Author: clonescali@gmail.com

As cannabis laws start to relax across the country and around the world, you may be considering growing your own. After checking on the legality of growing your own cannabis in your state, you’ll next need to make another important decision.

Do you want to grow your plants from seeds or clones?

A Look at Cannabis Clones

Cloning cannabis plants may sound like it’s out of a science-fiction article, but it is a common practice in the cannabis world. In fact, many of the cannabis flowers found in dispensaries these days are created from clones; and there is a reason for that.

A clone is a cutting from a mother plant. A healthy cutting is taking from a specific plant and transplanted into a growing environment where it is cared for until its root system takes hold. The resulting plant may not be an exact replica of its mother, but it is as close as we can get.

Many growers like to use clones because they want to make more of a specific cannabis strain. It likely is popular among consumers. It may also be a particularly healthy plant that grows well and provides a high yield, making it an ideal plant for growers to continue growing and selling.

Other benefits of working with clones include:

• They are usually fast-growing.
• They are female plants, so growers don’t need to worry about males popping up.
• Growers can better anticipate how their clone crops will behave.  

However, clones also come with their own difficulties for growers. They can undergo something called transplant shock when planted. To prevent this and ensure they take root, growers need to provide consistent and quality care to ensure the clone plant survives.

Some other factors to consider before growing clones are:

• They can have weak root structures if you purchase low-quality clones.
• Clones tend to cost more than seeds do.

A Look at Cannabis Seeds

Cannabis seeds are another option when it comes to growing your own cannabis. Cannabis seeds are similar to any other seed you plant. The seed is germinated by a male and then planted. Growers tend to the seeds until they flower and can be harvested.

If you are considering seeds, you have three choices:

• Regular, which will develop like average seeds and give you a mix of male and female plants.
• Feminized, which will give you all female plants (though some may end up hermaphroditic).
• Auto-flowering, which will flower on their own and require less light than other seeds.

One of the main reasons people choose seeds over clones is that seeds allow growers to manage the cultivation process from the beginning to the end. For those who want to get their hands dirty growing their own cannabis, seeds may be the preferred option.

Other benefits of seeds include:

• They are generally more affordable than clones.
• They are easier to buy in bulk and cost less to ship.
• They offer growers more options when it comes to choosing the strains they want to grow.
• If auto-flowering seeds are chosen, they have a faster growth time.

Although tending to seeds from the beginning to the end can be appealing to some growers, it can be a drawback to others. Growing seeds are a bit more work than tending to clones.

Other potential problems with using seeds include:

• Seedlings are fragile until they become well-established, leaving growers at risk of losing them.
• If you don’t choose an auto-flowering option, you’ll have longer growing times than clones do.
• The germination stage is a part of growing seeds, and this requires patience to complete.

Which Is Better for Growing? Seeds or Clones?

So, what type of plant is better for growing cannabis? The answer is: It depends on you.

Before you purchase either clones or seeds, you’ll need to take some time to think about your preferences and how involved in the process you want to be. Before deciding to use clones or seeds, ask yourself:

• Do you want to wait for seeds to germinate?
• Do you want to know the sex of the plants ahead of time?
• How much room do you have to devote to growing your crop?
• Do you want a replica of a specific plant or a seed that pulls in different characteristics of its parents?

Whichever route you choose to take to grow your cannabis, be sure you get your starter product from a reputable source. Read reviews of their seedlings, clones, and seeds in general before you purchase. Starting with a defective product will inevitably guarantee you have trouble growing your cannabis.

You’ll also want to make sure you research how to care for your cannabis plants before committing to growing them. This will help you successfully grow cannabis and help you determine if you want to go the clone or seed route.

Final Thoughts

If you plan to start growing cannabis at home, there is an important decision you must make before starting the process. You’ll need to decide if you want to grow cannabis using clones or seeds.

Although one is not necessarily better for growing cannabis, one will be better for you when growing cannabis. Each option brings its own pros and cons and requires different amounts and types of care to grow successfully. They also produce different plants.

