Marijuana Seedlings: Light, Water, and When to Transplant

Welcome to comprehensive guide on critical stage of growth in marijuana life cycle. Reading this guide is your ultimate resource for understanding importance of seedling stage and learning what your young cannabis plants will look like as they grow and develop. We’ll dive deep into optimal conditions for growing seedling, from light, nutrients, humidity, and…

Marijuana Seedlings: Light, Water, and When to Transplant
Galina Boeva

Author: Galina Boeva

Publish Date: July 12, 2023
Last Update Date: September 13, 2023

Importance Of Cannabis Seedlings Stage

Importance Of Cannabis Seedlings Stage

The cannabis seedling stage is a critical phase in the life cycle of a cannabis plant, where it lays foundation for plant’s overall health and future productivity.

During this initial phase, seedlings develop their root system, erect sturdy stem, and sprout their first leaf.

Remember that ensuring proper care and optimal growing conditions during this growing stage results in more healthy grow, resilient and vigorous plant, capable of thriving later stages of grow.

One of the major reasons the seedling stage is so important is that it directly influences plant’s ability to absorb nutrients and water effectively.

A healthy root system and sturdy stem facilitate efficient absorption of essential elements needed for growth, supporting development of robust foliage canopy and bountiful harvest.

Additionally, seedling stage is when plants are most vulnerable to various environmental stresses and pathogens.

Proper care during this early stage can make all the based difference in ensuring plant’s survival and growing.

By closely monitoring and providing ideal conditions for seedlings, growers can minimize risk of common issues like damping-off, nutrient deficiencies, or pests, which can lead to stunt grow or even plant death.

What Do Cannabis Seedlings Look Like

What Do Cannabis Seedlings Look Like

The early days of growth for cannabis seedlings are a time to behold.

Fresh, vibrant green hue of these young plants sets them apart from other stages.

In their first week, they exhibit a vibrancy that’s reminiscent of their hemp relatives.

Thin and delicate stems that support their height stature show signs of growth.

Unfolding cotyledons, the first leaves of the seedling, are soon followed by true leaves with single serrated edge.

As the plant matures, this edge will continue to develop into more serrations.

Although young plants may appear small and delicate, they’re steadily establishing a foundation for their future growth.

Growth And Development Of Cannabis Plants

Growth And Development Of Cannabis Plants

By identifying growth stages of your marijuana plants, you’ll be equipped to provide optimal care and maximize growth potential for bountiful harvest.

When your cannabis plant seedlings are 1 week old, 2 week old and 3 week old seedling weed, their focus is on developing roots, leaves, and stems.

Your seedlings will be small but show promise for vigorous growth.

In our section on growing, we provide in-depth guidance and expert tips on growing cannabis to help you successfully navigate each growth stage and ensure a thriving, bountiful harvest.

Keep an eye on their water and nutrient needs, but avoid overwatering or overfeeding, which can stunt their development.

By the time your plants reach one month, they’ve entered vegetative growth phase.

During the 5-week-old vegetative stage, cannabis plants experience significant stretching as they fully develop their stems and leaves from a small seed.

As the plants progress through their growth cycle, they eventually transition into the flowering stage, where they produce beautifully bloomed buds, rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.

Provide them with ample light and balanced nutrient mix to make sure continued growth and health.

As your plants approach 2 month mark, you may notice signs of pre-flowering.

Now is the time to determine sex of your plants by examining their nodes for development of male or female reproductive structures.

Sexing of your plants is crucial as only female plants produce buds sought after for medicinal and recreational properties.

Final phase of growth is flower stage, during which your cannabis plants shift their energy towards bud production and resin development.

Plants become more complex in structure, laden with dense and fragrant buds.

Be vigilant during this stage as plants become more susceptible to pests and diseases, and provide them with the right care for optimal yield and potency.

By understanding needs of your seedlings at each stage of their growth, you’ll be equipped to cultivate robust and high-quality buds for yourself or sale.

