Growing cannabis plants is an exciting process, but sometimes, circumstances may not be as exciting. And, this is true for everyone — yes, even those that have grown quite a few plants. Sometimes, you are limited to growing only a few cannabis plants.
This can be the case for many reasons, but the most common one is the legal limit on the number of plants you can grow without attracting the law's attention. Sometimes, you only have a few seeds at hand, and other times, your equipment may only allow for a few plants.
In such cases, when you're only growing a few cannabis plants, how do you get the best yield? Is it even possible to produce a ton of weed with a few plants? Literally, no — producing a ton of weed will require thousands of plants — but figuratively, you can push your plants to produce massive yields per square meter if you're smart about it. In short, you make the most of what you have.
In this article, we go over a few tips and tricks that can help you maximize the yield of your few precious cannabis plants. Whether you are growing two plants or four, these tips will help you get a yield that will not only surprise you but also satisfy you. Read on to know more.
1. Choose The Right Cannabis Strains
The first step begins with strain or seed selection, and this is where you need to ensure you pick the right genetics. If you can only grow a limited number of plants, the first step to ensure you can grow a ton of cannabis is by growing plants that inherently grow big and produce a massive yield.
So, you need to make sure you pick the right strain from a reputable supplier. High-end and highly rated seed banks are transparent about the strain genetics and even mention how much yield you can expect in ideal conditions along with some tips on maintaining those ideal conditions.
Pick seeds that are genetically able to produce big yields. Do not pick seeds that promise average yields because you'll not be able to get the results you expect no matter how you train them. You can provide all the nutrients in the world, but you'll still fall short because those plants aren't going to grow in a way that produces large yields.
That said, no breeder will tell you that the yields will be less. Thus, you need to do some research and then buy seeds. Talk to other growers about their experiences and you'll have a good idea. You can also take a look at diaries from other growers to get a visual timeline of how the seeds can perform.
And it goes without saying, pick feminized photoperiod cannabis seeds only. Fast version seeds are great but they don't always grow as big as their regular photoperiod counterparts, and autoflowering plants may not produce as much yields as photoperiods. Sure, many autos produce humungous yields now, but since they are meant to grow quickly to get faster harvests, they will produce less than photoperiods.
Yes, growing regular photoperiod cannabis seeds may have some downsides, but these downsides won't matter much if you consider the amount of yield they produce. This is because photoperiod plants give you immense control over their growth.
In fact, you can even extend their vegetative stage for as long as you want — to a certain extent, of course — to ensure they grow big before entering the flowering stage.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that you only pick cannabis strains that grow either really tall or really wide — or both. Avoid stout strains; some strains are notorious for having a long flowering cycle yet remain small in stature throughout their life cycle. Again, this will demand more space but it will pay off eventually.
So, where do you start with strain selection? There are hundreds of strains available, and the options can get pretty confusing sometimes. We recommend you start with these strains and explore more options once you get a hang of it. Here are some of the highest-yielding cannabis strains.
Green Gelato is quite a popular cannabis strain. It tends to produce compact flowers that resemble nuggets but don't let that fool you. This strain produces these flowers in massive quantities — the yield far exceeds most cannabis strains.
The strain is a cross between Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, and given the genetic lineage, Green Gelato produces excellent results for both indoor and outdoor growers.
Be warned, the plant can reach a height of up to 120 cm indoors and 200 cm outdoors, and it can produce a yield of a whopping 700 g/m2 indoors and 800 g/m2 outdoors. The flowering period lasts 8 to 10 weeks.
The flowers are gorgeous with hues of deep purple and orange, with a THC content of 27% and a flavor profile full of sweet, citrusy, and earthy notes. The high it produces is quite energetic and stimulating too.
Shogun may not be as well known as other strains here, but it is an excellent cannabis strain for high yields nonetheless. This strain produces a high that is clear, rational, and motivating — don't be surprised if you start talking philosophy after smoking this one.
Shogun ticks all the right boxes too, by being rich in THC, flavorful to smoke, and a high yield that will satisfy most cannabis growers. No wonder, because Shogun is a result of a cross between Gorilla Glue #4 and Amnesia Haze. This hybrid embodies the positive traits of both its parents.
When you grow this strain, she will surprise you with a vast canopy that can reach as high as 140 cm indoors and 190 cm outdoors. Let it flower for 9 to 10 weeks and it will produce a yield of around 600 g/m2 indoors and 750 g/m2 outdoors.
