How To Transplant Cannabis Seedlings

One of the best ways to grow weed is to start with seedlings. Seedling growth will give you the best shot at having a strong and healthy root system. Unfortunately, many seedlings don’t survive the cannabis transplant process because of mistakes and miscalculations by the grower.

Before you begin your seedling crop, take some time to study the process of how to transplant cannabis seeds as well as the tricky operation that is transplantation.

How to Transplant Seedlings

When you start your crop with seedlings, they grow in compact containers that encourage a strong root system. Because of the limited space of the containers, the root system must grow thick and strong to pull the nutrients out of the soil. The benefit of this growth is that your plants will begin with a root system capable of withstanding the transplanting process.

Once your seedlings have reached the limits of their original containers, it’s time for the cannabis transplant. This is an extremely delicate process that cannot be done in a hurry. If you want every single one of your seedlings to survive, be sure to follow these transplantation steps precisely and carefully.

1. Prepare for the transfer – prior to transplanting, ensure that your growing space is ready (whether indoors or outdoors). Have access to your growth soil, water, and any containers or other equipment you may need to complete the process. Make sure you wear gloves to avoid transmitting your body oils to the seedlings.
2. Prepare the seedlings – when transplanting, make sure your seedlings are well-watered and that the seedling soil is packed tightly around the roots. If you are feeding them, make certain they have been fed at least within a few hours of transplanting.
3. Prepare the growth area – if you’re planting outside, make certain the area you are planting in is free of weeds, well-aerated, and moist. Don’t drown the soil. It should be moist to the touch but still crumbly. If planting indoors, make sure your potting soil is loose and slightly moist. The seedling will be planted in the center of the growth soil so there should be at least 6-12 inches of soil beneath the seedling to allow for maximum root expansion. If you have a strain that grows very tall, allow 24-36 inches of soil beneath the seedling.
4. Remove the seedling from its container – very, very carefully remove the seedling from its container without disturbing the roots. The roots may be packed tight or they could be hanging loose, or they could be in a ball – it depends on the strain of the cannabis. DO NOT pull on the roots or in any way try to rearrange them. They are in their current pattern to ensure the plant grows. Disturbing the roots will increase the chances of your seedlings dying during transplantation.
5. Place the seedling – gently place the seedling in the hole or area provided for it. The soil around it should be level with the top of the seedling. Do not put new soil on top of the seedling. Surround the seedling with soil or growth medium just to the top of the seedling. If you put new soil on top of the seedling, you could smother it.
6. Feed and water – once the seedling is placed, give it nutrients and water to encourage it to grow. Check the transplanted seedlings each day to ensure that the roots are taking to the new soil. If the seedling is failing, the leaves of the plant will curl up, get dry, or change colors. If you have a failing seedling in the same growth medium with other plants, remove it carefully and tend to the healthy plants.

If you take great care with your seedlings they can survive the cannabis transplant process and grow into a healthy cannabis crop.