The cannabis plant is one of our most precious crops. Not many other plants yielded such bountiful rewards to their grower, providing both joy and satisfaction. The more knowledgeable thegrower is about their own cannabis plant, they will be able to better optimize its growth potential. Read our comprehensive guide below to learn how you too can improve your skills as a cannabis grower.
How are marijuana buds made?
For most cannabis growers, the buds and the terpenes/cannabinoids produced by them are the most essential portion of the cannabis plant. The nutrients, lighting, and environment can all be optimized to help marijuana buds grow larger and closer together, resulting in fat, lengthy blooms.
Use high-quality cannabis seeds as your foundation for success. You can trust that these genetics will provide you with an ample supply of Grade-A marijuana buds. In the wild, cannabis buds act as a dwelling place for the seeds produced after pollination. Most growers go to great lengths to prevent pollination in their gardens so the plant can redirect its energy into producing cannabinoids and terpenes instead of wasting it on making embryos.
Ever since feminized cannabis seeds were first created in the 1990’s, an overwhelming number of growers have switched to using them. They give rise to 95%+ female plants.
The different parts of a cannabis bud
Within the cannabis bud structure, there are many distinct plant components that all have a role. Understanding a little more about the form and function of the female cannabis plant may assist growers in better comprehending their growth. The greatest cannabis cultivators generally produce the best quality harvests. Cannabis bud structure is not difficult to understand, and it bears several similarities to other plants.
Calyx (or bract)
Many closely packed marijuana buds make up a long cannabis bloom. Cannabis buds get their start from small structures called calyxes—tear-drop shaped enclosures that would house the cannabis seed if pollination occurred. Pre-flowers first appear as calyxes positioned between stem and branches, but once blooming starts, these multiply and typically become coated in sticky resin. For many growers, the favourite part of the bud is actually these potent, gooey calyxes!
Pistils and stigmas
The pistils of a cannabis flower are the female organs that provide part of the plant’s sexual function. They contain two stigma, which give rise to two appendages. The stigmas are the distinctive hairs that grow from the calyx. At first, they are white. As harvest time approaches, the stigmas frequently turn orange ( Occasionally, they can be red, pink or another color).
If the stigma changes color faster than anticipated, it may be a sign of pollination. This could be from deliberate or accidental pollination; for example, if there is a hermaphrodite cannabis plant in the room where the plant is growing.
Colas
A cannabis cola is a term used to describe a long and fat marijuana bud. High-quality sativa cannabis seeds usually produce buds that are exceptionally lengthy. When many small marijuana buds grow near each other on a plant, it’s referred to as a cola. In the ideal situation, these colas can be quite lengthy—sometimes even as long as your arm!
Sugar Leaves
Sugar leaves are the tiny resin-soaked leaves that may be found around the blooms. Sugar leaves, which are generally removed during the trimming process, can be found within the cannabis bud structure. However, because to the high trichome coverage, sugar leaves are rarely discarded. Instead, many cultivators utilize them to produce cannabis concentrates and extracts like hash, cannabis oil, shatter etc., such as
When the sugar leaves are extra little, many growers just leave them in the buds. It might be tough to remove them because they’re filled with a lot of resin.
Trichomes
Trichomes are the favourite part of the cannabis bud structure for many people. They are microscopic resin glands in the shape of mushrooms which store terpenes and cannabinoids. Some scientists believe that they may be partially designed to prevent insect infestation. The sticky layer traps pests and is thought to be poisonous to them.
The cannabinoids found in the trichomes may also help to protect the plant from UV radiation damage, according to recent studies. However, for a connoisseur cannabis seed producer, the presence of a thick and fragrant trichome layer is an assurance of quality, potency, and pleasure!
Stem
The cannabis stem is the plant’s backbone, from which branches and flowers will emerge. The stem (as well as the branches) may be bent, twisted, or cut to produce larger harvests.
Female
Female cannabis buds are recognized by growers of all sorts of marijuana. Male cannabis plants have been in short supply since the introduction of feminized cannabis seeds, and they tend to be destroyed quickly. Male cannabis “buds” resemble tiny balls or miniature “grapes” with pollen inside. The pollen sacs break open as the plant tries to land on a stigma, releasing the pollen where it hopes to grow.
Male cannabis flower is avoided by most growers, with the exception of those who produce their own cannabis seeds. This is to avoid having the quantity of buds in their crop diminished to seeds.
Sativa vs indica marijuana buds
Sativa cannabis strains are often derived from indica plants that grew in tropical, humid climates. As a result of this and to reduce the chance of mold/bud rot, sativa cannabis strains have a somewhat more open and airy bud structure than their indica counterparts. This gives the sativa buds a little more freedom before they succumb to botrytis mold infestation.
Cannabis indica buds are often found in lower humidities, generally in colder, more mountainous regions. That’s why cannabis bud structures for indicas are thicker and smaller than those of sativas. Mold is less likely to develop in an indica environment than a tropical sativa one, which is reflected in the Cannabis bud structure development.
Cannabis buds colours meaning
Your results after growing cannabis seeds will be greatly impacted by the environment during cultivation. An experienced grower with LED lights and an optimized environment is more likely to get a higher yield (and stronger THC levels) than someone new to farming with fewer skills. Even if they’re using the same type of seed.
The colour of cannabis buds can be due to different environmental conditions, with one example being cooler temperatures causing more autumnal shades. Also, certain strains like Auto Blackberry Kush have genetics that produce stunning blue/purple hues. In other words, the colours of cannabis buds are determined by a combination of genetic and non-genetic factors.
Growing the best marijuana buds
In order to produce high-quality cannabis buds, you need to carefully select the best strains of cannabis seeds from a reputable supplier. Even the world’s most experienced cannabis growers cannot do much with low-quality seeds. Buy the finest seeds you can find and create a good grow environment to ensure the best results.
You may expect your plants to produce an abundant amount of buds because you adjusted the conditions and genetics. LED grow lights are now widely considered as the greatest quality light source, due to their high THC levels and terpene content.