By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Silvia Maroto


Achieving a good crop of cannabis means giving your plants the best life you can. From pH levels to moisture, nutrients, beneficial bacteria, and more, there’s a lot to think about when it comes to growing weed. If only there was a single thing that could help in all of these respects.

Well, there is: seaweed! Or, kelp, more specifically. This marine organism is absolutely bursting with nutrients, and can help to maintain an environment in which your cannabis plants can grow and thrive. Discover all about seaweed, and how to use it, below.

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What Is Seaweed and Where Does It Come From?

Seaweed is the generic name given to over 10,000 species of algae—more specifically, “macroalgae”—that live in the sea. These non-vascular organisms live on a combination of sunlight, nutrients absorbed from the water, and carbon dioxide. As they are non-vascular, they cannot transport nutrients around their bodies, and so many remain mostly submerged in order to survive.

Seaweed can range from very small to huge. In the case of Antarctic kelp, it can reach 33 metres in length! Each species has its own look, flavour, composition, and nutritional value. In this article, we’ll be focusing on kelp.

What's the Difference Between Kelp and Seaweed?

Kelp is a subspecies of seaweed that is particularly nutritious. It forms in so-called kelp forests and grows in shallow, nutrient-rich waters. It’s this environment that makes kelp so beneficial to cannabis and other plants. The seaweed absorbs a vast array of ocean minerals, which are then dispersed into the soil when used as a fertiliser.

In terms of nutrient content, it’s really quite incredible. Overall, kelp contains over 60 trace elements essential to cannabis growth. These include iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and molybdenum—all of which are greatly beneficial to plants.

What Are the Benefits of Using Seaweed for Cannabis?

But there’s much more to it than that. Below, we outline the pros and cons of using kelp to grow cannabis.

Pros

Contains over 60 trace elements essential to the healthy development of cannabis plants Stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil
Helps to maintain a proper pH level Kelp mulch regulates the moisture content of the soil
Kelp foliar spray delivers a rapid hit of beneficial nutrients Powder can be mixed into soil before a grow begins to create a very fertile growing environment

Cons

Can be illegal to harvest in certain places
Might be difficult to get hold of if you don’t live near the coast
Other than that, kelp is a pretty good choice!

Pros

Contains over 60 trace elements essential to the healthy development of cannabis plants

Stimulates the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the soil

Helps to maintain a proper pH level

Kelp mulch regulates the moisture content of the soil

Kelp foliar spray delivers a rapid hit of beneficial nutrients

Powder can be mixed into soil before a grow begins to create a very fertile growing environment

Cons

Can be illegal to harvest in certain places

Might be difficult to get hold of if you don’t live near the coast

Other than that, kelp is a pretty good choice!

How to Use Kelp in Your Cannabis Garden

Using kelp to grow cannabis is pretty easy, and there are a few different methods of administration, which means that you can tailor your use of kelp to specific ends.

Different Forms of Kelp

While you can just throw some harvested kelp onto your soil and let it break down, there are several options to choose from when it comes to using seaweed to grow cannabis.

Kelp Food

Kelp food, or kelp meal, can be mixed directly with soil. This must be done around four months before you intend to germinate seeds. This method supercharges the growing medium and creates an incredible environment for your plants to flourish.

As well as being packed with nutrients, after several months, the soil will develop a thriving ecosystem of beneficial bacteria, all of which will help to keep your plant healthy throughout its life cycle. Plus, the pH balance of your soil should be correct from the very beginning.

To use kelp meal, add around 0.5kg of kelp food per 9m³ of soil, and leave for at least four months.

Why Seaweed Is a Superfood for Cannabis Plants

Kelp Powder Foliar Spray

Kelp powder must be mixed with liquid to make a seaweed solution. This foliar spray provides perhaps the most direct means of getting all the goodness of kelp into your cannabis plants. Simply spray it onto the leaves and they will absorb it, transporting it immediately around the plant.

It’s worth noting, though, that using a foliar spray isn’t a viable regular feeding method. It’s fantastic at providing a large dose of nutrients to a plant that needs it, but it shouldn’t replace a good feeding regimen via the growing medium.

To make a kelp solution, mix ½ a teaspoon of kelp powder with 5 litres of water and apply via a mist.

Why Seaweed Is a Superfood for Cannabis Plants

Mulching

Mulching is another great option for using seaweed with cannabis. To mulch, you’ll need a supply of fresh and whole kelp in its natural form. Once acquired, simply pile it around the base of the plant and leave it to decay. As it breaks down, its nutrient-rich body will pass down into the soil, where the plant’s roots will be able to absorb it. Moreover, as it breaks down gradually, it will continue to feed your plant until it’s all disappeared.

Aside from the above, mulching also prevents invasive plant growth, encourages the growth of healthy bacteria in the soil, retains moisture in the soil, and helps to maintain the correct pH balance.

Why Seaweed Is a Superfood for Cannabis Plants

Composting

Alternatively, you could add fresh kelp to the compost and allow its nutrients to mingle with and enhance those of the general compost heap. If you choose to go this route, mix the kelp well with the contents of the compost bin, as it could otherwise prevent good airflow and lead to improper decay.

Why Seaweed Is a Superfood for Cannabis Plants

Liquid Fertiliser

Another very easy option is to use a kelp-based liquid fertiliser to feed your cannabis plants. Administering kelp liquid fertiliser is just like doing so with any other liquid fertiliser. You simply add the required amount to water, and give it to your plants.

Although it differs from product to product, around 1 teaspoon per 2.5 litres of water is likely sufficient when using a liquid kelp fertiliser. Don’t be tempted to overdo it, though, as this will have negative consequences!

Why Seaweed Is a Superfood for Cannabis Plants

How to Forage for Kelp

It’s pretty easy to buy seaweed fertiliser, powder, and meal online or in garden centres. However, if you live by the sea, you might also be able to forage for your own.

You’ll find kelp strewn across the shoreline when the tide goes out, and you can just pick it up and take it home. Double-check local laws before you do this, as in some places it may be illegal. Likewise, remember that other organisms thrive in kelp too, so don’t remove all the kelp from a beach, as you risk damaging the local ecosystem.

Kelp and Cannabis: Is It Worth It?

Yes, definitely. The only time that going without kelp might be worth it is if it’s hard to get hold of. But in most cases, buying it shouldn’t be a problem, and finding it should be fairly easy too, depending on where you live.

Seaweed is perhaps the most nutrient-rich fertiliser available for growing cannabis, and that’s not to mention its many other benefits as well. If you’re able to use kelp in your cannabis grow operation, then you should do it!

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: