If you live in an area where it is legal to produce marijuana, then you may choose to grow it instead of buying from a dispensary. This not only gives you complete control over the entire growing process, but also lets you ensure that no chemicals or harsh pesticides are used during growing.

While some strains of cannabis are relatively straightforward to grow, some common problems arise when growing marijuana. These are especially common among beginner growers who lack the experience to avoid the growing issues. Take a closer look at some of the most common issues when growing marijuana, so you will have a better idea of what problems to avoid to ensure plentiful and high-quality yields.

One of the more common problems, especially among beginner growers, is using seeds of poor quality. You may accidentally buy poor quality seeds because they are cheaper. Alternatively, maybe you are a beginner who did not realize your seeds were of less-than-stellar quality until it was too late.

One good indication of poor quality seed is a white shell or a small seed. To maximize your chances of success, opt for the largest, darkest green, and hardest seeds that you can find. You must also follow the proper steps to grow your plant, including germinating the seeds for 72 hours in water and storing it in a dark, dry area.

If you are unfamiliar with growing marijuana, you may not notice that your plants suffer from nutritional deficiencies. You can typically see nutritional deficiencies since the seeds will be light green, thinner, and smaller.

On the other hand of the spectrum, you may overfeed your plants. This would result in the nutrient burn from the fertilizer or nutrients having levels that are too high. Nutrient burn produces brown tips along the leaves’ edges. It can also cause a reduction in growth. If you notice nutrient burn, wait a week or two before feeding the plant again.

In addition to general nutritional deficiencies, some growers will experience issues with nitrogen, in particular. A nitrogen imbalance can lead to a range of problems depending on whether there is too much or too little.

When the marijuana plant does not have enough nitrogen, its leaves will turn yellow, with this process beginning near the bottom of the plant and spreading upward. It can eventually affect the entire plant, and it may spread quickly.

In the case of high nutrient salt levels in the soil, add nitrogen to the soil. Keep in mind that it is sometimes normal for leaves to become yellow in the flowering stages. You can reduce this without impacting the plant’s quality by adding nitrogen to your fertilizer mix as you approach the end of the growing process.

As mentioned, too much nitrogen can be a problem, just like too little nitrogen is. Too much nitrogen in the plants results in nitrogen toxicity. This can lead to the leaves curling into eagle claws. Other symptoms include failing to grow flowers, frequent diseases, frequent pest attacks, stunted growth, and increased susceptibility to frost damage.

To fix nitrogen toxicity, prepare a new growing area or pot with a proper mix of soil, fertilizer, and nitrogen. Transplant the plant into this and use the appropriate quantity of peat moss. You may need to care for the plant for several days to get the desired reduction in nitrogen toxicity. If the leaves have begun falling off and are brown, then it is likely too late for your plant to recover from the nitrogen toxicity.

Ideally, you want to catch nitrogen toxicity as soon as possible, preferably before the plant reaches mature growth. You can also help nitrogen toxicity by using brown organic matter with high carbon levels, like fall leaves or straw. Mix this matter into the soil like you would mulch.

Avoid boosting nutrient levels to overcome nitrogen claw. That can lead to other issues, such as stunted flower production or plant death. You should also avoid over-watering to overcome nitrogen toxicity as it can lead to plant fungal diseases or root rot.

If you are inexperienced with growing cannabis, you may accidentally use too much fertilizer. This can also produce yellowing leaves, leaving you to wonder whether the yellowing is from nitrogen or fertilizer issues. You can tell the difference between the two by flushing your plant using clean water. If the plant improves, you know that the problem was fertilizer. If it does not improve, nitrogen is the problem.

Light burn is a common issue with cannabis plants, and it occurs when you have the plants too close to your lights. You can recognize it as the leave turn yellow and are burnt. Check for the issue by looking at the leaves that are closest to your light.

If you notice light burn, move the lights up between half a foot and foot. You should choose the proximity of the lights to the plants based on the light strength and the growth stage.

Many new growers of cannabis also find themselves dealing with incorrect pH levels due to lack of experience. Any variation from the recommended pH levels can cause issues for your marijuana plant. Incorrect pH can lead to the blockage of nutrients so they cannot reach the flowers and leaves of your plant. Most of the signs of improper pH are found in the leaves of the plant, and they can include light brown or yellow spots or tan leaves.

To avoid growing issues due to incorrect pH, be sure to monitor the levels. Check them two times every day and avoid adding too much fertilizer to your plant. If you notice that the pH level is off, try checking the soil as this is the most likely culprit.

In cases when the pH levels are far from desirable, you will need to flush the plant. Always use spring, distilled, or plain water to wash the plant and ensure that water is free from chemicals. Keep monitoring the pH levels as you clean the plant.

Beginner growers are very likely to accidentally overwater or not provide enough water to their marijuana plants. The good news is that either issue is a simple fix, once you notice the problem.

You can recognize that you are under watering your plant if the leaves begin to drop or hang and the growth is slow. Correct that problem by watering the plant more frequently and giving it more water when you do.

You can tell you overwatered the plant if the leaves curl down. The leaves may also seem tight and rigid due to being full of water. The growth can even slow, and your plant may experience root rot. The solution to overwatering your cannabis plant is to water it less frequently. Instead of following your current schedule, decide whether to water the plant based on the dryness of the soil. Water the plant when the soil is dry about an inch deep.

You may also experience mold while growing marijuana, and this can occur on any part of the plant. Whenever you notice mold, dispose of the flowers with the mold. Then, examine your entire plant thoroughly.

Many people find it challenging to spot mold issues on marijuana plants because mold is typically white and fluffy, which is similar to trichomes. If you are unsure whether it is trichomes or fungi, use a magnifying glass.

If you have mold on your marijuana, check the humidity in the growing space. You can prevent mold growth by controlling the moisture. Remember that mold does not need to affect all of the plant parts; it can affect just part of it, but you should always confirm whether that is the case.

Many of the common issues with growing marijuana come from the roots, specifically the root bases. Be on the lookout for the roots curling up, either around the bottom of your cannabis plant or around your root bulb. If either of these types of curling occurs, the roots will likely choke each other. Choked roots result in deficiencies that can lead to the plant’s death.

You should also confirm that the roots are not slimy and do not smell rotten. Either of those issues can indicate that the plant does not have enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen can reduce the end product’s quality and can cause growth problems.

To avoid root problems, make it a point to examine the roots of your marijuana plant carefully at the time of your first transplant. Use this time to confirm that the roots are healthy, free from mold, and do not have too much intertwining. If there is mold in the roots, you will likely have to trim some of the roots back, which can stunt the plant’s growth.

Make sure to transplant your cannabis plant as soon as you can if the roots curl over the edges of your container. This indicates that the plant lacks sufficient room for growth. That can result in reduced production or stunted growth.

Stem problems are another category of common issues that affect marijuana growth. The stems are crucial as they keep the flowers and plants upright. They also provide water flow and nutrients for the flower. The stems are mostly made of water and fragile. While those who buy marijuana already grown do not necessarily want thick stems, these are a good sign. Thick stems indicate that the plant received enough water and nutrients. That proper nutrition increases the chances of enhanced potency.

On the other hand, if the stems of your plants are thin, this indicates it does not have enough light. You may need to add more lighting or adjust the current lighting system. If you have thin roots, you should also confirm that you trim the plant properly. This will prevent larger leaves from causing shadows on the flowers and blocking their light.

To further avoid stem problems with your marijuana plants, ensure there is enough moving air, as this is required to stimulate the stems. You can do this with a good circulation system with fans.

If a stem is partially broken, you can typically fix it, but you should work to resolve the problem right away. It is possible to tape the broken stem together again. For the best results, however, you should attach a stake to your broken stem. This allows for security and helps the stem continue delivering strength and nutrients to the plant. Fully severed stems, however, are rarely salvageable.

Sometimes, you may notice that the buds on your marijuana plant are loose. Loose buds are not good as they tend to be harsher when smoked and less potent. This may indicate nitrogen toxicity. However, in most cases, the loose buds are due to improper room temperature or lighting or from nutrient imbalances. It is also possible that loose buds are due to root-based issues or airflow problems.

To encourage your plant to produce tighter buds, opt for lights with orange, red, or yellow light. You can also use reflective material that you can place strategically to ensure the plants get enough light. Keep in mind that light leads to heat, so you must ensure that you control the room’s temperature when you have the lights on. Fans are a good option.

Pests like gnats, spider mites, aphids, or other insects are another common issue when growing marijuana plants. The best way to overcome this is with a solution featuring diluted seaweed. Doing so will increase the plant’s resistance to gnats and other pests that may cause harm. As a bonus, outdoor plants will also get protection from frost damage with this method. You can also try setting up fly tape or fly strips to catch the pests and reduce the damage they can cause.

As you gain experience growing cannabis, you will find it easier to avoid these common issues. It will become second nature to check the pH, position the lights properly, and give your plants the proper amount of water and nutrients. Beginners should stick to growing one or two plants at once while they try to get the hang of it. This minimizes the risk of growth issues by letting you pay closer attention to each plant.

Common Issues When Growing Marijuana

Learn how to prevent common growing issues before they become out of control and ruin your cannabis plants.

If you plan on growing cannabis, you need to make sure you understand how to germinate the cannabis seeds. This is a crucial part of the growing process because if your seeds do not germinate, your cannabis plant will not grow. Luckily, germinating cannabis seeds can be straightforward, provided you have the proper knowledge.

It is essential to recognize that not all cannabis seeds will germinate according to the same timeline. Some seeds may grow more slowly, taking a while to begin germinating and then taking extra time before they pop through the surface of the soil after transplanting. Others will germinate quickly and then grow just as quickly. Additionally, not all of your cannabis seeds will germinate.

.You should know always to confirm that your seeds are mature before germinating them. You can recognize mature seeds based on their hardness and dark brown appearance featuring lighter accents. Seeds that are not yet mature will be softer and green.

Before you start germinating your cannabis seeds, make sure that you have an area to grow the plant with the proper conditions. You do not want to have cannabis seedlings without anywhere to put them or without being able to give them the ideal growing conditions.

Know You Are Ready for the Entire Process

You should be sure that you are ready to grow the cannabis plants to full maturity when you germinate the seeds. Make sure that you have the time to tend to the plants, the space to propagate them, and the funds or supplies needed for things like lights, nutrients, and soil or hydroponics.

It should go without saying, but before you germinate cannabis seeds, you should find out if it's legal in your area. Every state in the United States has regulations regarding growing cannabis. The rules do not always line up perfectly with whether medical or recreational marijuana is legal there. In addition to whether you can legally grow any cannabis, there may also be limits on how many plants you can grow.

To germinate cannabis seeds, you technically only need air, water, and heat. Because those are the only requirements, there are many methods that let you germinate the seeds, with some offering more success than others.

Remember that you want your cannabis seeds to stay sterile for the best results. As such, you should avoid touching them with your hands, especially after the seed has begun to split. There is a bit more flexibility with this before the seed splits and germination begins, but after that occurs, always use something like tweezers to move the seeds.

No matter your chosen germination method, germinated cannabis seeds will always have a few common characteristics. This makes it easy to identify that your work was successful. Germinated seeds will have split with a sprout coming out of them. The taproot should be visible in your germinated seed. This will eventually become your cannabis plant’s main stem.

