Description:
Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant known for its tall, slender growth, finger-like leaves, and pungent herb-like smell.
Other names:
Weed, Dagga, Cannabis, Boom
September – October
Fertilising your cannabis sativa with a fish/kelp emulsion like Seagro in spring will help your plant get off to a good start for the season.
Regular pruning promotes bushier growth; monitor nutrient balance to avoid nutrient lockout and deficiency symptoms.
Grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Woolworths Reusable Shopping Bags make excellent containers for growing cannabis. You can get these bags for less than R10 at any Woolworths store.
Prefers moderate watering; allow soil to dry between sessions to prevent root issues.
For optimal growth, ensure ample space for airflow around the plant. Prune lower branches if they begin to crowd and restrict light exposure. Fertilization with nitrogen during the vegetative phase is beneficial but switch to phosphorus-rich feeding in the flowering phase to promote flower/bud formation.
Cannabis can easily be grown in pots and prefers full sunlight. In warmer climates, sunlight can make plastic or ceramic pots extremely hot to the touch, even burning plant roots that touch the inside of the pot. Wrapping plastic and ceramic pots in old newspapers can help keep roots cool during warmer months. Using fabric grow bags can also prevent overheating of roots.
The female plant grows the flower. The flower of the cannabis plant is used for its medicinal and psychoactive properties. If you are growing cannabis to use the flowers it is best to not let the female plant get pollinated. Female plants can be grow with clones from a female mother plant or with seeds that have been feminized.
Cannabis sativa is especially prone to developing problems in humid environments. The flowers of cannabis plants are typically dense and resinous, with clusters of small, green calyxes covered in trichomes that produce cannabinoids. This dense flower structure creates limited airflow within the buds. In high humidity, moisture can become trapped, making these flowers prone to fungal issues like mould and bud rot. To prevent such problems, growers should ensure adequate ventilation and airflow around plants.
Watch for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies, which may appear as the plant matures; neem oil can be a useful preventive measure.
Fungal issues like powdery mildew are common, especially in humid environments; maintain good airflow to reduce risk. Overwatering can also lead to root rot, so avoid excess moisture.