Wondering how to grow your own cannabis plant? Well, we’ve got you covered. Despite the popular belief that it is a hard plant to grow, growing your own weed can be easy and rewarding. All you need is the right information and tools. For the purpose of this blog, we’ll be covering how to grow your own cannabis plant outdoors.
There are plenty of perks to choosing an outdoor setup over an indoor one. There are reduced expenses, as well as the potential for a larger harvest. Additionally, sun-grown cannabis is often preferred because of its great quality and rich flavor profile.
Before we get into the technicality of growing a cannabis plant, let’s discuss the legal implications.
California Laws on Growing Weed
Marijuana is legal in California. Regardless, if you’re thinking of growing your own weed at home, here are a few regulations you should consider. Firstly, anyone consuming or working with cannabis must be over the age of 21. This also goes for growing your own weed. Secondly, one person may not possess more than 6 plants at a time. The limit is 6 plants, regardless of their stage in the growing process. Many other states allow adults to have additional plants if they aren’t flowering. Unfortunately, California does not.
Thirdly, grow in your home or your property. Growing your own weed is a personal privilege that should be kept private, according to law. You should also ensure that your weed plants are not visible from a public view. Fourthly, you are not allowed to carry more than 28.5 grams, or 1 ounce, outside your house. You can grow as much as you’d like, just keep in mind how much you take with you outside your home.
Fifthly, if you ever come across any legal trouble, contact your lawyer. Specifically, you may want to look into a cannabis lawyer for any questions you have about your rights.
Cannabis Plant Growth Timeline
Here is a complete timeline of how your cannabis plant will grow:
1. Germinating: 1-7 days
2. Seedling: 2-3 weeks
3. Vegetative: 2-8 weeks
4. Pre-Flowering: 1-2 weeks
5. Flowering: 6-8 weeks
6. Harvesting
Cannabis Plant Stage: Germinating
To effectively germinate, you must make sure that the seeds are mature enough. If your seeds are immature, it is likely that they will not germinate. You can tell if your seeds have reached maturity by their appearance. They will appear shiny and light to dark brown. The seeds will also be dry and feel hard when touched.
To germinate, keep your seeds in a wet, dark place. Some growers keep it in a cup of water or wrapped in a wet paper towel. Occasionally exposing the seeds to light and moisture stimulates hormones and gives the growth process a boost.
A single root, called the radicle, will shoot out downwards as the new stem grows upwards. Unlike common marijuana leaves, two rounded cotyledon leaves will sprout from the stem as the plant breaks away from the seed’s protective casing.
Cannabis Plant Stage: Seedling
After germination, your weed seedlings will be delicate as they grow up and acquire more leaves. Additionally, you won’t need to water them as much. In fact, overwatering them could cause them to drown.
You may also want to hold off on nutrients when your cannabis plants are still seedlings. They’ll be content with plenty of light and water at this stage.
Cannabis plants are treated as seedlings until they develop leaves with a full number of fingers. Healthy seedlings should be short with thick vegetation. Also, their leaves should appear vibrant green in color.
Cannabis Plant Stage: Vegetative
The vegetative stage is the “teen” years of the weed plant. They’ll start growing bigger, so you may want to move them into a bigger container. Marijuana plants will need more water as they get bigger. You’ll also need to give them proper nutrients. It’ll be easier to hold off on the nutrients until you transplant your weed outside. That way you can mix fertilizer in with the soil.
After several weeks, top the plants to encourage them to grow out. Also, you can start pruning, removing the dead leaves and branches will help the plant. Slimming down your plant will allow it to focus on producing better, bigger buds.
Cannabis Plant Stage: Flowering
You want to make sure your plant is properly set up before entering the flowering stage. Your cannabis plants should be: transported into final spots, done topping, in a trellis or scrog.
Cannabis plants will be really thirsty in the flowering stage, so you’ll need to increase their water. Keep a schedule and water them every couple of days.
Before harvesting, remember to flush your plants by giving them only water a week or so before you chop them down.
Cannabis Plant Stage: Harvesting
Once your bud’s white hairs begin turning into a darker, slightly amber color, it means they’re ready to be trimmed. To harvest, many growers begin by removing the leaves of the cannabis plant with trim scissors, followed by the buds (using pruners). Gloves are also extremely important for sanitation reasons as well as to keep your hands from becoming sticky with the resin from the plant.