One of the most popular methods to germinate cannabis seeds involves paper towels. You will need some paper towels, clean water, seeds, and a pair of clean plates. Start by soaking four paper towels in distilled water. You want them absorbed without excess water coming off them.

Place two of these paper towels on a plate. Spread your cannabis seeds on the towel, ensuring a minimum of an inch between each seed. Then, cover the seeds with the other two wet paper towels. Flip the other plate over and place it on the first plate, creating a dome. This will give the seeds a dark, safe space to germinate. Store the plates and seeds in a warm area, ideally between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now, you wait for the seeds to germinate. This may take several days, or it may take less time. Check on the seeds occasionally to see if you need to add water to the paper towels.

Some beginner growers may also germinate the seeds by placing them in a cup of water. This is less effective but popular for its simplicity. You can also choose to plant the seeds directly into the soil, but this will take some extra care and monitoring. It should give you a bit less success than the paper towel method. You can also get stone wool blocks, a simple and effective way that makes transplanting easy.

It is also wise to be aware of the common mistakes as you germinate your cannabis seeds. This will help you avoid those errors and increase your chances of success.

As mentioned, cannabis seeds need moisture to germinate. As such, one of the common mistakes that growers make is not providing enough moisture. This can happen if the medium you use dries out. If, for example, you opt for the paper towel and plate method, allowing the paper towels to dry out too much would cause the problem.

This is crucial because the seeds must absorb moisture throughout the entire germination process. If there is not enough moisture, it cannot germinate. You should ensure that your germination medium does not dry out if you use a heat source to control the temperature since this could increase evaporation.

Growing cannabis requires controlling the temperature and humidity levels of your grow space throughout the growing process. Unfortunately, some growers overlook the importance of this during the germination stage. This is a mistake because cannabis seeds require relatively high humidity levels and temperatures to germinate properly. This means that you may need to provide a heat source depending on the time of the year and where you live. If you are unsure how to do so, consider a heated greenhouse or thermal cables.

Ideally, you want your cannabis seeds to be in an area with temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius (78.8 and 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit). You should also aim for about 70 percent relative humidity. If either of these values is lower, your germination will be less successful and slower. If the values are too high, then you may experience issues with rot or fungus.

Some people choose to germinate their cannabis seeds in the soil, but this can be much more complicated and should be reserved for growers who know what they are doing. It is common for beginner growers who try to germinate seeds in the soil never to germinate the seeds successfully. This is particularly common if you fail to water your substrate before you sow the seed and then water it afterward.

The biggest issue with planting the seed right into the substrate is that you may bury it too deep. Watering the medium right after sowing will only worsen that problem. Because of this potential issue, most growers suggest germinating your cannabis seeds outside of the soil and then transplanting them.

While germinating in the soil does provide the benefit of eliminating or reducing the need for future transplants, the potential complications make it not worth it for most growers. As a bonus, germinating outside of the soil lets you attempt to grow more seeds in a smaller space.

It is also common for growers to be unsure when to transplant the seeds and unfortunately do so too late. If you germinate your cannabis seeds with paper towels, you do not want to leave the seeds there until you see the cotyledons. This will make the transplanting process much harder and almost guarantee that you accidentally damage the root during the transplant process. There is also the fact that the longer you leave the root exposed to the light and air, the higher the risk of damage becomes.

Avoid this issue with the following guideline. Transplant the seeds when the taproot is about one centimeter long. Do not let it grow past two centimeters before transplanting. This should maximize the ease of transplanting and will not negatively affect root development.

Incorrect Seed Placement at Planting or With In-soil Germination

Another common mistake regarding germination is incorrectly planting the cannabis seeds afterward. You should always ensure that the crown of the seed faces up. The top is the end of the seed that has a small crater. The other end of the seed, which should face down, will have a point. When germination occurs, the crown acts as a hinge, letting the seed open by the tip so the root can escape and go down. If you place the seed incorrectly, your taproot will grow up with the seedling growing down. This will not result in a plant that grows.

Incorrect Depth at Planting or With In-soil Germination

Another mistake you can make when germinating seeds directly in the soil or during the transplant process after germination is placing them at the incorrect depth. If you put the seedling or seed too deep, then it may never be able to emerge past the soil to get the nutrients, like light, that it needs. On the other hand, if you plant the seed too close to the top of the soil, the seed may germinate but with a weak stem. This weak stem may not bend or let the seed to develop correctly.

Instead, make sure you plant or sow your cannabis seeds about two centimeters deep. If you want, you can also cover the seedling’s lower stem as it grows. This will encourage it to produce new roots along the portion of the stem buried and gain stability. The increased root growth can accelerate plant growth.

Placing Multiple Seeds in the Same Container

If you are low on space, you may feel tempted to transplant multiple seeds into the same container or germinate seeds directly in the soil with several in the same container. This would save you space, but it would hurt the growth of all of the plants involved.

The cannabis plants would have to compete for the minimal amount of space available within the container. This will result in restricted root growth, which could lead to increased intermodal distance and weaker growth. The lack of space also means that the cannabis plants would compete for the available light.

Additionally, it is hard to place multiple seeds within the same pot properly. This requires experience and precise spacing to ensure all plants have enough room and nutrient access. Placing multiple germinated or germinating seeds in the same container increases the risk of the plants experiencing minimal lateral branching and intermodal distance. This would reduce your final bud yield.

How to Transplant Germinated Cannabis Seeds

Since germination typically only takes a few days, you should be ready to transplant the germinated seeds almost right away. You will want to transfer the seeds once the taproot appears.

