Is your cannabis growing but not producing quality bud? It’s not uncommon to have a marijuana plant flourish in its beginning stages only to develop inferior buds at harvest time. Even experienced growers struggle to produce superior nugs. In this article, we will explore tips on how to improve cannabis quality.
Use Only Superior Seeds
Perhaps the most important aspect of growing top-shelf marijuana is to start out with high-quality seeds. The genetics of the plant is carried in the small seed which determines the kind of harvest you will achieve with correct growing practices. There are many online cannabis seed banks that sell high caliber seeds.
Choosing a Cannabis Strain
If you have found a quality seed source, then it’s time to pick a marijuana strain to grow. You’ll want to know the specifics of the strain so you can ensure proper growing conditions. Only female MJ plants produce bud but if you plan on breeding then you’ll need a male plant. However, most recreational growers looking to harvest bud will want to purchase only female seeds.
Here are a few quick notes to remember about cannabis strains:
• Indica strains grow tall and produce nice long buds. However, the plants will not tolerate the cold, but they are heat-resistant.
• Sativa strains are much shorter so you can have a smaller growing area. They do well in the cold but do not tolerate heat. Sativa strains produce very dense buds.
• Auto-flowering strains create very small plants that are ready for harvest in two or three months. Their ease of care makes them ideal for a novice grower.
Temperature and Humidity Matter
It’s interesting that cannabis is often referred to as ‘weed’ because many newbie growers mistakenly believe their MJ plants will grow like weeds. Unfortunately, cannabis has very specific growth requirements to flourish. Consideration must be taken to create the appropriate temperature for the strain you’re growing while factoring in the humidity. If the temperature and humidity fluctuate then your plants will not grow well or produce nice buds.
Provide the Necessary Nutrients
Marijuana plants need essential nutrients to mature and thrive. If you give the plant the correct amount during its growth and flowering stage, then you’ll have wonderfully fat buds for harvest. When your plant enters the flowering stage only give it nutrients that have a very low nitrogen level but a high potassium and phosphorus percentage. Ideally, only use nutrients designed for cannabis because typical plant food is very high in nitrogen which will cause poor buds and excessive foliage growth.
Airflow and Ventilation Matter
You want your plants to truly reach their full growth potential so do not overcrowd your grow space. Make sure there is ample space between plants for airflow and light. Use fans or a ventilation system to maintain airflow around the plants. Overcrowding leads to disease and stunted growth.
Lighting is Crucial
Proper lighting is essential when you are growing marijuana. Light affects the plant’s growth and is mandatory for bud development. If you have insufficient lighting, you’ll have a poor yield at harvest. Grow light options include T5 fluorescents, LEDs, HPS, or HID lighting. If you opt to use LED lighting, make sure it’s full-spectrum to meet the plant’s needs and so you can adjust the rays during each growth stage. LEDs are a common option because they’re super durable and energy-efficient, even though they tend to cost more than other lighting types.
Prune For Bigger Buds
You’ve probably heard that pruning helps you achieve more robust buds. However, it’s imperative that you prune at the proper time. Prune your marijuana plant during the vegetative stage. Remove any weak buds to clear the way for the other buds to fully develop.
Harvest At The Right Time
Does your bud smell fantastic? If so, you’re probably tempted to start harvest, but it’s crucial that you refrain from doing this. Why? Just because the bud smells good does not mean it’s ready. Most experts advise not harvesting until at least 60 percent of the bud’s hairs have started to darken.
The first few grows can be the hardest, but with careful planning and patience, you’ll have a harvest good enough to inspire you continue to explore and try new ways of growing. Happy Harvest!