Pictures Of 1 Week Old And Week 2

Capturing the delicate beauty of 1 week old and healthy 2 week old seedling, artists often create intricate drawings, wallpapers, and other forms of art that depict the subtle growth and development from day 14 and beyond.

Here are some pictures you can view of cannabis seedlings at one and two weeks old.

When To Transplant Seedlings

Successful transplanting of your cannabis seedlings is key to their robust growth and development.

Timing is crucial in this process, as mishandling your seedlings at either end of the spectrum can result in stunt grow or stress.

Typically, it’s best to transplant your cannabis seedlings when they have developed a robust root system and at least 2-3 sets of true leaves.

This stage typically occurs around the top 2-3 week mark, but specific timeframe may vary depending on strain and growing conditions.

Keep an eye out for following signs that your seedlings are ready for transplanting:

  1. Roots have grown to the edge of container: When you see roots circling around edge or poking out of drainage holes, it’s indication that your seedlings have outgrown their current space and require larger container.
  2. Healthy foliage and strong stem: Make sure your seedlings have vibrant, green leaves and sturdy stem before transplanting. This indicates that they are strong enough to withstand the stress of being moved to a new environment.
  3. Slowed grow rate: If growth of seedlings has slowed down, it may be a sign that they are root-bound and require transplanting to allow for further growth.

When you’re ready to transplant, choose container that’s appropriate size for your cannabis plant.

For example, if your plant is destined for 5-gallon pots, starting with 1-gallon container and gradually moving up in size as your plant grow can be beneficial.

During transplant process, be gentle and mindful of your seedlings’ fragility. Handle them by leaves, not stem, to prevent any harm.

Additionally, make sure new growing medium has been properly prepared with necessary nutrients and is adequately moistened to facilitate smooth transition for your  seedlings.

Best Conditions For Seedling Stage

Best Conditions For Seedling Stage

Achieving success in the cultivation of marijuana begins with providing perfect environment for your precious seedlings.

The best conditions for the cannabis plant can vary slightly; however, creating an optimal environment at home is crucial for healthy growth.

Pay attention to each seedling’s specific needs, as different cannabis strains may require slightly different temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions.

In this section we will talk about essential elements of providing optimal conditions for your seedlings, including lighting, nutrients, humidity, and temperature.

Providing The Perfect Light Environment

Lighting schedule conditions for your seedlings are an essential element in their growth and development.

To encourage vigorous growth, it’s crucial to provide consistent and adequate grow light exposure.

A 24 am / pm hour grow light schedule is recommended during growing cannabis seedling though some growers opt for 18 hours of grow light followed by 6 hours of darkness.

LED grow light are highly recommended for seedlings due to their energy efficiency, reduced heat output, and full spectrum grow light that’s crucial for plant growing.

It’s important to maintain an appropriate grow light distance between the grow light and growing seedlings, usually around 18-24 inches, to stop burn and heat stress and ensure uniform growing.

As your plants transition to the vegetative stage, adjust grow light cycle accordingly.

Nutrient Requirements

Successful growth of cannabis seedlings depends on their ability to absorb nutrients.

While mature and big plants can easily obtain what they need from the surrounding environment, seedlings are limited in their ability to absorb nutrients.

This is because their capacity to absorb nutrients is still developing.

They rely on the nutrients stored in endosperm of cannabis seeds and those available in growing medium during the initial stages of big grow.

As they develop big roots and grow their first set of leaves (cotyledons), they begin to absorb nutrients from surrounding growing environment.

High-quality soil mix or starter mix with balanced nutrients profile is essential for seedling’s healthy growing.

By providing them with gentle and balanced nutrient mix, you can ensure their grow is steady and balanced.

As your cannabis seedlings grow and their root systems expand and becomes functional, their ability to absorb and process nutrients improves and they become more happy.

