Growing weed, in general, is quite a task. It takes a lot more attention and energy than growing your typical pathos, and you have to make sure you have the proper setup before ever getting started.
And, when it comes to learning how to grow weed indoors, there’s even more you have to keep in mind. But, that’s exactly why we’re here.
Below, we’ve outlined the 8 basic steps to growing marijuana indoors. This way, you know you’re supported from start to finish. Let’s talk about it.
How to Grow Weed Indoors: The 8 Steps
Before you start growing your weed seeds, it’s important to understand all that goes into indoor cultivation. That’s why we’re taking it step-by-step to show you just how easily — and efficiently — you can grow your own weed.
But first things first, please make sure cannabis cultivation is legal in your state.
Step 1. Finding the Right Cannabis Seeds
The first step to understanding how to grow weed indoors is selecting the right cannabis seeds.
Choosing the right seeds can significantly affect the success of your grow, as each type of seed offers different growth patterns, yields, and maintenance needs.
Below is a breakdown of the most common types of cannabis seeds you’ll find on the market: feminized, autoflowering, and regular seeds.
Seed Type | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Feminized Seeds | Genetically altered to produce only female cannabis plants, which are responsible for producing buds. | – Higher yield potential as all plants produce buds. – No need to identify and remove male plants. | – May be more expensive than regular seeds. – Limited for growers looking to breed cannabis. |
Autoflowering Seeds | Automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage, regardless of light cycles. | – Fast-growing (ready to harvest in 8-10 weeks). – Ideal for beginners. – Can grow multiple harvests per year. | – Lower yield compared to feminized or regular seeds. – Less control over the growing process. |
Regular Seeds | Natural seeds that can produce either male or female plants. | – Ideal for breeding new strains. – More affordable. – Authentic and natural cultivation process. | – Must identify and remove male plants to prevent pollination. – 50/50 chance of a male weed plant. |
When growing indoors, feminized seeds are often the most popular choice because they simplify the growing process by ensuring that all plants will produce buds.
Autoflowering seeds are great for beginner growers or those looking for quick harvests, while regular seeds provide opportunities for breeding but require more attention and knowledge to manage.
Step 2. Preparing Your Space
Next, you’ve gotta get your indoor space prepared. After all, you are growing your plants in your own home!
Whether you’re using a grow room, grow tent, or a spare room, here are key factors to consider:
- Space Requirements: Ensure your indoor grow room or grow tent has enough room for a few plants to thrive. Leave space for proper airflow and equipment.
- Lighting: Use LED grow lights or fluorescent lights to mimic sunlight. Adjust light schedules during the vegetative and flowering stages to optimize plant growth.
- Ventilation: Install intake and exhaust fans to maintain fresh air and remove excess hot air. Proper ventilation prevents mold and ensures healthy cannabis plants.
- Environmental Control: Monitor temperature and humidity levels to keep your indoor garden ideal for cannabis cultivation. Optimal conditions vary based on plant stages.
Creating a well-ventilated, climate-controlled environment will ensure strong, healthy marijuana plants and higher yields when growing cannabis indoors.
Step 3. Selecting Grow Lights and Ventilation
Proper lighting and ventilation are also essential for growing cannabis indoors. Here’s how to set them up:
- Grow Lights: Choose between LED grow lights, fluorescent lights, or other cannabis grow lights based on your budget and space. LED lights are energy-efficient and provide the full spectrum of light needed for all growth stages, including the vegetative stage and flowering stage.
- Light Schedule: Maintain the correct hours of light for each stage. Cannabis plants typically need 18 hours of light during the vegetative stage and 12 hours during the flowering stage.
- Ventilation: Use intake and exhaust fans to keep a constant flow of fresh air. Ventilation prevents heat buildup from grow lights, ensures proper levels of carbon dioxide, and helps maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels in your grow space.
Proper lighting and ventilation create the optimal environment for plant growth and help prevent issues like mold or heat stress when growing marijuana indoors.
Step 4. Choosing the Right Growing Medium
Now, what are you going to grow your cannabis plants in?
Selecting the best growing medium is crucial for cannabis cultivation, as it directly affects plant growth. Here are some of the most common options:
- Soil: High-quality potting soil is the most natural medium. It’s ideal for beginners and provides a buffer against mistakes. Look for nutrient-rich soil designed for growing marijuana.
