Best strains to grow in the UK
The United Kingdom has a rich repertoire of cannabis strains, each with its own set of unique qualities and characteristics. The below-listed strains are just a fraction of the vast array of options that are available for cannabis enthusiasts to explore and relish. The sheer diversity in cannabis strains is continually expanding, presenting a multitude of choices that cater to a wide range of preferences, needs and cultivation conditions. If you’re interested in horticulture, and particularly in growing your own cannabis in the UK, there are a few important factors that you should bear in mind. The unpredictable UK weather, coupled with the relatively shorter growing season, requires growers to opt for strains that are quick-growing, robust, and mould-resistant. Photoperiod strains are a popular choice among seasoned growers due to their adaptability and hardiness. These strains, named for their growth cycle that’s dependent on specific light and dark periods, are known to be resilient and can withstand fluctuations in weather conditions. Their ability to grow quickly and resist mould makes them an excellent choice for those looking to cultivate cannabis in the UK. Another promising option for growers in the UK are autoflowers. These strains, as their name suggests, flower automatically without the need for a specific light cycle. This characteristic offers a significant advantage in regions like the UK, where the growing season is shorter and the weather can be unpredictable. Autoflowering strains are revered for their ability to mature rapidly, often in as few as eight weeks, making them a favourable option for those seeking a faster return on their cultivation efforts. Among the vast array of cannabis strains available, some that are particularly suitable for outdoor growing in the UK include Quick One, Northern Light Automatic, Cookies Gelato, Blue Cheese Automatic, and Royal Runtz. Each of these strains has been carefully selected for their ability to thrive in the UK’s unique climate conditions. The Quick One is a fast-growing and compact strain, known for its high resistance to mould and pests. Northern Light Automatic is another speedy autoflowering variant that promises high quality yields even in less-than-ideal climates. Cookies Gelato is a strain that boasts high THC levels and is cherished for its sweet, dessert-like aroma. Blue Cheese Automatic combines the robustness of autoflowering strains with the distinct flavour profile of the classic Blue Cheese. Lastly, Royal Runtz is a prominent strain celebrated for its intense fruity flavour and compact growth, making it ideal for discrete outdoor growing. In conclusion, the UK offers a bountiful assortment of cannabis strains that growers can sow and nurture. By selecting strains that are hardy, quick-growing, and mould-resistant, such as photoperiod strains and autoflowers, even the most unpredictable UK weather can yield a successful and rewarding cannabis harvest.
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7. strains.uk
The best strains to grow outdoors in the UK are those that are fast-flowering, hardy, and mould-resistant. These strains can cope with the shorter growing season and the unpredictable weather in the UK. Some examples of suitable strains for outdoor growing in the UK are:
Quick One: This is an autoflowering strain that is ready to harvest in just 8–9 weeks from seed. It has a citrusy and herbal flavour and a relaxing effect. It is a cross between Lowryder 1 and an old-school indica1
Northern Light Automatic: This is another autoflowering strain that is derived from the legendary Northern Lights. It has a sweet and spicy taste and a balanced high. It can be harvested in 9–10 weeks from seed. It is a cross between Northern Lights and a ruderalis variety1
Cookies Gelato: This is a photoperiod strain that is a hybrid of two famous strains: Gelato and Girl Scout Cookies. It has a smooth and fruity flavour and a potent effect. It can be harvested in late September or early October. It is a cross between Gelato 33 and Girl Scout Cookies Thin Mint2
Blue Cheese Automatic: This is an autoflowering strain that is a cross between Blueberry Automatic and Cheese Automatic. It has a cheesy and fruity aroma and a relaxing effect. It can be harvested in 10 weeks from seed. It is a cross between Blueberry, Cheese, and ruderalis genetics1
Royal Runtz: This is a photoperiod strain that is a cross between Gelato and Zkittlez, two of the most popular strains in the UK. It has a sweet and sour flavour and a euphoric effect. It can be harvested in early October. It is a cross between Gelato and Zkittlez1
These are just some of the strains that you can grow outdoors in the UK, but there are many more to explore and enjoy. If you are interested in growing your own cannabis in the UK, you should look for strains that have short flowering times, good resistance to mould and pests, and high-quality buds. I hope this information helps you learn more about the strains to grow in the UK.
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2. zamnesia.com
7. strains.uk
The difference between photoperiod and autoflowering strains is how they start to flower. Photoperiod strains require a change in light cycle to initiate flowering, while autoflowering varieties don’t. Autoflowering strains flower automatically under any light cycle, while photoperiod-sensitive strains require specific light schedules to induce flowering1
Photoperiod strains take longer to reach harvest, but they often produce larger yields and feature higher levels of cannabinoids. In contrast, autoflowering varieties are faster and simpler to grow, but they usually produce smaller yields and lower levels of cannabinoids1
Photoperiod strains are easy to manipulate, which is both a positive and negative trait. If we assume the manipulation is intended, photoperiod strains can grow taller and produce bigger yields than their autoflowering counterparts. However, they also require more maintenance and attention, such as pruning, shaping, and adjusting the light cycle. Autoflowering strains are more resistant to stress and pests, but they also have less room for error and recovery2
Photoperiod strains are more common and diverse than autoflowering strains, as they are the source of most of the weed available on the market. However, autoflowering strains have improved a lot in recent years, and some of them can rival or even surpass photoperiod strains in terms of quality and potency3
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1. zamnesia.com
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There are several methods to germinate cannabis seeds, but they all share the same basic principles: providing the seeds with enough moisture, warmth, and darkness to trigger their growth. Some of the most common methods are:
Soaking in water: This is a simple and effective way to germinate cannabis seeds. You just need to soak your seeds in a glass of water for 24 hours or until the seed sprouts a taproot1. Then, you can transfer the seeds to a small cup or a jiffy pot with soil and place them in a warm and dark place until they grow into seedlings.
