If you’re new to marijuana cultivation or you’re dealing with nutrient deficiencies, or probably, your marijuana is getting destroyed from overfertilization. Realizing the best nutrients for your marijuana species can be quite tasking, time-consuming, and confusing, especially if you’re a first-time marijuana grower.
There are several nutrient-making companies on the market, and each develops various kinds of nutrients for various purposes. However, there are two significant stages of life for a marijuana plant, and these are the; flowering stage and the vegetative growth. Now, each of these stages requires certain nutrients to be successfully completed.
NPK, which stands for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium, is a complex fertilizer that comprises majorly of the three primary nutrients that are needed for healthy and complete plant growth. NPK is the essential nutrients that marijuana plants need to grow strong and healthy.
Some plant’s nutrients requirements differ from others. Applying these or any chemicals haphazardly may do more harm than good sometimes. When used on some plants, a fertilizer that has a high level of nitrogen can make them to use up all their energy and strength into developing foliage rather than flowers. However, nitrogen is an essential element for growing marijuana plants. If you have purchased chemicals for the care and cultivation of marijuana plants, you will notice a small inscription uniquely placed on the fertilizers’ bags or cans. Inexperienced growers may miss this detail. What these chemicals have inscribed on them are the initials written as ‘NPK’ – meaning there is a presence of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium in the fertilizer. Sometimes the letter ‘S’ is added to represent sulfur.
Now that you know these initials and what they stand for, you need to know that marijuana plants need nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium all through their life cycle and stages of growth. Each of these nutrients above plays a unique and equally important role in the development of your marijuana plants and, as such, shouldn’t be ignored. Here are the vital roles that each of these nutrients offers to your cannabis plants :
- Nitrogen
Even though nitrogen is continuously present in the atmosphere, most of these plants cannot absorb it straight from the air. These plants can only soak it up from the soil using their roots. It is essential and required for photosynthesis and plays a vital role in your plant’s diet, especially during its vegetative stage of growth.
- Phosphorus
Phosphorus is not as easy as nitrogen to find in its natural form or the environment. This is most likely because it is incredibly reactive to other chemical or non-chemical substances. However, Phosphorus is essential for developing strong roots. Most marijuana plants, when flowering, require added Phosphorus, which is signified in the high concentration of Phosphorus in most fertilizers designed for the flowering stage.
- Potassium
Like nitrogen and Phosphorus, Potassium helps strengthen the plant’s metabolism and is also essential for photosynthesis and the production of key proteins in the plant. It is also required to strengthen the immune system of your plant and builds its resistance against pests, infections, and diseases.
A basic guide to NPK ratios for Cannabis
Just as we’ve discussed earlier, NPK nutrients may not be used in the same ratio throughout the life cycle of the cannabis plant. Also, marijuana plants have significantly different requirements based on the strain.
- Vegetative growth
In the early stages of the marijuana life-cycle, the required nutrients are small. Therefore, less is more in the early stages of growth in a cannabis plant. Many growers prefer a feed with a high content of nitrogen. Using an NPK ratio of N:3, P:1, K:1, you can ensure an excellent supply of macronutrients during the growing stage of almost all kinds of Cannabis. However, there are some strains that may not respond well to this particular ratio, so you may have to adjust the ratios a bit based on the needs of that particular strain.
You have to ensure that the Nitrogen levels are particularly higher than Potassium and Phosphorus until the bloom phase.
- Flowering
Once the marijuana fully transitions to the flowering stage, Its requirement for macronutrients changes to the direct opposite. This means that you would have to re-adjust the NPK ratio. The practical and recommended NPK formula for the flowering phase during early to mid-bloom is 1:3:2, closely followed by 0:3:3 for late bloom. Best light for flowering
- Feeding: light, heavy and perfect
Soil growing only requires watering of the plants, especially at the seedling stage. Also, adding some extra microorganisms and enzymes that are beneficial to the plant is enough. This will make the nutrients in the soil available for the plants whenever they need it and also helps to develop the roots of your plant. Although, for hydro and coco growers, it is advised that you begin an application with strength feeds of 25% and then adjust it as you go. Some strains like the indica strain may react better to high doses of nutrients or fertilizer. On the other hand, sativa responds better to lesser nutrients. Most auto-flowering and hybrid strains respond well to just enough fertilizer, not too high and not too low doses will do just fine.
