The Cannabis Grow Bible. Greg Green

      Indica

      Germination in the initial stages as the plumule (seedling root) pushes through the seed shell.

      The seed shell is still attached to the cotyledon (first seedling leaf). Photo Paradise Seeds.

      Germination is the initial stage of growth and occurs when the seed’s embryo breaks through the shell, the testa, and the seedling produces its first initial root, the plumule. This root fixes itself into the germination medium and pushes the newborn seedling up and over the surface. Following surface contact, two embryonic leaves, the cotyledons, open outward to receive sunlight, pushing the empty testa away from the seedling. It takes anywhere between 12 hours and 3 weeks for seeds to germinate.

      Sometimes the shell can be removed by hand if it appears to be obstructing the seedling’s growth. In nature the wind helps to shake the seed shell away. Since artificial wind is not initially used in the germination environment, some seedlings find it harder to shed their shell, although most do not have a problem doing so. Care should be taken not to damage the seedling when removing the shell.

       Seedling

      After the first pair of embryonic leaves receives light, the plant will begin to produce another small set of new leaves. These leaves are different from the first two and may have some more noticeable marijuana characteristics, such as the threerounded, finger-shaped points. As the seedling grows, more of these leaves are formed and bush upward along with the stem. Some stems are very weak at this sub-stage and need the support of a small, thin wooden stake tied to the seedling with some fine thread. The seedling sub-stage can last between one and three weeks. At the end of the seedling sub-stage, your plant will have between four and eight new leaves while some of the original bottom leaves and cotyledons may have dropped off.

      This is a seedling that is approaching vegetative growth. It is around this time that growers may move these plants to the main grow room.

      This is a cutting, or clone, that is being prepared for propagation. You can tell the difference because the cutting looks more like a branch than grown from seed.

      This is a mother plant that is kept as a clone donor. You can identify mothers by their many branches, created by the grower to provide lots of areas to cut from.

      Here we have a range of plants in vegetative growth in the grow room. Notice the healthy upward pointing leaves.

      This is a good example of how a high trichome count can undermine the principle that a high calyx to leaf ratio is a desirable trait in marijuana plants. Here the trichomes almost seem to be covering the plant in a balm.

       Vegetative Growth

      The plant now begins to grow at the rate that its leaves can produce energy. At this stage the plant needs all the light and food it can use. It will continue to grow upward and produce new leaves. It will also develop a thicker stem and thicker branches, as well as its maximum finger (blades) numbers on the leaves; it will eventually start to show its sex, when mature enough to do so. Then it is time for the plant to enter pre-flowering. The vegetative growth stage can last between one and five months.

       Pre-flowering

      At this sub-stage, the plant’s upward growth slows. Instead of growing taller,⁴⁶ the plant starts to produce more branches and nodes. The plant fills out during this stage and will start to show a calyx where the branches meet the stem (nodes). This calyx is the ultimate indicator that the plant is in the pre-flowering phase of growth and is mature enough to flower. Pre-flowering can last anywhere from one day to two weeks. During this sub-stage, plants start to exhibit signs of their sex and more calyx development takes place at other node points.

      Seeds grow within the calyx of the flowers. Usually they are not visible being covered by the calyx but growth bursts eventually produce what you see here. Photo Paradise Seeds.

       Flowering

      Here, the plant continues to fill out. The plant’s sex is now clearly evident. The male plant produces tiny, creamy, yellow sphere shapes that are clustered together like grapes. The female plant produces little white pistils that look like oily tentacles coming out of a pod. Each of the plants will continue to fill out and their flowers will continue to grow. It can take between 4 and 6 weeks for the plant to fully develop its flowers, depending on the strain. During this time the male’s pollen sacks would have burst, spreading pollen to the female flowers.

       Seed Production

      The female plant will produce seeds at this point if she has received viable pollen from a male plant. The seeds grow within the female bud and can take anywhere between 2 and 16 weeks to grow to full maturity. The female pistils may change color before finally bursting the seedpods, sending them to the soil below. Breeders like to collect seeds before the seedpods burst.

       THE DECISION TO GROW

      Important issues to bear in mind before you decide to grow cannabis:

      • What do you hope to achieve—high potency, high yield, one or many plants?

      • Which species/strain best meets your needs?

      • Are you willing to spend over $100 for 10 seeds?

      • Will you grow indoors or outdoors?

      • How do the people you live with feel about this?

      • Do you have time to take care of your plants?

      • Do you have someone you trust to take care of your plants in your absence?

      • How secure is your grow area?

      • Are people going to walk past your grow site?

      • Can you hide the smell when the plants start to flower?

      • Do you have the patience to wait a few months before sampling what you produce?

      • Are you prepared to spend money on lights and other grow items?

      • Are you prepared to pay the costs of a higher electricity bill?

      • Are you aware of the risks for the amount you plan to grow?

      • Are you sure you really want to do this?

      • Can you afford a good attorney if you think there could be legal consequences to your grow?

      • Have you any previous convictions which could be used as a legal prejudice against you if you are charged with growing cannabis?

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