Your marijuana plants need varying types of light with varying intensities at different stages of growth.

In Part I, you learned about the various types of marijuana grow lights you can use. It’s important that you understand when to deploy the different lighting options for your marijuana plants. Some lights are better suited during the vegetative stage while others are more appropriate during the flowering stage. In this guide, we’ll explain both. We’ll also describe the lighting cycles you should follow while your marijuana plants grow. Finally, we’ll provide a few last lighting tips regarding how to set up your marijuana grow lights for the best effect.

Marijuana Lighting By Stage

Metal halide (MH) bulbs produce a large amount of light within the blue spectrum. That part of the spectrum is best used during your marijuana plants’ vegetative stage. Assuming your plants receive zero sunlight, use metal halide bulbs to provide the main source of light during this stage. Once your marijuana plants reach the flowering stage, switch to high press sodium (HPS) bulbs. The light they produce is within the orange-red spectrum and stimulates the hormones needed for budding.

If you use high press sodium bulbs during the vegetative stage, your plants will probably grow tall very quickly. But, they’ll be thin, so your harvest won’t be as plentiful. If you use metal halide bulbs through both the vegetative and flowering stages, your marijuana plants will take longer to grow, but the harvest will be bigger than otherwise. Ideally, you should use a combination of both types of bulbs during both the vegetative and flowering stages.

Marijuana Lighting Cycles

Your marijuana plants need varying amounts of light and darkness as they grow. During their vegetative stage, follow a cycle of 18 hours on (with light) and 6 hours off (in darkness). Your plants can grow with as few as 6 hours of light each day, but they need more to grow properly. Once your plants have reached the flowering stage, switch the lighting cycle to 12 hours on and 12 hours off.

While your plants are in their vegetative stage, you’ll need to supply 2,500 lumens for each square foot of your grow area. Once they reach their flowering stage, you’ll need to have approximately 10,000 lumens per square foot.

Final Marijuana Grow Light Tips:

- When your marijuana plants are in the dark part of their cycle, don’t interrupt them by exposing them to light. Doing so can disrupt their development.

- Build a fixture for your grow lights so they can be suspended above your marijuana plants and raised as your plants grow (to prevent the lights’ heat from harming your plants).

- Use reflectors or a wall surface that can reflect your marijuana grow lights. That will allow the light to engulf your plants from every direction.

- Remember, HIDs generate a lot of heat. Use fans to keep the temperature in your grow room to approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

- Keep all flammable items safely away from your grow lights.

While sunlight is always best for your marijuana plants, growing them indoors means you’ll need to buy marijuana growing lights.

You’ll have a lot of options from which to choose your marijuana grow lights. Beginning growers often find their menu of lighting choices bewildering. What’s more, your marijuana plants will develop more effectively using certain types of lights at various stages of growth. The good news is that most of the lights for growing marijuana aren’t expensive. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics behind each type of bulb you can buy. We’ll also explain what those bulbs do and offer a few tips for using them for maximum results.

Types Of Marijuana Lighting

The first choice you’ll need to make is deciding between fluorescent lights and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. Fluorescent lights aren’t nearly as powerful as HIDs; 20 40-watt fluorescents will put out less light than 2 400-watt HIDs. You can expect them to generate approximately 39 lumens per watt. You might want to consider using them when you’re first beginning, because they’re less expensive than HIDs. But, you’ll want to graduate to HIDs after gaining experience. Your marijuana plants will grow much better.

HIDs are available in 2 primary types: metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS). Metal halide lights will last for 10,000 hours of use and can generate 125 lumens per watt. High pressure sodium lights will last about 18,000 hours and generate 140 lumens per watt. In Part II, we’ll explain which of these grow lights are best during the vegetative and flowering stages.

If you’re going to use fluorescent lighting, consider buying compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). They use less power to generate the same amount of light as normal tubular fluorescent lights. You can also use incandescent lights, but only for the seedling stage and only if you’re growing 1 or 2 plants. They generate a much lower lumen output. We recommend that you invest in HIDs if you can afford them.

