Terpenes are the key players in determining the flavor, aroma and effects of cannabis. They are responsible for euphoria, relaxation and sleepiness, to name a few.
Many growers are turning to terpene-targeted seeds and techniques to maximize terpene production in their plants. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when cultivating terpene-rich strains:
1. Soil
Terpenes are a class of aromatic compounds that contribute to the unique aroma and flavor of each cannabis cultivar. They play a critical role in the entourage effect that produces a wide range of therapeutic and mood-altering effects.
Terpenes also provide protection from herbivores, insects, and other environmental hazards. This is why terpenes have become so important to cannabis cultivation.
They are produced by resin glands that reside in the trichomes of cannabis plants, where they are highly concentrated. This allows growers to control terpene content and produce cannabis that has the desired effect.
Several research studies have shown that the diverse range of terpenes found in cannabis plants can help support immune system health and combat many diseases. These include anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Some of the most popular terpenes in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene. They all possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as wound-healing abilities.
Myrcene is a predominant terpene in cannabis. It is often used in medicine to treat pain and anxiety.
It is also known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other studies have also shown that it can prevent certain viruses from attacking the human body.
Limonene is another terpene that is highly concentrated in cannabis and citrus fruits like lemon rind. Preclinical studies show that it has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Creating a healthy living soil is one of the most important steps a cannabis cultivator can take to ensure their plants have the best chance of thriving. Using worm castings in place of synthetic fertilizers, for example, improves the microbes present in your soil and the ability of your plant to absorb nutrients more efficiently.
2. Light
Cannabis terpenes are the oils that give strains their unique smell and taste. They’re produced in the sticky resin glands of the plant, called trichomes. They also play a significant role in cannabis’s therapeutic effects.
They interact with the brain’s serotonin and dopamine systems, helping you feel happier, more relaxed, and sleep better. They also influence how much THC a plant has and what kinds of effects you’ll experience from it.
Horticulturists use a wide range of methods and products to maximize terpene production in weed strains. They can add terpenes to soil, fertilizer, or water, or they can add them to the air during growing.
Terpenes are also important for cannabis cultivation because they can reduce odor and make it easier to keep the plants’ temperature and humidity consistent. They also can help growers detect disease and other problems, which will save time and money in the long run.
As part of a comprehensive strategy for lighting, growers should consider a variety of factors, including light intensity, wavelength, and duration. The right combination of all three can produce the best possible results.
* Proper light intensities and timing are essential for efficient conversion of carbon dioxide into plant growth. During the vegetative growth stage, light intensity should be kept low to avoid damage to chlorophyll pigments. As the plant transitions to the vegetative and flowering stages, light intensities should be increased gradually as the cannabis plant’s needs change.
The right amount of light energy in the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) waveband, ranging from 400-700 nm, is needed to drive photosynthesis and root development. This information can be used to optimize supplemental lighting strategies through each stage of the crop cycle.
3. Temperature
The temperature of the environment around your cannabis plants is vital to their growth and health. Too hot or too cold can cause them to grow more slowly, while too much humidity can lead to over-purpling of leaves and reduce photosynthesis.
Temps also impact the amount of moisture lost through your plants’ leaves and their ability to uptake nutrients. It’s best to keep your cannabis growing space between 62degF to 72degF (23-26degC) with lights off and around 68degF to 80degF (24-27degC) with lights on.
Cooler nighttime temperatures mimic the natural changes in the seasons and encourage flower development. This is especially true for indica varieties that are native to the mountains.
Indoor cannabis plants are more susceptible to cold than outdoor grown plants, so keeping them in a room where the temperature stays relatively warm is important. Marijuana plants don’t usually die from the cold, but low temperatures will slow down their metabolism and reduce their potential for yields.
Temperature also plays a role in how much terpenes your cannabis plant is able to produce. Terpenes are chemical compounds that make your buds smell and taste different from one another.
They also affect how you feel when you smoke them. Some terpenes are more potent than others. For example, myrcene is a potent analgesic that can reduce inflammation.
There are more than 400 terpenes in cannabis, so understanding the role that each one plays is crucial to your success as a grower. Understanding what terpenes you have in your stock will allow you to create the best possible products for your customers.
4. Humidity
The aromas and flavors you enjoy when smoking, dabbing or vaping cannabis are largely the result of terpenes. These compounds contribute to the unique bouquet of scents found in every cannabis cultivar, and they also serve as key therapeutic support for cannabinoids such as THC and CBD.
Terpenes are hydrocarbons containing hydrogen and carbon, with small isoprene units linked together to form long chains of atoms. In plants, they protect against herbivores and other environmental dangers, while in humans, terpenes have shown anti-inflammatory, pain reliever, and stress relief properties.
In cultivated cannabis, terpenes are produced through resin glands in trichomes (sticky, translucent glands covering buds and leaves). They provide the plant with protection from pests and pathogens, as well as help to encourage the development of flowers and other fruit-like traits.
While the exact chemistry of terpene production in cannabis is not known, a broad range of studies suggest that terpenes can increase the production of other cannabinoids in the plant. Some terpenes also have anti-inflammatory, sedative, and psychoactive effects.
Humidity levels in a grow room affect the way plants take up water and nutrients, so it’s important to maintain a steady humidity level for the best yield possible. This requires a carefully monitored and balanced environment that continues to meet the needs of the plant throughout its growth.
Optimal moisture levels vary according to the stage of growth, from germination to late flowering. During the vegetative stage, the ideal humidity is 50%. During the flowering stage, a low humidity level (40-45%) can increase resin production and improve yields.
In addition, the proper moisture levels prevent bud rot and other ailments that can damage a plant’s production. The right humidity levels can keep a grow room fungus-free and help to produce healthy, vibrant flowers and trichomes.
5. Water
Water is one of the most important components in cannabis cultivation, and it’s crucial to get it right. The water you use for your crop will affect not only how well the plant grows, but also its health.
The quality and quantity of your water will have a huge impact on your yields, so it’s crucial to ensure your water is of the highest possible standard. This can be difficult if you have only access to tap water, but there are ways to improve the quality of your water for your plants.
There are a number of different water sources available for home growers, each with its own pros and cons. The most common sources are treated municipal water or well water.
When choosing water for your garden, it’s important to consider the pH level and TDS (potential hydrogen) of the water. These factors are critical for the health of your marijuana plants and should be monitored closely.
If your water is too acidic, you’ll find it hard to get the plant to take in all of the nutrients it needs. You can solve this by adjusting your water’s pH level or using chemicals that remove the excess chlorine.
Alternatively, you could choose a water source that has a higher concentration of minerals, such as calcium or magnesium. This will be more beneficial to your cannabis grow, as it won’t harm your plants and will allow them to absorb all the needed nutrients.
The temperature of the water is also a key factor in the growth of your cannabis plants. Ideally, the water should be at least 59 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a temperature at which the roots of the plant are able to thrive and grow to their fullest extent.