Using paper towels: This is another popular method that involves placing the seeds between layers of damp paper towels and keeping them in a warm and dark place1. You need to check the paper towels regularly and moisten them if they dry out. Once the seeds sprout taproots, you can plant them in soil or another growing medium.
Planting directly in soil: This is the most natural way to germinate cannabis seeds, as it mimics how they would grow in the wild. You just need to plant your seeds about 1cm deep in moist and fertile soil and keep them in a warm and sunny spot2. The downside of this method is that you can’t see if the seeds have germinated or not, and you risk damaging the taproots when transplanting them.
Using starter cubes or plugs: These are small blocks of organic material that are designed to provide optimal conditions for seed germination. They are usually made of peat moss, coco coir, rockwool, or other substrates. You just need to insert your seeds into the pre-made holes in the cubes or plugs and keep them moist and warm2. Once the roots start to show, you can transplant the whole cube or plug into a larger pot with soil.
The best way to germinate cannabis seeds depends on your personal preference, availability of materials, and experience level. However, no matter which method you choose, you should always follow these general guidelines:
Use high-quality seeds that are dark, hard, and dry. Avoid seeds that are pale, soft, or cracked2.
Use clean water with a neutral pH of around 6.0–7.0. Avoid using tap water that may contain chlorine or other chemicals2.
Use sterile tools and containers to prevent contamination and infection. Wash your hands before handling the seeds2.
Keep the temperature between 22°C and 25°C (71–77°F) and the humidity around 70%. Avoid exposing the seeds to direct sunlight or cold drafts2.
Check the seeds regularly and gently remove any mould or debris. Do not touch the taproots or force them to grow in a certain direction2.
Transplant the seeds carefully once they have sprouted taproots of about 2–3mm long. Do not wait too long or the roots may get tangled or damaged2.
I hope this information helps you germinate your cannabis seeds successfully.
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6. youtube.com
7. wikihow.com
9. bit.ly
Growing cannabis indoors can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it also requires some planning, preparation, and equipment. Here are some basic steps to grow cannabis indoors:
Choose a suitable space for your plants. You can use a closet, tent, cabinet, spare room, or a corner in an unfinished basement. Just make sure you have enough space for the plants to grow and enough ventilation to prevent mould and odours1
Choose a suitable growing medium for your plants. You can use soil, coco coir, rockwool, or hydroponics. Soil is the most traditional and forgiving medium, but it may contain pests and pathogens. Coco coir is a natural fibre that retains water and nutrients well, but it may need pH adjustment. Rockwool is an inert and sterile medium that provides good aeration and drainage, but it may irritate your skin and lungs. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in water with added nutrients, but it requires more equipment and maintenance2
Choose a suitable lighting system for your plants. You can use LED, HID, CFL, or fluorescent lights. LED lights are the most energy-efficient and long-lasting, but they are also the most expensive. HID lights are the most powerful and produce the highest yields, but they also generate a lot of heat and need a cooling system. CFL and fluorescent lights are the cheapest and easiest to use, but they also produce the lowest yields and quality3
Choose a suitable strain for your plants. You can choose between indica, sativa, or hybrid strains. Indica strains are short and bushy, with relaxing and sedating effects. Sativa strains are tall and thin, with uplifting and energizing effects. Hybrid strains are a mix of both, with balanced effects. You can also choose between regular, feminized, or autoflowering seeds. Regular seeds produce both male and female plants, but you need to remove the males to prevent pollination. Feminized seeds produce only female plants, which are easier to grow and guarantee buds. Autoflowering seeds produce plants that flower automatically regardless of the light cycle, which are faster and simpler to grow4
Germinate your seeds using one of the following methods: soaking in water, using paper towels, planting directly in soil, or using starter cubes or plugs. The goal is to provide enough moisture, warmth, and darkness for the seeds to sprout taproots. Once the taproots are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, you can plant them in your chosen medium5
Care for your plants by providing them with optimal conditions for growth. You need to adjust the temperature, humidity, light cycle, ventilation, watering, feeding, pruning, training, and pest control according to the stage of growth of your plants. Generally speaking, you need to keep the temperature between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C), the humidity between 40% and 70%, the light cycle between 18/6 and 12/12 hours (depending on whether you are growing photoperiod or autoflowering plants), the ventilation between low and high (depending on whether you are growing indoors or outdoors), the watering between moist and dry (depending on whether you are growing in soil or hydroponics), the feeding between low and high (depending on whether you are using organic or synthetic nutrients), the pruning between minimal and moderate (depending on whether you want to shape your plants or not), the training between none and various (depending on whether you want to increase your yields or not), and the pest control between preventive and curative (depending on whether you have any infestations or not)6
Harvest your plants when they are ready by looking at the trichomes on the buds. Trichomes are tiny resin glands that contain THC and other cannabinoids. They change colour from clear to cloudy to amber as they mature. The best time to harvest is when most of the trichomes are cloudy with some amber ones. This indicates that the buds have reached their peak potency and flavour. To harvest your plants, you need to cut off the branches with buds, trim off the excess leaves, hang them upside down in a dark and dry place for a few days until they snap when bent, then put them in glass jars with lids for curing for at least two weeks until they smell and taste good7
I hope this information helps you grow cannabis indoors successfully.
