How to Grow Cannabis at Home: Step-by-Step Guide

Growing cannabis at home can be a rewarding experience, whether you do it for medicinal, recreational purposes, or simply as a hobby. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from seed selection to harvesting your plants.

1. Seed Selection

Cannabis Varieties

• Indica: Smaller and bushier plants, with relaxing effects.
• Sativa: Taller and thinner plants, with energizing effects.
• Hybrids: Combinations of Indica and Sativa that offer a mix of effects.

Feminized Seeds vs. Regular Seeds

• Feminized Seeds: Guarantee that each plant will be female, producing flowers rich in THC.
• Regular Seeds: They can produce both male and female plants, requiring the removal of male plants.

2. Land Preparation

Light

• Natural Light: Choose a room with abundant sunlight, preferably south-facing.
• Artificial Light: Use LED or HPS (high-pressure sodium) lamps to provide sufficient light. Cannabis plants require at least 18 hours of light per day during the vegetative phase and 12 hours during the flowering phase.

Pots and Substrate

• Pots: Start with 3-5 liter pots and increase to 10-20 liters as the plants grow.
• Substrate: Use a well-drained and nutrient-rich substrate. You can add perlite or vermiculite to improve drainage.

3. Seed Germination

Absorbent Paper Method

1. Moisten an absorbent paper and fold it in half.
2. Place the seeds between the layers of the paper.
3. Put the paper in a sealable plastic bag.
4. Store the bag in a warm and dark place.
5. Check the seeds every day and, once they root, transplant them to small pots with substrate.

4. Vegetative Phase

Watering

• Water the plants when the substrate is dry to the touch, but avoid soaking the soil too much.
• Use water with balanced pH (pH 6-7) to prevent nutrient problems.

Nutrients

• Fertilizers for the vegetative phase: Use fertilizers rich in nitrogen (N) to promote leaf growth.

Pruning

• Pruning and topping: Cut the top of the plant to encourage lateral growth and increase yield.

5. Flowering Stage

Light Cycle

• Reduce the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering.

Nutrients

• Bloom Fertilizers: Use fertilizers rich in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) to support flower formation.

Male Plant Control

• Remove male plants to prevent pollination and ensure your female plants produce THC-rich buds.

6. Harvest

Timing

• Observe the trichomes: Use a magnifying glass to check the trichomes on the flowers. When most are milky and some are amber, it's time to harvest.

Method

• Cut the main branches with pruning shears.
• Remove the larger leaves to facilitate the drying process.

7. Drying and Curing

Drying

• Hang the branches in a dark, well-ventilated place, maintaining a temperature around 18-24°C and humidity of 45-55%.
• Let dry for 7-10 days until the branches break easily.

Curing

• Place the dried flowers in glass jars.
• Open the jars daily during the first 1-2 weeks to allow residual moisture to escape.
• Cure for at least 2-4 weeks to improve flavor and potency.

Conclusion

Growing cannabis at home requires patience, attention to detail, and some practice. By following this step-by-step guide, you can grow high-quality plants that meet your needs. Always remember to respect local laws regarding cannabis cultivation and use safe and responsible practices. Happy growing!