Fertilizers for growing cannabis
For a weed plant to grow strong and produce quality flowers, it needs proper nutrition. Cannabis fertilizers contain essential macronutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), as well as micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, among others. Depending on the development stage, specific fertilizers are used to stimulate root growth, enhance branch and shoot formation, or improve bud and resin production during flowering.
Thus, for the vegetative growth stage, you should use fertilizers specifically for this phase, which usually have a higher nitrogen (N) content than other fertilizers. On the other hand, flowering fertilizers are usually richer in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), two key elements in bud formation, which you will sometimes find isolated as PK supplements for the peak flowering phase. Remember that these PK supplements are used alongside flowering fertilizers, not as a substitute!
Uses of fertilizers, avoiding deficiencies, and improving production
Cannabis fertilizers are used throughout the plant's life cycle, regardless of the environment (indoor, outdoor, or greenhouse) and substrate (soil, coco coir, or hydroponics). Some of the benefits of using these products include:
• Promote healthy growth: Providing mainly nitrogen and root stimulants, in addition to other macro and micronutrients.
• Improve flowering: With fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium to maximize bud and resin development, achieving better flavor and aroma, and greater cannabinoid production.
• Increase resistance to pests and diseases: Thanks to an adequate balance of micronutrients, plants have a defensive system against various sources of stress, such as pests or drought.
• Optimize bud quality and flavor: Fertilizers, especially organic ones, can improve the terpene profile produced by plants, achieving superior organoleptic qualities.
Organic cannabis fertilizers: the best aroma and flavor
You can find different types of cannabis fertilizers on the market. In addition to those specific to each development phase (seedling, vegetative growth, and flowering), they can also be divided according to their formulation or format. In terms of formulation, organic fertilizers are undoubtedly the most recommended option if you're growing in soil. In addition to ensuring your plants don't suffer from deficiencies, they'll also provide a superior flavor and aroma.
Organic fertilizers are nutrients made from natural ingredients such as compost, guano, worm castings, or seaweed extracts. These fertilizers improve soil structure, promote microbial life, and enhance the natural flavor and aroma of the buds. Although they are absorbed more slowly than mineral fertilizers, they offer balanced and sustainable nutrition, ideal for growers seeking a high-quality harvest with an ecological approach. You'll get top-quality flowers, and you'll also be protecting your surroundings and the environment, so if you're aiming for the highest possible quality, organic nutrients will make it easier.
Mineral fertilizers for cannabis: get the most out of your plants
Mineral fertilizers for marijuana are formulated with nutrients in their purest form, easily assimilated by plants. Unlike organic fertilizers, which require the action of microorganisms to break down their components and make them available, mineral fertilizers offer immediate absorption, allowing precise control of nutrition at every stage of the crop.
Thanks to their rapid availability, they are ideal for high-yield crops seeking maximum growth and bud production in the shortest possible time. While they can be used in soil-based crops, they are most effective in inert growing systems, such as coco coir or hydroponics, where the grower has complete control over plant nutrition.
Mineral fertilizers are a perfect option if you're looking for quick results and abundant harvests, although they require more precise management of the pH and electroconductivity (EC) of the irrigation water to avoid overfeeding or nutrient lockouts. If you want to quickly correct a deficiency or seek maximum yield, mineral fertilizers are an excellent choice.
Types of fertilizers: solid and liquid fertilizers
Cannabis nutrients can be found in liquid or solid form, each with specific advantages depending on the type of crop and the grower's needs:
Liquid fertilizers, whether organic or mineral, are quickly absorbed and mix easily with irrigation water, allowing for immediate nutrition and better dosage control. They are ideal for all types of crops and especially for those seeking precise nutrition with each watering. They are the best option if you want total control over the nutrients your plants receive.
Solid fertilizers, on the other hand, come in powder, granule, or tablet form and typically have a slower, more progressive release. Solid fertilizers are an excellent option for soil and outdoor crops, especially guerrilla crops, as they require fewer applications and maintain constant nutrition in the substrate. They also allow you to use only water for irrigation, without the need to prepare nutrient solutions. Choose this option if you're interested in not having to fertilize frequently or if you're interested in techniques such as Super Soil or Living Soil.
Featured fertilizer brands
In the world of cannabis cultivation, some brands have established themselves as leaders in fertilizers thanks to their long history and excellent results, offering high-quality products with proven effectiveness. We recommend the following:
• Canna: Specialized in mineral and organic fertilizers for all growing media.
• Biobizz: Leader in organic nutrition, ideal for those looking to improve the flavor and quality of their flowers.
• Plagron: With a wide range of both organic and mineral fertilizers.
• Advanced Nutrients: With automatic pH adjustment technology and high-performance products.
• Metrop: Recognized for its high concentration of nutrients and quality in professional crops.
• Athena: Popular in commercial crops for its line of highly soluble and effective nutrients.
Having the best marijuana fertilizers is key to achieving a bountiful, high-quality harvest. Choosing the right fertilizer for your crop type and the plant's specific needs will make a difference in the final result—don't hesitate! Get the most out of your crop and forget about nutrient deficiencies with proper fertilization; your plants will thank you for it.
Frequently Asked Questions about cannabis fertilizers:
What does NPK stand for?
It refers to the content of the three major plant nutrients: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
What type of fertilizer should you choose?
This depends primarily on two factors: if you grow in soil, we recommend using organic fertilizers, either liquid or solid. If you grow in coco coir or hydroponics, it's best to use mineral fertilizers in liquid form.
When should you fertilize cannabis?
Ideally, you should use fertilizers at each stage of plant development, whether growth or flowering. If you grow in soil, you can fertilize every 2-3 waterings, while with coco coir or hydroponics, you should do so with every watering.
