What Nutrients Make Cannabis Buds Bigger?

The goal of any grower is to grow strong, healthy plants. Watching a tiny seedling transform into blossoming buds is a delicate but satisfying process. It all starts with seeds being placed in soil, and that soil helps determine the condition and size of the plant. So if you want robust yields, make sure the soil provides the nutrients needed to make cannabis buds bigger.
Close up of a hand holding a load of cannabis buds over a white background
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All living things require basic nutrients to survive. But the right mix of essentials can also help them thrive. You can grow cannabis in a variety of ways. But with the right soil solution and growing technique, you could be blessed with bigger buds. 

There are three essential elements needed for keeping your cannabis plants healthy. It’s important to monitor the nutrient levels throughout the growing process to make sure they remain balanced during each stage. 

  • Nitrogen (N). Produce lush, green foliage during the vegetative stage. Less is needed once the plant has flowered, as too much can disrupt development. Soil is the main source of nitrogen, but if you’re growing cannabis with a hydroponic or LED grow light system, you’ll need to supplement with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
  • Phosphorus (P). Accelerate the plant’s metabolism for faster flower and fruit development. Find the right amount of this nutrient in specially formulated fertilizers. 
  • Potassium (K). Support overall plant health with this mineral found in fertilizer or organic compost used in a soil-based system. With a hydroponic system, potassium must be added to the nutrient solution, but too much could be toxic to the plants.

There are certain secondary minerals needed to help promote cannabis plant growth:

  • Magnesium. Crucial for photosynthesis. Any deficiency prevents plants from converting enough light into energy, so you’ll see yellowing leaves and discolored veins. 
  • Calcium. Aids in nutrient uptake, root development, and strengthening cell walls. Add a supplement to fertilizer or hydroponic solutions.

Of course, all plants need non-mineral elements—carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen—that come from proper air circulation and watering. Factors such as light, temperature, and humidity also affect the amount of nutrients needed. 

Adjusting Nutrient Levels for Different Growing Stages

Maintaining the proper nutrient levels for high-quality buds requires monitoring and adjusting ratios at the different stages of growth depending on whether you’re growing in soil, hydroponically, or with LED lights. The NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) fluctuates throughout the vegetative and flowering stage. While more nitrogen is needed during the vegetative stage, more phosphorus and potassium is needed in the flowering stage. 

You also want to test the soil’s pH levels. Cannabis prefers slightly acidic soil, but if you notice yellow leaves and stunted growth, an adjustment is needed. You can adjust by adding or decreasing the amount of organic nutrients or mineral supplements. 

Organic nutrients come from the compost, manure, and worm castings in the soil and take longer for the plant to absorb. Inorganic mineral nutrients are the fertilizing formulas used for hydroponic and LED grow light systems that are more readily absorbed. Both organic nutrients and mineral fertilizers have beneficial components that could turn toxic in improper ratios.

Where to Get Nutrients for Cannabis Plants

Using high-quality soil and cannabis fertilizer is the best way to provide your cannabis plants with essential nutrients. Both products can be purchased through specialty hydroponic or garden supply stores. While you can source individual nutrients for more personalized plant food, some formulas already incorporate a blend of organic nutrients designed for optimal cannabis growth. This makes it easier to grow healthier plants with more robust results. 

Harvest Hero’s Enhanced Perlite Mix is one such blend specially formulated for cannabis—as well and other vegetables and potted plants. This industry-leading product already contains the essential macronutrients needed for vigorous plant growth.

3 Reasons to Choose Enhanced Perlite Mix 

Remember that nutrients aren’t the only element needed to keep plants healthy. Harvest Hero factored in airflow, water retention, and drainage when designing this 3-in-1 mix. That’s why you can find the following added to its enhanced formula: 

  1. Medium-grade, horticultural perlite prevents soil compaction to help improve drainage and increase airflow.
  2. Phosphorus and potassium promote healthy growth. There’s no need to add any nutrients during the initial growing stage.
  3. Diatomaceous earth increases nutrient uptake and improves water retention for a strong, stress-resistant foundation for your crops to thrive.

When combined with a nitrogen-rich organic soil amendment, this soilless mix provides the recommended potassium and phosphorus your plants need to support overall growth, protein synthesis, and root health. This gives your plants the energy and nutrition they require, whether you’re growing cannabis hydroponically or in soil.

Try Harvest Hero Enhanced Perlite Mix in your garden and watch how your plants prosper during the growing process.

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