Learn more:
1. cannabistraininguniversity.com
2. bing.com
3. leafly.com
4. wikihow.com
5. dutch-passion.blog
7. 10buds.com
There is no definitive answer to what is the best soil for growing cannabis, as different strains and growing methods may have different preferences and requirements. However, some general characteristics of good cannabis soil are:
It should be well-aerated and provide good drainage to prevent the roots from being waterlogged. Sandy soil is a good option, as it provides ample drainage and allows for oxygen to reach the roots. Loamy soil is another excellent option, as it retains moisture well and contains a balanced mix of sand, silt, and clay12.
It should have a pH level of around 6, which is slightly acidic. Cannabis plants prefer slightly acidic soil, as it helps them absorb nutrients more efficiently. You can use a pH meter or test strips to measure the pH of your soil, and adjust it with lime or vinegar if needed13.
It should be rich in organic matter and nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron. These are essential for the growth and development of cannabis plants. You can enrich your soil with compost, worm castings, manure, or other organic fertilizers14.
It should be free of pests, pathogens, and contaminants that can harm your plants. You can sterilize your soil by baking it in the oven or microwaving it for a few minutes. You can also use natural methods to prevent and control pests, such as neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or beneficial insects12.
If you want to make your own cannabis soil, you can follow some simple recipes that use common ingredients. For example, one popular recipe is the organic super soil and 420 fertilizer mix1. To make this soil, you need:
8 large bags of high-quality organic potting soil
25–50 lbs of organic worm castings
5 lbs of steamed bone meal
5 lbs of bloom bat guano
5 lbs of blood meal
3 lbs of rock phosphate
¾ cup of Epsom salt
½ cup of sweet lime (dolomite)
½ cup of azomite (trace elements)
2 tbsp of powdered humic acid
To make this mix, you need to:
Layer the ingredients in a large container or tarp
Moisten the mix with water
Turn the mix every few days for a month to let it compost
Store the mix in a cool and dark place until ready to use
This mix will provide your plants with all the nutrients they need throughout their life cycle. You can use it as a base for your pots or beds, or as a top dressing for your plants.
I hope this information helps you find or make the best soil for growing cannabis.
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3. weedmaps.com
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There are several ways to make your own nutrients for cannabis, depending on the ingredients you have and the stage of growth of your plants. Here are some examples of homemade fertilizers that you can use for your cannabis plants:
Coffee grounds: Coffee grounds are a good source of nitrogen and other organic nutrients that can help your plants grow healthy and vigorous. You can add coffee grounds to your compost or mix them with your soil at a rate of 2 grams per liter of soil. You can also make a liquid fertilizer by soaking coffee grounds in water for 24 hours and then using the water to water your plants1
Wood ashes: Wood ashes are rich in potassium and phosphorus, which are important for the flowering and fruiting of your plants. You can sprinkle wood ashes on top of your soil or mix them with water and use them as a foliar spray. However, be careful not to use too much, as wood ashes can raise the pH of your soil and make it too alkaline2
Banana peels: Banana peels are another great source of potassium, as well as calcium and magnesium. You can chop up banana peels and bury them in your soil, or you can make a tea by boiling them in water and then letting it cool. You can use this tea to water your plants or spray it on their leaves1
Eggshells: Eggshells are high in calcium, which is essential for the structure and strength of your plant cells. You can crush eggshells and mix them with your soil, or you can make a calcium solution by dissolving them in vinegar and then diluting it with water. You can use this solution to water your plants or spray it on their leaves1
Molasses: Molasses is a sweetener that contains sugar, iron, calcium, magnesium, and other trace minerals. It can help feed the beneficial microbes in your soil and improve its fertility. You can add molasses to your compost or mix it with water and use it as a soil drench or foliar spray. Use about 1 tablespoon of molasses per gallon of water3
These are just some of the homemade fertilizers that you can make for your cannabis plants. You can experiment with different combinations and proportions to find what works best for you. However, always remember to monitor the pH and EC of your soil and water, as well as the health and appearance of your plants, to avoid any nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
Learn more:
2. pevgrow.com
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