harvest. May increase resin production slightly. Ensure soil is dry.

Harvest Morning: Cut Plants

Cut at base of stem. Work in morning for highest terpene content. Handle buds minimally to preserve trichomes.

Wet Trim vs Dry Trim Decision

Wet Trim: Remove leaves immediately after cut. Faster drying, easier trimming, better for high humidity.

Dry Trim: Trim after drying. Slower dry, better terpene retention, better for low humidity.

Hang or Rack Drying

Hang whole branches or use drying rack. Ensure good airflow but not direct fan on buds.

🌡️ Optimal Drying Environment

18-21°C Temperature
45-55% Humidity
7-14 Days to Dry
Dark Light Exposure
⚠️ Drying Speed Matters:
  • Too Fast (3-5 days): Harsh smoke, poor taste, "hay" smell
  • Ideal (7-14 days): Smooth smoke, terpene preservation
  • Too Slow (14+ days): Risk of mold, especially in dense buds
Drying Completion Test
  • Snap Test: Small stems snap rather than bend
  • Bud Feel: Exterior feels dry but not crispy
  • Moisture: Interior still slightly moist
  • Weight: Lost 70-75% of wet weight

🍯 Curing & Long-Term Storage

💎 Why Cure? Curing breaks down chlorophyll and residual sugars, developing flavor and smoothness while preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. Properly cured cannabis is significantly better than dried-only product.

🫙 Curing Process

Day 1: Initial Jar

Trim dried buds, place in glass jars 75% full. Seal for 24 hours.

Day 2-14: Active Curing

Open jars ("burp") 2-3 times daily for 10-15 minutes. If buds feel wet, leave open longer.

Critical Period

Week 2-4: Reduced Burping

Burp once daily for 5-10 minutes. Buds stabilizing.

Week 4-8: Extended Cure

Burp 2-3 times weekly. Quality continues improving.

2+ Months: Long-Term Storage

Check monthly. Smoke quality peaks at 4-6 months for most strains.

Premium Quality

📊 Monitoring Cure Quality

Humidity Level Status Action Required
Below 55% Too Dry Add Boveda pack. Cure may be compromised.
55-62% Perfect Continue curing. Ideal range for preservation.
62-65% Acceptable Burp more frequently. Monitor closely.
Above 65% Mold Risk Leave jar open for several hours. Increase burping frequency.
Humidity Control Tools
  • Hygrometer: Essential for each jar. Digital mini hygrometers recommended.
  • Boveda Packs (62%): Two-way humidity control. Add after initial cure stabilizes.
  • Integra Boost: Alternative to Boveda, similar function.
  • Rice/Silica: Emergency moisture absorption only (reduces quality).

🪴 Growing Medium Deep Dive

🌱 Soil Growing

Soil Types & Composition

Super Soil (Living Soil):

  • Pre-amended organic mix
  • Water-only grow after establishment
  • Rich microbial life
  • Best flavor profile
  • Requires 30-60 day composting before use

Standard Potting Mix:

  • Peat moss or coco base
  • Perlite (30-40%) for drainage
  • Some nutrients included
  • Requires supplemental feeding
  • pH 6.0-6.8

DIY Mix Recipe:

  • 40% peat moss or coco coir
  • 30% perlite or pumice
  • 20% worm castings
  • 10% compost
  • Add dolomite lime for pH buffering
Soil Pros & Cons

Advantages:

  • Forgiving - buffers pH and nutrient mistakes
  • Natural taste and terpene expression
  • Lower maintenance than hydro
  • Beneficial microbes support plant health
  • Organic growing easier to achieve

Disadvantages:

  • Slower growth than hydro/coco
  • Heavier (difficult to move large pots)
  • Can harbor pests (fungus gnats)
  • Nutrient issues harder to correct quickly
  • Requires larger containers for same yield

💧 Hydroponics Systems

Deep Water Culture (DWC)

Setup: Roots suspended in oxygenated nutrient solution

Components: Bucket, air pump, air stone, net pot

Pros: Fastest growth, maximum oxygen to roots, simple design

Cons: Requires daily monitoring, temperature sensitive, power dependent

Difficulty: Intermediate

Growth Rate: 10/10
Ebb & Flow (Flood & Drain)

Setup: Periodic flooding of grow tray with nutrient solution

Components: Reservoir, pump, timer, grow tray, drain system

Pros: Versatile, good oxygenation, efficient nutrient use

Cons: More complex, pump failure risk, requires automation

Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced

Growth Rate: 9/10
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT)