It’s crucial to adjust nutrients regimen accordingly, gradually introducing mild, water-soluble fertilizer as needed.

Monitoring health of your seedlings and observing signs of nutrients deficiencies or imbalances will help you make appropriate adjustments to support healthy growth of your cannabis plants.

Humidity And Temperature Control

Successful cultivation of cannabis depends on careful management of humidity, pH and temperatures within seedling’s environment.

Adequate control of these vital metrics during growing plant is essential for promoting robust root development and healthy cannabis growth.

To achieve ideal relative humidity (RH) level of 60-70%, consider utilizing humidifier or enclosing your grow area with a humidity dome.

It is also essential to promote air circulation to avoid the risk of mold and other issues that can arise from stagnant air.

In addition to RH and temperature, it is important to maintain moderate temperatures in the range of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for seedlings grow.

A slightly warmer range of 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C) during initial germination phase can encourage faster growth.

Remember, extreme heat can cause heat stress, which may stunt growth or even result in plant death, so be mindful of regulating temperatures with the use of thermostat or temperature controller and monitoring with thermometer.

How Often To Water Marijuana Seedling

How Often To Water Marijuana Seedling

It’s crucial to understand the proper watering frequency for your cannabis seedlings.

Balancing act of hydration is key to healthy growth and prevention of potential problems like overwatering, underwatering, or root rot.

Depending on size of container, growing medium, and environmental conditions like temperature, pH and humidity, the ideal frequency for water your cannabis seedling can vary.

In general, it’s best to keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Overwatering can lead to poor root development, oxygen deficiency, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

For most cannabis seedlings, a two- to three-day water schedule is sufficient.

However, specific frequency may vary based on your unique growing conditions.

To assess whether your seedlings need water, use your finger to feel top inch of soil. If soil it’s dry, it’s time to water; if still damp, wait another day before checking again.

When water your cannabis seedling, gentle approach is imperative to prevention of damaging their delicate roots.

A fine mist or a water can with a gentle shower head is ideal for even moisture distribution without disturbing soil.

Be sure to water soil around base of seedlings rather than directly onto plant itself to encourage deep root growth and preventing potential issues like mold or damping off.

How To Care Properly For Cannabis Seedlings Grow

How To Care Properly For Cannabis Seedlings Grow

To make sure you will get a thriving garden, it is crucial to care properly for your cannabis seedlings, including nurturing twin cannabis seedlings that may share a common root system, by providing the ideal growing conditions and nutrients.

Successful growth hinges on providing top growing environment and nutrients for your young plants to grow.

Here are essential tips for caring for your cannabis seedlings like a pro:

Provide a proper lights source: The key to thriving seedlings is adequate grow light source. Choose top full-spectrum LED grow lights that mimic natural sun lights and provide optimal lights spectrum for growth. 
Maintain optimal temperatures and humidity: Optimal temperature, pH and humidity levels are preferred by seedlings over mature plants. Use thermostat and hygrometer to monitor and regulate growing conditions. 
Hydrate with Caution: Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot and stunt based grow. Allow top layer of soil to dry before water, and water gently around base of plant to avoid mold and fungal infections.  
Introduce nutrients gradually: Introducing nutrients too soon can cause nutrient burn, so always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for specific nutrients line you’re using. 
Provide adequate airflow: Good air circulation keeps mold and mildew at bay and strengthens stem structure. Use small oscillating fan to create gentle breeze around plants, but avoid placing it too close, as strong gusts can damage seedlings. 
Monitor and address potential issues: Regularly inspect your seedlings for signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Address any issues promptly to prevent long-term harm to your crop.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to growing cannabis that will serve as foundation for bountiful harvest later on!

How Do Cannabis Seedlings Reply If They Are Overwatered

Overwatering is a common pitfall that many novice cannabis cultivators face, as it has the potential to significantly impact health and growth of seedlings.

