Your cannabis garden is full of one strain type? Isn’t it boring to smoke? But have no space for other plants? What if you can grow multiple cannabis strains together? Can you do it? Yes! You can grow different marijuana in one grow space. However, it is not easy, and you have to take care of them accordingly, but after all, you are an experienced smart cultivator, and we are sure you will rock.
Growing multiple cannabis strains together can enhance your garden’s diversity, optimize space, and provide a variety of flavors and effects, but it requires careful management of different growth rates and environmental needs.
With all the challenges involved, let us know how to grow multiple marijuana strains together in your grow room.
Making the Most of Your Grow Area
It is good to have a dedicated grow space to grow cannabis as you can use space more efficiently. Whether you grow a single strain or multiple each will require light, water, nutrients, and air circulation that will cost you approximately the same. Because if you grow different strains together, you will get more buds, which is worth it.
But as you know, everything has plus and minus, so here they are:
Growing Different Cannabis Strains Together: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- If you have limited space, companion planting different strains can maximize your yield.
- You can harvest a range of effects and flavors from different strains in one grow.
- You have more possibilities of achieving a successful harvest.
- It is the best way to enhance your cultivation skills by knowing about different cannabis genetics and how to grow them.
Cons:
- Strains have different requirements for light, nutrients, and watering. It is tricky to find a happy medium that suits all of them.
- Some stress from mismatched conditions can trigger hermaphroditism, where the plant produces pollen sacs and can pollinate other plants, affecting bud quality.
- Strains may have different flowering times. It can make it tough to harvest everything at its peak.
Also Read: Where to grow Cannabis- Indoor or Outdoor?
How to Plan a Successful Multi-Strain Cannabis Grow?
Multi strains can be grown in one tent, but you need to be extra vigilant and plan accordingly. Just picking random seeds and potting them without planning will not do. You need to understand that every strain is different and requirements differ.
As per National Institute of Health, Prorogation of several varieties of cannabis can be grown together but the biomass of plants will not be consistent. So, keep a few things in mind to make it work.
Let’s begin by picking the right strain types first:
1. Indica and Sativa Strains
Yes, you can grow Indica and sativa plants together. Many experienced cultivators do this, but a few challenges might occur, like their growth period and height being different. Indica flowers around 8 weeks while sativa takes 10-14 weeks. Indicas are bushy and dense, while sativa are taller and leaner. They have different light, nutrients, and watering needs. Also, there is a risk of hermaphroditism.
To combat this, always pick indica and sativa strains that have the same flowering time and growth patterns. Always, monitor growth and nutrient deficiencies. You can also opt for the Sea of Green SOG method by using many smaller plants instead of a few large ones, creating a uniform canopy that can help with light distribution.
Also Read: Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid: Which Cannabis Strain is Right for You?
2. Photoperiod and Autoflowering Strains
Usually growing photoperiod and autoflowering plants are not ideal but many pro growers do this by proper planning. Both, are north and south categories and have many challenges like a different light cycle, nutrient needs, and harvesting time.
For a successful harvest, if possible, provide a separate area where you can switch the light cycle to 12/12 for photoperiods while autoflowers receive their regular light schedule.
You need to adjust nutrients for photoperiods during flowering. For that, use a base nutrient suitable for both. Also, select photoperiod strains with a relatively fast flowering time to minimize the timeline.
Choosing the Right Growing Medium: Soil or Hydroponics?
- Soil: A simple and forgiving option for beginners. Choose a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for cannabis, often containing perlite or coco coir for aeration.
- Hydroponics: Offers faster growth and more precise control over nutrients, but demands stricter monitoring of pH and nutrient levels. This method is better suited for experienced growers.
Also Refer To: What is the Best Soil for Growing Cannabis?
Watering
Watering needs vary depending on factors like plant size, pot size, growing medium (soil dries slower than hydroponics), and climate. Generally, water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. For hydroponics, follow a feeding schedule based on your nutrient solution. Always use clean, pH-balanced water to avoid nutrient lockout or harming your plants.
Nutrients
Cannabis plants require macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and micronutrients throughout their growth cycle. Research and choose a suitable nutrient regimen specific to your chosen growing medium (soil or hydroponic).
Also, nutrients are typically needed in vegetative and flowering stages, with different ratios for each. Follow the recommended feeding schedule for your chosen nutrients, adjusting slightly based on your observations.
Optimizing Your Grow Space
- Light: Select a grow light appropriate for the size of your space and the type of cannabis you’re growing (autoflower vs. photoperiod). Consider factors like light intensity, spectrum, and coverage area.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial to prevent mold and mildew growth. Install an exhaust fan to remove stale air and introduce fresh air. A circulation fan helps with even air distribution within the space.
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a comfortable temperature range for cannabis growth (ideally 68-78°F). Control humidity levels to avoid issues, like mold (high humidity) or stunted growth (low humidity). Invest in a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor these factors.
Lastly, keep checking each plant for signs of stress or nutrient deficiencies. Be prepared to adjust light, watering, or nutrients for specific plants- as needed to maintain their health and optimize yields.
Also Refer To: Why Proper Lighting is Crucial for Cannabis?
Important tips for Growing Multiple Cannabis Strains together or in one room
If you are ready to experiment, then here are a few tips on how you can get the most out of your grow space for growing varied cannabis plants under one grow tent:
1. Pick strains with similar characteristics
Pick strains with similar characteristics for easier management. Start with strains with closed harvest windows to avoid light wastage.
Group strains with similar light requirements (intensity and duration) to avoid stressing any plants. Always choose strains that grow to roughly the same height to create a uniform canopy and ensure all plants get adequate light.
2. Adjust Canopy Height and Shape by applying the ScrOG or SOG method:
Few methods make cannabis cultivation easier. It is best to apply them to accommodate different genetics under one roof.
The Screen of Green ScrOG method is a plant training that involves setting up a horizontal screen or trellis above your cannabis plants and strategically guiding the branches to grow horizontally across the screen. This method aims to create a flat canopy of growth for several purposes increased light, improved air circulation, uniform canopy, etc.
3. Picking strains with similar growth time
Strains with similar flowering times mean you won’t have to harvest some plants while others are still maturing. This simplifies your growth schedule and avoids wasting light on plants that have already finished flowering.
4. Do not overcrowd plants
Crowding plants restrict airflow, which can increase the risk of mold and mildew growth. Also, they compete for the same light, nutrients, and water. This can lead to stunted growth, nutrient deficiencies, and lower-quality buds.
5. Initiate flowering when the plant reaches half the final size:
There is a thumb rule that when a cannabis plant reaches a certain height, it should be provided a 12/12 light cycle to initiate buds. But this applies to photoperiod plants not autoflowering.
6. Opt for Autoflowering strains more than Photoperiod
Autos are relatively smaller and denser than photos, so you can grow more plants in the same space. Keep a ratio of 7:10 for photoperiod and autoflowering plants. This way you can accommodate more buds.
Also Refer To: What is Cannabis Plant Training?
What You Need to Know About Cannabis Strain Specifications?
Each strain is antithetical and has different specifications, some grow tall and stretchy while some grow dense and bushy. Also, the same strain of plants may grow differently especially when the seed comes from the clones because of unique tendencies and characteristics. If you grow cannabis outdoors in sunlight same strains may look different some may look light yellow or some will be dark green.
How do buds differ?
Cannabis buds differ from each other in terms of:
- Bud quality: Every bud trichome profile is different. Trichomes are tiny hair-like glands that contain cannabinoids THC, CBD, and other terpenes. It affects the potency, flavor, and aroma of the final product.
- Growth: Usually, Indicas are bushier and shorter with wide leaves and sativa are tall, lanky, and have thin leaves. However, hybridization makes plants grow from tall to short and dense to thin and vice versa.
- Blooming time: The genetic makeup of a strain determines its flowering time. Indica strains typically flower faster, within 7-9 weeks, while sativas may take 10-14 weeks or even longer.
Similarly, strains with ruderalis genetics (autoflowers) flower automatically based on age, not light cycle, and typically have shorter flowering times than photoperiod strains (which flower based on light cycle).
What are the best strains that can be grown together? Is it costly and worth it?
Here are some Recommended Cannabis Strains Match:
Fast Flowering Cannabis Strains
If you want quick results get these fast version seeds whose flowering time is approx 8 weeks after initiating the 12/12 schedule.
- Jack Herer Fast Version Seeds- These are quick and efficient ways to cultivate cannabis. It has citrusy and piney notes with a subtle aroma. Its height is about 3.9ft and is recognized for its uplifting effects.
- Papa Smurf Fast Version Seeds- Papa Smurf is ready to harvest in 8 to 9 weeks. Its height is 3-5 feet and has a local cannabis aroma.
Auto-flowering Strains
Autos are the favorite ones for novices and for people who are looking to harvest within 10 weeks of sowing the seed. The auto-flowering strain mentioned here has a height of 3-4 ft and can be accommodated in one canopy easily.
- Gorilla Cake Strain- Up to 25% THC, great yields with sweet and spicy flavors.
- Grandaddy Purple Strain- Up to 19% THC and is known for its beautiful purple hues. It is a low-maintenance plant.
Photoperiod Strains With Same Height and Flowering Plants (Excellent Yields)
If you don’t have much time to check on plants regularly, go for plants with similar growth periods and heights to keep under one canopy. These strains grow to a medium height and flowering takes about 9 weeks after initiating a 12/12 light schedule. Try these strains as it has great flavor and potency:
- Fruity OG Kush- Fruity OG is a hybrid plant with 20-25% THC and grows up to 4ft. It has a relaxing and calming effect.
- Godfather OG Feminized Cannabis- Godfather OG is an Indica that grows up to 6ft. It also has THC up to 25% and poses a soothing and sedating effect.
Worth it or not? It depends on your priorities. If you’re a beginner, it might be best to gain experience with one strain first or try autos as they are easy to manage.
If you are an experienced grower and wish for a bountiful of marijuana buds, there is a vast range of seeds that you can try growing in your cannabis garden.
Also Read: Harvesting Cannabis Buds: Tips, Tricks, and Expert Advice
FAQS:
1. Can two cannabis plants grow in a single pot?
Not ideally. You can grow two cannabis plants in a single pot, but there are many problems as they compete for resources like light, nutrients, and water. It can lead to stunted growth and lower yields. However, the main issue is restricted root development, which affects growth and potency. Hence, it is recommended to use larger pots and choose strains known for compact growth.
2. How do growers cross strains?
Crossbreeding cannabis strains involves pollinating female flowers (pistils) with pollen from other male plants. Different breeding techniques are opted for, however, it is a complex process, so some seed banks like Farmking Canada offer feminized seeds produced through breeding methods that don’t involve males.
3. Is it possible to grow different cannabis strains together in hydroponics?
Not really, because some cannabis strains may require different nutrients, and growing multiple strains means compromising on some plants. It is why seasoned growers and experts prefer small individual hydroponics systems for individual plants rather than a one-size-fits-all strategy.
4. Can I grow auto-flower and feminized together?
It is not ideal to grow autos and feminized plants together because autoflowers flowering is based on age, regardless of the light cycle. Feminized photoperiod plants’ flowering is based on a shift in the light cycle. This difference makes it difficult to create optimal conditions for both types.
5. Can I grow photos and autos together?
Yes, you can grow autolowers and photos cannabis plants together but you need to pick them with a similar light schedule. If photos need a 12/12 light schedule, the same light cycle should be followed by autoflowering plants. The same rule is for strain nutrients, watering, and other requirements. Otherwise, autoflowers will have low yields.
6. What is the optimal temperature for multiple cannabis-growing canopies?
The optimal temperature for a multi-strain cannabis growing canopy falls within a comfortable range, ideally between 68-78°F (20-26°C). This range promotes healthy growth and development for many cannabis strains. You can go for a one or two degrees cooler temperature if you want, but remember to provide proper ventilation.
7. Do different strains have different harvest times?
Yes, different cannabis strains often have different harvest times. It can add complexity to multi-strain growth, especially for beginners. This time varies because of different genetics. It is why when multiple cannabis growing, always pick strains with the same flowering time.
8. How do I prevent different strains from affecting each other’s growth?
To prevent different strains from affecting each other’s growth provide enough space between plants to avoid competition and proper airflow. Monitor plants regularly- for this, check for nutrient deficiencies, stress, and other growth-hindering signs. Lastly, always pick strains that have the same genetics or are hybrids.
Conclusion
Remember, growing multiple strains requires more effort and experience. By carefully planning your grow space, choosing the right medium and nutrients, and monitoring your plants closely, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful and diverse harvest.
Happy cannabis gardening!