The resulting buds will be dark green and frosty on the surface, containing up to 25% THC and a respectable amount of CBD. The flavor profile consists of pine and earth.
Amnesia Haze is one of the most popular cannabis strains globally, and it's not only among users but also among growers, thanks to the excellent yield it produces. In fact, the reason this strain rose in popularity was partly down to how reliable this delicious strain is to grow.
Its parent, Haze, was first produced on the West Coast, a hot spot for cannabis breeding. Once this strain reached Holland, the breeders there started experimenting with this strain, and the Amnesia Haze emerged — it showed real promise as a hybrid strain, thanks to its tall stature.
Grow this strain indoors and it can reach up to 140 cm, but you can also use simple training methods like LST to keep its height as low as 80 cm. In an outdoor environment, the plant can even grow up to 210 cm tall! With the right conditions, Amnesia Haze flowers for 10 to 11 weeks, producing a massive yield of 650 g/m2 indoors and 700 g/m2 outdoors.
And the buds it produces are thick and lush with sugar leaves and orange pistils. They contain 22% THC and the flavor profile is sweet and fruity. Smoke it and you will experience a terrific wake-and-bake type of high.
Other high-yielding cannabis strains include:
- Skunk XL
- Chempie
- Cookies Gelato
- THC Bomb
- Power Africa
2. Let the Plants Grow Tall
As mentioned earlier, you can allow your photoperiod cannabis plants to grow really big, as long as your space and environment allow it. So, don't skip this step if you want to grow massive yields with fewer cannabis plants. This will help you maximize the yield significantly.
The main idea here is to not switch your cannabis plant to the flowering stage until it has reached at least half of its final size, which is desired. This is because, during the flowering stage, most cannabis strains experience a flowering stretch, which can sometimes make them double in size quickly.
For example, if the seed bank says that the ideal height of a particular strain is 200 cm, you should switch the light cycle to 12/12 when it reaches 100 cm. If you do it beforehand, it may not grow to its full potential. Instead, you need to make your plants grow as tall as possible.
Of course, this does come with some issues. The biggest issue here is space — you will have to significantly train your plant or make compromises here if you are short on space.
Even if space is not a concern for you, you still need to keep a lookout for other aspects of the growing process. For example, you need to ensure your plant gets enough light, nutrients, and air circulation.
You must also be on top of your plant's training and pruning to ensure your plant does not run into common issues associated with bigger cannabis plants, like mold and mildew.
Here are some other tips you should incorporate into your cultivation:
- Learn as much as you can about the strain you are growing and utilize those insights as much as you can
- Use bigger pots that can support a large plant and its massive root network so it doesn't get root-bound
- Consider growing your cannabis plant in hydroponics or coco coir for quick growth
3. Train Your Cannabis Plants
The next step is to train your cannabis plant to maximize its growth. Essentially, this takes the previous step to the next level by allowing you to fill your entire grow area with your plant's canopy, thereby increasing the yield significantly.
So, what exactly is training?
Essentially, training your cannabis plant is nothing but manipulating its growth and shape to enhance the overall yield. Training, depending on the method you use, can work in various ways.
For instance, some training methods improve the flow of air and light exposure into the canopy, allowing the lower branches that wouldn't get as much light otherwise to get the maximum amount of light and air. This leads to a consistent canopy that grows consistently large flowers.
On the other hand, other training methods trigger the plant's defense mechanism, forcing the plant to fight for survival, and in turn, produce bigger flowers and yield.
Apart from this, training your large cannabis plant also allows the plant to manage its weight better so it does not buck under its own weight, which is pretty common if you push a large strain to its physical limits.
Training methods can sometimes be low-stress and sometimes high-stress, and depending on your skill level and plant's characteristics, you need to pick the right training method for your cannabis plant.
Here are some of the training methods you can try on your cannabis plants.
LST or low-stress training is exactly what it sounds like; it is low-stress. Here, you need to bend your cannabis plant strategically to create an even canopy or uniform foliage. With this training method, you can improve your plant's exposure to air and light. But do note that LST will stop your plant from growing into a Christmas tree.
Since this is low-stress, your plant does not need a lot of time for recovery, either, unlike some other training methods. This makes this the perfect starting point for novice growers who are new to training cannabis.