Marijuana Grow Light Tips

- If you have the budget, buy both metal halide and high pressure sodium lights. While each type of bulb is more effective at certain growth stages, using both simultaneously is even better.

- Use a 250-watt bulb if you only need to cover a grow area of 2.5 ft. by 2.5 ft. A 400-watt bulb will cover a 4 ft. by 4 ft. space and a 600-watt bulb should be used to cover up to a 5 ft. by 5 ft. space. If your grow area measures 6.5 ft by 6.5 ft., use a 1,000-watt HID.

- Be wary of the heat generated by HIDs. A 250-watt bulb should be kept 2 feet above the top of your plants. A 400-watt bulb should be kept 3.5 feet above their tops. Position a 600-watt bulb 5 feet above and a 1,000-watt bulb 6 feet above. Those distances will keep the heat from impacting your marijuana plants.

Your marijuana plants will grow more effectively if you add the right nutrients and fertilizer to the soil.

Your marijuana plants require food to grow properly. The compounds that you put into the soil during the germination, vegetation, and flowering stages can have a significant impact on the vitality of your plants. Use the wrong ingredients, or create an imbalance of the most important compounds, and your plants will suffer (as will the stone or high they deliver). In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between macronutrients and micronutrients. You’ll also discover the impact of common mistakes, such as using too much phosphorous in the soil.

Macronutrients

Learn these letters: N, P, and K. They represent the 3 most important nutrients that your marijuana plants need, and stand for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. They’re considered macronutrients and are described on fertilizer boxes by their concentration. For example, if you see 10 – 30 – 10 on a box of fertilizer, it means there’s 3 times as much phosphorus as the other 2 macronutrients.

You should use a mixture that has 20 – 20 – 20 on the box during the germination stage. When your marijuana plants reach the vegetation stage, begin using a fertilizer that has a slight boost in nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P). A good choice is 30 – 30 – 10. When your cannabis plants start flowering, use a 20 – 30 – 30 blend.

Micronutrients

Micronutrients are just as important to your marijuana plants as macronutrients. They include calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, boron, zinc, and copper. Most fertilizer blends have traces of them mixed in. You won’t normally find deficiencies of most of the micronutrients in your marijuana plants. That said, if you notice a yellowing on the tips of your leaves, that indicates a zinc deficiency. If you notice the tissue between the veins on your leaves, that often suggests your plants aren’t getting enough manganese. The most common deficiency you’ll see is that of iron. It manifests as pale shoots during the flowering stage.

The important thing to remember is that you can use additives in your soil to compensate for deficiencies of any micronutrients.

Using Too Much Phosphorus

A lot of novice growers use fertilizers with too high a concentration of phosphorous when their plants reach the flowering stage. It’s a common mistake. The thought process behind it is that the boost in phosphorous will result in larger plants. But, your marijuana plants consume macronutrients in the same way humans consume vitamin C. They take what they need and get rid of the rest. The problem is that too much phosphorous can starve your cannabis plants of iron and some of the other micronutrients. When that happens, you’ll start seeing the signs of deficiencies we’ve described above. Ultimately, you’ll notice your buds aren’t developing properly.

Final Tips:

- Use a 20 – 20 – 20 fertilizer blend during the germination stage.

- Use a 30 – 30 – 10 blend during the vegetation stage.

- Use a 20 – 30 – 30 blend during the flowering stage.

- Watch for signs of micronutrient deficiencies. If you notice them, use additives to compensate.

- Measure the pH of your soil periodically. As long as you keep it between 6.0 and 6.8, you’ll prevent most nutrient deficiencies (or excesses).

- The fertilizer blends we’ve recommended in this guide should be used regardless of the strain you’re growing. It doesn’t matter if you’re growing Skunk Special, Shiva Shanti, or Northern Light marijuana seeds. And of course, if you haven’t purchased your seeds yet, you can buy them at Amsterdam Marijuana Seed Shop.

In our next guide, we’ll be exploring the lighting factors you’ll need to be aware of when growing marijuana.

Germinating marijuana seeds requires time, devotion, and meticulous attention to detail. Approach marijuana seed germination properly and you’ll see great results in your plants.

