How to Grow a Hemp Plant Indoors?

Hemp plants are relatively easy to grow indoors, and with the right care, you can produce high-quality CBD flowers.
Here are the basic steps involved in growing hemp indoor:

Choose the right seeds

When choosing hemp seeds, it is important to select a strain that is well-suited for your growing conditions.

Genetics stands as the foremost and arguably the most pivotal factor to take into account. The genetic makeup of a seed is the chief determinant of your plant's potential. It governs the plant's robustness, growth pace, stature, yield, resilience against diseases and pests, and the potency of its cannabinoids.

When selecting hemp seeds, it is imperative to opt for genetics that align with your objectives. Are you cultivating for CBD, fiber, or nutritional hemp seeds?
Select a strain meticulously bred with these objectives in mind. Trustworthy seed banks like Nuka Seeds offer comprehensive insights into the genetic profile of their seeds.

Only female hemp plants yield the precious CBD-rich buds. To enhance the likelihood of cultivating female plants, contemplate the acquisition of feminized seeds. These seeds are meticulously bred to eliminate male chromosomes, significantly boosting the chances of producing female plants.

Autoflowering seeds are a boon for novice growers. They are engineered to initiate flowering based on age rather than relying on light cycles, rendering them more user-friendly. Additionally, they boast a shorter growth cycle, facilitating multiple harvests within a single year.

The quality of your seeds exerts a profound influence on the success of your cultivation endeavors. Always procure your seeds from a reputable source that can vouch for the quality and genetic integrity of their seeds. A reputable seed bank will also offer a diverse range of seeds to cater to the diverse needs of different growers.

Prepare the growing medium

Hemp plants thrive when placed in a well-draining growing medium that is rich in nutrients. A good option for indoor growing is a soilless mix that is specifically designed for cannabis plants.

The journey of indoor hemp production encompasses crucial stages such as germination, nurturing seedlings, promoting robust vegetative growth, and ultimately transitioning to the flowering phase, all of which are essential for yielding high-quality CBD-rich flowers.

Germinate the seeds

To germinate the seeds, you can either soak the seeds in water for 24 hours or plant them directly in the growing medium. Once the seeds have germinated, they will need to be kept in a warm, dark place for a few days until they start to grow their first leaves.

Transplant the seedlings

Once the seedlings have grown their first few leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots. The size of the pot will depend on the size of the plant, but a good rule of thumb is to use a pot that is twice the size of the root ball.

Provide the right conditions

Hemp crops need a warm, humid environment to thrive. The ideal temperature range for growing hemp indoors is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity level should be between 40 and 70%.

During the vegetative stage of indoor hemp cultivation, providing a consistent 12 hours of light each day fosters vigorous growth and sets the foundation for healthy, thriving plants.

Water and fertilize the plants regularly

Hemp plants need to be watered regularly, but it is important to avoid plant drowning. The plants should also be fertilized regularly with a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

Control pests and diseases

Hemp plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases. It is important to inspect the plants regularly and take steps to control any problems that arise. 

Harvesting grown hemp

Hemp flowers are ready to harvest when the trichomes have turned amber. Harvest hemp (the flowers) by cutting them off the plant and drying them. This ensures that the removed hemp maintains its potency and aromatic qualities. 

Using a Dosatron Fertilizer Injector

A Dosatron fertilizer injector is a precision metering device that can be used to deliver a precise amount of fertilizer to a plant's water supply. This can be a valuable tool for growing hemp indoors, as it can help to ensure that the plants are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.

To use a Dosatron fertilizer injector, you will need to first select the correct fertilizer solution. There are a number of different fertilizer solutions available, so you will need to choose one that is specifically designed for hemp plants. Once you have selected the fertilizer solution, you will need to calibrate the Dosatron injector to deliver the correct amount of fertilizer.

The Dosatron injector can be calibrated using a simple formula.
The formula is as follows:
Fertilizer Rate (mL/h) = Flow Rate (L/h) * Concentration (%w/v)

For example, if you are using a fertilizer solution that is 2%w/v and your flow rate is 1 L/h, then the fertilizer rate would be 0.02 L/h.
Learn more about the Dosatron volumetric injection test procedure.

Once the Dosatron injector is calibrated, you can install it in your water supply. The injector should be installed in a location where the water flow is relatively constant. Once the injector is installed, you can turn on the water and the fertilizer will be delivered to the plants.

Note: Indoor hemp cultivation in the United States requires compliance with the Controlled Substances Act.
This legislation distinguishes hemp from marijuana based on THC content, enabling compliant cultivation of low-THC hemp. By adhering to these regulations, growers can confidently nurture their indoor hemp crops while staying within legal boundaries.