There are several options, depending on whether you want to transplant the cannabis plant again when it gets larger. If you are willing to transplant the plant later, you can use two-inch pots as your starting point. Fill each container with potting soil that is loose and airy. Use a pencil, pen, or something similar to poke a hole in the center of the pot, going around a quarter-inch deep.

Use tweezers to gently pick up your germinated cannabis seed and place it into the hole. Make sure to orient it so that the taproot faces down. Then lightly cover the seed with new soil.

Now, you can water the soil. Do so using a spray bottle as this will let you give the seeds just enough moisture without oversaturating them. Over-watering the fragile cannabis seeds will suffocate them, killing the plant. You will need to keep monitoring the moisture level of the soil as well as the temperature. The seedling should start appearing through the ground in about a week or less.

To germinate cannabis seeds, the most important thing to know is that your seeds will require moisture, heat, and air. You also need to know how to recognize the appropriate time to transplant the seeds, as this will maximize your chances of healthy growth and a good yield.

What You Need to Know to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

The complete guide to help you know how to go from seed to germinated seedling.

One of the most important decisions when growing cannabis is finding the ideal grow lights. It can be quite overwhelming due to the variety of lights available. We'll break down the differences between the various types of grow lights on the market, so you can decide which ones to choose to create the perfect environment for your plants to thrive in.

&nbsp;Just like the lights you're used to seeing at a big department store or doctor's office - fluorescent grow lights are available in a full range of sizes and shapes. They are popular for their efficiency and the fact that they offer pleasant lighting for the human eye. Their efficiency also means that they are suitable for indoor gardening and herb lights without requiring too much electricity.

Compact Fluorescent Lights are a variant of fluorescent grow lights. Initially designed to be a successor of the incandescent lightbulb, these lights have a curved or twisted tube and can be found in most hardware stores. They have a&nbsp;

The lamps use a tube that is curved or folded to fit into the spa

These are the ones with twists in them, and they are commonly found with regular light bulbs in most stores. They have an excellent spectrum of light for cannabis growth. Their compact size also makes them a reliable choice for tight grow spaces, like inside a cabinet.

Another type of fluorescent grow light is T5. These are also very common and among the most popular lights sold specifically for growing cannabis and other plants. This makes it easy to find at most home improvement or gardening stores.

In most cases, T5 lights will be part of a panel. They are also larger and wider than CFLs in most cases.

Overall, one of the biggest advantages of fluorescent lights is their affordability, both at the time of purchase and in terms of electricity consumption. They also offer a nice light spectrum for cannabis growth. The ease of finding fluorescent lights, including CFLs is also a plus, as is the range of wattages available. Growers can easily find everything from daylight to warm white with ease, offering light for the full growing process.

They work well in small spaces since you can safely place the lights just several inches from the plants. This ability to put fluorescent lights close to plants also makes them ideal for young plants, clones, and seedlings as there is less wasted light.

One of the biggest disadvantages to fluorescent grow lights is that you will get smaller yields for every watt than with other grow lights, assuming you use them during the flowering stage. There is also the issue that fluorescent lamps’ light will not penetrate as far into the plant. As such, they are best for small, flat plants, not those in the flowering stage.

Fluorescent lights also tend to work best for smaller grows. In other words, they are a reasonable option if you only have a few plants, but if you have a lot of cannabis plants, they will become less useful.

High-intensity discharge (HID) grow lights are efficient and have large bulbs that are oddly-shaped. You typically attach an HID light into a hood or reflector that will reflect more of the light onto the plants. These lights are great for cannabis growth yet very hot compared to other types.

Metal halide (MH) lights are a type of HID light that is best during the vegetative stage because of their bluish lights. You can, however, use them up through harvest.

High-pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights are among the most popular lights for the flowering stage. This comes from a combination of their efficiency and the ability of their yellow light to stimulate the production of buds. Using HPS lights during the flowering stage will give you the best yield per watt compared to every other grow light.

Ceramic Metal Halide or Light Emitting Ceramic

The terms ceramic metal halide (CMH) and light-emitting ceramic (LEC) refer to the same type of grow light, which is yet another HID light. The bulb uses ceramic in the lamp as high-pressure sodium does. This helps CMH lights achieve higher efficiency than MH lights, although HPS lights are still more efficient.

In terms of efficiency, HID lights will give you the best yield for every watt of power. HPS lights, in particular, are the most efficient during the flowering stage. Using HPS for this stage of cannabis growth can result in between 0.5 to 1 gram per watt.

Growers also appreciate the ability to hang HID lights the proper distance from plants easily. You do not have to adjust the lights as you would with fluorescent grow lights or guess to some extent like you would with LEDs.

The most significant disadvantage of HID bulbs is the large quantities of heat that they generate. The heat from HID grow lights is so concentrated that it almost always requires a hood and a cooling system. You need the cooling system to stop the heat from going straight to your plants or increasing the ambient temperature in your grow space. This head generation and the need for cooling becomes particularly vital when using HID lights with power over 250 watts.

Because of the heat produced by HID bulbs, there is also extra setup required. Specifically, you should very strongly consider using an exhaust fan that has ducting that vents out the heat.

There is also the issue that HID lights tend to have a few more parts to them than others. Most LED lights are just the light, and most fluorescents are just a fixture and bulb. By contrast, HIDs typically have the fixture, bulb, and an external ballast in addition to an extra cable. Then you add the exhaust systems on top of those requirements.

Using HID bulbs also tends to increase your electricity bills. Some of this comes from the fact that you need a ballast and hood instead of just using your regular light switch. Another aspect of the increased electricity bills is the need to put an exhaust system. You will need to power that system with more electricity.

LED cool lights are a popular choice for growing cannabis as well. They frequently have built-in cooling functionality and run cooler, to begin with. You can also typically plug LED lights right into the wall then hang them up over the plants. This makes the setup very straightforward. Growers also like the high penetration of LED lights, which means you will not have to move them often. The high penetration is the opposite of that of fluorescents.