- Hydroponics: Growing cannabis using hydroponics allows faster plant growth and larger yields, as nutrients are delivered directly to the roots. However, this method requires more setup and maintenance.
- Other Mediums: Coco coir, peat moss, and fabric pots are also popular choices for indoor growers, offering better control over water and nutrient intake.
Each growing medium has its own pros and cons, so you should choose one that fits your experience level and setup to ensure healthy cannabis plants.
Step 5. Watering and Nutrient Management
Of course, proper watering and nutrient management are essential for healthy cannabis plants. When growing weed indoors, overwatering is a common mistake, so it’s important to maintain a balance.
Water your plants when the top layer of the growing medium feels dry, and ensure your grow space has good drainage to prevent root rot. The amount of water required will vary depending on the plant’s growth stage, with younger plants needing less and mature plants requiring more frequent watering.
Nutrient management is equally important.
Cannabis plants require specific nutrients during the vegetative and flowering stages, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
During the vegetative stage, focus on higher nitrogen levels to encourage growth. When the plants transition to the flowering stage, increase phosphorus and potassium to support bud development.
Monitor the pH levels of your water and nutrient solution, as cannabis plants thrive in slightly acidic conditions (pH 6.0–7.0 in soil and 5.5–6.5 in hydroponics).
Step 6. Monitoring the Flowering Stage
Now, the flowering stage is a critical period in the growth cycle of your cannabis plants, as this is when buds begin to form. Here’s what you need to know:
- Light Schedule: Shift your grow lights to a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark cycle to trigger the flowering phase. This simulates the natural light conditions that encourage marijuana plants to flower.
- Nutrient Adjustments: Reduce nitrogen intake and increase phosphorus and potassium in your nutrient mix. These nutrients support bud development and help the plant focus its energy on producing large, resinous flowers.
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a slightly lower humidity level during flowering to prevent mold and mildew. Ideal temperature ranges from 68-77°F (20-25°C). Proper ventilation remains crucial during this stage.
- Buds Development: Watch for signs that your cannabis buds are forming properly. The appearance of pistils and trichomes will signal that your plant is maturing. You’ll want to monitor the trichomes’ color to know when to harvest for optimal potency.
- Timing: Depending on the cannabis strain, the flowering stage lasts 6-10 weeks. Be patient, as early harvesting can result in lower-quality buds.
By carefully managing your plant’s environment and nutrients, you’ll ensure a productive flowering stage and maximize your yield when learning how to grow weed indoors.
Step 7. Harvesting, Drying, and Curing Your Cannabis Buds
You’re almost ready to reap the rewards of learning how to grow weed indoors! Next up is harvesting, drying, and curing your flower.
This is what that process will look like:
- Harvesting: The best time to harvest is when the trichomes (tiny resin glands on the buds) turn cloudy or amber, indicating peak THC levels. Use clean, sharp scissors to carefully trim the buds off the marijuana plants, removing large leaves but leaving smaller sugar leaves intact.
- Drying: After harvesting, hang your cannabis buds upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space with a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity between 45-55%. This allows the buds to dry slowly, preserving their potency and flavor. The drying process typically takes 7-10 days, but it’s essential to monitor the buds to avoid over-drying.
- Curing: Once the buds are dry to the touch, transfer them into airtight glass jars for curing. Store the jars in a cool, dark place and open them daily for the first 1-2 weeks to release excess moisture and allow fresh air inside. Curing can last anywhere from 2-4 weeks, though longer curing times (up to 8 weeks) can improve the flavor and smoothness of the buds.
Properly harvesting, drying, and curing your cannabis will enhance its quality, ensuring a smooth smoke and full flavor while maximizing the potency of your buds.
Step 8. Enjoy!
After your plants have finished curing, it’s finally time to enjoy your flower.
Simply open your jars, store your cannabis in a cool, dark place, and start puffing on the beauty that you grow yourself.
Start Growing With Your MMJ Card Today
We understand that learning how to grow weed indoors isn’t always easy — and you do need the right support. But, Elevate Holistics is here to be your one-stop-shop for all things cannabis, and that includes teaching you how to cultivate cannabis as easily as possible.
If you have more questions about growing weed — or you just want to get legal so you can do so without repercussions — Elevate Holistics is here to help.
With your medical marijuana card, you can gain access to top-shelf bud. Not to mention, in some places across the US, you can only grow weed indoors if you have a card.
When you’re ready to start growing cannabis in the comfort of your home, click the button below to get approved for MMJ in minutes.
