Maximum Yield Cannabis Canada 2017 July/August | Page 29

STOCK VS SEEDS
The next step is to decide if you’re going to purchase a tree
from your local nursery or grow your own from seed. If you
decide to get a seed started, soak it inside of a napkin for
a few days to soften the external coating. You’ll want to
remove this external seed coating or nick it to help with
germination for the tree.
Keep in mind that if you decide to start with a seed, you
may have to wait some time before you finally get fruits
setting on the tree. Most species take about three to five
years to mature. Purchasing a tree from your local nursery
is a good choice if you’re looking to have a healthy sapling
that is closer to bearing fruits. No matter which source
you choose, however, it’s a good idea to consider using a
dwarf species as a smaller tree will ensure that you’ll have
enough room in your growroom.
MODIFIED SET-UP
Now that you have your tree, it’s time to plant. Remember,
the container size you use will dictate the end size of your
tree. You’ll want to start with at least a five-gallon container.
However, over time, you may want to opt for larger and
larger containers to ensure that your tree grows to its full
potential while staying within your grow space. While your
tree may not grow to the same size as it would outside in your
backyard, it will often bear normal-sized fruit and potentially
produce full-sized harvests.
Once you’ve chosen your container, fill it with perlite, rice
husk, or vermiculite and include the tubing you’ll need to
evacuate the nutrient solution from the bottom. Some find it
beneficial to use a drip irrigation system with about three
emitters per tree, while ot hers prefer the flood and drain
method to prevent the growth of algae. No matter the method,
the most important thing is to keep your root ball from drying
out as this could ultimately damage—or kill—your tree.
Some growers prefer using a root bag or a net pot, but this is
an optional step based on how your system is set up.
“
WHILE YOUR TREE may not grow to the same
size as it would outside in your backyard,
it will often bear normal-sized fruit and
potentially produce full-sized harvests.”
When putting your tree into your new system, no matter if
you started it from seed or purchased a stock tree, be overly
careful with your tree’s roots. Pampered roots lead to better
growing trees. At the start, your nutrient solution should be
kept at half-strength; however, as the tree grows bigger and
stronger, you’ll want to start using a full-strength nutrient
solution. Also, find out your tree’s optimal pH range and keep
a close eye on your system’s levels. Levels that are too high
or too low could be detrimental to your tree.
On that same thread, get familiar with the other specific
needs of the tree species you’re growing. For instance,
some trees require a cold period for them to set fruit
the next year. Also, find out if your tree has any specific
nutrient requirements.
If you ever find that your system is not working for your
tree, feel free to modify it even more as you go along to find
that perfect set-up. The options are almost endless.
If this article has you thinking about picking mouthwatering
cherries from your hydroponic set-up or making an apple pie
from your dwarf apple tree, it may be time to explore the excit-
ing area of growing a tree. Have fun in learning about the
different types of trees you can grow and how to add a tree to
your current system.
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