Calcium and Magnesium also play vital roles in the development of your plants. A soil that is rich in all nutrients but lacks calcium is likely to grow plants that are noticeably deficient. Calcium strengthens the plants and helps the plants absorb and make use of the available nutrients quickly. Calcium also helps to paralyze toxic materials and can improve the texture of your soil.
Magnesium is also an essential micronutrient that helps the plants maximize the available nutrients and use them. Also, the plant enzymes require Magnesium to produce sugars and carbohydrates. To achieve healthy flowers, fruits, and seeds, your plants need a sufficient amount of Magnesium. Also, Magnesium plays a vital role in the process of photosynthesis, and the plants cannot process the sunlight without it.
The Best Nutrients for the vegetative stage – fertilizer and NPK Are Reviewed Below
Table of Contents
Here are some of the best nutrients for your plants’ vegetative stage that are available on the market.
1
Calimagic Advanced Nutrients Sensi CAL-MAG plant nutrient
Plants that are grown outdoors have a lesser chance than indoor grown plants to have a magnesium or calcium deficiency. However, the CALiMAGic can work wonders. It stands as an efficient cure for deficiency and can also be used to prevent these deficiencies.
This CALiMAGic is the best on the market, primarily because of its effectiveness and affordability. It is quite versatile and can be used both outdoors and with hydroponics. This magic product’s main advantages are that it helps your plants increase their uptake of nutrients and makes sure that your plant has healthy, productive growth.
This product can be used during all stages of plant growth and will also cooperate with cloned plants. However, the CALiMAGic advanced nutrients, sensi CAL-MAG plant nutrient is kelp-based and, as such, should be used in mild portions to avoid nutrient burn in the plants.
Key Features:
- Advanced nutrients brand
- No assembly required
- It is available in 250ml size
- Will work with hydroponics or in soil
Specification:
- Dimensions: 3 * 4.75 * 1.5 inches
- Brand: Advanced nutrients
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Size: .250 liter
Pros
- It is suitable for both soil and hydroponic use
- It increases the nutrient uptake of your plants
- It works quite well with cloned plants
- It is designed to be used at all stages of your plant’s growth
Cons
- If not used sparingly, it may cause nutrient burn
2
Advanced Nutrients 1301-13 Grow pH Perfect Fertilizer
Using this product, you can forget about having pH issues with your soil or plants. The Advanced nutrients, “perfect grow,” are the solution to a Ph balanced soil. This advanced nutrient product can be used even with soilless systems. It can be used to grow through hydroponic systems and in soil. It makes sure that your plants can access the correct balance of the necessary nutrient to provide them with profitable and healthy growth.
This product works well when used along with the advanced nutrients Micro and Bloom to promote an excellent support system for your marijuana plants. Just as the name implies, this product will help maintain the perfect pH range of your plants, which is a range of 5.9 – 6.5, and you wouldn’t have to bother about the Ph levels of your plants.
Key Features:
- An advanced nutrients brand
- No assembly required
- Works with both soil and hydroponics
Specification:
- Dimensions: 4 * 6 * 2 inches
- Brand: Advanced Nutrients
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Size: 0.5 Liter
Pros
- It is effective
- It can be used on soil and with hydroponics
- It helps to maintain the pH range of your plants
Cons
- You may still have to check your pH levels
3
General hydroponics CALiMAGic quart secondary nutrient
CALiMAGic is a uniquely designed blend of concentrated Magnesium and Calcium. To notice a calcium deficiency in your plants, you have to search for signs like Young leaves twisting, curling, or simply dying off. Another major sign of calcium deficiency in your plants is light brown-colored spots on the leaves.
Most times, older leaves experience magnesium deficiency more and may spread through it if left unattended. Brown spots are also a sign of magnesium deficiency.
This superb blend from General hydroponics great at making sure your plants are safe from any kind of secondary nutrient deficiencies. It also helps to improve the nutrient uptake of your plants and prevents the lockout of nutrients. This promotes yield in a manageable and healthy way.
If you’ve noticed spots on your plants, then this product will revive your plants very fast.
Key Features:
- A concentrated blend of available Magnesium and calcium
- It contains an NPK range of 1-0-0
- Contains necessary macronutrients
Specification:
- Dimensions: 3.3 * 8.6 * 3.2 inches
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- Weight: 2.75 pounds
- Size:
Pros
- It helps to prevent secondary nutrient deficiencies, especially in fast-growing plants
- It can prevent tip burn in lettuce, tomatoes, and other plants that are calcium intensive. It also prevents blossom end rot.
- It doesn’t drip emitters or clog spray lines and can also be made use of in reservoirs along with other fertilizers.
Cons
- The package can be improved
- It is non-organic
4
General Hydroponics Calibration Solution Kit
Suppose you’re a grower who thinks balancing and getting the precise pH level that works best for your plant is a difficult and sometimes confusing. In that case, the general hydroponics calibration solution kit is the solution. You must ensure that your soil has the correct pH level for the healthy and safe growth of your plants. There has to be a constant balance between the acid and alkali available for successful plant growth. To test your plant’s pH level, you’d need a pH meter, and this pH meter has to be maintained.
Now, thanks to General hydroponics, you can calibrate your pH meter quite easily. The kit includes an easier way to calibrate your pH testing device by merely dipping the meter into a bit of the buffer and then adjusting it to read between 4.01 and 7.0, based on the particular solution you opted for. Best pH meters for growing cannabis
Key Features:
- High-quality electronic meter reference solutions
- Each batch is cross-checked to ensure calibration
- No necessary assembly
Specification:
- Dimensions: 8 * 4 * 4 inches
- Brand: General Hydroponics
- Weight: 1 pound
- Size: pint
Pros
- It has a kit so the meter can easily be calibrated
- Provides a balance in the ph levels
- Effective and simple to use
Cons
- The size of the bottles are not economical but will last a while if used in small portions
5
Advanced Nutrients 5401-13 Tarantula Liquid Fertilizer
A usual cause of plant growth failure for a lot of growers is unhealthy soil. This may be difficult to notice at first, but if your plant is sick, it’s most likely because it does not get the required nutrients from the soil. However, this can be easily rectified with the correct fertilizer or nutrient like the advanced nutrients tarantula liquid fertilizer.
This fertilizer boosts your roots’ mass and goes as far as populating your soil with needed and beneficial bacteria that will nourish your plants beautifully. Due to this combined formula, your plants will experience increased buds, and you will notice that your plants are fuller. This fertilizer should be applied during the vegetative stage and also during the first two weeks of flowering.
It is highly concentrated and, as such, should be mixed with water before application. You are sure to receive excellent results with this product.
Key Features:
- It is a highly concentrated and highly advanced soil inoculant
- No assembly needed
- It is comprised of decomposed organic matter to produce added nutrition for your plants
Specification:
- Dimensions: 4.12 * 2.02 * 6.05 inches
- Brand: iPower Distributor L and G
- Weight: 1.2 pounds
- Size: 0.5 liter
Pros
- It promotes and maximizes the plant’s intake of nutrients
- It also maximizes the solubility of minerals
- It will make your plants sturdy and give them a healthy and prosperous growth
- It improves the structure of the soil
- It also helps to improve the mass of your plant roots
Cons
- It has the tendency to grow mold and spoil quickly
- It is expensive
6
Advanced Nutrients pH Perfect Sensi Grow
As a cannabis grower, you’d want to get it right with your plants, right from the beginning of their vegetative cycle. However, it might be a bit difficult, especially for first-time growers or beginners.
