For you dear readers, Ethnic's guide to the most important macro and micro nutrients a marijuana plant needs to reach its full potential.
CHOOSING CANNABIS FERTILIZERS WISELY
Cannabis plants perform their normal life functions through photosynthesis, a process that converts light into energy. Marijuana growers need to be aware of this important natural mechanism in order to minimize the risk of making mistakes (such as thinking they can get better yields by applying large amounts of chemical fertilizer)
There are a number of possible variables to consider before choosing the best cannabis fertilizers and knowing how to administer them at the right time. The two most important things to consider are the variety of cannabis you will be growing and the growing method you will be using.
The goal is to incorporate the right fertilizers according to the growing medium used and to adapt their quantities to the specific needs of each variety of cannabis.
BASIC CANNABIS NUTRIENTS
The three letters you will often see on the labels of your cannabis fertilizers or stimulators are N, P and K. These are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively.
By basic nutrients, we mean the macro-nutrients that are essential for plant growth and that the grower will need to add to the water to enrich the substrate. When the fertilizer is of good quality, small concentrations of other important nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and other trace elements should also be present.
Generally speaking, during the vegetative growth phase, plants need more N and less P and K. However, once the flowering phase begins, more P and K should be provided, while nitrogen should be gradually reduced, thus reversing the previous proportions. This is why fertilizers are sold separately according to the specific development phase of the plant: vegetative or flowering.
Soil growers can be satisfied with water only for the first 2-3 weeks, as some soil mixes contain sufficient amounts of macro- and micro-nutrients to fertilize cannabis plants during the early stages of their growth. We are referring to the period from the seedling stage to the vegetative growth phase.
However, those who grow hydroponically or with coco fibers will need to add these basic nutrients early in the plants' life, at about 25% of the recommended doses. This is because both of these growing methods use inert substrates, meaning no added fertilizers.
To avoid over-fertilizing young plants, many growers use pre-fertilized rooting cubes for seed germination, which require only water until the roots begin to emerge from the cube, indicating it is time to transplant.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR HEMP
Cannabis supplements are fertilizers to be incorporated into normal fertilization plans. Unless you are an experienced organic outdoor grower who can create a perfectly balanced soil mix like a true professional, you should seriously consider these products.
Supplements play an important role throughout the cannabis development cycle. Beneficial fungi and micro-organisms, such as mycorrhizae, can be added to the substrate without having to invest too much money. In this way, the root system will be stimulated to become stronger and healthier.
Mycorrhizae, for example, can be added early in the life of plants, stimulating their growth through the symbiotic relationship between the mycorrhizae and the root system.
Enzymes are perhaps the most important supplements to add during vegetative growth and flowering. These catalysts have the ability to unlock the full potential of cannabis plants.
In addition, enzymes maintain the balance at the root level and facilitate the assimilation of macro- and micro-nutrients. Often overlooked by growers, enzymes are very important in marijuana cultivation.
Liquid silicon fertilizers, for example, are equally important supplements for cannabis, especially for hydroponic growers. Adding a small weekly dose of silicon throughout the plant's life cycle helps prevent several potentially harmful pathogens.
Silicon strengthens the cell walls and therefore protects and enhances the growth of cannabis plants. A healthy, vigorous plant is much less susceptible to pests and diseases. Bud rot is unlikely in marijuana plants grown with liquid silicon products.
Another supplement is organic molasses, which can be found cheaply in most supermarkets. It is a super-stimulant rich in important trace elements for cannabis. There is nothing more effective for the survival of soil microorganisms. Its use is not recommended for hydroponic cultures because it can block the irrigation channels.
However, if you are growing organically, we highly recommend using molasses in all your crops. It is incredibly effective in the late stages of flowering: it stimulates resin production and gives the inflorescences very distinctive flavors.
FLOWERING STIMULATORS
Flowering stimulators specially formulated for cannabis must be chosen with great care. Marijuana strains may respond very well to one brand of stimulator and less well to others. Some strains don't need it at all.
As you become more familiar with your cannabis strains and perfect your growing techniques, you will decide for yourself which product is best for your conditions. Excessive use of any fertilizer is very risky. Too high a concentration of P and K can burn the buds instead of increasing their weight.
FOLIAR SPRAYING
Marijuana can also take up nutrients through its leaves. Foliar feeding is a good alternative to use when the plants start to develop their first leaves. The best time to spray fertilizer on the leaves is two hours after the lights are turned on, to avoid a slow effect on the leaves.
The best place to spray is on the lower surface of the leaves, whenever possible. Avoid soaking the plants, otherwise you may have problems with mildew.
Throughout the vegetative growth phase, and up to the third week of flowering, plants can be sprayed on the leaves. Especially in very hot weather, foliar feeding can act as a real tonic. We do not recommend spraying after the third week of flowering, as this will increase the moisture content of the buds and lead to inflorescence rot.
