Growing your own cannabis is a rewarding journey that provides you with your very own organic ganja. But sometimes the growing process can require different steps that are essential for growth. Transplanting cannabis is a way to help cannabis plants grow faster, and there is a method to the madness that is worth the work. Here are some tips for transplanting cannabis and the common questions surrounding the topic that can substantially help you grow your harvest!
Why transplanting cannabis is a good thing
If you find yourself asking why even transplant cannabis in the first place, you’re not alone. Why transplant cannabis when you can just plant it where you plan to transplant it? Makes sense, but there are reasons behind transplanting cannabis that are a good thing for young cannabis plants.
When first starting to grow cannabis it is better to start the seedlings in a small container versus a bigger one because the cannabis plant roots can grow more easily without becoming waterlogged the way they would in a larger container. With the right mixture and air and water in smaller containers, your seedlings will easily root themselves and quickly become young cannabis plants ready for transplant.
Most growers start out with one-gallon pots for germinating seeds then move on to a bigger container as the different growth phases occur. If you’re a newbie feel free to learn how long it takes to grow weed and the different steps required for the growth process.
When to transplant cannabis
Usually there are one or two transplanting phases throughout the growth of a cannabis plant. There could potentially be more depending on how large your harvest and how controlled you are with increasing plant pot size.
Here are a few examples of when transplanting cannabis occurs during the growth process:
- Transfer from one-gallon container to two-gallon container - this usually happens around four to eight weeks after seed germination
- Transfer from two-gallon container to five-gallon container- this usually happens around 8-12 weeks, or about two weeks prior to the flowering phase
While this is a general guide to follow, the size of the container depends on its current growth. You’ll know when to move to a bigger container when you see the following occur.
Root development
Make sure whatever container is used has proper drainage holes. When you see white roots that is a sign of good health and if those roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes, it is time to transplant cannabis. Consider it like a growth spurt and just like when your toes start getting crowded in old shoes, it is time to go up a size.
End of vegetative stage
Transplanting cannabis happens before the flowering stage so while it is in full growth mode it already has its root system in place and ready to blossom. The vegetative state happens after germination and before flowering, which will start to show the hard work you put into growing your weed crop. Some ask, can you transplant cannabis during flowering? The answer is it is best prior to flowering so the plant is not disrupted and can fully blossom the way this stage is meant for.
Leaf development
When you start seeing around four or five sets of leaves, consider transplanting cannabis to a bigger pot as this is another sign of good growth. Every strain differs but use this as a general rule of thumb when looking at transplanting cannabis.
How to transplant cannabis
Ideally, when transplanting cannabis you will be doubling the pot container size to encourage more growth, so plan accordingly when buying supplies. You’ll need the following to transplant cannabis:
- At least double the size of current pot (two-gallon to five-gallon, four-gallon to eight-gallon, etc)
- Gloves
- Water
- Soil
Prevent contamination when transplanting cannabis
It is important to be as sanitary as possible when transplanting cannabis and dealing with marijuana plants in general. Use gloves to prevent contamination and this allows you to properly handle cannabis plants without causing damage.
Avoid overwatering
When transplanting cannabis, sprinkle water over the cannabis plant instead of drenching in water. This helps to avoid shocking the plant and makes it easier for transplant. Feel free to fully water once the cannabis plant is in its new home while making sure there are proper drainage holes for air and moisture to flow through.
Do not overpack soil
The new pot should have enough soil for the cannabis plant coming into its new home, but do not overcrowd with too much soil - plants need to breathe! It is best to add soil into the plant afterwards once you can properly gauge what amount is appropriate.
Avoid root damage
It is important that roots are not damaged when transplanting, and the plant is most at risk during the first transplanting phase. Damaging the roots will agitate or even kill the plant so make sure you are handling the roots with care.
Transplant cannabis properly
Now that you have a few tips for transplanting cannabis the right way, you should feel confident in knowing you’re about to grow the best harvest yet! As long as you handle your plants with care and give it what it needs to properly flourish, you are well on your way to harvesting some bud that will last you through the coming months. Gear up for the good stuff with a weed subscription box that will take care of everything you need for epic smoke sessions, just supply the ganja!