One thing to remember when using LST on your cannabis plant is to not use metal wires or weights. Some growers swear by these, but you should avoid them at all costs. Instead, you should use gardening ties since they are much softer and do not damage the delicate plant tissues of your cannabis.
Additionally, you must also plan your technique thoroughly instead of bending your plant around randomly. The latter is simply asking for trouble. Your goal is to create a leveled canopy, not a cannabis plant that looks like an octopus high on gummy bears. Ensure that the branches and leaves don't overlap much, either.
The next best training method you can use to get the best yield out of a few plants is by topping each plant. Here, you need to cut the main cola of your plant, which is known as the crown tip. Cannabis has apical dominance, so the main cola usually grows the biggest flower when compared to other colas around the canopy.
Once you break your plant's apical dominance, the main cola splits into two primary colas, both of which grow bigger plants. Yes, this will reduce your plant's height but it will increase the overall yield weight. And the best part? You can keep topping your plant.
This may sound like an easy training method, but it is best suited for intermediate growers. You need to maintain sanitation and be gentle during the process. Protip: use sharp gardening scissors and ensure the cut is clean.
Wait until the plant has developed at least five nodes and then cut the main stem just above the fourth node. And give your plant some time to recover — around a week. Compensate for this by lengthening the growth stage.
The Screen of Green is an excellent training method that must not be overlooked. Essentially, it's a more sophisticated form of LST. Here, you need to install a screen over your cannabis and force the branches through the screen openings.
Do this well and you'll create a flat canopy where all the colas are equally exposed to light and air. The result will surprise you as ScrOG-ing significantly boosts the yield of your cannabis plant.
Regardless of the type of screen you use, make sure it is adjustable for height. Your plant is going to grow tall, so you need to be able to raise the screen easily without having to spend too much effort and time on the process.
Super cropping is an advanced training method, so if you are anything but an experienced grower, do not proceed with this one. This is high-stress and not a forgiving training method.
Here, you need to carefully break the branches' inner cell walls with your fingers — not snap the branches completely. It's like giving the branches a fracture, not amputation. This is why it is high stress because even small mistakes can completely kill a branch.
When you do this, your plant goes into self-defense mode and begins reinforcing the broken tissue. This significantly boosts your crop's yield.
Remember, you should only supercrop your cannabis plant in the growth stage. Your plant will require at least a week to recover, so take that into account too.
4. Perfect the Lighting Conditions
The final step in producing the maximum amount of yield from a few cannabis plants is making sure your lighting condition is perfectly dialed in. When you use the above-mentioned methods, your massive cannabis plants will need a lot of light; without it, your efforts will be wasted.
So, you need to use the right type of grow lights for your cannabis plants, depending on the growth stage they are in. Here are some tips for the same.
The light intensity is directly proportional to plant growth — to a certain extent. If your cannabis plant fails to get enough light, it will not grow to its potential, eventually producing large buds. This is because the plant won't produce enough energy for proper bud development.
One thing that increases the yield is the intensity of the light. You can choose many grow lights with high wattage, but the intensity at which it produce light will determine whether you get regular buds or high-quality dense ones.
You should always remember that the more light you provide to cannabis plants, the more yields they will produce. Cannabis can soak in lots of light, whether they are indoors or outdoors. As long as your plants are healthy and happy, they will benefit from all the light you give them.
Light is just like food for plants. Think of it as a baby that grows healthy when you give it all the nutrition it needs. Plants use light to produce energy via photosynthesis through which they grow and produce buds.
So, provide as much light as you can, keeping your growing space in mind. This means that you should calculate and buy lights according to your grow tent or room.
Also, remember that you should provide intense light depending on the stage of growth. Yes, cannabis loves light, but that doesn't mean you start with it right off the bat. When the seeds have germinated, the seedlings are vulnerable, and harsh light at this stage can do more harm than good. Thus, you should wait until they develop a few sets of leaves or at least a couple of weeks before they get proper light.
Also, the seedlings themselves will tell you whether they are getting appropriate light. For example, if you notice that they are stretching too much, you should decrease the distance between the light and the plant. On the other hand, if the leaves become pale or yellow, you will need to put more distance between the light and the plant.
The plants can start stretching even during the vegetative stage, which means they aren't getting enough light. This will result in lots of space between the nodes. Although it's natural for your cannabis plants to stretch during the flowering stage, remember that it's not a good thing during other stages of growth. Once the plants stretch too much during the vegetative stage, it becomes hard to provide adequate light as you may not be able to adjust the vertical space in your grow room.