The steps you take during the first few days while germinating your marijuana seeds play a major role in the quality of your plants. Professional growers take great care during the germination process to eliminate any factors that can negatively impact their seeds. In this guide, we’ll explain, step-by-step, how to plant your marijuana seeds. You’ll learn how to identify viable seeds as well as the most popular germination strategies.

Prepare Your Work Space

Make absolutely sure that the area in which you’re working is clean. That includes the table top, your supplies, and your hands. Every time you work with your marijuana seeds, wash your hands.

Gather the supplies you’ll be using before starting. That way, you won’t need to look around for them, allowing your cannabis seeds to sit exposed to the light. To start, grab 3 or 4 paper towels, a small 8-ounce glass, tweezers, distilled water, and your seeds. If you’ve never germinated marijuana seeds, use Caramelicious or Master Kush (they’re easy for beginners). If you have experience, try California Skunk or Crystal Rain.

Identify Viable Seeds

Look at your seeds. You only want to germinate those that aren’t cracked or oddly-formed. Press each seed between your thumb and index finger to make sure there are no cracks or fissures in the body or along the sides. Also, eliminate any seed that looks green or is too small; those are signs that the seed is not mature. The best marijuana seeds will be large with a consistent grayish color. The surface may even appear fleshy and glossy.

Popular Germination Techniques

Below, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions for germinating your marijuana seeds. But, it’s important to first note that there are many different techniques. For example, a lot of growers use the “paper towel” method. The paper towel is soaked with distilled water and is used to cover the seeds for 48 hours. Then, they’re transplanted into the soil. Other growers prefer to drop their seeds into a glass filled with mineral water. Once it swells and splits, the seeds are placed in the soil.

Another popular technique is called “scarification” in which you chip away the outer shell of your seeds before covering them with a moist paper towel. If you’re just starting, we don’t recommend this technique because you can easily damage your marijuana seeds if you’re not careful.

Step-By-Step Marijuana Seed Germination

If you haven’t purchased your seeds yet, you can buy marijuana seeds strains to get started quickly. You’ll find Amsterdam Indica, Caramelicious, Master Kush, and other popular marijuana strains.

Assuming you’re just starting out (and if you are, read our Basic Marijuana Growing Guide for an overview of the entire process), follow these steps for germinating your cannabis seeds:

Step 1 – Use 8-ounce glasses – 1 glass per seed – and fill them with distilled water (70% full is good).

Step 2 – Place your marijuana seed in the water.

Step 3 – Store the glass with the seed in a place that reaches 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4 – Cover the glass with a larger cup or bowl that eliminates the light.

* Put your soil in 8-ounce Solo cups (75% full) and poke 3 tiny holes in the bottom to allow drainage. You’re going to use 1 cup per seed.

Step 5 – Check the glass in 24 hours.

Step 6 – If the seed is at the bottom of the glass, remove it with your tweezers and proceed to Step 7.

* If the seed is still floating, stir the water (the seed may be caught on an air bubble). If it continues to float, store it again and check back in 8 hours. If, after 8 hours, your seed is still floating, you can plant it in the soil, but there’s a good chance it won’t grow. You’re better off getting rid of it and starting fresh with a new seed.

Step 7 – Place your seed 1/4 inch in the soil you’ve prepared. Move the soil over the seed, but take care not to pack it.

Step 8 – Use a spray bottle to spray the soil with distilled water to keep it moist, but don’t drench it.

Step 9 – Over the next 5 days, check the soil every 12 hours to see whether it’s dry. If it is, spray it.

Step 10 – After 5 days, assuming your seed has taken root, transfer it to a 1-gallon container filled with soil so it can grow properly.

In our next guide, we’ll describe the nutrients and fertilizer to use to maximize growth of your marijuana plants.

How To Buy Your Marijuana Seeds

Growing pot is illegal in most countries, so you’ll need to approach buying marijuana seeds with caution.

There are a number of potential pitfalls when buying marijuana seeds. Not only is doing so against the law in most places, but finding reputable marijuana seed banks, avoiding scams, and having them shipped safely to you can be challenging. Also, keep in mind that every country has different laws, so check them. In this guide, we’ll explain the advantages and drawbacks of buying your seeds locally versus online. Plus, you’ll learn what factors to consider regarding trusting your supplier and other safety issues.