When seedlings are overwatered, they exhibit a range of telltale signs that, if left unaddressed, can lead to long-term problems or even plant demise.

Initially, overwatered cannabis seedlings may display drooping leaves that appear heavy and saturated, losing their vibrant green color and turning yellow or pale. This discoloration is a sign of oxygen deprivation in roots, which results from excessive water in soil.

Prolonged overwatering can cause roots to rot, further impeding plant’s ability to absorb oxygen and nutrients.

Another indicator of over water is the appearance of fungus gnats, tiny insects that thrive in humid environments. These pests can quickly infest soil, damaging the roots and further weakening seedling.

If overwatering issue persists, seedlings may become stunted with slow growth and weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases and pests.

Transplanting Cannabis Plants

Transplanting Cannabis Plants

Transplanting cannabis plants from a solo cup to a larger container is an essential step in the growing process, especially if you’re cultivating them in a small, indoor space like a closet, where root development and plant health are crucial for a successful harvest.

Timing is key, as it’s important to transplant seedlings when they have 2-3 sets of true leaves and visible, healthy roots, typically around 3-4 weeks old.

Select an appropriate container, starting with a 1-2 gallon pots and progressing to a 5 gallon container as the plant grows.

Fill the new container with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and create a hole for the seedling’s root ball.

With care, remove the plant from its original container, holding it by the leaves.

Place the plant in the hole, cover the roots with soil, and press firmly. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Monitor transplanted seedlings for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and address issues accordingly by adjusting water, providing top support, or modifying grow light conditions.

Transplanting Techniques for Tall and Skinny Seedlings

The growth of cannabis can be challenging, especially when it comes to dealing with tall and skinny seedlings.

These elongated seedlings can often be the result of inadequate grow light or other factors.

To provide top healthy development of your seedlings, it’s important to employ specific information about transplanting techniques that are tailored to their unique needs.

  1. Burying Stem: When transplanting, bury a portion of stem up to first set of leaves to provide support and encourage new root growth.
  2. Staking for Support: Gently tie stem to stake or small bamboo stick to help maintain an upright position as stem grows thicker and stronger.
  3. Increasing Lights Intensity: Gradually increase lights intensity or move grow lights closer to seedlings to address insufficient lights exposure.
  4. Encouraging Bushier Growth: Prune top growth to promote lateral branching and a more compact structure, better suited for supporting heavy buds during flowering stage.
  5. Adjusting Environment: Maintain consistent temperature between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and relative humidity of 60-70% for optimal growth.

Implementing transplanting techniques for tall and skinny seedlings can help transform these delicate plants into strong, tree-like structures capable of supporting heavy buds during the flowering stage.

Adjusting Nutrient And Watering Schedules

The development of your seedlings is a delicate process that requires thoughtful nutrient and water management.

As your seedlings emerge, their nutrient requirements are minimal, with the endosperm of the cannabis seeds providing sustenance in the initial phases of grow.

As your seedlings grow, they will begin drawing nourishment from their growing medium, making it critical to adapt your nutrient and water schedules to support their development.

For the first two weeks, it is recommended to avoid over-fertilization by abstaining from adding additional nutrients to the growing medium, particularly if you are using a nutrient-rich soil.

Water schedules are just as important as nutrient schedules. In the cannabis seedling stage, young plants require a consistently moist environment to support healthy root development.

However, it is crucial not to over water, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Keep your growing medium evenly moist but never saturated to provide healthy growth for your plants.

As your seedlings grow, their water requirements will increase.

How Deep To Plant Cannabis Seedlings After Germination

How Deep To Plant Cannabis Seedlings After Germination

As a general rule, it is recommended that cannabis seedlings are planted at a depth ranging from 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) into soil or growing medium.

This depth provides necessary support for root system while ensuring that delicate seedlings outdoors is not suffocated by excess soil.

When transplanting seedlings, it’s crucial to handle them with care.

Gently remove them from their germination container, being mindful not to damage taproot.