If you choose to use LED grow lights, ensure that they have some white or green light. Your cannabis plants will not grow as well without at least some of this light, as the lack can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

LED lights are available in options for everyone from beginners to experienced growers. This means that you can easily spend a large amount of money on LED grow lights initially, which is sometimes a disadvantage. However, those with large setups can recoup that money via electricity savings and the lack of exhaust required. There is also the option to buy more affordable LED grow lights.

One of the significant advantages of LED grow lights is that they feature built-in cooling, pushing the heat away and up from your plants. This means that the lights naturally run cooler, avoiding the need to put venting in your grow space. This is a particularly strong advantage compared to the heat generated by HID lights.

Growers also appreciate the small size of LEDs compared to other types of grow lights. The small size makes it possible to plug them in and get started, without having to fiddle with additional arrangements like fixtures or extra cables.

Many growers also feel that you get more resinous buds from LED grow lights. Other growers say that combining LEDs and HPS grow lights will give you amazing results. These advantages, however, still need more testing. The idea of superior results from LED grow lights is mostly based on anecdotal evidence so far.

Like the other types of cannabis grow lights, LEDs are not without their disadvantages. The fact that they run cooler than other types does not mean that they produce no heat. All lights will produce heat, and LEDs are no different. This means that if you have larger lights, such as those over 300 watts, you still may need to get a cooling or exhaust system. Otherwise, your grow space can become too warm.

On average, you will get a smaller yield from your LED grow light compared to HPS lights. The commonly accepted return for LEDs is about 0.5 gram per watt. Despite this, you can get more.

There is also a learning curve with LED lights due to the differences in the available grow lamps. So far, there are not any standards to follow and guide you. As such, you will have to spend time experimenting and practicing with LED grow lights so that you can boost your yields.

Some growers also dislike the fact that LED grow lights usually need plenty of space. The LED lights need to be separated from the plants. As such, you will need to have a taller grow space if you want to use LED lights and get good results. Even smaller LED panels need to be at least 18 inches from your plants during the flowering stage’s second half. Otherwise, you put your cannabis plants at risk of light burn. In the case of larger LED panels, this distance may increase to 30 inches. Many growers do not have enough space to accommodate this requirement.

As you shop for your cannabis lights, you will want to pay attention to the light spectrum included. The spectrum may be referenced via color or wavelengths, and different spectrums are ideal for each stage of the growing process.

During the vegetative stage of growth, your cannabis plants will do best with blue light, which is between 450 and 500 nanometers. It is common to use CFLs or fluorescent lights that have blue spectrums for starting seedlings or rooting clones. When it comes to pre-flowering and growth, you may want to opt for a similar spectrum but increased power. That change encourages the plant structures to get hardier, helping with future flowering. Metal halide lamps are common during this stage.

During the flowering stage, cannabis plants thrive with red light, between 610 and 750 nanometers. This light spectrum works best during this stage because it mimics autumn sunlight and autumn is typically when outdoor cannabis plants will flower. Many growers will use HPS lights during this stage. Increasingly, growers will use LED lights instead of or in addition to HPS lights.

If you want to be able to work on your plants without the light affecting the cannabis plants, then look for green lights. The leaves will reflect most green light, meaning that it has almost no effect on your cannabis plants. That makes green lights an ideal choice for those times that you need to see what you are doing in your grow room but do not want to use a light that may influence your plants’ growth.

Most grow lights for cannabis are fluorescent, LEDs, or HIDs, with HPS lights being the most popular type of HID light. Every type of light has its advantages and disadvantages, and some are better suited for specific stages of the growing process. Regardless of the kind of cannabis light you choose, you find yourself with hundreds of lighting products to choose from, both available online and at most home and garden stores. Just ensure that your cannabis plants get blue light during the vegetative stage and red during the flowering stage and be mindful of the heat produced by your lights.

The Differences Between Various Types of Cannabis Lights

Choosing the ideal cannabis grow lights can be overwhelming at first, due to the plethora of options.

If you want to grow cannabis on your own instead of buying the buds after they have been harvested and&nbsp;cured, you will find yourself with many options. Remember that the&nbsp;legality of growing cannabis varies by state, including the number of seeds that you can possess or the number of plants that you can grow. As such, be sure to always follow your local regulations before buying seeds.

You may also notice that because of the legal gray area involving cannabis seeds, and the fact that the law differs from state to state, some seed retailers market their seeds as “collector’s” items. This is just a way to ensure they comply with the law.

What to Know About Receiving Cannabis Seeds Via the Mail

Choosing to buy from a legitimate cannabis seed vendor will almost always result in the seller using discreet packaging for the seeds. Because of this, you should not typically have to worry about your seeds being stopped by customs or another agency, although it is a possibility. This is good news for those who want to buy seeds from an international seller.

How to Choose Where to Buy Cannabis Seeds Online

You can choose to buy your cannabis seeds from any vendor that you want, but you should always do your research on the company and check a few key things before making a purchase. This will maximize your chances of receiving high-quality seeds that have the potential to turn into potent cannabis buds.

One of the very first things you need to check is whether your chosen vendor will even ship the seeds to you. In most cases, any location-based restrictions will be due to legal complications, although other factors may also be at play. Depending on where you live, you may need to look at a few different vendors before you find one that will ship to you. You should always, however, have at least some options.

Look for Recognizable Names and Research the Company

The best place to buy cannabis seeds online will always be with a company that has a strong reputation. Ideally, you should have heard of them as name recognition indicates an established brand. However, just because you have not heard of the seed retailer, that does not mean they do not offer high-quality products.

