Six crucial inputs for optimal sativa cannabis cultivation

What distinguishes them? In general, indica plants grow faster than sativa plants and tend to produce more buds. Sativa usually grows taller and more slender than indica and tends to have slightly higher THC levels. Sativa plants also take a bit longer to mature. For these reasons, sativa cannabis cultivation requires a specific type of care that, while similar to general cannabis guidelines, contains some important differences.

Here are six crucial components for cultivating robust, consistently high-quality sativa cannabis plants:

1. Warmth

Sativa cannabis tends to need more warmth than indica. For this reason, it does well when cultivated indoors, where growers can more easily control the temperature than outdoors. Temperatures that are too high or too low can decelerate growth, decrease THC content, or shock the plant (although, in crop steering, this can be beneficial).

2. Soil

Soil conditions need to be well controlled for acidity (pH). Too much acidity can damage the plant, so growers should take care in their fertigation solutions, which can change the soil’s acid level considerably. A pH that’s too basic will stunt growth. The ideal soil acidity, or pH level, would be slightly alkaline at between 5.8 and 6.5. Sativa cannabis plants tend to grow taller with more nitrogen.

3. Light

Cannabis must have access to high levels of light in order to achieve proper photosynthesis for optimal growth. In fact, they need more access to sufficient light levels than other plants due to their high biosynthetic energy demand. This is why cannabis grows better in conditions that have longer periods of daylight. This can also be achieved with more uniformity using indoor growth mediums as well as stronger, longer-lasting lighting systems.

4. Water

How much and how often cannabis plants need watering depends on how much light and warmth they get, as well as what phase of growth the plant is in (generative or vegetative). When plants get more sunlight, more water may be needed. However, too much water can suffocate the roots, invite pests, and decrease beneficial bacteria.

It’s best to allow the soil to dry sufficiently before adding water (this is called a dry back, and mastering this process is an essential element of effective crop steering). Automated drip irrigation systems can also be beneficial for cannabis growth, as they can detect the perfect moment to add more water. Short of that, precision water content monitoring can keep you in the know about how much to water your plants manually.

5. Nutrients

Sativa cannabis generally needs more nitrogen than potassium and phosphorus. Secondary and micronutrients are also required in lower doses. Growers should take care when fertilizing to avoid overdoing any one nutrient, as this can shock the plant.

Nutrients and fertilization can affect the yield, cannabinoid output, and THC content. The balance of plant nutrients and the timing of their application is essential in developing good nutrient regimes for sativa, as well as all cannabis.

6. Humidity

Humidity is measured relative to the amount of sunlight and warmth. Sativa plants need a humidity level of 40 to 60%. This is why it often grows well on the American West Coast in the Emerald Triangle.

However, humidity can be controlled even better in indoor settings. Drier conditions are generally not good for cannabis plants, but for sativa in particular, they can dry out leaves and slow the rate of photosynthesis.

Recap and summary

Sativa generally needs slightly more warmth, as well as more and different levels of nutrients, than other types of cannabis. Still, these cultivation variables are worth controlling for all cannabis plants, and every strain (and grow environment) is different.

Only by measuring with precision equipment and monitoring progress and conditions in real time can you gain the clearest picture of what’s working, what’s worked before, and what your pathway to ever-increasing yields and consistent quality will be.

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