Hold growing cotyledon leaves, first pair of leaves to emerge, and avoid touching stem or taproot.

Next, create a hole in your growing medium, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch deep.

Gently place seedlings outdoors into the hole, positioning taproot downwards.

Carefully cover seedlings with soil pack stock or growing medium, ensuring that cotyledon leaves are above surface.

Finally, press down lightly on soil to provide stability and support for seedling.

Common Issues During Seedlings Cannabis Stage

The marijuana seedling stage is a critical time for growers, fraught with a multitude of common growing challenges review: overwatering, underwatering, temperature and humidity fluctuations, inadequate grow light and pests.

For top healthy growth, it’s essential to remain vigilant and address challenges swiftly and effectively.

Keep a consistent water schedule, use seedling-specific nutrient solutions, maintain stable temperatures and humidity levels, provide adequate grow lights, and app for monitor of pests and diseases.

By swiftly addressing these challenges, you can help your cannabis seedlings flourish into strong and healthy cannabis that produce bountiful harvest.

Leaves Turning Yellow And Leaves Curling Down

The yellowing and downward curling of leaves are common blight that can plague your marijuana seedlings.

This can be result of myriad factors, including imbalances in nutrients, over-water, or pH imbalance in growing medium.

To rectify this issue, it’s imperative to assess your growing conditions and make necessary adjustments for top optimal growth, such as reducing amount of water and nutrients supplied, reviewing and adjusting pH levels, and ensuring proper drainage.

What To Do If Seedlings Outdoors And Indoors Are Not Growing Or Have Stopped Growing

Are you struggling to nurture healthy growth in your seedlings, whether grown in your backyard or indoors?

A number of factors, including inadequate grow light, poor soil quality, pests and diseases, or fluctuating temperatures, can hinder the grow of your precious cannabis.

If you notice your seedlings are growing slow, make sure that they receive the appropriate amount of lights by boosting their exposure to natural sun lights for outdoor plants or adjusting the lights source for indoor plants.

Protect outdoors seedlings from harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold by providing shade or shelter as needed.

Maintain temperature, pH and RH levels inside your grow space to create an optimal growing environment for your seedlings.

Identify and treat pest and disease issues promptly with organic or chemical solutions as needed, not dealing with pests and diseases can lead to stunt plants grow.

If a seedling appears dead or beyond recovery, remove it from your garden to focus on the remaining healthy cannabis. 

Buy Autoflower Cannabis Seeds and Feminized Cannabis Seeds At Dutch Seeds Shop

Buy Autoflower Cannabis Seeds and Feminized Cannabis Seeds At Dutch Seeds Shop

If you’re searching for premium quality cannabis seeds, look no further than Dutch Seeds Shop.

We offer an extensive selection of feminized seeds, autoflower seeds, THC seeds and CBD seeds at unbeatable seeds prices.

Feminized seeds and autoflower cannabis seeds are renowned for their seeds stability and repeatability, which makes sure a stress-free and successful seeds growing experience.

In addition, with our unique seeds germination guarantee, you can rest assured that your seeds will sprout and grow into healthy cannabis.

If you’re unsure which seeds to choose, don’t fret! Our knowledgeable customer support team is available ( 24h am / pm) to assist you in making the best decision for your needs.

At Dutch Seeds Shop, we take pride in being the best when it comes to quality cannabis seeds at affordable prices for our customer.

So what are you waiting for? Browse through our cannabis seeds selection, review best seeds today, add seeds to your cart and start growing your own cannabis seeds with confidence.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

How much grow light is recommend for seedlings of cannabis?

Seedlings of cannabis require 18-24 hours of grow light per day for healthy growth.

How can you tell if seedlings of cannabis are male or female?

The sex of cannabis seedlings cannot be determined until they reach the pre-flower phase, where males produce pollen sacs and females produce pistils.

About the Author

Share the Love: