Growing hemp indoors: a guide

Hanfanbau im Zimmer: eine Anleitung

Niklas Bergmann, M.A.

Biochemist, specialist author

Inhaltsverzeichnis: Growing hemp indoors: a guide

Ready to start your own green wonder at home? Great, because we're jumping straight into the world of indoor hemp cultivation. Hemp, a plant with a long history and multiple uses, can transform your home into a green oasis. Growing hemp at home may sound challenging at first, but with the right information it will be an exciting project!

Legal aspects of hemp cultivation

Overview of the legal situation

Brand new in the legal code: From 1 April it will be greener in Germany. Adults will then be allowed to up to 50 grams of cannabis at home and up to 25 grams on the move own. But the coolest thing? You can now grow your own - up to three plants per person. That's some news, isn't it?

Importance for hobby gardeners

For all hobby gardeners among us, this means that we can officially become gardeners as long as we stick to a few rules. Growing at home or in special cultivation associations - everything is in the green, as long as we have the Observe specifications . Why all the effort? Quite simple: in order to keep the Schwarzmarkt to keep the Cannabis-Qualität and, above all, to ensure our Protecting kids . So, before you plant the seeds, read up on the do's and don'ts.

In short, the new law opens doors for a legalised, safer cannabis culture in Germany. It is a big step towards the responsible use of cannabis, with the clear aim of better protection, education and limiting illegal trade. As budding amateur botanists, we should inform ourselves about the exact details - a look at the official pages of the Bundesregierung or the Bundesgesundheitsministeriums brings light into the darkness and ensures that our green hobby is on the safe side.

Choosing the right hemp variety for growing indoor plants

Criteria for the selection

Space requirement and growth height Not every cannabis strain is the same. Some stretch upwards, while others remain compact. For growing in a confined space, as is often the case with indoor cultivation, varieties that do not grow too tall are ideal.

Blütezeit Some cannabis strains need more time to reach the flowering stage. If you are impatiently waiting for your harvest, you should choose a strain with a short flowering time.

Ertrag Think about what is more important to you: quality or quantity? High yielding varieties can be tempting, but it is often the lower yielding varieties that produce higher quality Flowers.

Resistance to pests and diseases Some varieties are more robust and resistant to environmental influences. For beginners, such a variety can mean fewer worries.

Recommendations for beginners

Auto-flowering varieties These plants start flowering automatically, regardless of the light conditions. They are ideal for beginners as they require less care and are usually ready to harvest after 8-10 weeks.

Indica-dominant varieties They tend to stay smaller and bushier, making them a good choice for growing in small spaces. They also often have a shorter flowering time than sativa-dominant strains.

CBD-rich varieties If you're more interested in the medicinal properties of cannabis, CBD-rich strains could be a good choice. They offer many of the health benefits of cannabis, without the high THC content associated with the psychoactive effect.

Choosing the right cannabis strain for your indoor grow is the key to successful cultivation. Consider the above criteria and recommendations to find a strain that best suits your needs and growing space. With the right variety and a little care, you'll soon be enjoying the fruits of your labour.

The basics of growing cannabis and hemp

Preparation of the growing space

Cleanliness is the be-all and end-all Before you even start, make sure your grow room is squeaky clean. Cannabis is susceptible to pests and diseases; a clean environment minimises risks.

Belüftung Good air circulation is crucial. It helps to keep out mould and other airborne diseases and regulates the temperature. A small fan can work wonders.

Lichtabdichtung Cannabis needs alternating light and dark phases in order to flower. Make sure that your grow room can be completely darkened during the dark phases.

Temperature and humidity Ideal temperatures are between 20°C and 25°C during the light phase and slightly cooler when it is dark. Humidity should be 40-60% during the growth phase and slightly lower during the flowering phase.

Necessary equipment for cultivation

Licht One of the most important investments. LED lamps or special grow lights are energy efficient and produce little heat. Choose a lamp that suits your growing space.

Töpfe : Make sure that the pots are large enough for the adult plant and that they have good drainage to avoid waterlogging.

Soil and fertiliser Cannabis prefers an airy, well-drained soil with a pH value between 6 and 7. Organic soil and special cannabis fertiliser can provide your plants with all the necessary nutrients.

Messgeräte Invest in a good thermometer/hygrometer to keep an eye on the temperature and humidity. A pH meter for the soil and irrigation water is also helpful.

Belüftungssystem A simple fan is sufficient for small rooms. For larger extensions, an exhaust air system with carbon filter may be necessary to minimise odours and maintain air quality.

The grow box for hemp: an indispensable tool

If you embark on the adventure, Cannabis or hemp in your own home, you'll soon realise that a grow box is more than just a useful tool - it's a Indispensable tool that can make the difference between a thriving garden and a frustrating experiment. Why is a grow box so important and how do you choose the right one? Let's find out.

Advantages of a grow box

A grow box offers the perfect solution for some of the biggest challenges in indoor cultivation: the Creating and maintaining an ideal environment for your plants. It allows you to use important growth factors such as Precisely control light, temperature and humidity . This is crucial to keep your plants healthy and maximise their yields.

Another significant advantage is the Possibility to grow all year round . Your plants are protected from external weather conditions, which means that you are not dependent on the seasons. This consistency not only allows for regular harvests, but also the freedom to experiment with different varieties and growing methods.

Diskretion is also a key aspect, especially if you live in an environment where your hobby may not be well received. A grow box helps to hide your plants from prying eyes and can be used with be equipped with filters that neutralise odours so that your privacy is protected.

A grow box also increases the Efficiency and productivity of your cultivation. Equipped with modern LED-Lampen The light sources, which provide optimum light with low energy consumption, support rapid plant growth and promote rich harvests without driving up electricity costs.

Choosing the right grow box

When choosing the right grow box, you should consider a few factors: Size, lighting, ventilation system and Erweiterbarkeit . The size of your grow box should not only fit your available space, but also take into account the selected plant varieties and their growth expectations. Lighting is another critical factor; look for solutions that provide a offer a full spectrum to ensure that your plants receive all the light wavelengths they need to grow. An efficient Belüftungssystem is crucial to prevent mould growth and ensure a stable environment. Finally, you should consider whether you want a grow box that you can later erweitern to keep up with your growing interest in hemp cultivation.

A carefully selected grow box is the cornerstone for the successful indoor cultivation of cannabis or hemp. It not only provides the ideal environment for your plants, but also the security and discretion you need to enjoy your hobby without any worries.

Growbox mit einer kleinen Hanfpflanze in einem Topf, Licht und einem Belüfter

Recognising male and female plants

Differences between male and female plants

Male plants develop pollen sacs that look like small, round balls hanging from the stems of the plant. These pollen sacs open to release pollen when they are ripe.

Female plants The flowering plants, on the other hand, develop so-called stigmas, which are hair-like structures that protrude from the buds, the so-called calyxes. These stigmas are often white or orange and serve to trap pollen from the air. The female plants develop the trichome-covered Flowers, which are desirable for consumption.

Methods for identification

Observe pre-flowering The most reliable way to determine the sex of a cannabis plant is to observe the pre-flowering stage, which occurs around 4-6 weeks after germination. In male plants you can see the development of the pollen sacs, while in female plants you can recognise the stigmas.

Lichtzyklus Male plants often show signs of sexual maturity a few days before female plants. Changing the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness can initiate the flowering phase and help to recognise the sex earlier.

Genetics and strain Some cannabis strains and feminised seeds significantly reduce the risk of male plants. Feminised seeds are bred to produce almost exclusively female plants.

Recognising gender early is crucial for growers aiming for a high quality and quantity of cannabis flowers. By removing male plants from your grow, you can prevent your female plants from being pollinated and developing seeds, resulting in a pure and potent harvest.

The time required to grow hemp in the room

Planning and daily maintenance

Planungsphase : Before you can get started, you first need a plan. Your future greenery needs a cool spot to chill out, the right soil and, of course, the perfect light. Grab a coffee, sit down and make a plan - this can take anywhere from a few hours to a day, depending on how big you want to think.

Daily ritual Once your babies are in the ground, they need daily love and attention. We're talking about a quick date with your plants to check if they need water, how they're doing and if they have any unwanted guests. Plan like this 10-30 minutes per day, depending on how many plants you have and how much love they need.

Long-term care and attention

Training and pruning Your green friends love a bit of exercise - it keeps them fit and increases the harvest. Every few weeks you should take time to prune and train them. It's not a marathon, but you should plan a few hours, especially if you have a lot of plants.

Growth and Flower in view Over the weeks and months, you need to keep an eye on the growth of your plants, adjust the light cycle and decide when it's time to harvest. This long-term care may only take a few minutes a day, but it requires constant attention.

Erntezeit When the time comes, your plants will need you more than ever. The harvest itself and the initial processing can take a few days, depending on how busy you are. After that, your plants deserve a cool, dark place to dry, which can take a few weeks but requires little work on your part.

In short, growing cannabis is a hobby that takes as much time as you are willing to give. The day-to-day care is done quickly, but the long-term care and special moments like harvesting need your full attention. But hey, at the end of the day, it's all worth it when you get to enjoy the fruits - or in this case, the Flowers - of your labour.

Fazit

So, guys, hand on heart: Growing hemp at home is more than just a trend. It's your chance to dive deep into the green world without leaving the couch. Thanks to the new legal situation From 1 April, it will now be possible to legally grow up to three plants for personal use. For us, this means: more quality, less black market and a big plus for safety.

The Select your hemp variety ? Pretty crucial, if you ask me. Whether you're looking at size, flowering time or resilience - make it your mission to find the perfect strain for your four walls. For the newbies among us: autoflowering and indica strains are the uncomplicated buddies that make it easy for you to get started.

Now to the The centrepiece of your project : the cultivation room. A Clean, well-ventilated grow box with the right light and room climate is the be-all and end-all. It's like a VIP area for your plants, where they can hang out and grow in peace - without stress, without drama.

The Determine the sex of your plants is as important as the first sip of coffee in the morning. Because only the ladies bring the longed-for Flowers. Separating the boys from the girls early on will save you a lot of headaches later.

Let's be honest: Time and love are what your plants really need. Whether you check on them every day or give them a helping hand every few weeks, your green fingers will determine their success. And when the time finally comes, the harvest will be worth all your effort.

At the end of the day, it's all about do your thing . Whether out of curiosity, for self-sufficiency or simply to green up your home - growing your own hemp is an exciting project that not only gives you green fingers, but also a lot of fun and experience. Let's grow!


Niklas Bergmann, Fachautor

Freut euch auf die Insights von unserem Biochemiker Niklas Bergmann! Mit seinem tiefen Verständnis für alles, was mit Hanf zu tun hat, liefert er euch die neuesten und coolsten Infos direkt in euer Feed. Schnörkellos und klar verpackt er das komplexe Thema Cannabinoide und macht es für euch easy zugänglich. Mit Niklas an der Spitze unseres Wissens-Teams seid ihr immer top informiert.