The most traditional method for cultivation of cannabis is, without argument, from seed. Archeological finds suggest that humans have been planting cannabis seeds for the last 4,500 years, at least. It has been argued that cannabis may be one of humankind’s first cultivated crops. However, the topic of discussion for today, is how you can carry on this tradition and grow your own cannabis from seed.
This article assumes that you are familiar with the legalities of growing outdoors in Missouri and that you have spent the time to carefully select appropriate genetics for your outdoor climate.
There are two basic methods I recommend for planting cannabis from seed outdoors: open soil germination, and protected germination.
Protected germination: As with other garden crops, protected germination can help you get a head start on the growing season. Installing an inexpensive cold frame is a good way to protect your seeds while germinating and will likely be the new gardeners best bet. Greenhouses are even better but can be cost prohibitive.
Assuming you have had time to prepare you garden’s soil, I recommend installing your cold frame in early March. This will allow your soil to warm up, which will be critical to proper germination. Placing gallon jugs of water on the north side of your cold frame is a great way to keep the micro-environment inside warmer during the cold, early spring nights. It will also ward off late spring frosts.
By late March/early April, the soil under the cold frame will have warmed enough to germinate your seeds directly in the soil. Follow the germination instructions below. Be sure to give the new seedling air to breath on those nice days and watch for the very warm spring days because temperatures inside a cold frame can get unexpectedly high (pun intended).
It’s also worth mentioning that you can start seedlings inside and bring them out, but you will need to be careful about the intensity difference in light and the temperature differential. Both of these things can cause your young plants to suffer and stunt growth. It’s always best to allow your plants time to adjust to the new outdoor environment.
Open soil germination: This is just as it sounds – planting seeds the old fashioned way. In this case, I recommend waiting until mid April before thinking about putting your seeds in the soil. Your soil should be around 55 degreesF at 1″ before introducing your seeds to it. If soil temperatures are lower then you risk molding your seeds before they have a chance to sprout. Do be careful of mice and birds – cannabis seeds make a great snack!
Germination instructions: This isn’t so different from germinating indoors except that you want the actual cracking of the seeds to occur in the soil. As with bringing new seedlings outside, if your seeds are already germinating (showing a new root) then the temperature difference from indoors to the soil may cause serious issues. It can take seeds upwards of a week to germinate outdoors.
- Soak the seeds in water for 8-12 hours
- Move soaked seeds (before they germinate) outdoor to soil
- Cover with 1/8″ loose soil
- Wait patiently
- Repeat step 4
You can usually plant cannabis anytime between late April and early June. The earlier you plant, the larger the plant will be. However, plant too soon and you could lose the plant to early spring cold snaps. Plant too late and you may get the smallest flower, or you flowers may not have time to finish before the fall rains come.
Tell us, how do you sow your seeds outdoor?
Happy Harvests!
— The Lit Farmer —