Growing cannabis can be one of the most rewarding hobbies out there—watching your plants thrive and eventually harvesting those sticky, aromatic buds feels like winning a personal championship. But let’s be real: every grower, whether beginner or seasoned pro, dreams of one thing—a bigger, better yield. After all, if you’re putting in the time, effort, and money, you want the results to show.
In this guide, I’ll share some key tips and strategies that can help you maximize your cannabis plant’s yield. And yes, I’ll sprinkle in some personal anecdotes from my own growing adventures—mistakes, successes, and everything in between.
1. Start with Quality Genetics
Your cannabis yield potential is largely determined before you even plant your first seed. Investing in high-quality seeds from reputable breeders is absolutely essential. Purchase one of our top 5 heaviest yielding cannabis strains and you will be well on your path to a monster yielding plant!
Why Genetics Matter
Different strains have different natural potentials for yield. Some are naturally low-yielding but potent, while others are designed to produce massive harvests. Strains like Big Bud, Green Crack, or Super Silver Haze are known for their impressive yields.
Personal anecdote: The first time I tried growing cannabis, I didn’t pay much attention to the seeds. I grabbed some random bag seeds, and while I did get a harvest, it was far from impressive in terms of yield. Lesson learned—genetics matter.
2. Choose the Right Growing Environment
Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, your environment plays a massive role in how well your plants will produce.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing
- Indoor: You have full control over lighting, humidity, and temperature, but it can be costly.
- Outdoor: Sunlight is free, but you’re at the mercy of weather, pests, and nosy neighbors.
More Light, More Buds
With indoor growing, light intensity directly impacts your yield. Adding more powerful grow lights or increasing light coverage can significantly boost bud production. High-quality LED or HPS lights ensure your plants get optimal light penetration, especially during the flowering stage.
Pro tip: Make sure your lights are properly positioned—not too close to burn the plants and not too far to reduce effectiveness. This makes a huge difference and is often overlooked by many growers!
3. Master the Art of Pruning and Training
Your plants need structure and support to grow big and strong. Pruning and training techniques are crucial for maximizing yield and greatly reducing the risk of bud rot by creating multiple large colas that are less likely to rot compared to one extra giant cola.
Low-Stress Training (LST)
LST involves gently bending and tying down branches to create an even canopy. This ensures all bud sites receive equal light exposure, promoting uniform growth. Use soft plant ties to avoid damaging stems, and start LST early in the vegetative stage.
High-Stress Training (HST)
HST techniques, like topping and super cropping, involve intentionally damaging the plant to encourage bushier growth.
- Topping: Cut off the top of the main stem to create two new main colas.
- Super Cropping: Slightly crush and bend stems to redirect growth and increase light exposure.
Personal anecdote: I was terrified the first time I topped one of my plants, but it ended up doubling my yield compared to my untopped plants. Sometimes, a little stress is a good thing! There are also some growers who claim stressing the plants creates higher THC levels. But be careful, as stress can also cause some plants to turn hermaphrodite.
4. Feed Them Right
Cannabis plants are like teenagers—they eat a lot and they’re picky about it.
Nutrients 101
During the vegetative stage, your plants need a diet rich in nitrogen. Once they start flowering, shift to a phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)-heavy feed.
PK Boosters and Additives
During the flowering stage, phosphorus (P) helps develop strong roots and dense buds, while potassium (K) improves overall bud production. Additionally, using bloom boosters and molasses can add weight and density to your final harvest.
Pro tip: Follow the nutrient manufacturer’s instructions, but always start at half strength and adjust as needed.
5. Optimize Light Cycles
Cannabis plants are light-sensitive, and their growth stages depend on how much light they receive (unless you are using autoflowering seeds which keep the same light schedule from start to finish).
Vegetative Stage:
- Indoor: 18-20 hours of light per day
- Outdoor: Natural summer sunlight
Flowering Stage:
- Indoor: 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness
- Outdoor: Natural autumn sunlight
Consistency is key! Light leaks during the flowering stage can stress your plants, reduce yields, create hermaphrodite plants, and even revert your plants back into a vegetative state!
6. Water Wisely
Overwatering is one of the most common beginner mistakes. Your plants need water, but they also need oxygen at their roots.
The Finger Test
Stick your finger an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Coco Coir for Overwatering Prevention and Higher Yields over Soil
Coco coir is an excellent growing medium because it retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Unlike soil, coco allows for better oxygenation at the roots, reducing the risk of overwatering. The higher oxygen levels in the medium mean that growing in coco always creates higher yields than soil.
pH Matters
Cannabis thrives in a pH range of 6.0-7.0 in soil and 5.5-6.5 in hydroponic systems.
7. Hydroponic and Aeroponic Systems
Hydroponic and aeroponic systems give higher yields than soil by delivering nutrients directly to the roots. But these systems are only for advanced growers and many things can go wrong which will result in a much smaller yield.
- Hydroponics: Plants grow in a nutrient-rich water solution, allowing precise control over feeding and pH levels.
- Aeroponics: Roots are suspended in the air and misted with nutrient solution, promoting faster nutrient absorption.
Both methods reduce soil-related issues and accelerate plant growth, leading to larger yields in shorter flowering times.
8. Harvest at the Right Time
Timing your harvest can make or break your final yield.
Check the Trichomes
Using a magnifying glass, look at the tiny trichomes on your buds:
- Clear: Too early
- Milky: Peak THC levels
- Amber: More sedative effects
The Final Weeks Matter
Most of the bud density and final weight come during the last week or two of flowering. Harvesting too early can drastically reduce your yield because the buds haven’t had time to fully bulk up. Patience truly pays off here.
9. Dry and Cure Properly
After harvest, don’t rush the drying and curing process. Proper curing enhances flavor, aroma, and potency.
Conclusion
Growing cannabis for high yields combines science, patience, and care. From choosing high-quality genetics and optimizing your environment to using advanced techniques like hydroponics and LST, every step contributes to the final outcome. Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting, nutrients, and waiting for those crucial last weeks before harvest.
So to summarize, here are the key steps to getting the highest yield from your cannabis plant:
- Pick a high-yielding strain
- Place your plants under plenty of light in an optimized growing environment
- Use LST or HST to train your plants, creating a level canopy for optimum light penetration
- Feed the plants enough high-quality nutrients throughout their life cycle
- Keep light cycles in check
- Do not over or under water the plants
- Use Coco over soil, or better yet use an aeroponic system if possible
- NEVER harvest early
Remember, every grow is a learning experience. Celebrate your successes, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly—enjoy the process. Happy growing!
