- Cannabis seedlings represent the first stage of growth for marijuana plants, and in this article, we will look at what they are, what they look like, how they are grown, and everything you need to know about them.
- Types of Marijuana Plants
- How to Sow and Transplant Marijuana
In constant struggle for the regulation of cannabis, mainly in the medicinal field.
08-04-2024 07:00:00 - Updated: 8 April, 2024
The cannabis journey from seed to harvest is full of important stages, but none are as critical as the seedling phase. Cannabis seedlings are the young emerging plants, full of potential and ready to grow. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about cannabis seedlings, from their care to solving common problems. Join us on this botanical journey and become an expert in caring for your young cannabis.
📲 What are cannabis seedlings and what do they look like?
Seedlings are the initial state of your plants’ life, just after the germination of marijuana seeds. This phase is crucial as it sets the foundation for healthy development. Seedlings typically have two initial leaves, called cotyledons, followed by the development of the first true leaves with the characteristic cannabis pattern.
🔥 Cannabis Seedling Stages:
- Cotyledon Emergence: After germination, seedlings emerge from the soil with their cotyledons.
- True Leaf Development: Following the cotyledons, the true leaves begin to grow, showing the distinctive shape associated with cannabis.
🚀 Cannabis Seedling Care:
- Proper Temperature: Maintain a warm environment, ideally between 22°C and 26°C. A colder temperature could slow down the growth rate, which is not desirable at this time.
- Humidity: Seedlings thrive in environments with relative humidity between 60% and 80%. This does not mean that they cannot be grown with other humidity levels, but at this stage and throughout the vegetative phase, it is recommended to stay above 50% but not reach 90%.
- Watering: Provide water lightly but consistently, avoiding waterlogging. It is interesting to water with a sprayer to avoid hitting the cannabis seedlings’ stems with the water jet.
- Light Distance and Amount: The light should be close enough to promote growth but without causing heat stress. Light should be provided for 18 to 24 hours a day. If you are growing with HPS lights, the ideal is to gradually bring the focus closer as the seedlings grow, but always maintaining an adequate temperature. If you are growing with LED grow lights, it is ideal to maintain a distance of at least 40cm during this stage. The problem with moving the light too far away is that the seedlings could stretch, as they stretch looking for light and lengthening the stem, so much so that in some cases they bend because they cannot support the weight of the bud.
- Transplanting: Seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they have 2 to 4 pairs of true leaves. It also depends on the substrate that the seedling has to sprout, since if it is a jiffy it will have to be transplanted earlier than if it is planted in a pot of 1 liter or more.
⛳ How to Plant a Cannabis Seedling:
- Prepare a soft, well-drained substrate.
- Make a small hole, ensuring that the cannabis seedling’s roots can fit.
- Place the seedling carefully, making sure not to damage the root.
- Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
⭐ Solving Common Problems:
- Cannabis Seedlings Turning Yellow: This can be indicative of overwatering, poor quality substrate, or pH problems.
- Seedling Leaves Curling Downward: Often a sign of excess water or root problems.
- Heat Stress in Seedlings: Make sure the light is not too close and that the temperature is kept within the ideal range.
- Best Soil for Growing Cannabis Seedlings: Use a light substrate, with good drainage and enriched with essential nutrients.
- Ideal PH for Seedlings: Keep the soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 to optimize nutrient absorption in soil grows. If it is a hydroponic grow, it is better between 5.5 and 5.8.
➕ Special Care Chart for Cannabis Seedlings
| Care | Detailed Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Maintain a range of 22°C to 26°C to promote an optimal environment for seedling growth. |
| Humidity | A relative humidity of 60% to 80% is ideal for seedlings, helping to keep them hydrated. |
| Watering | Water lightly but consistently, avoiding waterlogging to not drown the young roots. |
| Light Distance | The light source should be at a safe distance to avoid heat stress and seedling stretching. |
| Amount of Light | Provide 18 to 24 hours of light per day to maximize growth during the seedling phase. |
| Transplanting | Transplant when the seedling has 2 to 4 pairs of true leaves, indicating an established root system. |
| PH Control | The ideal substrate pH should be between 6.0 and 6.5 in soil for optimal nutrient absorption. |
| Recommended Soil | Use a light and well-drained substrate, enriched with essential nutrients for seedlings. |
✨ Conclusions
Proper care of cannabis seedlings is essential to ensure the vigor and health of your plant in later stages. Pay attention to temperature, humidity, watering, and light distance to ensure a solid start. Remember, seedlings are sensitive and require attention and care. With the information provided in this article, you are well-equipped to grow healthy and strong cannabis seedlings, and once the seedling stage is over, the best thing you can do is read this article that talks about the growth phase of marijuana plants Don’t miss it!
👌 FAQs:
- How much water do cannabis seedlings need?
- Seedlings require small amounts of water but on a regular basis. It is crucial to avoid overwatering to prevent drowning the roots.
- How can I avoid overwatering my cannabis seedlings?
- Water only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. Use a sprayer to control the amount of water and avoid saturating the soil.
- What is the signal to transplant a cannabis seedling?
- Seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they develop 2-4 sets of true leaves, which indicates a strong root system.
- What should I do if my cannabis seedling’s leaves start to yellow?
- Yellowing can be a sign of nutritional deficiency or pH problems. Make sure the soil has the right pH and consider a mild fertilizer specific for seedlings.
- What is the problem if the seedling’s leaves curl downward?
- Leaves curling downward usually indicate excess water or heat stress. Adjust watering and make sure the light distance is appropriate.
