How to Grow Weed from Seeds: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

For many people who enjoy cannabis every now and then, the idea of growing it yourself is quite appealing - it’s far easier and potentially, way cheaper. 

Indeed, growing cannabis from seeds can be an incredibly rewarding experience, whether you’re cultivating for personal use or as a little side hobby. With the right knowledge, patience and care, there’s no reason why you can’t produce high-quality plants at home. 

This guide will take you through the entire process, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting and curing your buds.

How To Choose the Right Cannabis Seeds

The first step in growing weed is choosing the right seeds, and although this may sound mundane (all seeds are the same, right?), it’s actually not. 

In reality, there are three main types:

• Feminised seeds: These produce only female plants, which are the ones that generate smokable buds. They are ideal for beginners since they eliminate the need to identify and remove male plants.
• Autoflowering seeds: These grow quickly and don’t rely on light cycles to flower, making them a great option for those who want an easy-to-manage grow.
• Regular seeds: These can produce both male and female plants, requiring growers to separate the males to avoid pollination. Regular seeds are often used for breeding projects.

When you’re selecting your seeds, you need to consider factors like strain type (Indica, Sativa, or hybrid), THC/CBD content and growing conditions. Plenty off reputable seed banks provide detailed descriptions of each strain’s characteristics which makes it easier to choose the right one for your needs - and if you don’t know, just ask. 

Germination: Bringing Your Seeds to Life

Once you have your seeds, the next step is germination. This is the process of encouraging your seeds to sprout before planting them in soil or another growing medium. There are several methods, but the most common and reliable one is the paper towel method:

Dampen a paper towel with distilled water and place your seeds on one half.

Fold the towel over the seeds and place it inside a plastic container or between two plates to retain moisture.

Keep the setup in a warm, dark place (around 20–25°C).

Check daily and mist with water if the towel starts to dry out.

Within 24–72 hours, your seeds should crack open, and a small taproot will appear. Once this happens, they’re ready for planting.

Planting Your Germinated Seeds

Carefully transfer your germinated seeds to their growing medium. A small pot filled with light, well-aerated soil is an excellent starting point. Make a small hole about 1–2 cm deep, place the seed inside with the taproot facing down and cover it lightly with a bit of soil.

For the best possible results, keep the soil slightly damp but not soaked. If you start overwatering at this stage, you’re likely to cause root rot, so it’s important to maintain balanced moisture.

Providing the Right Growing Conditions

To ensure your cannabis plants thrive, you’ll need to create the right environment. This involves managing factors such as light, temperature, humidity, and nutrients.

Light Requirements

Cannabis plants need plenty of light to grow strong and healthy. If you’re growing i indoors, you can use LED, HPS or CFL grow lights. Autoflowering strains require 18–24 hours of light daily, while photoperiod plants need 18 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours during flowering.

Outdoor growers should aim for a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature and Humidity

Maintaining the right temperature and humidity levels is crucial. Young plants prefer temperatures between 20–25°C and humidity levels around 60–70%. As the plants mature, humidity should be gradually reduced to 40–50% to prevent mould.

Watering and Nutrients

Overwatering is a common mistake among beginners. Always allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly before watering again. The frequency depends on factors such as pot size, temperature, and plant size.

Cannabis plants require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at different stages:

• Vegetative stage: High nitrogen, moderate phosphorus and potassium
• Flowering stage: Low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium

Many growers use organic fertilisers like compost tea, worm castings or pre-mixed nutrient solutions that are designed specifically for cannabis.

Vegetative Stage: Encouraging Strong Growth

During the vegetative stage, your plants will focus on growing leaves and stems. This stage typically lasts from three to eight weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions.

To encourage strong growth, make sure your plants have:

• Sufficient light exposure
• A balanced watering schedule
• Nutrient-rich soil or fertiliser
• Good airflow to prevent disease

At this stage, some growers choose to train their plants using techniques like Low-Stress Training (LST) or topping to promote a more even canopy and higher yields.

Flowering Stage: Bud Development Begins

The flowering stage is when your plants start producing buds. If you’re growing photoperiod strains indoors, you’ll need to switch your lighting to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to trigger flowering. Autoflowers, on the other hand, will begin flowering automatically.

During this phase, plants require more phosphorus and potassium to support bud development. Reduce humidity to around 40–50% to prevent mould and mildew. Over the next 6–10 weeks, your buds will gradually grow and develop trichomes which contain THC and other cannabinoids.

Harvesting: When and How Should You Cut Your Plants?

Knowing when to harvest is crucial for getting the best potency and flavour from your buds. Look for the following signs:

• Pistils (hairs) start turning orange or brown
• Trichomes (resin glands) change from clear to milky white or amber
• Leaves begin to yellow as the plant finishes its lifecycle

To harvest the plant, cut the branches and trim off excess fan leaves. Hang the buds upside down in a cool, dark room with good airflow to dry them slowly over one to two weeks.

Curing: Enhancing Flavour and Potency

Once dried, curing improves the smoothness, flavour and potency of your cannabis. Place the dried buds in airtight glass jars, opening them daily for the first two weeks to release excess moisture. After about a month, your cannabis will have a much better taste and aroma.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Overwatering and Underwatering

If the leaves start looking droopy and weak, you may be overwatering. Let the soil dry out before the next watering. If the leaves are dry and brittle, on the other hand, increase your watering slightly. It’s all about achieving the perfect balance. 

Nutrient Deficiencies

Yellowing leaves are normally indicative of a nitrogen deficiency, while purple stems may suggest a phosphorus shortage. Adjust your feeding schedule accordingly.

Pests and Mould

Common cannabis pests include spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations. Ensure good airflow and reduce humidity to prevent mould.

FAQs

How long does it take to grow cannabis from seed?

It depends on the strain and growing conditions, but most cannabis plants take 3–5 months from seed to harvest. Autoflowers are usually ready in 8–12 weeks.

Can I grow cannabis indoors without special equipment?

Yes, but for the best possible results, you’ll need grow lights, ventilation and proper nutrients. A small grow tent setup is ideal for beginners, even though it might sound quite fancy.

What’s the easiest strain to grow for beginners?

Autoflowering strains like Northern Lights, Blueberry Auto and White Widow Auto are great for beginners due to their resilience and short growing time.

Can I grow cannabis outside in the UK?

Yes, but the climate can be challenging. Choose fast-flowering or autoflowering strains and plant them in late spring to ensure they finish before autumn’s cold and wet conditions.

Is it legal to grow cannabis in the UK?

Currently, cannabis cultivation is illegal in the UK without a license. Always check local laws before starting a grow.

Growing cannabis from seed is a rewarding process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. By following these steps, even beginners can cultivate high-quality cannabis at home.

To find out more about growing weed from seeds, contact Oaseeds today.