But that doesn't mean you bathe your plant in too much light. Don't let your plant fly too close to the grow light, or it will experience light burn.
Many growers recommend relying on wattage for light intensity, but that's an obsolete method now, thanks to LED lights. For instance, a 200W LED produces a lot more light than a 200W HID light. Wattage is only the amount of energy it consumes, not what it produces.
Instead, focus on PPFD or photosynthetic photon flux density. This measures the amount of photosynthetically active light falling on the surface of the plant. You can measure this with a lux meter and convert the reading into PPFD.
Ideally, your PPFD should be 300 to 600 μmol for the growth stage with an 18/6 light cycle and 450 to 920 μmol for the flowering stage with a 12/12 light cycle.
Next, you need to focus on the light spectrum or the color of the light as it influences the growth of your cannabis plant. Certain wavelengths improve the plant's growth better than others.
For the best results, you need to use blue-dominant light during the seedling and growth stage and far-red light during the flowering stage.
You can either get customizable LED lights whose spectrum you can change on a whim or get MH lights for the growth stage and HPS lights for the flowering stage.
The next thing you need to do is ensure that the light your grow light produces reaches your cannabis plant instead of falling on surfaces and getting wasted. You can do this by using reflective materials around your plants that will redirect the light back to the plant.
Some of the best reflective materials you can use include mylar (97% reflective), foylon film (97% reflective), panda or orca film (95% reflective), and flat white paint (85% reflective). Avoid using aluminum foil, styrofoam (fire hazard), and mirrors.
By using these materials, you will ensure that the light your grow lights produce is not wasted and gets used up by your cannabis plant.
5. Introduce More CO2 Into the Grow Room
There's some CO2 present in your grow room already; however, it's limited as it's an indoor setup. Thus, increasing it can help you maximize the yields. CO2 can improve plant growth as it is a vital component for photosynthesis along with light and water. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 through openings called stomata and use it along with water and light energy to produce glucose and oxygen. By increasing CO2 levels, this process can be accelerated, resulting in carbohydrate production and promoting faster growth rates.
Higher CO2 levels can also improve the density of the buds, so you will have larger buds at the end. Last but not least, extra CO2 during the flowering stage can also maximize resin formation, meaning you'll have buds with loads of trichomes.
There are various methods you can use to increase CO2 in a cannabis grow room or greenhouse. One option is to use carbon dioxide generators that produce CO2 as a byproduct of combustion using propane or natural gas. You can control these generators either through a timer or a CO2 sensor to maintain proper levels of carbon dioxide. Another method involves compressed CO2 tanks that release controlled doses of CO2 into the growing space; these tanks are commonly used along with regulators and timers for dosage control.
You can also use CO2 burners that are similar to generators. They produce CO2 through combustion and are designed specifically for increasing the CO2 in the grow room.
Finally, some growers use CO2 bags containing organic material that produce CO2 as they decompose. However, this method is slow and doesn't produce enough CO2 to increase yields.
Optimizing CO2 Levels and Distribution
Note that you can add more CO2, depending on the light intensity. Still, it's crucial to maintain the concentration to maximize its benefits and reduce any negative effects on plant health. Although CO2 is already present in the atmosphere, excessive levels can be detrimental not just for the plants but for you as well.
Therefore, you must keep an eye on the levels at all times. Aim for CO2 levels between 1000 to 1500 parts per million (ppm) when the plants are in the vegetative stage. You can increase it a bit during the flowering stage, but it's best to remain within 1500 ppm. Anything more, and the plants will struggle.
If you decide to use extra CO2 through any of the methods mentioned above, make sure you also install some oscillating fans to ensure that it's distributed evenly throughout the grow room. You don't want it to concentrate in one spot as it won't be helpful. You can also place the generators and emitters strategically to ensure better coverage. Additionally, adjust your ventilation systems to prevent buildup of CO2 and maintain adequate airflow.
Summary: How to Produce Loads of Weed with Only 1-4 Plants
See? It is not impossible to get a respectable yield from a few cannabis plants. All you need to do is keep these four steps in mind: choose the right strain, let your plants grow to their full potential, train your cannabis plants to optimize their growth and production, and ensure the light conditions are ideal for healthy cannabis growth.
Stay tuned to learn more about growing cannabis and increasing yields.
