Growing Cannabis in Vertical Hydroponic Tower

It goes without saying that we are facing climate change and arable land shortage. Though traditional cultivation provides masses of food, it is still seriously affected by weather and we cannot ignore the constant loss of arable land. Thus, more and more advanced cultivation technologies are developed, aiming to grow more plants in less lands with higher production. Vertical farming is one of the most widely used cultivation method applied with advanced technologies. Growing cannabis with vertical farming is not surprising in recent. A new kind of growing method called vertical hydroponic tower (also known as tower garden or tower farm) has entered the picture for growing crops, such as leafy greens and herbs. It is also applicable for growing cannabis. However, it seems a little strange for most of people what is vertical hydroponic tower. This post would talk about the vertical hydroponic tower and the growing cannabis with it.

What is vertical hydroponic tower

Vertical hydroponic tower is a vertical structure designed for growing plants with maximized production and less growing spaces in both indoor and outdoor. Vertical hydroponic growing is able to grow various plants within one tower at the same time. Vertical hydroponic tower is used for growing almost all plants, including vegetables, flower, fruits, cannabis, etc. The tower is generally consist of a pipe, plant containers, drain tube, and pump. Measuring tools such as PH tester and hygrometer are also needed for growing plants in vertical hydroponic tower. Artificial grow lights such as LED grow lights are also added for lighting supplement. From the name, it is not difficult to understand that vertical hydroponic tower utilizes soilless cultivation method in a controlled environment. Plants are grown in water and nutrients solution. Add solution that is mixed with water and nutrients to the reservoir of tower, the submersible pump will push the solution through the pipe to the top of tower. Then solution flows down and nourish the plants, dripping down for irrigating the root of plant evenly.

Aeroponics belongs to hydroponic as aeroponics also grows plants without soil but water and nutrient solution. In consequence, vertical hydroponic tower also known as vertical aeroponics tower. The main difference is that the roots of plants are exposed to the air and sprayed by solution intermittently with aeroponics while the roots of plants are immersed in solution with hydroponics.

Advantages of growing cannabis in vertical hydroponic tower

• Easy operation

Growing cannabis in vertical hydroponic tower is much easier than other growing methods. Solution mixed by water and nutrients feeds the root of cannabis during the whole process from seeding to harvest. Growers just need to add the solution to tower, then the tower will work automatically. No worries about the concentration of the solution as it has certain proportion. Furthermore, the solution can also used for growing strawberry, tomatoes and other crops. The easy operation simplify the growing process and save efforts. No fertilizer is need in vertical hydroponic tower.

• Greater production

The research showed that vertical hydroponic tower is able to cultivate 4 to 10 times plants per square foot than conventional hydroponic growing. It means vertical hydroponic tower can achieve greater production. This advantage is owing to the controllable artificial growing factors in both indoor and outdoor, while indoor environment has better control. Less fungi, mildew, and pest will present in vertical hydroponic tower due to the well controlled growing factors. The optimized growing environment speeds up growing cycle from seed to harvest and extends the growing season, reaching year round production. It also help grow grower reap more profits.

• Growing with less space

As cannabis are grown vertically, vertical hydroponic tower can grow more plants in less space. Some of the towers just cover a very little space, about three square feet. Grower can place them at any corner of their home or garden. They can also place vertical hydroponic towers in greenhouse, which is being able to cultivate more cannabis in the limited room. Though vertical hydroponic tower takes up much more smaller space, it is still capable of harvesting large yields and healthy cannabis.

• Lower cost & consumption

Greenhouse and conventional growing need large property for materials and labor cost for the growing structures. Conversely, vertical hydroponic tower costs less investment and it is easier to install. Automation irrigation also makes it easier to maintain and harvest, which means less costly labor and power. Besides, hydroponics save up to 95 % water compared to conventional growing. LED grow lights also cut down electricity bill thanks to the high efficiency and energy saving features. Because of the controllable growing environment, vertical hydroponic tower also decrease the cost of fertilizers and pesticides. Lower cost and consumption enable grower strive for higher possible production and better quality.

Tips for growing cannabis better in vertical hydroponic tower

Vertical hydroponic tower contributes to a easier and lower cost cultivation method. However, cannabis is one of the most complex plants for growing, we still need to pay attention to some matters. A healthy and robust cannabis has higher possibility to gain greater cannabinoid content. Seeds selection, roots and morphology monitor, and grow lights are critical for growing cannabis better in vertical hydroponic tower.

• Grow lights  

Most growers use conventional grow lights such as HID and HPS lights for growing cannabis, but conventional grow lights are costly without comparable effect. Recently, growers turn to use LED grow lights, which are full spectrum, less heat, and less energy consuming. Atop provides Horti-Tube Pro LED grow lights for growing cannabis in vertical hydroponic tower. Horti-Tube Pro is an ideal LED interior lighting solution, having LEDs on both sides makes it can light two rows of plants from the bottom to the top.

Cannabis is photoperiod sensitive, using artificial grow lights for growing cannabis can help them grow better. ‘Photoperiod’ is related with the lighting cycle of dark and light, and it begin in vegetative phase generally. 18/6 or 24/0 lighting cycle is suitable for vegetative growth, which means provide 18-24 hours lights and 0-6 hours darkness. A 12/12 lighting cycle strategy (12 hours darkness and 12 hours light) can trigger flowering phase.

• Seeds selection

It is important to choose qualified seeds before growing. High quality seeds increase the possibility to germinate and grow as healthy cannabis plants. The full matures seeds should be hard and dry with dark-brown color. Keep the seeds in dry and cool container can maintain the viability for longer time. There are three cannabis strains: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Cannabis sativa, also know as marijuana, is the major source of medical cannabis. Each kind of cannabis has specific growing strategies. If grower would like to grow various types of cannabis in one tower, they are supposed to place the plants correctly. Sativa should be grown on the lower place of the tower as it can grow in taller height. Indica, however, can be grown at the top of tower.

• Roots & morphology monitor

Since cannabis are grown without soil, it is essential to monitor the roots and morphology of cannabis. Roots should be immerse or sprayed with solution. Grower should strain roots of every cannabis appropriately. The primary point of the root monitor is do not cut the roots. Because roots absorb water and nutrients and feed the cannabis. It is possible for cannabis to grow in a strange morphology. If cannabis grows too big or too much branches and stems horizontally, do not bend the plant. Instead, provide external supports to the branches and stems to keep them remain straight. Bend the branches and stems of the plant would only kill the plant. If grower would like to plant cannabis in large size, reduce the plants quantity in one tower.