Clones are (near) exact replicas of their mother. While their environment will influence how they turn out slightly, their effects and how they turn out will closely resemble their parent. They tend to grow faster and will only produce female plants, which benefit many growers.

On the other hand, seeds combine genetics from their parents. You will have to germinate, plant, and care for them until they flower and are ready for harvesting. They allow growers to be involved with their growth every step of the way, but for some, this is more work than they want to put in.

For many marijuana users, the scent of a fresh cannabis bud is hard to beat. It also can help users determine the quality of the bud. Opening up your newly purchased cannabis can be an experience unlike any other.

But, what exactly is responsible for the smell cannabis plants have? And, why does smell matter? We’ll dive into the role of scent in marijuana buds below.

What Are Terpenes?

When it comes to the smell of a particular marijuana plant, we have something called terpenes to thank.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds. When it comes to cannabis, terpenes are responsible for the scent and smell of each marijuana strain.

There are more than 200 different terpenes in existence (that we know about right now). Though there are so many kinds of terpenes, the levels at which specific ones are present in plants will vary. Sometimes only trace amounts of particular terpenes are present. The most prominent terpene profile in a plant is what drives the different scents strains have.   

You’ve likely noticed the tiny hairs that cover cannabis plants. These give plants their crystal-like sheen. These are called trichomes, and these are responsible for the terpene production in marijuana.

The Entourage Effect

In addition to giving different strains their signature smell, terpenes have another crucial role to play as well. 

Terpenes have been shown to work with other compounds found in marijuana, like THC and CBD, to enhance the effects they offer or take away from the results.

This is credited to the entourage effect.

The entourage effect, or ensemble effect, refers to the support different compounds give each other. It essentially states that all compounds produce better and more balanced effects working together than they do when alone and isolated.

Why Do Growers Want to Increase Their Crop’s Terpenes?

Because terpenes play such an essential role in the makeup of marijuana, many growers work to find ways to increase their plant’s terpene profile. But, aside from their benefits as part of the entourage effect, why should they put in so much effort?

Growers often want to increase terpene production in plants because:

• The smell is important to consumers. The nose can play a significant role in helping users decide what strains they want to purchase. The stronger the aroma, the more appealing a strain will be to customers.
• They improve flavor. Like the smell, the taste is another common deciding factor when you wish to try new strains of marijuana. Terpenes help influence taste and smell, so more terpenes mean a more flavorful bud.
• They provide benefits independent from cannabis. Though the effects of marijuana are determined mainly by its cannabinoid makeup, terpenes can bring their benefits to the table, too. For example, myrcene (a terpene) is known to increase the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD. This is why the entourage effect is vital. So, stronger terpenes can produce more potent effects for users.

Overall, a solid terpene presence can create a better marijuana bud. These flowers will appeal to more customers, leading to more sales and more revenue.

How to Increase Terpenes When Growing Marijuana

While terpenes are naturally occurring in nature, there are some steps growers can take to increase their presence while growing cannabis. Here are some tips to help you ensure you have the most terpenes possible in your strain.

• Know that genetics plays an important role. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to turn a low-quality plant with a low terpene profile into a highly aromatic and flavorful plant. When purchasing clones or seeds to grow cannabis, make sure they are of high quality and have a good genetic background.
• Soil matters. Though indoor growers can grow marijuana via methods other than using dirt, doing so can impact your terpene profile. To ensure you get the best terpenes possible, use quality soil to grow your plants. Good soil will contain the nutrients they need to flourish.  
• Monitor sunlight exposure carefully. Good light can do a lot to increase your plant’s terpene profile. Not only does good, regular light exposure ensure your terpenes are present, light exposure can also influence the strain’s effects.

Note: To ensure light is adequate when growing your plants indoors, make sure they are well-spaced out in their containers.

