Many growers, mainly those on their first couple of cycles, often ask the question; “How do I grow dense cannabis?” The truth is that it’s not a simple thing to do, although it’s what we all want. As you gain experience you start to realise that there is no shortcut to getting dense cannabis flower. No little trick will create the hardest nugs you’ve ever grown. Density is earned.
It’s a combination of things. A set of to do’s that need to be done constantly. Growing quality cannabis will require more dedication, effort and time from you. You’ll be exploring more about growing and getting to know the plant while giving it a haven to thrive in.
Work on these points below and you’ll be cultivating buds that you’ll be proud of. For the purpose of this article, lets assume we’re growing in a buffered coco/perlite mix with standard 3 part nutrients. Let’s also assume that training and defoliation is practiced and that proper lighting is being provided for indoor setups.
Get Intimate With The Root Zone
It’s not about what you use, but what’s in it and what the pH is. When you know the EC and pH of the root zone, you’ve just taken your growing to the next level. Providing the proper environment for your plant is key, especially in the place where it gets it’s food from. Living soil guys don’t need to worry about this too much.
Note the EC/PPM and pH of your solution before watering. The very first run off gives insight into the state of the root zone. Should readings be way out, you know you have problems. You’ll have better results if you keep these in check over the course of the flowering period, greatly improving the density of your flower.
Control Temperature to Grow Dense Cannabis
Many years ago, I was once told that “you’re not really growing cannabis indoors if you aren’t controlling temps.” I’ll never forget his words scolding me like a noob, which at the time I was. I sorted my climate out and noticed a change in my plants the next day. Temps are key and make a huge difference not only in the buds you’re growing, but the terpenes they are producing too.
For outdoor growers, grow strains that are suited to your climate. Research the parent history and where those strains originated. For example, theres no better place to grow Durban Poison than in Kwa-zulu Natal! Jack Herer has parents that originate from the equator, so it doesn’t like the cold.
For indoor cultivators, recreate an oncoming winter, gradually dropping temps as flowering goes on. A simple heater, fan and some automation products can help you achieve stable highs and lows throughout your grow. A happy plant will give you the dense flower you’re looking for.
Use Additives to Grow Dense Cannabis
Although it’s possible to grow decent bud using a standard 3 part or base nutrients, additives can make a difference. With organic liquid nutrients, inoculate your medium with microbes and Rrhiz-Up Mycorrhizal Fungi. Use Madumbi Humates and Madumbi Fulvic Acid; and possibly even research a bit into KNF. Try amino acids or aloe vera products like BioBizz Acti-Vera. All these can increase the uptake of nutrients and help build a plant’s immune system, growing healthier flowers.
For mineral nutrient cultivators, things like calcium, magnesium and silica as well as ripeners and finishers can help get improved results. Monopotassium phosphate is the go to for most cultivators who want to add mass to flowers.
Green House Feeding Booster(Opens in a new browser tab)
Flowering is a stressful time for a plant. Additives can help cannabis manage that stress. The same way cannabis can help you manage yours.
CO2 Can Add Density To Your Cannabis Flower
Can CO2 increase density and yields? No doubt. Some claim up to 50%, or even 100% greater yields. CO2 is naturally found in the atmosphere and plants use it during the day light hours. They filter out the carbon to use as building blocks and give us back the oxygen. The more carbon they have access to, the more they can use to grow bud.
By replacing the air in your grow room every 2 minutes, you’re keeping constant CO2 levels for your plants. If your ventilation and extraction isn’t good enough, your CO2 levels are dropping constantly and your plants are suffocating. Improve extraction and ventilation or increase CO2 levels, that will provide your plant with the building blocks they need.
It must also be said that CO2 is still a dangerous gas and should not be taken lightly. Work with it cautiously and make sure that rooms and tents are well ventilated before entering them.
Wild Spirit Mycelium CO2 Generator(Opens in a new browser tab)
Flushing For Dense Cannabis
I can’t remember where I heard it or read it. I would happily give the credit if I can remember. It went; “drop the EC of your medium and watch your buds swell.” And they were so very right.
By dropping the EC of the growing medium at the end of the flowering cycle, the plant believes it’s naturally coming to an end. She will put out a last effort with what she’s got available in the growing medium (which is constantly decreasing creating urgency) as well as whats stored inside her. The aim before she dies is to expand those buds and ensure pollination.
You won’t be sorry if you master the art of a well timed flush. Your cannabis will burn better, smell and taste better and will be a pleasure to smoke if dried and cured correctly. Not to mention the dank bag appeal.
Know Your Cultivar For Dense Cannabis Flower
Too often I get asked how to grow dense cannabis. Then I find out it’s the first time they’re growing that strain. The source of the genetics were also sketchy. The truth is that a cup winning strain was grown numerous times by the cultivator. They will constantly make notes and adjustments, dialling it in as they say. This allows one to get to know what the cultivar likes. How hungry it is. Does it prefer cooler temps and various other needs they may have.
My best advice about how to grow dense cannabis, is to know what you’re growing. It’s also good to have a plan. Was the first harvest of a strain decent while just winging it? Imagine what you can do for the second run with a plan in your hand. Keep stains you like and practice flowering them.
One thing that should be done is to grow with proper genetics. Buy seeds or clones from a trusted seed bank and do your research. Get in touch if you’d like more info on this topic.
Conclusion
There is so much more we can talk on how to grow dense cannabis. For now work on these tips above. Put in some work and you won’t be sorry. Your friends will be begging you to blaze those buds while asking how you did it. If you want to grow dense cannabis, then best you up your game, because there is no short cut.
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