Among the many questions that can arise when growing marijuana is When and how to spray cannabis. Often, products need to be applied to the plants via foliar spray, and it’s unclear when to do it. This article was created to clear up any potential doubts.
Benefits of spraying the plants
When fertilizing plants, they are sprayed with a mixture of water and fertilizer using a sprayer. This type of fertilization does not replace the natural process of nutrient absorption in the plant but serves as a supplement when applying certain nutrients. Some benefits of its use include:
- It is especially effective for administering secondary nutrients.
- Prevents nutrient deficiency, as it allows for greater nutrient assimilation in this way.
- Additionally, more carbohydrates reach the roots, contributing to nutrient absorption and preventing accumulation in the soil.
- Moreover, it eliminates the problem of nutrient, mineral, and salt buildup, which could lead to nutrient lockout.
- Helps combat pests, diseases, and stress.
- Allows the application of insecticides and fungicides.
How to spray marijuana plants
To do it correctly, you should:
- Spray at low light intensity, as the stomata are more open, facilitating product absorption.
- Avoid spraying at very high temperatures, between 68-75ºF (20-24ºC).
- Avoid spraying in the rain, wind, or with ventilation on, as it will disperse the product and reduce its effectiveness.
- Apply the spray across the entire leaf, paying special attention to the underside of the leaves.
- If unfamiliar with the product, test it on one leaf and wait 24 hours to see the reaction.
- Do not spray during flowering to avoid mold, except in cases of pests or mold.
- Use a fine sprayer to improve absorption.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, always wearing protective glasses, gloves, and a mask.
When to spray marijuana plants
When watering or spraying, you need to adapt to the plants and the climate. If you’re growing outdoors in a humid climate, you shouldn’t spray at night, as it’s likely the plant will rot or at least develop mold. Also, avoid spraying in extreme heat, as the droplets can act as magnifying glasses and burn your leaves. Factors such as irrigation water in marijuana cultivation should be considered. Some factors to consider to know how and when to spray include:
Outdoor cultivation
One of the most important factors to consider is the climate in which you are growing:
Outdoor oceanic or cold climate
In outdoor cultivation where the nights are humid, the best practice is to spray early in the morning. It should be done about an hour to an hour and a half before the sun hits the plant, giving it time to dry. This way, the plant won’t stay wet for too long at night, preventing mold formation.
If the plant has dew in the morning, it’s best to shake it off and wait for those drops to dry completely before spraying, as otherwise, it won’t absorb as effectively. You can spray at the end of the day, just after the sun stops hitting the plant, but as August approaches, you should start switching to morning spraying.
Outdoor temperate climate
You can spray both in the morning before the sun hits the plant or in the evening, as it will work the same either way, just enough for the droplets to dry before the sun comes up or after it stops shining directly, doing so before nightfall.
It’s not recommended to spray or water at night. Many believe that it’s better to water outdoor plants at night because otherwise, it affects the roots. What you should do is protect the pot from the sun, use white pots, or plant directly in the ground.
Outdoor dry climate
When planting in hot and very sunny climates, it’s best to spray in the afternoon, when the sun is lowering and there’s little light left, as the plant will still dry out due to the heat, and droplets won’t remain on the leaves and buds all night. Additionally, it will help refresh the plant.
Watering should be done in the morning, as early as possible, since during the day and in full sun is when they need the most water. However, if you spray in the morning with the early heat of hot areas, it may dry too quickly and not be as effective, or at least not as effective as it should be.
Indoor cultivation
In indoor cultivation, every day is similar, as the lighting is always the same, and the climate remains more or less constant. You can spray the plants with the lights on, but it’s not recommended when temperatures are high, as the stomata close, making the spray less effective. Likewise, it’s not advisable to spray at very low temperatures.
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The best practice is to spray before the lights come on or shortly before they turn off, as this is when absorption is most effective. That is, at the end of the dark period or just before it begins.
After carrying out a foliar spray, if you don’t have the dehumidifier or fans/extractors running, you’ll need to turn them on to prevent moisture pockets from forming in the grow room.
It’s important to know when to spray marijuana, as there will always be an optimal time to spray and water marijuana plants, regardless of where they are grown.