Setup: Thin film of nutrients flows past roots continuously

Components: Channels, reservoir, pump, slight slope

Pros: Water efficient, excellent oxygenation, commercial scalability

Cons: Root clogs possible, pump-dependent, temperature critical

Difficulty: Advanced

Growth Rate: 9/10
Aeroponics

Setup: Roots misted with nutrients in air chamber

Components: Chamber, high-pressure mister, timer, reservoir

Pros: Maximum oxygen, fastest growth possible, water efficient

Cons: Most complex, expensive, requires precision, high failure risk

Difficulty: Expert

Growth Rate: 10/10

🥥 Coco Coir

Coco Growing Guide

What is it: Coconut husk fiber - inert medium between soil and hydro

Preparation:

  • Buffer with Cal-Mag before first use
  • Rinse to remove salts
  • Mix with 30% perlite for best results
  • pH to 5.8-6.2 before use

Feeding:

  • Feed every watering (no plain water)
  • Requires hydroponic nutrients + Cal-Mag supplement
  • Runoff important - 10-20% recommended
  • Feed to slight runoff to prevent salt buildup

Advantages:

  • Faster growth than soil
  • More forgiving than full hydro
  • Reusable (2-3 grows with proper buffering)
  • Excellent air/water ratio
  • Difficult to overwater
Growth Rate: 8/10 Difficulty: Intermediate

📦 Storage Best Practices

🌡️ Long-Term Storage

Short-Term (0-6 months)

Glass jars with Boveda packs in cool, dark place. Check monthly for mold.

Easy maintenance

Medium-Term (6-12 months)

Vacuum-sealed bags in freezer, or CVault containers. Boveda packs recommended.

Minimal degradation

Long-Term (1+ years)

Vacuum seal + freezer storage. Protect from light completely. Some terpene loss expected but cannabinoids stable.

Quality preserved

⚠️ Storage Enemies

Factor Damage Type Prevention
Light THC degradation to CBN Opaque containers, dark storage
Heat Cannabinoid & terpene loss Store below 21°C (70°F)
Moisture Mold growth, bud rot Maintain 58-62% RH with Boveda
Oxygen Oxidation, potency loss Airtight jars, vacuum sealing
Time Natural degradation Proper storage slows but can't stop
🔬 Science: THC degrades at ~4% per year under ideal storage. After 2 years, expect 20-30% potency loss. Freezing can preserve for 5+ years with minimal loss.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER: Cannabis laws vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Always verify local, state/provincial, and federal laws before growing. This guide is for educational purposes in legal jurisdictions only.

📋 Legal Checklist

Before You Start Growing
  • ✅ Verify home cultivation is legal in your area
  • ✅ Check plant count limits (typically 4-12 per household)
  • ✅ Confirm age requirements (usually 21+ or 18+ medical)
  • ✅ Understand possession limits (dried flower weight)
  • ✅ Verify if medical card is required
  • ✅ Check if landlord permission needed (renters)
  • ✅ Understand visibility requirements (must be out of public view)
  • ✅ Know distribution/sale restrictions (usually prohibited)
Regional Variations (Examples)

Canada: 4 plants per household, all provinces except Quebec & Manitoba

USA - Legal States:

  • California: 6 plants, medical patients up to 12
  • Colorado: 6 plants (3 flowering), up to 12 per household
  • Oregon: 4 plants per household
  • Michigan: 12 plants for medical, 12 for recreational
  • Check current laws - frequently updated

🔒 Security & Safety

Physical Security
  • Secure Space: Locked room or tent with restricted access
  • Child Safety: Childproof locks if minors in home
  • Fire Safety: Proper electrical setup, fire extinguisher nearby
  • Odor Control: Carbon filters to respect neighbors
  • Privacy: Avoid discussing grow publicly or on social media
Electrical Safety
  • Use dedicated circuits for high-wattage lights
  • Avoid daisy-chaining power strips
  • GFCI outlets in areas with water
  • Proper ventilation to prevent heat buildup
  • Regular inspection of cords for damage
  • Consider hiring electrician for large setups
Record Keeping
  • Keep receipts for seeds/equipment
  • Document plant counts with dates
  • Maintain medical documentation if applicable
  • Track harvest weights
  • Useful for compliance and personal tracking

📊 Quick Reference Stats

3-8 Months Seed to Harvest
15-500g Yield per Plant Range
400-1000W Light per 1m² (LED)
$200-2000 Startup Cost Range
💡 Final Tips for Success:
  • Start simple - master basics before advanced techniques
  • Environment matters more than nutrients
  • Patience yields quality - don't rush harvest
  • Keep detailed grow journal for continuous improvement
  • Join online communities for support and troubleshooting
  • Invest in good genetics - quality seeds = quality results

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