Should You Buy Local?

Buying your seeds locally has one major advantage: you can pick them up within minutes, depending upon your supplier. When you buy them online, they’re shipped to you, which can take a few days.

Unfortunately, there are several disadvantages to using a local supplier. First, the seed quality may be poor or inconsistent. A lot of small suppliers simply aren’t concerned with offering a high level of quality. Occasionally, a good batch White Widow or Ganja Dwarf might find their way into their supply. But, you can’t count on it happening.

Second, local suppliers often don’t have the widest selection. For example, they may have Caramelicious, but not Purple Power or Skunk Special. Remember, some of them focus solely on selling the cheapest marijuana seeds. Lastly, there’s always a risk that a local supplier will turn into a privacy concern. Not only will they know about your buys, but they can even be under surveillance.

Buying Marijuana Seeds Online

When you buy your seeds online, the biggest drawback is having to wait for them to arrive. A lot of people enjoy Amsterdam marijuana seeds. If you live in the U.S., it takes a few days before they reach your doorstep. That said, there are several benefits to buying them online. First, you’ll enjoy the widest selection. Some marijuana seed banks offer nearly every strain and hybrid you can imagine. If you want Ganesha’s Dream, you can buy it. Pride of Amsterdam? It’s a click away.

Another advantage is a consistent level of quality. Reputable seed banks take measures to ensure that their supply is made up from consistently high-quality genetics. Lastly, a reputable online supplier eliminates any privacy concerns. They’ll ship your marijuana seeds in a non-descript package that doesn’t call any attention to itself. If you haven’t found an online supplier, buy your seeds here.

Trusting Your Supplier

Finding a dependable online supplier can be challenging. After all, how do you know they can be trusted? Are they safe to use? Some ship poor or stale seeds. Others won’t even ship your package! Still others are lax with their security measures, which means your personal information may be vulnerable. That’s why it’s so important to identify an online seller with a pristine reputation that you can trust.

Look for an order tracker that you can use to track your marijuana seeds after they ship them. Ask them how the package looks. You want it to be discreet and stealthy, so the postal workers never look twice. If you don’t want to go through the trial and error, start here.

Final Tips:

Once you identify the best place to buy marijuana seeds, that supplier will come through for you again and again. Here are a few final tips so you can get started:

- Don’t ship your marijuana seeds to the same address at which you’ll be growing. Send them to a friend or significant other.

- Avoid having to sign for your seeds when they arrive.

- Consider using a pre-paid credit card. It’s not necessary because a lot of online suppliers actually destroy any trace of the transaction. But, if you’re paranoid, it’s a good option.

- Buy online. We can’t stress this enough. It’s safer, you’ll enjoy much better quality, and you’ll have access to the widest selection of strains.

If you’ve read our Basic Marijuana Growing Guide, you’ll already know that the types of marijuana seeds that you use will depend upon several different factors. There’s no way for us to know your preferences regarding the type of flavor and high you want to experience from your seeds. Nor, do we know your budget. So, we’ll approach the topic by providing you with a close look at each of the factors that we mentioned in our Basic Guide. You’ll discover the difference between Indica and Sativa marijuana strains. We’ll also explain the different characteristics of the strains as well as the growing environment.

Indica Versus Sativa Strains

The broadest categories for types of marijuana are Indicas and Sativas. Each category can be further broken down into hundreds of strains. Indicas are short with thick-looking leaves and usually require up to 8 weeks to fully mature. Sativas grow taller and have longer, thinner leaves. They can take nearly 16 weeks to mature. A lot of indoor growers prefer Indicas because they’re shorter and less conspicuous.

Height And Yield

Under normal circumstances, Sativas will usually grow taller than Indicas. Their height will ultimately depend on the amount of light they receive, whether it’s natural or artificial, type of soil, and whether it has received enough water through the germination and flowering stages. When fully grown, they can reach heights up to 20 feet. The yields also vary between Indicas and Sativas. Typically, Indicas have a higher yield and take less time to mature. As a result, indoor growers who plant and harvest throughout the year can turn over a greater number of crops.

