How to Take Care of Marijuana Seeds

Marijuana seeds are often sold alongside other paraphernalia to help new growers start their own marijuana plants. However, before planting the seeds in any growing medium, you’ll need to know how to take care of marijuana seeds so they don’t die prematurely. Read on to learn how to do this step-by-step!

Indica vs. Sativa

The first thing you need to know is that there are two main types of marijuana plants: indicas and sativas. Indicas tend to be shorter, wider and more compact than sativas, which are taller, skinnier and have longer branches. Indicas also grow faster than sativas—which means you’ll be able to harvest your crop sooner if you choose an indica over a sativa. As far as high goes, indicas deliver a more body-oriented sensation, while sativas often leave users with a more cerebral experience.

Germinating Marijuana Seeds

If you want a good yield from your marijuana seeds, it’s important that you take care of them. They have to go through a germination phase before you can plant them in soil or grow them hydroponically. Here are some tips on how to do so: Before germinating your seeds, make sure they’re viable. You can test them by planting one in moist soil and seeing if it shows signs of growth after a week or two. You can also try tapping it gently with a finger – viable seeds will produce a taproot about an inch long within 3-5 days after being planted. If there is no root visible yet but moisture is still present, continue waiting for another couple days before testing again.

Controlling pH Level

The pH level of your potting mix affects water uptake by roots, nutrient uptake by plants, and overall acidity. If your growing medium is too acidic or alkaline, it can disrupt photosynthesis. To avoid issues with pH levels, try using a soilless medium that’s free from pH modifiers like peat moss. Most manufacturers will include recommendations for water-to-powder ratios—follow these guidelines closely.

Temperature Needs

In order for marijuana seeds to germinate, they need a temperature between 18 and 24 °C (64 and 75 °F). This optimal germination temperature range is one reason marijuana is often grown in greenhouses or indoors. Note that temperatures outside of these ranges will not kill your seeds, but germination rates will drop dramatically. Don’t worry though—you’ll still be able to grow a plant from non-germinated seeds. In nature, marijuana grows in places with mild climates, so when you’re growing outdoors in winter you should try to mimic these conditions by using cold weather gear such as cloches and hot caps over pots.

Water Requirements

Just like any other plant, you need to ensure that your seeds receive enough water. Before planting, soak them for about 24 hours, changing out the water every few hours. This will help soften up their outer shells and improve germination rates. Once they’re planted, allow 1-2 inches of water per week—it may take a little trial and error to find what works best in your soil type/climate/etc. Too much or too little could hurt your plants.