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  • Writer's pictureHappy Bird Seeds

Transplanting Cannabis Seedlings




All the time the people in the new growers ask  when to transplant cannabis seedlings. Transplanting involves relocating a cannabis plant, either by moving it to a larger pot with more soil as it grows, or simply transferring it to a bigger container. Growers usually begin the cannabis cultivation process by sowing numerous seeds in small pots, as they are uncertain about which seeds will sprout or develop into female plants. All the time people and new growers ask when to transplant cannabis seedlings. Transplanting involves relocating a cannabis plant, either by moving it to a larger pot with more soil as it grows, or simply transferring it to a larger container. Generally, the most expert growers start in small pots of more than 500cc for the seedlings and when they are solid, they are transplanted to new pots so that they continue growing.



Why should plants be transplanted?


Transplantation provides a marijuana plant’s root system with additional space to expand, facilitating healthy growth and robust development. This is particularly important in the early stages of a seedling’s life. Knowing when to transplant cannabis seedlings can make a significant difference in their development.


When roots are confined and unable to spread, they may become entangled and “rootbound,” ultimately suffocating the plant, resulting in stunted growth, poor health, and potentially death. A robust root system is essential for the well-being of a marijuana plant. This underlines the importance of determining the optimal time when to transplant cannabis seedlings from smaller to larger pots as they grow.


The size of the plant’s container dictates the extent to which the roots can grow, consequently influencing the plant’s overall size. Using a container that is too small can hinder its growth. Therefore, understanding when to transplant cannabis seedlings is crucial for ensuring they have enough room to thrive without becoming rootbound.

It’s advisable to avoid planting a seed directly into a large pot to prevent potential soil wastage if the seed fails to germinate. Additionally, when cultivating marijuana outdoors, it becomes challenging to plan the garden and allocate seed placement if some seeds do not sprout.


Typically, most marijuana growers initiate seed germination in small containers such as 4-inch pots or 1-gallon containers. For successful seedlings, larger containers become necessary after a few weeks of growth, requiring transplantation into bigger pots or directly into the ground. This step is critical, and knowing when to transplant cannabis seedlings ensures that they have adequate space to continue their growth without limitations.


Recognizing the right moment when to transplant cannabis seedlings plays a pivotal role in cannabis cultivation. It ensures that the plants have enough space to develop a strong root system, which is foundational for healthy growth and bountiful yields. Whether you are a novice or an expert grower, paying attention to this key aspect of cultivation can lead to more successful outcomes. For those looking to streamline their cultivation process, purchasing quality seeds online offers convenience and access to a wide variety of strains, tailored to meet the needs of different growers and their growing conditions.



The Cannabis Seedling Transplant


If you’re utilizing traditional pots, a clear signal for knowing when to transfer your cannabis plants is when the roots become visible through the drainage holes at the base. Additional indicators include a decrease in plant growth rate or visible signs of wilting.


This process involves transplanting the seedlings at an opportune time, ideally just before they outgrow their current container. By using buckets, you can easily discern the need to repot when roots begin to emerge. However, if you start with a cup or small pot, you must rely on visual cues on the surface. Typically, when the seedling’s true leaves have fully expanded to cover the circumference of the container and there is noticeable vertical growth, it is time to transplant.


Delaying transplanting can cause the plants’ roots to become tangled, which will require considerable time to recover and may remain permanently stunted. It usually takes 7-10 days for a seedling to establish roots and grow out of small starter pots of 1 liter or less.



Risk Transplant Cannabis Seedling


Transplanting cannabis seedlings can be a stressful process, both for the plants and their growers, considering the sensitivity and fragility of root hairs. This transition removes the seedlings from their familiar environment, and mishandling can easily damage the delicate root system.


What’s the optimal method for transplanting cannabis seedlings? Carefulness is key! Timing plays a crucial role, particularly when transplanting outdoors. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth transition for your plants:


  1. Hydrate the plants thoroughly the day before transplanting to ensure the soil is moist.

  2. Choose a cloudy day for transplanting and schedule it for later in the day, allowing the plant to rest overnight before exposure to the next day’s light and sun.

  3. Dig a suitable hole in the new pot or ground, ensuring it’s deep enough to accommodate the plant and its root ball—this is a common oversight. Ensure the hole is well-watered to facilitate immediate contact between the roots and moist soil.

