Male cannabis plants produce pollen sacs instead of flowers, so having male plants near female plants could ruin an entire harvest. Male plants will pollinate young female plants’ buds. As a result, flowers will be full of seeds, making them lower quality. Feminized cannabis seeds have been developed to address these challenges.
Feminized seeds are critical in cannabis cultivation because only female plants will produce consumable flowers. When you increase the likelihood that all seeds will produce female plants, there’s no chance you’ll get male plants that accidentally pollinate flower-bearing female plants. Anyone can grow marijuana indoors using feminized seeds, but it is essential to have the right grow system and to feed and water plants correctly.
Choose Seeds Carefully
Suppliers sell autoflower and photoperiod feminized seeds, and there are many strains to choose from. Autoflower varieties are the easiest to cultivate and the best choice for beginners who want to begin growing feminized seeds. You can also expect large harvests in the right conditions.
Create a Growing System
Cultivating cannabis seeds indoors requires a growing system, which, at a minimum, should include a growing medium, lights, water, ventilation, containers, pH indicators, and a timer. You can customize your setup for your space and goals.
For example, growers often choose hydroponic growing mediums, but you can begin with simple pots and soil that are easy to find at a local grow supplier. If you are a beginner, the key is to keep it simple and use a growing system you understand.
Germinate and Transplant Seeds
A basic and effective way to germinate seeds is to plant them about one inch deep in your growing medium. Spray seeds lightly with water and place containers in a warm, dark space. According to wikiHow, seeds should be stored in an environment between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes a few weeks for plants to sprout.
Once feminized seeds have sprouted, water them to moisten the soil, carefully remove plants, and transfer them to larger containers, providing growing room. Water plants and add a light nutrient solution.
Care in the Vegetative Phase
Plants will then enter the growing or vegetative stage. It’s essential to follow professional directions regarding the amount of light and nutrients required for your plants at this stage. It’s also a good time to thin any plants that are not doing well, which gives the others a better chance.
Care in the Flowering Phase
This is the stage when plants develop buds. If you’re growing auto-flowering plants, they will automatically flower when they are mature. Per LEDTonic, plants in the flowering stage need a “bloom formula” nutrient mixture to help produce big, healthy buds. Follow directions on the nutrient bottle to ensure you provide the right amount and make sure not to overwater plants. Too much water can cause issues like mold or root rot.
Harvest the Plants
Auto-flowering plants can be ready for harvest in as little as seven or eight weeks, depending on the strain. About a week before they are ready for harvest quit providing nutrients but continue to water your crop. The plants will use up all their nutrients, and they won’t end up in the buds. Some leaves may turn yellow as plants use their resources to create buds. Follow harvest directions for your cannabis strains, and then enjoy.
Growing marijuana from feminized cannabis seeds can save you save work, increase your yield, and get a higher value from the seeds. Autoflowering seeds are especially easy for beginners, but it is crucial to gather the necessary equipment and follow growing directions for your strain.