Taste And Smell

If you’re experienced with smoking different types of marijuana, you’ll probably be able to quickly identify the tastes between Indicas and Sativas. That said, smells and tastes of both can cross a wide range and even overlap. For example, some Indicas can sometimes have a skunk-like smell to them. However, other Indica strains can taste sweet or fruity, very much like Sativas. On the other hand, some Sativas have a distinct earthy quality to their taste. The only true way to know whether you’ll enjoy a particular strain is to try it.

Potency And Type Of High

Both Indicas and Sativas can be equally potent. What influences the level of potency is the manner in which the crop is grown. We discuss this at length in a few of our detailed guides such as our Germination Guide. Briefly, the water your marijuana seeds receive, when they’re harvested, and how they’re dried and cured all play important roles.

The type of high you’ll experience can be dramatically different. Indicas usually deliver a “body stone” that provide a relaxing, laid-back sensation. It can even cause a feeling of drowsiness. A lot of people who use marijuana for medicinal purposes prefer Indicas for this reason. By contrast, Sativas deliver a buzz that affects the brain. You’ll feel more energetic, be able to think quickly, and may even have hallucinations.

Growing Indoors Or Outdoors?

If you’re growing your seeds outdoors, you’ll need to consider how long they’ll take to mature. Some locations don’t experience seasons that are long enough for certain strains. Remember, Sativas can take up to 16 weeks until they’re ready to harvest. That can be a problem if you’re growing outdoors in an area that has shorter seasons. If you’re growing indoors like we do, the length of the season doesn’t matter. As long as you can simulate the climate your marijuana seeds require, you’ll be fine.

As you can see from above, choosing the right marijuana seeds is largely about identifying your preferences. If you’re just starting out as a grower, experiment with different strains. You can select from a wide assortment of the best seeds here. As you gain experience, you can start growing hybrids to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Below, we’ll explain how to choose your marijuana seeds. We’ll also describe the basics of producing a crop, beginning from planting the seeds through harvesting them. By the end, you’ll have the basic knowledge you need to start growing marijuana. Let’s get started.

Choosing Your Marijuana Seeds

Understand that there are many strains of seeds from which you can choose. The strain that you use will depend upon the climate in your area, your preferred yield, the potency and effect of your crop, your budget, and whether you’re going to grow them indoor or outdoor. Our focus here is on the indoor grower.

Different strains have varying yield rates, flavors, types of highs, and grow better in some climates than others. You may be willing to sacrifice quality for yield. Or, you might prefer a “body stone” rather than a “head high.” The key is to know your preferences and the limitations of your growing environment.

If you’re just starting out, consider Northern Lights. It’s an Indica variety that is extremely tolerant, making it perfect for beginning growers. Also, Big Bud and Caramelicious seeds are easy to grow. If you’re not sure where to buy your marijuana seeds, here’s an ideal resource.

Germinating Your Seeds

After you’ve purchased your seeds, you’ll need to choose how you’ll grow them. Some people prefer to use a hydroponic system. We focus on using soil because crops tend to carry a better flavor while producing a more potent high.

Use 8 oz. plastic Solo cups for containers and poke 3 small holes in the bottom of each for drainage. Not only are these cups perfectly-sized, but you’ll be able to move them easily. Fill each cup approximately 75% with soil and plant each seed (1 per cup) 1/4 inch deep. Cover the seed, but don’t pack the soil. Then, keep the dirt moist by spraying it with a water bottle. Some growers prefer to use a fertilizer concentration in the water. It’s not necessary when you’re starting out, but keep it mind.

How To Water Your Marijuana Seeds

You won’t need to water your marijuana seeds every day. And you certainly don’t want to overdo it. In fact, one of the most common reasons why yields suffer is because growers drown their seeds. As a rule of thumb, don’t allow the soil to become dry or soaked. Keep it moist. During the first 5 days, check the soil every 12 hours. If it feels crusty, spray water on it.