• Defoliation is important. The process of trimming your cannabis plant’s leaves is called defoliation. By keeping your leaves trimmed, you’ll open up space in the canopy, which will allow more light to reach your plants. More light, as we know, means a better terpene profile at the end.
• Handle your plants with care. Trichomes are fragile and can easily be destroyed when the plant is handled. To preserve your plant’s trichomes and thus ensure maximum terpene production, limit how often your buds are handled or moved. When you do touch them, be as gentle and thoughtful as possible.
• Harvest your buds at the right time. You’ll want to harvest your buds when they are at the maximum terpene-producing stage. If you harvest your plants too early, there will be fewer trichomes present, which means less terpene production. On the other hand, harvesting too late can mean the plant’s terpene profile is already starting to break down and degrade.
• A correct curing process is essential. Finally, the process of drying your buds (called curing) is critical in preserving the terpene profile of your plants. Slow-drying your plants at the proper temperature will help prevent terpenes from degrading as they dry.

Terpene Production in a Nutshell

Terpenes play a crucial role in determining the smell, taste, and effects different cannabis strains have to offer. A strong terpene presence can mean a better product, which will leave you with happier customers and more money in your bank account.

Though terpenes are naturally occurring, there are things growers can do to ensure a strong terpene profile. When it comes to enhancing your terpene profile, genetics, soil quality, light, and even the harvesting process play a role.

Planting:

We recommend planting your plant into a larger pot by the time they are 1 month old. The transplant date can be found on the plant tag that came inside the pot. It is recommended that you use at least a 10 gallon pot, or plant directly into the ground. 

Lighting:

We recommend placing your plant under supplemental lighting to start, with an 18-hour light cycle. Any more, and it may be stressful for the plant, as a sudden change to its environment. Any less than 18-hour light cycle may cause the plant to go into flower prematurely. 

We would not recommend putting your plant outside or without supplemental light sources until June 1, as the days are still too short until that date. 

Watering:

We recommend watering every 2-3 days. To prevent over-watering, it is best to take signals from the plant itself that it is ready for water. These signals include drooping leaves, and lightweight pot. 

Foliar care: 

We recommend using a beneficial foliar spray 2-3 times a week. There are lots of home remedies you can create yourself from basic household products, but we like to recommend Plant Therapy by Lost Coast as a preventative for powdery mildew, and H2O2 to promote oxygen absorption to the leaves. 

Once your plant has grown to about half of the finished size, it is time to flip to flower! The plant’s natural photoperiod ability will recognize when the days shorten, and with the impending light shortage, it will create flowers nearing the end of its life cycle. 

Flower times vary by strain, so be sure to refer to our product pages for more information on the strains you are growing. That being said, the flower times may vary, and visually observing the plant will be the best indicator as to when the plant has finished flowering. 

You will want to trim all the limbs of the plant off, and hang them upside down in a well ventilated and low humidity area, preferably indoors. The buds may take several days to several weeks to dry completely. Once the buds are 25% humidity, they are ready to be used! We recommend trimming the fan leaves off of the buds at this point, and enjoy! 

In summary, the choice between seeds and clones depends on your personal preferences and needs. Seeds offer genetic diversity and long-term storage options but require a longer grow time, while clones offer consistency and time-saving benefits but have limited genetic diversity and higher risk of pests and diseases.

The best growing medium for clones depends on your growing conditions and personal preference. Popular options include soil, coco coir, and hydroponic systems like rockwool or aeroponics. Choose a medium that works best for your setup and provides your plants with the necessary nutrients and moisture.

How often should I water?

Clones require more frequent watering than mature plants. Water your clones when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged.

What kind of lighting should I use?

Clones require less intense lighting than mature plants, as they are more delicate and sensitive to high levels of light. T5 fluorescent lights or LED grow lights are popular options for clones, as they provide gentle, even lighting without producing excessive heat.

Do you have a green thumb? Do you enjoy gardening and nurturing plants until they grow? Do you enjoy using cannabis?

If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you might have given some thought to growing your own cannabis. After all, you are an expert at growing plants.

While you can certainly grow your own cannabis if you wish, you will need to think it through before you do. Growing weed is a little more work than you may realize. Without the proper care and conditions, your cannabis won’t flower or won’t be of good quality if it does.

Below, we’ll dive into what you need to know before purchasing your seeds or clones and starting growing cannabis inside your home.

Why Grow Your Own Cannabis Indoors?