Do your research on the company before buying the seeds, including looking at reviews and any awards they have won. These can both be very strong indications of a high-quality brand that is worth buying seeds from.

Do not forget to take a look at their policies for returns, refunds, and/or exchanges. You do not want to have to use this policy, but you want it to be clearly laid out. This indicates that the business has thought out its policies and that if something does go wrong, you have a clear path to follow.

As with the exchange or refund policy, you do not want to have to deal with customer service from the cannabis seed company, but you should still ensure that it meets a high standard in case you have to. Ideally, you should be able to contact customer service 24/7, but ensure you can at least do so during normal business hours. Check for your preferred contact method, such as live chat, email, and phone. Try to choose a company that offers at least two methods of contacting support.

Once a seed retailer has passed the other criteria, you can look at its selection to confirm that it offers what you want. Look at regular, autoflowering, and feminized seeds, depending on your preferences and look for the strain (or strains) that you are most interested in.

As with any other item that you can purchase in person or online – if you find a deal on cannabis seeds that seems too good to be true, it probably is. You can risk it if the seeds are from a reputable brand, but you should know that the low prices are probably there for a reason. In the best-case scenario, you may end up with low-quality seeds that fail to grow. In the worst case, you may not even receive anything.

When it comes to comparing prices for cannabis seeds, be sure to pay attention to the cost of shipping, as well. Some brands will charge slightly more for their seeds and offer free shipping, while others will charge less but require you to pay for shipping. For an accurate comparison, be sure to look at all of the costs.

Do not forget to also consider the available payment options for buying your seeds. You should be able to pay with any major debit or credit card for most seeds, but make sure that your chosen payment method is available. Depending on the company you choose, you may also be able to pay in cryptocurrency, with an e-wallet, via a wire transfer, or even cash by mail. Similarly, ensure that the payment is made over a secure network to protect your details from hackers.

You Bought the Seeds – How Do You Confirm Your Cannabis Seeds Are Good Quality?

Once you receive your seeds from your chosen retailer, your first step should be to evaluate them to ensure that they are truly of high quality. You cannot be positive about the overall health of the seeds from just looking at them, but you can get a very good idea.

The seeds should be dark in color and feature spots or stripes. If they are green or white, then they will not sprout as they are too immature.

Waxy, shiny coatings are a clear indicator of health, but they are not necessary.

Your seeds should not have cracks or holes. Healthy seeds will not have damage to their coat, such as cracks. Holes could indicate that an insect pest ruined the seed in its quest for starch.

In addition to not being cracked, the shell should be hard. Apply light pressure with your finger to the seed, and it should not crack. If it does, this indicates it is dead or infertile.

If you get your cannabis seeds only to discover they are of poor quality, contact the vendor right away. Follow the recommendations outlined in the exchange or refund policy. You can decide whether to buy from them again in the future based on how they handle the situation and whether this seems to be a one-time bad experience or a pattern with the company.

By choosing the right brand to buy from, in the first place, and reading reviews, you should be able to minimize the chances of this happening.

With all of that information in mind, it is time to take a look at some of the best places to buy cannabis seeds online. Each of the following brands has a strong reputation, a wide selection, and great customer service. Feel free to buy from another brand as well, provided you do your research first.

As the name implies, Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds is located in Amsterdam, and the company ships worldwide. You will just find the brand’s own strains, which helps ensure quality, but this means you will only have around 100 options. The company has a strong reputation for customer service, quick shipping, and stealth packaging due to the fact that it has been selling online since 2002.

Bomb Seed Banks in Amsterdam ships worldwide using stealth packaging. The company prides itself on maintaining an ideal environment for its seeds to ensure their freshness. The seeds are all grown within the Netherlands, following strict standards. The final seeds are all chosen by experts. There are also free seeds with your purchase.

Crop King Seeds is based in Vancouver, Canada, and ships worldwide. This company offers 24/7 customer support via a range of methods, and there are even physical stores in Canada. This seed company offers discreet packaging with a success rate of more than 90 percent since US Customs is not typically as strict with items from Canada. The selection is less than some other companies, with just over 30 seeds to choose from, but this does include autoflowering and feminized seeds with a very high germination rate.

Gorilla Seed Banks in the United Kingdom is a younger company than most, but it ships worldwide and is founded by people with more than four decades of cannabis experience. The company prides itself on offering a vast selection, including feminized and autoflowering seeds.

The Ministry of Cannabis Seed Banks is based in Barcelona, Spain, and ships worldwide, with numerous payment methods available. This company has been in business since 2007, with the founders having more than 51 years of experience cultivating marijuana. You will find a range of strains, including autoflowering and feminized seeds. The company has discreet shipping and sends the seeds in bubble wrapping with tracking numbers.

MSNL Seeds sources its seeds in the Netherlands before shipping them out of the UK to worldwide destinations. This company accepts a vast range of payment methods and has a rich history. The business started in 1999, and it has been selling online since 2003. There are also choices for extra-stealth shipping and guaranteed shipping. A high and low of this brand is that it only carries its own strains. This limits the selection, but also guarantees quality, especially given that a geneticist founded the company.

Nirvana Shop Seed Banks is another Amsterdam-based seed bank that accepts a wide range of payment methods. The company ships worldwide, except to Australia, Japan, and Argentina. The founder of the company gained experience working in a grow shop. The company has been in business since 1995, making it one of the older seed banks to buy from. There are more than 40 strains available, with the list growing. Although the selection is smaller than other brands, this company has a strong reputation for giving growers confidence. As a bonus, the website features educational materials and advice.

Quebec Cannabis Seeds is located in Quebec, Canada, ships worldwide, and has customer support during the week. The company has a very nice variety of seeds, including CBD marijuana, feminized, autoflowering, and regular. The company has been in business since 2013, breeding and selling seeds.