After 5 days, transfer your seedlings into a larger container. If their full growth is under 24 inches, use a 1-gallon container and spray the soil every 48 hours. One last note about watering, avoid using water with too much chlorine (tap water included). If possible, use distilled or bottled water.

Lighting Considerations

If possible, provide your plants with natural sunlight. If you’re not able to do that, use fluorescent lights during the growth stage and switch to HID (high-intensity discharge) during the flowering stage. When you’re starting out, you can use compact 12-inch fluorescent lights (they’re cheap). But, consider buying 4-foot, 40-watt “cool white” tubes. If you’re just growing a 3 or 4 plants, you’ll only need 3 tubes. When you’re using the HIDs, use 400-watt lamps.

Also, during the first 3 days, your seeds won’t need any light. After 3 days, commit to a schedule of 18 hours with light and 6 hours without light. Keep your plants approximately 3 inches from the fluorescent bulbs. When you switch to HIDs, position them 40 inches above the tops of your plants.

Harvesting And Drying Your Seeds

Eventually, it’ll be time to harvest your crop. The best time to do it is when the majority of the white hairs have turned brown. Use a pair of scissors and cut the branches near the stem. Then, remove the leaves, leaving only the buds. The next step is to dry the branches. Plan ahead because the process can take up to 3 weeks. Use some wire and hang your marijuana buds upside down. Try to keep the room at 70 degrees and use a fan to help them dry.

After 1 week, check to see whether the branches bend. If the stems snap, they’re dry. If they bend, continue drying them for another week. At the end of week 2, check them again.

Once they’ve dried, trim the buds and store them in containers. Over the next week, open the containers several times each day and fan the moisture out. After a week, you’ll enjoy an amazingly fine-tasting, potent high. And the effort will have been worth it.

New York Diesel is known for its exotic taste and high. In fact, it placed second in the High Times Cannabis Cup from 2001 to 2004. While it didn’t win the cup, it certainly won the hearts of Marijuana lovers around the world thanks to the exotic taste of this Indica and sativa mix.

The New York Diesel is definitely an indoor marijuana seed variety. It was developed completely with the idea of being a perfect indoor weed variety. It certainly fits the part of an indoor pot plant since it usually only gets to be 65 centimeters tall. The typical yields are impressive though. They usually average about 500 grams per square meter. The quality of the THC produced by New York Diesel weed plants is about 15% to 20% and helps to make the very cognizant high produced.

Growing New York Diesel bud can be more difficult. Those who buy New York Diesel seeds are usually more experienced growers. Growing them is classified as moderately difficult and probably best done by someone with the experience needed to be much more successful at growing indoor pot plants. That said, with the right kind of set up and a willingness to learn, beginning growers can achieve limited success with New York Diesel seeds.

New York Diesel marijuana seeds do require some TLC and they do need to be grown indoors. They also require growing experience. Those with the right kind of skills can grow these one of a kind seeds and experience the great high that only New York Diesel seeds can produce.

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Remember that feeling after a good release? That’s what the Ganja Dwarf / Lowryder high feels like. It’s a full on relaxation that is energizing and uplifting rather than tiring. The smoke is quite strong from the Ganja Dwarf and can be tough to handle for some, but the high THC content creates a high that makes it feel great, especially when smoking it with a nice cold drink.

Ganja Dwarf / Lowryder marijuana plants are quite small. This variety of weed plant only grows to approximately 30 to 50 so it is very well suited for indoor growing conditions where space is a premium. Some have even found considerable success growing them in the closet using a shelf for maximum growing area. While these pot plants are small, their yield is quite impressive running from 10 to 15 grams per plant and producing a THC content in excess of 20%.

While it is primarily grown indoors, Ganja Dwarf / loweryder seeds can also be planted outdoors in warmer climates. Because of their small size, they are not easily recognized in the wild and are frequently clandestinely grown. That said, those who find the most success with Ganja Dwarf bud are those who grow indoors.

If you need a small marijuana plant that can still give decent yields without requiring a lot of work, then Ganja Dwarf can be what you are looking for. They are a quality Marijuana seed strain that can help you reach your growing goals without bringing you a lot of hassles. Best of all, it will give you the same kind of high you feel after making love.