How to Grow Cannabis At Home

At Trulieve, our Cultivation Team is stacked with expert growers who are passionate about the craft of growing cannabis. With deep knowledge and appreciation for their work, they know that every step matters in producing superior plants. From starting seeds to pheno hunting to cutting clones and growing big, beautiful flower, our team is well-versed in every stage of the cultivation process and understand what it takes to bring out the best in each strain.

And now that more states are offering the option to legally grow cannabis in your home or backyard, we’re spreading the knowledge to the canna-curious and would-be home growers.

Here are a few steps and tips from our master growers to guide you towards great cannabis of your own.

TIPS FROM THE GROWERS:

1. Start with high-quality plants. You’ll want to obtain your clone plants from a trustworthy cultivator who can provide the healthiest, highest-quality plants in a variety of verified strains. If you’re in a legal home grow state, check your nearest Trulieve location for limited edition clone and seed sales! If you're starting from seed, start with step 2. If you already have a plant, skip to step 3.
2. Germinate the seeds. Germination is the process of creating the right environment for the seed to sprout and start growing its first root, known as the tap root. There are 3 methods you can use to germinate a cannabis seed. Each strain will have its own preferences as you experience its full grow cycle:
   • Water method – Fill a cup with room temperature water and drop the seeds into the cup of water. Leave this cup of water in a dark place to simulate the seed being under the ground and in total darkness. After 24-48 hours, this seed will sink to the bottom of the water and spit open as the tap root emerges. Once the tap root is about ½” long, you can gently remove the sprouted seed from the cup and plant it in your growing container just below the surface of the soil with the tap root pointed downwards. This method can take about 1-5 days.
   • Paper towel method – The most known method is the moist paper towel in a plastic bag method. You simply moisten a paper towel, place the seeds on the towel and fold it in half. Then place the moist paper towel and seeds inside a plastic Ziploc bag and wait for the tap root to grow long enough to move this seed to its growing container. This method can take anywhere from 2-7 days.
   • Direct sow in final container – You can also germinate your cannabis seed directly in the soil and final container you are growing your plants in. Make sure you keep the seeds moist in the soil. This method is very easy and hands-off; simply wait for the seed to sprout above the surface of the soil! This method can be beneficial since you remove the transplanting process. The process of transplanting a seedling can cause a minimal amount of stress to the plant, which can temporarily shock the plant. However, cannabis plants are resilient! You can still transplant successfully if that is the route you choose. Be sure to give the plants adequate water and lighting to keep them strong post-transplant.
3. Choose a growing medium. You can grow cannabis in soil or in a hydroponic system. If you choose soil, make sure it is a high-quality potting mix. If you're in a cannabis-friendly state, ask your local garden shop or grow supplies store if they have any products specific to the plant. Make sure to choose the right soil for optimal growth, preferably organic, nutrient-rich and well-draining.
4. Plant the clone. Gently plant the clone in the growing medium, making sure to cover the roots completely. We often recommend starting your clone in a 1-gallon pot, but it will eventually need to be transplanted to reach its full potential. Water the plant thoroughly.
5. Provide nutrients. Cannabis plants require nutrients to grow properly. You can use organic or synthetic fertilizers to provide these nutrients. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for the correct amounts to use. PH test your water/nutrient mix to 5.8-6.2 PH for optimal performance.
6. Monitor the plant's growth. Check the plant daily to ensure the plant is receiving enough light, water, and nutrients. Purchase a thermometer hygrometer to help measure the temperature and humidity level in your grow room in real time. There are also devices you can purchase that will send a notification to your phone if temperature or humidity levels are out of specs.
7. Re-pot your plant. Once the plant has an established, sturdy root system, you’ll want to replant it into either a larger pot (5 gallons should do) or into the ground if you are growing outdoors.
8. Harvest the plant. Cannabis plants typically take 3-4 months to mature when grown indoors. Outdoors, on the other hand, may take longer depending on the climate. When the flowers are fully developed and the trichomes (small resin glands) are cloudy or amber in color, it's time to harvest the plant!