FAQs
Is it better to grow indoors or outdoors?
Some advantages to growing indoors are:
- More control over the environment (temperature, humidity, and lighting)
- Grow year-round, regardless of the climate outside
- Indoor growing can result in higher quality and more potent buds
- Limitation of size of plant
- No pests (deer, rabbit, mold)
- No possible cross pollination
Some advantages to growing outdoors are:
- Less expensive than indoor growing, as you do not need to purchase equipment or pay for electricity
- May result in higher yields since the plants can grow much larger outdoors when they receive natural sunlight and fresh air
- More sustainable option because it does not require as much energy or have as large of a carbon footprint
What kind of soil should I use to grow cannabis?
- Cannabis plants require a balance of nutrients to grow and thrive. Look for soil that is rich in nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as other micronutrients like calcium and magnesium.
- The texture of your soil is also important because it affects how well your plants can absorb water and nutrients. You want a soil that is well-draining but also retains enough moisture for the plant to uptake. Soil that is too heavy can become waterlogged, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
How often should I water my cannabis plants?
- Generally you should allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues.
- To determine if your plant needs water, you can stick your finger into the soil about an inch or two deep. If the soil feels dry at that depth, it's time to water.
- It is better to under-water than over-water. Cannabis plants can recover from a brief period of drought, but it's much harder to save a plant that has been overwatered.
What kind of lighting do I need for my cannabis plants?
- Full-spectrum LED grow lights with high intensity and the ability to adjust the light color are recommended for growing cannabis plants. It's also important to ensure that your plants receive the right amount of light for their stage of growth and to monitor the distance between the light source and the plants to avoid light burn.
How long does it take for cannabis plants to grow?
- Each plant is different but generally the time to grow is anywhere between 40-70 days. You can see a more exact estimate on each of our seed pages.
When should I harvest my cannabis plants?
- The ideal time to harvest your cannabis plant will depend on several factors, including the strain and growing conditions. As a general rule, it's better to harvest a little early than to wait too long, as early harvesting preserves the potency and flavor of the buds.
Which flowers are pest-resistant?
Marigolds are known for their pest-resistant qualities in the garden. Their strong scent repels insects like aphids, nematodes, whiteflies, and mosquitoes, making them effective natural deterrents. Certain Marigold varieties also contain compounds toxic to soil-dwelling pests, such as root-knot nematodes. While Marigolds can help reduce pest populations, they should be used as part of an integrated pest management approach that includes other techniques like proper watering, regular inspection, attracting beneficial insects, and using organic pest control methods when necessary. Monitoring the garden and taking appropriate measures will ensure a healthy and pest-controlled environment.
Are cannabis seeds legal to purchase and ship?
Cannabis laws and regulations can vary widely from state to state, and even within states, regulations might differ at the local level. To get accurate and up-to-date information about the legality of purchasing and shipping cannabis seeds in New York state, I recommend checking with official state government sources, contacting local authorities, or seeking legal advice from professionals who are knowledgeable about cannabis regulations.
What is the difference between regular, feminized, and auto-flowering seeds?
Regular cannabis seeds are produced through the natural pollination of a female cannabis plant by a male plant, resulting in both male and female offspring. Feminized seeds, on the other hand, are bred to eliminate the male chromosomes, ensuring that they will only produce female plants, which are the ones that produce flowers with high cannabinoid content. Auto-flowering seeds are a different category altogether as they are also feminized but have a unique trait of automatically transitioning from the vegetative stage to flowering based on their age, rather than relying on light cycles like regular and feminized plants. This makes auto-flowering plants ideal for growers seeking quicker harvests and the ability to cultivate year-round, regardless of light exposure changes.
What are feminized cannabis seeds?
Feminized cannabis seeds are seeds that have been specifically bred to produce only female plants. In the cannabis plant world, female plants are the ones that produce the sought-after flowers (buds) containing the highest concentrations of cannabinoids. This breeding process eliminates the need to identify and remove male plants, which do not produce buds and can potentially fertilize female plants, leading to lower-quality yields.
What are the benefits of using high-quality cannabis seeds?
- Increased germination rate: High-quality seeds are more likely to germinate successfully, which means you're more likely to get a healthy plant.
- Stronger plants: High-quality seeds are bred from strong, healthy plants, so they're more likely to grow into strong, healthy plants themselves.
- Higher yields: High-quality seeds can produce higher yields of flowers and/or fruits.
- Better flavor and potency: High-quality seeds can produce flowers and/or fruits with better flavor and potency.
- Reduced risk of pests and diseases: High-quality seeds are less likely to be infected with pests and diseases, which can save you time and money in the long run.
- Peace of mind: Buying high-quality seeds from a reputable source can give you peace of mind knowing that you're getting the best possible start for your grow.
What is the best type of soil for growing a cannabis plant?
The best soil for growing cannabis is a well-balanced, nutrient-rich, and well-draining medium. A mix of organic and mineral components, such as a high-quality potting mix or a blend of soil, perlite, and coco coir, is often recommended. This combination provides essential nutrients, proper aeration, and moisture retention, creating an ideal environment for healthy cannabis growth. Additionally, pH levels should be monitored and adjusted to fall within the optimal range of 6.0 to 6.8 for most cannabis strains, ensuring that nutrients are readily available to the plant.
When should I harvest my cannabis plants?
Cannabis plants should be harvested when the trichomes, tiny resin glands on the buds and leaves, have reached the desired level of maturity. This typically occurs during the flowering stage, which lasts around 8-10 weeks for most strains.
How do I determine the right time to harvest?
To determine the ideal time for harvest, closely examine the trichomes with a jeweler's loupe or a microscope. When the trichomes turn from clear to cloudy or amber, it's a sign that the plant is reaching its peak. The exact ratio of clear, cloudy, and amber trichomes can be adjusted to achieve specific effects.
Can I rely on the pistils (hairs) for determining harvest time?
While the pistils can provide a general guideline, they are not as reliable as trichome examination. Most growers wait until at least 50-70% of the pistils have changed color (usually from white to dark orange or red) before harvesting.