Indoor cannabis cultivation is a controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) process. Unlike outdoor grows, you regulate light spectrum, photoperiod, vapor pressure deficit (VPD), CO₂ concentration, irrigation, and nutrient delivery to optimize yield and cannabinoid/terpene expression.

1. Grow Space Setup

Space Options

Grow tent (2x2, 4x4, 5x5 ft) – Best for small to mid-scale controlled grows

Dedicated grow room – Better for scaling and environmental stability

Essential Equipment

Full-spectrum LED grow lights (high PPFD efficiency, low heat load)

Inline fan + carbon filter (odor control + air exchange)

Oscillating fans (air circulation)

Thermo-hygrometer (track temp & RH)

Dehumidifier / humidifier (precise RH control)

Timers (photoperiod automation)

2. Environmental Control Targets

Precision here determines yield and quality.

Flowering humidity control is critical to prevent botrytis (bud rot) and powdery mildew. Seedmax provides high quality dehumidifiers for grow room to help growers create a controlled and suitable environment for plants.

3. Lighting Strategy

Photoperiod

Vegetative stage: 18/6 (18 hours light, 6 dark)

Flowering stage: 12/12 (strict light discipline required)

PPFD Guidelines

Veg: 400–600 µmol/m²/s

Flower: 700–1000 µmol/m²/s

CO₂ enriched rooms: up to 1200–1500 µmol/m²/s

4. Growing Medium Options

For commercial yield optimization, coco or hydro systems outperform soil in biomass accumulation.

5. Nutrient Management

Cannabis is a heavy feeder.

Macronutrients

Nitrogen (N) – Vegetative growth

Phosphorus (P) – Root & flower development

Potassium (K) – Overall vigor and bud density

pH Targets

Soil: 6.0–6.8

Coco/Hydro: 5.5–6.2

Incorrect pH = nutrient lockout.

6. Training Techniques (Yield Optimization)

Topping – Encourages lateral growth

LST (Low Stress Training) – Improves light penetration

SCROG (Screen of Green) – Maximizes canopy efficiency

Strategic defoliation – Reduces humidity pockets

7. Flowering & Harvest

Flowering duration:

Indica-dominant: 8–9 weeks

Sativa-dominant: 10–12+ weeks

Harvest Timing

Use trichome inspection:

Clear → Not ready

Milky → Peak THC

Amber → More sedative effect

8. Drying & Curing

Dry at 60°F / 60% RH (industry “60/60 rule”)

7–14 day dry

Cure in sealed jars at 58–62% RH for 3–6 weeks

Proper curing preserves terpene volatility and improves smoothness.