  4. Water the plant shortly before transplanting to keep its roots moist.

  5. Gently squeeze the sides of the pot (if using plastic) and carefully remove the seedling, placing it into the prepared hole.

  6. Firmly pack the soil around the seedling and pat it down to stabilize the plant.

  7. Water the plant again to settle the soil.

  8. Ideally, provide shade or protection from direct sunlight for at least three days to allow the plant time to recover from the transplant shock.


Tips To Get The Best Transplant


It is important to take into account the following advice if you want to make good transplants of cannabis seedlings. Many times it is not only influenced by When To Transplant Cannabis Seedlings but also other factors that are essential for everything to be perfect. Now we will see the main factors to take into account before making a good transplant of seedlings.


When To Transplant Cannabis Seedlings: Select the correct cannabis seeds


This seems like an obvious point, but it’s a common problem: “I got these seeds from a friend, but they won’t germinate…” It’s essential to purchase seeds from reputable sources or local dispensaries. While your friends may mean well, they may inadvertently provide you with seeds that produce male cannabis plants (which do not produce THC-rich buds). Additionally, the seeds themselves may be too old to germinate. Therefore, to ensure a thriving plant, it is essential to start with a healthy seed.


When To Transplant Cannabis Seedlings: Use correct techniques to germinate seeds


The technique or way of germinating cannabis seeds is influential because, if you do not use the correct way, you may suffer problems when the process progresses.

For example: Many times gardeners exceed the humidity when germinating seeds. This can generate some type of fungus that damages the emerging root or produces some type of harmful pathogen when the plant grows.


It may also happen that you allow more time than the time required for the seed to germinate and the cotyledons end up appearing. The above can generate extra stress on the seedling when it is already in the substrate. Therefore, you can cause the cultivation of these plants to be slower and the seedlings to be weaker.


Another common case is that the main root that emerges from the seed becomes twisted in the process. The above can cause the seedling to emerge from the substrate with crooked growth or higher stress levels. For this reason it prevents the main root of the seeds from curling up when they germinate.


When To Transplant Cannabis Seedlings: The perfect temperature for cannabis seedlings


Temperature is essential for seedlings as well as for adult plants. However, maintaining a good temperature when the seedlings are growing in the first weeks will help you have cannabis specimens that will be much more resistant when transplanting them. It will also help you so that the adult plants are ready to deliver everything, especially in flowering.


If you plan to transplant them outdoors, you should consider moving them to a sunny window during the first or second week, right after they begin to emerge from the substrate (avoid prolonged periods of direct sunlight). Once they have developed two or three sets of serrated leaves, they will have sufficient strength to thrive under sunlight. Gradually increase their exposure to the sun to help them acclimate to outdoor conditions.


Lights For Seedlings


If you’re cultivating indoors, seedlings can be placed under artificial light as soon as they sprout from the soil. Distances will vary depending on the wattage, but as a general guideline:


  • For high-density discharge lamps, seedlings should be positioned at a minimum distance of 50 cm from the bulb.

  • If using a compact fluorescent lamp, keep the distance around 15 cm; with regular fluorescents, just a few centimeters away is sufficient.

  • When using LED lamps, maintain a distance of approximately 30 cm.

Seedlings also require a gentle breeze to strengthen their stems, reducing the likelihood of drooping as they mature. A small household fan set on low power and oscillating can serve this purpose, ensuring that plants don’t receive airflow from just one direction. If you notice gentle movement in the plants, the breeze is adequate for reinforcement.


Use propagators for cannabis seedlings

 

This plastic tray features a transparent top that traps moisture and warm air around seedlings. However, since air circulation is restricted, it’s not advisable to keep your plants in a propagator for extended periods.


Once seedlings develop their second or third set of serrated leaves (or reach a height of over seven centimeters), it’s time to remove the lid. Use a small household fan on the lowest setting to introduce some airflow.


If you plan to transition your plants outdoors, place the covered propagator near a window. This ensures seedlings receive adequate light. As plants grow large enough to thrive without the propagator lid, you can begin acclimating them to outdoor conditions.


Move plants outside

Firstly, ensure that it’s not too cold outside. There should be a consistently warm temperature of over 15 degrees Celsius, day and night. Begin by acclimating the seedlings outdoors for a few hours when it’s sunny. Gradually increase their sun exposure by about an hour each day. After two weeks, they should be able to remain outside permanently.


