When you grow cannabis for commercial purposes, you need to gear up for a lot of hard work. The focus shouldn’t be only on maximizing the yield, rather it must also be on plant quality. Everything boils down to growing healthy cannabis, and quantity and quality will happen organically.
Unless you offer quality, you cannot expect to build a brand in the market. But most new cultivators fail to understand the process of cultivating a healthy commercial crop. It takes more than providing the required nutrients and optimizing the growing environment. Let us list the secrets of growing a healthy cannabis crop.
Get the perfect nutrient mix
Like any other plant, cannabis needs a nutrient mix to thrive. Make sure you give it the perfect nutrient mix at the right time. Consider the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, K) ratios for different stages.
A ratio of 3:1:2 is ideal for the vegetative stage, while you will have to pick a 1:3:1 ratio during the flowering stage. Start slowly to see the impact of the nutrient application, and you can titrate accordingly.
Ensure the right pH for the soil
Even the ideal amount of nutrients will not have benefits if the plants cannot absorb them from the soil. The right pH level is crucial in this context, so make sure you check your soil regularly.
The ideal soil pH range should be between 5.8 and 6.5, while 6.0 is perfect for cannabis. Avoiding an imbalance is vital for growers because it can lead to toxicity or nutrient imbalance.
Go the extra mile with lighting
A healthy crop also depends on the right lighting. You need not worry much about outdoor cultivation. But those setting up an indoor grow room for commercial cultivation need to ensure proper lighting.
Once again, you have to understand the stages of growing weed for optimizing light exposure. Your plants will require 16-20 hours of light exposure during the vegetative stage. During the flowering stage, 12 hours of exposure is enough.
Optimize temperature and humidity settings
Growing a healthy and thriving crop of cannabis also requires you to optimize the temperature and humidity levels. Seedlings require temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, while 60% humidity suffices.
A temperature range between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal when lights are on. Drop the humidity levels slowly as the plants grow. The humidity level should be around 40% by the time the plant reaches the vegetative stage. Stick to the temperature range of 59 and 72 degrees when the lights are off.
Provide a clean environment
The best nutrient program and ideal optimal conditions ensure a thriving yield. But you also need to ensure proper grow-space hygiene. Once again, indoor cultivators need to go the extra mile.
A lack of sanitation and cleanliness can result in the formation of mold and yeast. The last thing you want to encounter is these organisms spoiling your crop. The proper air supply can make a difference. Also, you have to keep the surroundings clean and odor-free.
Growing cannabis for commercial sale is not a mean feat as you have to look after more than one parameter. Spot the problems early and address them there and then to keep your plants healthy and happy.