Seedsman is a UK-based seed bank that ships seeds worldwide. The brand frequently has free seed promotions, and its selection is vast. Seedsman sells in-house-bred seeds as well as those from other reputable breeders. The company also has a strong reputation as it has been in business since 2003. As a bonus, it accepts numerous payment methods. Seedsman also offers a stealth shipping option, but it can increase the price a fair amount.

Located in England, Seed Supreme Seed Banks offers weekday customer support, worldwide delivery, and several payment methods. The company also supports loyalty via benefits for regular customers. There is even free shipping on orders over a certain amount.

The Attitude Seedbank is in the United Kingdom and ships worldwide. This company prides itself on being the biggest cannabis superstore in the world, with a vast range of seeds available, including autoflowering, feminized, and regular variants. You can find some of the top-rated seeds in the world from this seller and promotions like free seeds if you meet a minimum purchase amount. The company also sells cannabis-related merchandise like T-shirts and accessories.

There is no single best place to buy cannabis seeds online, as everyone is looking for something slightly different. When choosing a cannabis seed source, make sure to pay attention to the company’s reputation, the source of the seeds, its exchange or refund policies, and its customer support. Or, just stick to one of the brands we listed above.

Best Place to Buy Cannabis Seeds Online

Before you stumble upon random online seedbank retailers, find out what you should look for and what companies to trust.

If you plan on growing cannabis plants, then you should take the time to learn how long the seeds can last. You do not want to spend money on seeds and then wait too long to use them and waste your money. You also do not want to risk growing cannabis of poor quality because you waited too long to use the seeds. So, how long do cannabis seeds last and what happens if you try to grow them after this date?

Most people will find that marijuana seeds can still sprout without a problem after a few years. You can likely get them to sprout even if you store the seeds for five or six years. Many people have experienced success in growing seeds that are of this age. There are also articles from experts that indicate you can grow seeds that are 15-20 years old. There is a consensus that you can expect seeds in the fridge to last at least a decade when cared for properly.

If you have patience and are willing to waste time and resources on seeds that may not sprout, you can try to grow any seeds. There are some stories of universities germinating an ancient cannabis seed. You can also easily find people on forums who claim to have successfully grown seeds that were at least several decades old. Of course, for an old seed to successfully grow, it must have been stored in the ideal conditions, and you need some luck.

Depending on where you buy your cannabis seeds, you may be able to ask the seller how long the seeds will last. Large companies should have a reasonable idea of the lifespan of their seeds. This is less likely to be the case if you get the seed from someone you know, as they will be unlikely to provide consistent quality for the seeds.

It is also important to keep in mind that not all strains will last for the same amount of time. Some strains will have hardier seeds, while others will have weaker seeds. You can probably find information on the hardiness of the more common strains in forums online, but otherwise, you will have to guess and hope for the best or determine it yourself.

To preserve the life of your cannabis seeds, and have them remain viable as long as possible, store them in the proper conditions.

The most important factors in deciding where to store your cannabis seeds are light, moisture, and temperature. You want to choose a spot that is cool and dark. Warmer temperatures give the seeds signals to sprout. The same is true of moisture. As such, you want to avoid moisture and heat.

Ideally, you want the relative humidity to be about 20-30 percent and the temperature to be around 6-8 degrees Celsius.

To ensure that the seeds do not get any moisture, consider including a pouch of silica gel or something similar inside the container. This will ensure that no moisture interferes with your seeds.

Since you want to store the cannabis seeds in a dry, cool, dark place, consider your basement or the fridge. Just make sure that whatever location you choose is free from moisture.

In cases where you know that you will not use the seeds anytime soon, then you may want to consider freezing them instead. Place the seeds in a bag and vacuum seal it so that there is no extra air. Then, put this vacuum-sealed bag inside another airtight container. Stick the entire thing in your freezer, setting the temperature to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Freezing seeds is straightforward, but you need to keep a few things in mind. You cannot refreeze seeds. If you try to freeze them after thawing them out, the seed will almost always die. You will also need to give yourself enough time to thaw out the frozen seed before you plant it. This should take around 12 hours, but the time can vary based on the conditions you froze it in and the conditions of the room where you thaw it out.

If you try to grow cannabis seeds that have been stored for too long, they will struggle to sprout. You should expect them to take longer to sprout and fewer of them to successfully sprout. As more time passes, fewer seeds will germinate successfully.

There is also the fact that at a certain age, a race begins between decay and germination. The seeds will be more prone to decay as they are older, so the extended time required for germination may be too long. In this case, you will plant them and introduce the proper conditions for growth, but the seed will begin decaying before it can germinate.

The main difference when growing older seeds compared to new cannabis seeds is that the shells will be harder. This means that they will require longer exposure to water to penetrate the thick shell.

You should start by putting your seeds in a glass of water for about 24 hours. You can add several drops of hydrogen peroxide to help soften the shell. By softening the shell, you speed up the process of the water penetrating the shell.

While growing the seeds, ensure that your liquid is around 22 degrees Fahrenheit, not cold. You should also be sure to keep it away from light sources. Keep an eye on your seeds during the 24-hour soaking period. If you notice them opening up, take them out of the glass. Otherwise, the seeds may drown. After 24 hours, move the seeds to a wet paper towel.

Another popular option for germinating the cannabis seeds is to use wet paper towels and some dishes. Soak a paper towel in water and place it on top of a plate. Put the cannabis seeds on top of the paper towel, making sure you space them out enough. Place another wet paper towel on top.

This method is incredibly common, but there is some debate with purists. Those purists argue that the paper towels may have chemicals like chlorine that could get in the way of germination. The benefit of using paper towels is that you cannot accidentally drown your seeds like you could with the glass of water method.

