Like any form of life, the cultivation of marijuana begins with a seed. This, of course, is common knowledge and requires no stretch of the imagination. Like learning the birds and the bees, most individuals understand that the production and consumption of marijuana must start somewhere. Given society’s required education, that somewhere is most likely, a seed. Perhaps the more compelling story to tell is the tale of life that takes place between the seed and culmination stage of the marijuana plant. What is it that brings life to this medical, magical substance that has so many people absolutely captivated?
Understanding Marijuana
Also known as Cannabis, which is a member of the Cannabaceae family, marijuana can be classified as a dioecious plant, meaning it can be both male and female. The plant thrives as an annual plant with a natural lifespan from approximately April until September under normal conditions. Within the genus family, there are four species, which are sativa, indica, afphanica and ruderalis. Of these, sativa and indica are known to grow relatively tall, reaching heights of (up to) thirteen feet. These towering stalks of greenery produce females that may feature up to 29 percent THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Only the female plants can be consumed and scientists feel the condition may be a self-defense mechanism for the plant.
Buying Seeds
As a growing number of laws are becoming abolished or changed for the benefit of the drug, individuals who normally wouldn’t consume cannabis are getting in on the action. Businesses like Amsterdam Marijuana Seeds are becoming more and more popular for those wishing to grow their own marijuana. The most successful seed banks only sell the most popular strains of cannabis, even though there are countless crossbreeds that have been created in recent decades. Selections such as Big Bud, Northern Lights and White Widow are enormous hits for those buying seeds. Other sites, like the popular Seedsman from the U.K., have a greater selection of merchandise available for purchase and ship their products all over the world.
Cultivating Seeds
Assuming it’s legal to grow in your area, there are methods to be learned in order to have an effective crop. Like most vegetation, marijuana seeds require the basic fundamentals of life to grow high and true. Of these motherly nurturings, marijuana seeds require soil, warmth, light, water and nutrients. While the following traits tend to be quite specific, each type of plant may require alterations for the best results. When looking to be rewarded with a green thumb, it’s best to ask others for special techniques while consistently practicing trial and error methods to understand what works best for any specific plant.
Soil
With the exception of hydroponics, soil is required for seeds to grow. Within the soil, it’s important to have the nutritional elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium for the optimal health of the plant. When purchasing soil, these elements are usually added via fertilization, which is somewhat bittersweet. Commercial fertilizers, whether or not they claim to be organic, often have the capabilities to increase the pH levels (usually between 5.9 and 6.5) of the soil, making it more acidic. When cultivating plants for the first time, always take caution about the fertilizers being used and do not hesitate to question the salesman to find out more information before taking the risk of putting something harmful into your body.
Warmth
Ideal temperatures for growing marijuana rest between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above or below this range not only slow the growth of the plant but also can reduce the THC potency found within the plant. Meaning, even if the plant is thirteen feet tall, it may only be 1 percent potent rather than 29 percent potent when grown in slightly colder or slightly warmer weather. Much like eating a piece of fruit past its prime, the beneficial nutrients within will be reduced if not missing entirely.
Light
Outdoor growing is known as natural growing, while indoor growing can be classified as artificial growing. When using artificial grow lights, a rotation of light to dark must kept so the plant lives a typical life as it would in the wild. For example, many indoor growers light the plant for around 16 to 20 hours per day and then allow the plant to sit in darkness for 4 to 8 hours per day.
Water
The specific temperature and amount of light given to each plant will factor into the amount of water required for optimal growth. The size and age of the plant also changes its ability to retain water. Early signs of dehydration include wilting leaves but too much water can kill a young plant.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetrahydrocannabinol
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_cultivation
http://marijuanaseedsforsale.weebly.com/