Are you starting out growing cannabis? 5 key tips

05/02/2025

Growing cannabis can be a great hobby, a way to relax, and a source of quality buds if you know how to do it. Whether you want to grow indoors or outdoors, there are basic rules that will help you avoid unnecessary problems. Here are five key tips to get you started the right way and avoid common mistakes!

1. Choose the right strain

Before you plant your first seed, think about what type of cannabis you want to grow. Some strains grow faster, while others require more time and care. Autoflowering strains are ideal for beginners because they don't require changes in light cycles and grow quickly. Photoperiod strains offer more control over the growth and flowering phases but require more precise care. There are also fast-flowering seeds that, as the name suggests, offer a quick and easy harvest and combine the properties of both previous types.

In our e-shop, you'll find:

Indica cannabis, which is synonymous with a peaceful evening and deep relaxation due to its calming effects.
Sativa cannabis, on the other hand, is more of a source of energy, motivation, and focus.

So, what will you choose? Will you opt for relaxation or energy, or will you go for the simplicity of autoflowering cannabis seeds?

2. The right environment and conditions are key

The conditions in which your plants grow are crucial.

Outdoor or Indoor?

With the outdoor option, you can grow outdoors, in your garden, or even in the forest etc. The advantage is low maintenance, as nature usually handles the conditions. On the downside, there's a risk of pests, drought, and storms.

With the indoor option, the advantage is control over the plant's growth. However, it requires much care for ideal conditions and possibly investment in equipment needed for indoor growing. But if you have a greenhouse, that could be the best compromise between these two options.

Air: If you want to grow indoors, you need to ensure fresh air supply for your plants, ventilation of stale air, and a fan to ensure air circulation. Accumulating gases slows growth, and stale air is a great environment for mold, pests, and causes weak growth overall. The basic rule for air is that the plant needs fresh air to be strong. If you choose to grow outdoors, your cannabis plants will automatically be exposed to a gentle breeze, so you won't need to worry about the air supply, ventilation, or circulation as nature takes care of it.
Light: Your plants need to get enough sunlight. Indoors, you can control the light using timers and quality lighting. In an outdoor environment, it's ideal if the plant gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Temperature: The advantage of cannabis is that it's a fairly resilient plant and can tolerate both heat and cold environments. Be cautious about extreme conditions! Too much prolonged heat = cannabis will cook, and if the temperature is too low, the plants will switch from a growth mode to a survival mode. The ideal temperature for intensive growth is 27°C.
Water: All plants need water to grow, and cannabis is no exception.

If you are growing outdoors, pay attention to the right climate, plenty of sunlight and protection from pests. For indoor growing, it is essential to ensure quality lighting (LED or HPS lamps) and adequate ventilation. Don’t forget about humidity – air that is too dry or too moist can harm your plants.

3. Watering and Nutrients – Less is Sometimes More

Many beginners make the mistake of overwatering their plants. Cannabis does not tolerate overwatering, so always wait until the substrate dries a bit. Use high-quality soil rich in nutrients or hydroponic systems if you're up for it. When it comes to fertilizers, start with a smaller dose and gradually increase it. Over-fertilizing can lead to burnt leaves and overall weakening of the plant.

4. Light and Photoperiod

If you're growing indoors, pay attention to the light schedule. Plants in the vegetative phase need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. Once you switch to the flowering phase, change the schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Outdoor growing depends on the natural sun cycle, so the flowering period will come automatically at the end of summer.

5. Patience and Observation

Growing cannabis is a process that requires patience and care. Each plant is different, so monitor it regularly. Observe the color of the leaves, the structure of the stems and overall growth. Any issues such as yellow leaves, spots, or deformities should be addressed promptly – it could be a nutrient deficiency, incorrect pH, or pests.

If you follow these five tips, you'll have a solid foundation for successful cultivation. The biggest mistake is rushing and lacking information. Growing cannabis is both an art and a science – learn, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy!

A Simple Guide to Growing Cannabis🌱

Choose your seeds – Indica (relaxation), Sativa (energy), or Autoflower (easy growing).
Germination – Place the seeds between wet napkins, maintain warmth (20-25 °C), they will sprout in 2 to 7 days. You can also fill a glass with warm, stagnant water and drop the seeds in, letting them float. Some may sink, which is a good sign. After some time, usually within 2 days, the seeds will crack open and a small root will appear.
Planting – Use a light substrate, plant the seeds 1 cm deep, and ensure they get light.
Light and Temperature – Indoor: LED/HPS (18/6 hours of light), Outdoor: plenty of sun.
Watering and Nutrients – Water moderately, add fertilizers. Ideally nitrogen for growth and phosphorus or potassium for flowering.
Flowering (6-12 weeks) – Harvest is finally within reach. Watch the trichomes, small hairs or glands on the surface of the cannabis plant. Once these glands are milky and amber, it's time to harvest.
Harvest – After your successful patience, it's time to harvest and dry. For drying, it's important to have a dark, cool place with low humidity, the drying process should typically take at least two weeks.