If numbers could talk, they’d tell an incredible story of the rise of cannabis. Now crowned the sixth most valuable crop in the United States, its growth trajectory is nothing short of remarkable. 

To paint a clearer picture, in fresh insights from the second annual harvest report by Leafly, we learn that 2022 saw 2,834 metric tons of adult-use cannabis being grown across 15 legal cannabis states. What’s even more astounding is the growth – a 24% increase from the previous year, adding 554 more metric tons to the tally. 

Are you reading this because you want to grow more cannabis, too? You’re in the right spot. Here, we’ll disclose the secrets to help boost your cultivation. Let’s begin! 

Picking the Right Seeds

Your yield’s potential is, in many ways, determined by the seeds of the plant you’re growing. That’s why it’s important to understand different types of cannabis seeds and what they offer.

Firstly, there are feminized seeds, which are bred specifically to eliminate male chromosomes. This increases the chances of growing a female plant, which is crucial because only female cannabis plants produce the coveted buds you need. According to professionals, choosing feminized seeds means less guesswork and more yield potential.

Then, we have auto-flowering seeds. These seeds automatically shift from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase based on age rather than light cycles. They’re great for beginners or those looking for a quicker harvest, as they mature faster than regular seeds.

Finally, there are the regular seeds. These seeds can be both male and female, so growers need to be careful during the vegetative stage to identify and separate male plants, ensuring they don’t pollinate the females.

Pro Tip: It’s essential to source your seeds from reputable sellers. Established seed banks or suppliers often provide detailed information about genetics, expected yield, and growth patterns, ensuring you make an informed choice.

Choosing the Best Soil Mixtures

Cannabis, by nature, prefers soil that is well-aerated and has good drainage capabilities. This ensures that the roots can breathe and access water without the risk of rotting.

For this purpose, you can create a soil mix combining coco coir, perlite, and organic compost. Coco coir will promote root health; perlite ensures proper aeration and organic compost offers essential nutrients for healthy growth.

It’s noteworthy that every strain might have its preferences. Therefore, it’s worth spending time researching and possibly even experimenting with small batches. It will ensure only a limited number of plants are affected (if something goes wrong) and provide clearer insights into what works best for specific strains or under certain conditions. 

Ultimately, the right soil mixture will create the difference between a mediocre and a record-breaking yield. 

The “Screen of Green” (SCROG) Method

The “Screen of Green” method is not just another cultivation fad; it’s a tried-and-tested method to enhance plant growth and optimize yields. It involves setting a horizontal mesh or net above your plants.

As the plants grow, their branches are gently woven into the screen, allowing for better light exposure and distribution. This promotes even and robust growth as even the lower branches receive adequate light. 

But that’s not all! The method also allows plants to utilize space more efficiently. By training the plants to grow horizontally rather than vertically, growers can maximize their canopy space, resulting in more buds and, ultimately, a heftier harvest. 

So, if you have limited growing space or are aiming for a stealthy indoor grow, SCROG offers a practical solution. Give it a try and see the results yourself! 

Understanding the N-P-K Ratio

The N-P-K ratio is a simple yet crucial gardening component, especially for cannabis cultivation. “N-P-K” stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) – the three vital nutrients that plants need to thrive. Let’s dig into the details:

• Nitrogen (N) is fundamental for vegetative growth. It’s responsible for the lush green leaves you see on plants. For cannabis, especially during its vegetative phase, a higher nitrogen level ensures hearty growth.
• Phosphorus (P) plays a pivotal role in root development and flowering. It’s essential when cannabis plants transition to their blooming phase, as it encourages the growth of dense and resin-rich buds.
• Potassium (K) is a kind of all-rounder. It aids in overall plant health, ensures better protection from diseases, and boosts cell structure.

By tailoring this ratio to the plant’s growth stage, you can ensure your plants get precisely what they need and when they need it.

Recognizing Signs of Plant Disease

You’ve acquired premium seeds, perfected your soil mixture, and nailed the ideal N-P-K ratio. But, if you fail to protect your plants from disease, it’s all for nothing. 

Diseases can stealthily undermine all your hard work, often taking hold before you even spot them. To avoid this situation, early detection is your best defense, saving both your crop and effort. 

So, pay close attention to your plants’ leaves; are they discolored, yellow, or spotty? These could be distress signals sent out due to nutrient imbalances or invasive fungal attacks. Wilting leaves can point towards problematic roots, while unusual spots or mold hint at pest infestations or bacterial onslaughts. 

Even a sudden, odd odor from your plant shouldn’t be ignored. Stay alert to these signs, as prompt recognition and action could be your harvest’s lifesaver.

The Best Time to Harvest

When it comes to yielding the most potent and abundant cannabis crop, timing is everything. If you harvest too early, you might miss out on maximum potency. On the other hand, if you are too late, you risk THC degradation.

To ensure you’re hitting that sweet spot, keep an eye on the trichomes – those tiny, mushroom-like glands on your buds. When a majority turn milky white with some amber, it’s usually prime time. Apart from this, monitor the pistils: if they’re more than 70% brown or red, your plant is signaling readiness. 

Final Words

Growing a top-notch cannabis plant isn’t just about luck. It’s about knowing what to do and when to do it. So, save this handy guide and refer to it when you wish to grow cannabis. Also, make sure to keep learning, as the more knowledge you get, the better quality plants you can harvest.