The popularity of cannabis is soaring. Some cannabis enthusiasts are not only after smoking and experiencing the effects of cannabis, but they have also become interested in growing their cannabis garden. As the cannabis industry is booming, the cannabis community is also growing. Many are exploring the possibility of growing their very own garden, especially in areas where the use of marijuana or cannabis is legalized.
Growing your cannabis garden, whether indoors or outdoors, will require a lot of work, and there are details that you need to keep into consideration, like the weather, location, which type of strain, and which type of seed. Deciding which type of strain you will be growing will determine if such strain can be grown indoors or outdoors, the weather condition, and the harvest time.
Another important factor that you need to decide on is which type of cannabis strain should you cultivate? Is it going to be Feminized or Autoflowering seeds?
What is Cannabis?
A little background, cannabis refers to a group of plants that contain psychoactive compounds. There are two main types of cannabis: Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana came from the dried flowers of cannabis. Cannabis, when consumed, has different effects.
- Cannabis Indica: this type is associated with full physical effects that can let you experience comfortable and deep relaxation and also induce sleep, which is very helpful in reducing insomnia.
- Cannabis Sativa: this type of cannabis is known and responsible for the “high.” It can boost energy, focus, and creativity. Sativas can help reduce anxiety, manage mood disorders, and stimulate appetite.
Growing Cannabis in Your Garden
Thirty states have now legalized possession and growing cannabis in varying degrees. If you are fortunate enough to live in areas where the use and cultivation of cannabis are legal, then you can grow your very own cannabis garden.
Cannabis is a versatile plant that can be grown indoors and outdoors. But to achieve maximum yield, check on some cannabis cultivation methods that will help you grow cannabis and have a high-quality yield.
As mentioned earlier, one of the important things to consider in starting your cannabis garden is the type of strain that you want to grow. There are many varieties that differ in effects, taste, aroma, and physical growth.
As soon as you have decided on which strain to cultivate, it is time to seed on which variety you should choose to grow. Is it going to be feminized or autoflowering?
Feminized vs. Autoflowering
Growing cannabis seed is not a difficult task and could be done by almost anyone interested to have their garden. It is similar to maintaining a home plant indoors and outdoors. You just have to know what to do, just like knowing whether to choose feminized or autoflowering seeds.
Feminized Seeds
Feminized seeds are bred without the male chromosomes. With feminized seeds, you are growing a female plant. This is often preferred by most growers with the knowledge that the female cannabis plant produces smokable nugs. Female plants also develop active substances such as THC and CBD.
Feminized plants start to flower as soon as they receive a lesser amount of sunlight. For an outdoor grower, this happens at the end of summer and going to autumn. For indoor cultivation, it is important to mimic the kind of weather with a 12/12 lighting scheme.
Feminized seeds are moderately easy to grow, and they can grow from medium to tall. The flowering period starts as soon as it receives 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Harvest time is around 12-20 weeks, and it can produce a medium to large yield.
Advantages of Feminized Seeds
- Feminized seeds are easy to prune.
- They develop female plants and produce smokable weed.
- They are 100% free of hermaphrodites.
- Feminized seeds will develop plants that can produce high-quality yields.
- They can produce fewer leaves compared to autoflowers.
Autoflower Seeds
Autoflower seeds are also becoming popular. Though they may have the same characteristics as feminized seeds, there are notable differences that set them apart. Feminized seeds begin to flower as soon as they receive lesser light exposure. For this reason, indoor cannabis cultivators should mimic the same environment of summer to autumn for indoor plants to thrive.
It is easy to cultivate autoflowering seeds. It grows small to medium and starts to flower within 2-4 weeks after planting. For most strains, the harvest time is about 8-12 weeks, and it will produce about low to medium yield.
Benefits of Autoflower Seeds
- Autoflower Seeds bloom automatically.
- They develop female plants and consumable cannabis.
- Autoflower seeds have a short cycle period from seed to harvest, allowing outdoor growers to harvest 2-4 times a year.
- These plants grow small and require less maintenance.
- They are more resistant to weather changes or temperature fluctuations and are not susceptible to molds and pests.
Feminized or Autoflower: Which is better?
The answer to this question depends on your growing needs. For beginner growers, it is best to grow autoflower seeds, especially if you are looking for quick results. Autoflower plants are easy to grow and will allow beginner growers a good experience, especially as they are growing their very first cannabis garden. The experience in growing autoflower seeds will give them initial knowledge on how to cultivate a cannabis garden.
On the other hand, for moderate or experienced growers, feminized seeds are most likely the option, especially if they are after producing high-quality yields. Feminized seeds produce high-quality buds. Though they require some growing maintenance, it won’t matter anymore as you expect a quality and quantity harvest. You can use various breeding methods like the Screen of Green and topping.
Growing cannabis may seem easy, but it requires attention to details, especially if you want to have high-quality yields. Make sure that you have decided on the strain to grow and whether you want Feminized or Autoflower seeds.