Humidity is a fundamental factor


It’s crucial to prevent seedlings from drying out. While this isn’t an issue in a propagator, it requires periodic monitoring outdoors and under lights. Seedlings need regular misting, but caution should be taken to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight with water droplets on their leaves, as this could magnify and cause burning.




Easy Cannabis Strains For Transplanting From Seedling


Now let’s get to our genetic recommendations that are easy to grow for every gardener, whether expert or novice. For this reason, they are also easy and resistant genetics to be transplanted when they are seedlings.


Clementine


 Clementine ignites innovative thought processes, complemented by a gentle yet invigorating physical elevation. This exceptional strain is crafted from a blend of Tangie and Lemon Skunk, delivering an enticing bouquet of citrus, pine, and diesel aromas. Notably, a refined wax formulation of Clementine clinched the prestigious accolade of Second Best Sativa concentrate at the 2015 High Times Cannabis Cup. Furthermore, meticulous analyses conducted by the renowned cannabis testing facility Analytical 360 have revealed THC levels in Clementine samples reaching an impressive 27%.


Clementine can be cultivated either indoors or outdoors, although successful outdoor growth requires a semi-humid environment with daytime temperatures ranging between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants have the potential to grow tall, particularly during the flowering phase, so growers should aim to maintain manageable height through regular pruning and trimming.


This particular strain boasts a notably short flowering period for a sativa, taking 8 to 9 weeks when cultivated indoors. Growers can anticipate Clementine yielding approximately 46 to 55 grams (or 1.6 to 1.9 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant. Much like its strong odor when smoked, Clementine can also emit a potent aroma during growth; therefore, indoor growers may consider investing in odor-control methods such as carbon air filters or exhaust fans.


Growers should also ensure proper curing of the flowers to retain Clementine's distinctive citrus flavor. Curing involves initially hanging buds upside down by their stems for about a week in an environment with 50% humidity and temperatures of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the stems easily snap off the flowers, the buds can be sealed in airtight jars with ambient humidity levels of 60-65% and maintained at approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. During the curing process, it’s essential to check the buds daily for any signs of mold for at least a week.


With its robust flavors and enduring, introspective high, Clementine demonstrates that taste doesn’t have to be compromised for psychoactivity. Whether enjoyed alone or in social settings, Clementine presents an excellent option for sativa enthusiasts seeking a milder experience than usual.


Northern Lights x Skunk


A sought-after variety with mysterious origins, Northern Lights x Skunk is an indica-dominant strain of moderate potency known for its mood-enhancing and body-relaxing effects. Created through a breeding combination of Shiva Skunk, Haze and Northern Lights, it offers an ideal option for both recreational and medicinal users, making it perfect for leisurely afternoons or evenings.


Northern Lights x Skunk strikes a balance suitable for seasoned enthusiasts while also providing an enjoyable experience for newcomers, boasting an average THC content of 17%. Its buds typically exhibit a dark green hue with hints of orange in the hairs. The flavor profile is distinctive yet pleasant, characterized by upfront notes of skunk, earth, and pepper, followed by subtle undertones of citrus and pine that gradually introduce a touch of sweetness to complement the initial robust flavors.


Suitable for growers of any skill level, Northern Lights x Skunk can be grown indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse setting. The plants have the potential to grow very tall, necessitating vigilant monitoring. If you’re eager for results, this strain is perfect since it reaches full flowering in just 8 to 9 weeks. A successful harvest is achievable with proper maintenance of a dry, well-lit environment.


When two timeless parent strains unite, the outcome is bound to be remarkable. Northern Lights x Skunk stands as a perfect example of this phenomenon, offering a delightful array of effects and flavors that cater to a wide audience. Whether enjoyed before bedtime or as a soothing cap to your day, this strain has earned a cherished spot among enthusiasts. Consider nurturing this plant in your home garden if you have a green thumb, or keep an eye out for Northern Lights x Skunk during your next trip to the local dispensary if gardening isn’t your forte.

 

Northern Lights x Skunk is a great option for those gardeners looking for seedlings that are easy to work with and can be transplanted easily. As we said, the union of 2 of the weed varieties that are part of the family tree of different genetics is the guarantee to point out that the seedlings you have of this variety will surely be strong and easy to transplant.




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