The cannabis plant goes through several distinct stages of growth, and each one requires different care and attention. One of the most important stages is the seedling stage, which is the period when the plant is just starting to sprout from its seed.
What is a Cannabis Seedling?
The seedling stage is the first stage of growth for the cannabis plant. It begins after the seed has germinated, and the first set of true leaves have emerged from the seed shell.
Seedlings are very small and delicate, and they are particularly susceptible to a range of environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and light. That is why it’s so important to give your seedlings the right conditions to thrive.
Once you have germinated seeds, the seedling begins to develop its root system, which will anchor the plant and provide it with nutrients and water.
The marijuana seedling stage typically lasts for 2-3 weeks, during these first few weeks of life your plant will need a little more care and attention. You can ensure successful growth by growing in certain containers in specific growing mediums.
Select the Right Container and Medium
Choosing the right container and medium for your weed seedlings is crucial to their growth and development. It’s important to select a container that provides adequate drainage or one that will allow you to make drainage holes. Many growers prefer to use solo cups or other small plastic containers during the seedling stage. If you decide to use a solo cup to start your seeds, cut four small holes on the bottom of the cup to allow drainage, and always save your cups to reuse repeatedly.
Besides small plastic containers, you can grow your seedlings in biodegradable pots that do not require transplanting. Keep your biodegradable pots pliable by keeping water in the nursery tray they are sitting in.
Cannabis seedling roots do not want a lot of resistance, especially at this young stage so ensuring they can easily penetrate the biodegradable pots is important. This is especially true for autoflower seedlings.
Autoflowers developed a defense mechanism that can trigger them into flowering stage when they encounter stress. Planting them into their forever home as soon as possible and limiting root-bound or stress is ideal. Link to Auto Flower Guide