Another problem that growers may have is getting the right pH levels. It requires frequent adjustments and monitoring.
This product will help to solve these issues and also comes in a combo pack of two sets. The perfect sensi grow from Advanced nutrients is excellent for your plants and will maintain the soil’s pH levels. It promotes quicker growth, strong stems, and very healthy leaves.
This product is not only for beginners as experienced growers also love it.
Key Features:
- pH perfect technology
- It contains two 1 liter bottles
- 2-part A*B combo
Specification:
- Dimensions: 10 * 2.5 * 8 inches
- Brand: Advanced nutrients
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Size: 1 liter
Pros
- It promotes the healthy growth of your plants
- It improves the stem and leaves
- It quickens the plant growth
- It helps to maintain the precise pH that is beneficial to your plants
Cons
- If not applied correctly, it may cause burn
7
Xtreme Gardening Natural Growth Promoter
If your plant system is not provided with the right balanced nutrients, It may cause damages to your plants. Some significant signs of nutrient deficiency are weak roots and wilting leaves. Thankfully, there are many products that can be used to solve this issue. This growth promoter is one of these products that can rectify the issue of imbalanced nutrients in your plant system.
This product is a natural bacteria that convert nitrogen to make it readily available for your plants to absorb. It also helps to cause growth in your plants. Your roots are not left out because it also promotes your roots’ development, making them sturdy and robust.
You can sprinkle this product over your plants for quick results. It is also suitable for transplanting and cloning.
Key Features:
- Highly efficient conversion of nitrogen
- It works symbolically with mykos
- It is ideal for transplanting and cloning
Specification:
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Size: 6 oz
- Brand: Xtreme gardening
Pros
- It acts as a growth stimulant
- It promotes the production of chlorophyll
- It helps to keep your plants efficient and maintains their vibrant green color
- It efficiently converts nitrogen for easy use by the plants
Cons
- It is a bit expensive
Buying Guide Questions
Here are some regularly asked questions about the vegetative phase
How can I speed up vegetative growth?
If you plan to speed up the vegetative stage, you can do this by exposing the plants to 24-hour sunlight and also artificial lights when the day is dark.
How often do you water in the veg stage?
You can water your plants every 1-2 days and when the soil feels or looks dried up.
How long do I keep plants in the vegetative stage?
In maximum conditions, you should keep your plants in their vegetative stage for about 60 days.
How can I maximize my plant growth?
You can maximize your plant’s growth by adding compost or manure or organic matter. These will help improve the drainage and aeration of the soil, therefore providing a suitable environment for healthy growth. Also, ensure that the soil has the right pH.
How do you increase Trichome production?
The most effective and efficient way that you can increase the production of trichomes is proper lighting.
Is it better to water your plants at night?
No, watering your plants at night is not advised. The plants will get soaked and may take a long time to dry, leaving the plants prone to fungal growth or infections.
How much water does a plant require a day?
A plant needs to be watered with about 3-6 liters of water per day, depending on the size of the plants.
How long does the vegetative stage last?
The vegetative phase in marijuana plants can last from 3-16 weeks or more.
How long does it take for Sativa to grow?
Sativa usually has a short vegetative cycle. However, once the plant reaches the flowering stage, it may take about 10-12 weeks to harvest.
Conclusion
It is essential to use the best marijuana nutrients for your plants, especially in your plants’ first stages of vegetative growth. There are a lot of things to be considered to ensure that there is optimal nutrient intake. You need to check the pH levels of the soil and water frequently to ensure that there is no room for nutrient deficiencies. See; Best soil for growing marijuana indoors Above are the best nutrients for the vegetative phase that you can see on the market. Ensure to purchase them based on the strain or type of plant you are growing. Most of all, it is essential to pay attention to the needs of your plants and the required nutrients at each stage of their vegetative cycle. The proper cultivation of your plants will lead to increased yield and harvest. Remember to weigh your options properly when shopping for nutrients to use at the vegetative stage.