If you want, you can also choose to germinate your cannabis seeds right in the soil. You will need to choose soil that is well-nourished and an area with plenty of light. You can also encourage the germination by using a teaspoon of fulvic acid diluted in a liter of water to wet your location. Instead of the fulvic acid in the water, you could also use carbonated water. The CO2 from the carbonated water will encourage the liquid to get into the seed, speeding up germination

For those who are concerned about the ability of their old seeds to germinate, you can buy something to help. There are enhancers and enzymes designed to encourage germination. These products should also help with the very early development of the seeds.

One of the most popular of these products is Jiffy 7. This is a compressed pill made up of dried peat. You soak it for a few minutes until it becomes soil in a small sack. This soil was developed to encourage germination thanks to its sterilization, inclusion of key nutrients, pH neutrality, and ideal structure. If you are struggling to get older seeds to germinate, this can be a good option.

For normal seeds, germination takes about 48 to 72 hours. For old seeds, this will take even longer, possibly up to five or six days. In some cases, it may even take weeks.

In the case of seeds that you want to grow, but are too old, there are some tricks you can try to increase their chances.

Some people suggest using diluted hydrogen peroxide to help your older seeds grow. The key is to use a diluted solution since you do not want to expose the seeds to a highly concentrated solution. The idea is that the hydrogen peroxide will help reduce the risk of bacteria starting the decomposition process.

If all else fails and your seeds are still not germinating, you can take matters into your own hands with some sandpaper. Use it to scrape off the seed’s outer layer. This will create micro-abrasions that could give water a chance to enter. Just ensure that you create minor micro-abrasions.

To use this method, get very fine sandpaper and roll it up with the rough side facing in. Secure it in place using tape. Put your seeds inside and place your hands over the openings of your sandpaper roll. Shake it for a few minutes, and you should hopefully see results.

Another last resort method is to grab a knife and cut your seed transversely. Only cut the seed very lightly. As with the sandpaper, the goal is to provide an opening that will encourage the water to get into the shell so that germination can occur.

Once you get your old seeds to germinate, the hardest part is done. You should handle the newly germinated cannabis plants carefully for a few days. After about a week, the plant should grow just like any other cannabis plants in your garden.

With all of the information given, there is still an ideal period in which to use your cannabis seeds. You should generally try to use them within about two years and store them in the proper conditions. This means a dry, dark, and cool place in an airtight container. If you use the cannabis seeds within about two years, you are unlikely to experience germination problems due to the age of the plant. There should also be no other ill effects when growing the seeds.

Now that you know how long your cannabis seeds will last for, where do you get them? A quick online search will show you dozens, if not hundreds, of online retailers that sell cannabis seeds. You might be able to buy cannabis seeds at a local shop, but this is not always a given. If you have a favorite local cannabis shop, ask if they sell seeds or could they get you some through their channels. If not, consider ordering online.

No matter where you choose to get your seeds, make sure you do your research. You should buy seeds from the strain of cannabis that has the features you want, such as aroma and potency. You will also want to pay attention to whether the seeds are regular, autoflowering, or feminized, as these are all different and appeal to different types of growers.

Of course, you should also look into the reputation of the seller you buy seeds from. If you buy online, look for guarantees and a reasonably long history.

When you store them properly in a dark, cool, and dry environment, cannabis seeds should still be in peak condition after about two years. There is no set time limit as to how long cannabis seeds last. With a bit of luck and proper storage, you can successfully grow seeds that are decades old, or even older. Increase your chances of long-lasting seeds by storing them properly. If you know you will not use them soon, consider freezing the seeds so they last longer. Just remember that if your seeds get older, you may need more patience when you start the germination process.

How Long Do Cannabis Seeds Last?

If you plan on growing cannabis plants, then you should take the time to learn how long the seeds can last.

People have been growing cannabis plants for thousands of years. If you live in an area where it is legal to possess and grow cannabis, then you can grow the plants. There are two main methods of growing cannabis, from seeds or cuttings. If you choose to grow from seeds, the first step to the process will be to germinate the seeds. The process can be more intuitive than you may realize at first.

Before you start germinating cannabis seeds, make sure you understand how long this task will take. Most cannabis seeds will germinate within between three and seven days. Some other types, however, may take longer, with some taking up to 10 or 15 days.

Once the seeds germinate, they will have small white taproots that come out of one end. This is a sign that you are ready to plant the seeds.

Keep in mind that for the cannabis seeds to germinate, you will need to provide it with the proper temperature light and humidity or moisture. You should be able to control these factors enough to germinate seeds without any special equipment. Even so, investing in monitoring and control equipment for these factors can increase the chances of your seeds growing.

Before you can germinate your cannabis seeds, you will have to select the seeds that you want to grow. There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, so you can choose a strain that has substantial amounts of the ones you want. Of these, you will be most interested in CBD and THC. CBD is non-psychoactive and associated with most of the benefits of cannabis, such as relief from pain and nausea. THC is psychoactive and can enhance the effects of CBD when the two are used together, something known as the entourage effect.

In addition to choosing the seeds based on the content of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, you should also think about the aroma, and whether you prefer Sativa, Indica, or Ruderalis.

Your seeds will either be regular or feminized. Regular seeds include both males and females while feminized seeds only have females. Feminized seeds can save you the time and effort in identifying the sex of the seeds during growth. You never want to grow male and female cannabis seeds together unless your goal is producing more plants. The males will pollinate the females, causing the females’ energy to focus on reproduction instead of producing buds. The resulting buds are less potent and desirable.

How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds

This guide will help you to germinate cannabis seeds through various mediums -- rockwool cubes, paper towel, or soil.

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