Before we look at what you need to start growing cannabis, let’s look at why you may want to do so in the first place.

Some people may find growing cannabis as an opportunity to start a new hobby and learn a little in the process. Finding a new hobby you can do at home is a benefit. Plus, if you find you excel at growing your own cannabis, you may want to try your hand at other types of gardening.

Growing your own cannabis also gives you total control over the product you consume. You choose the strain or strains you want to grow, decide when they flower, and know precisely what has been used to grow your plant. For many, growing cannabis gives them peace of mind over the product they consume.

When you decide to grow your cannabis indoors, you also control the environment and can grow it year-round, regardless of what the weather is like outside. You can adjust temperature settings, humidity, and lighting to create the perfect environment for your plants.

Finally, you can save some money in the long run. Purchasing the equipment needed to start growing weed can be expensive. But if you do well growing your product and continue to do it in the long run, you’ll see a return on your investment and save money on purchasing weed from a dispensary.

What It Takes to Grow Pot

Before you start growing weed, you need to take time to think about what all that will entail. Growing cannabis requires:

• An understanding of how cannabis grows and its various growing and flowering cycles
• Special equipment and enough space to hold it all
• Time to devote to caring for your plants
• Money for the initial upfront costs required to set up your indoor grow space

What You Need to Start Growing

So, if you think growing cannabis sounds like something you want to try, how do you get started? We break down what you need to do to get started with your new project.

1. Decide where your grow room will be. You will need to choose a dedicated place for your plants. Because your plants require a specific environment, you will need a space that is solely for your plants and where they can stay without having to be moved. This room can be anything from your basement to a spare room in your house, or even a closet.
2. Create the perfect climate. Once you have your room chosen, you’ll need to get the equipment needed to create the conditions your plants will need to thrive. Creating the perfect climate can involve purchasing everything from air conditioning to a heater, a dehumidifier or a humidifier, or all of the above. If you use your basement, which is often cold and damp, you’ll want a heater to warm it up to the correct temperatures and a dehumidifier to control moisture.
3. Get your lighting. Did you know that the lighting cannabis plants are exposed to can trigger the flowering cycle? Having light you can control is essential to successfully growing plants. Your plants will need about 18 hours of light a day when they are in their vegetative state and 12 hours when flowering. So, not only will you need strong lights to give them the sun they need, but you’ll also want to make sure the light doesn’t leak outside of the grow room.
4. Think about airflow. Cannabis plants need fresh air and carbon dioxide to grow and thrive. To give them this, you’ll need to ensure your grow room has air movement. This will also help get the hot air out and let cool air in. You’ll need exhaust fans and port fans to keep the air flowing properly for your plants.
5. Purchase tools. As you grow your cannabis, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the temperature, humidity, and airflow in your grow room. To help you keep track of all this, you’ll need various tools.
6. Get growing equipment. You will also need the equipment required to grow your plants. This will include soil, growing containers, and the seeds or plants themselves. You’ll need to do some research to determine what types of containers and plants are the best option for you.

Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list. There are more things you may find you need to create the perfect grow room. Be sure to do thorough research as you prepare your grow room so you’ll have everything you need.

Final Thoughts

Growing cannabis indoors at home is appealing to many people. Though it requires an investment up front to set up your indoor growing space, it is well worth it for many home growers. Just be sure you do your research so you know what you need and how to properly care for your cannabis plants.

If growing your plants sounds like more than you want to take on, you can, of course, purchase cannabis and cannabis products from online dispensaries. Just be sure they are reputable and have a good reputation so you know you are getting a good, quality plant.

To prevent pests and diseases, it’s important to maintain a clean and sanitary grow environment. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands and tools before working with your clones, and avoid introducing pests or diseases from outside sources. Use a gentle, natural pesticide to treat any infestations, and keep a close eye on your plants for signs of disease.

When can I transplant into a larger container?

Once your clones have established roots and are showing new growth, they are ready to be transplanted into larger containers. This usually takes 1-2 weeks after rooting, depending on the strain and growing conditions. Transplant your clones into a larger container with fresh soil, and water thoroughly to promote healthy growth.