Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production, is a powerful yet often overlooked nutrient source for cannabis plants. Rich in essential nutrients and beneficial microbes, it can significantly enhance plant growth, increase yields, and improve overall plant health throughout the growth cycle.

 

Benefits of Molasses for Cannabis Plants

• Better Plant Development: Molasses provides energy from its sugars and carbohydrates, driving growth and supporting vegetative and flowering stages. It boosts overall plant health and vigour.
• Improved Soil Health: It serves as an excellent food source for beneficial soil microbes, which break down organic matter and release nutrients, fostering a healthy soil ecosystem.
• Concentrated Source of Essential Nutrients: Molasses is packed with potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, critical for flowering and overall plant productivity.

 

How and When to Use Molasses in Cannabis Growing

Step 1: Choose the Right Type of Molasses

Opt for blackstrap molasses for its high nutrient content, or any unsulfured molasses for effective results.

Step 2: Know When to Add Molasses

Add molasses during the flowering stage to provide extra energy and nutrients needed for bud development.

Step 3: Determine Your Dosage

Typically, 1-2 tablespoons of molasses per gallon of lukewarm water is recommended. Adjust for larger plants or containers.

Step 4: Apply Molasses to Your Plants

Mix molasses with water and apply as you would normally water your plants, or use it as a foliar spray for hydro or coco grows.

 

Do’s and Don’ts:

• Do use organic, unsulfured molasses.
• Do follow the recommended dosage.
• Do use it alongside rhizobacteria for optimal results.
• Don’t overuse molasses to avoid nutrient lockout.
• Don’t use it during the seedling stage or if the soil is rich in organic matter.

What Stage of Cannabis Plant Growth to Use Molasses?

Use molasses during the early vegetative stage to support soil microbes and during the flowering stage for nutrient uptake and bud development. Adjust application based on whether you're growing in soil, hydro, or coco.

• Early Vegging Stage:

Supports soil microbes and promotes healthier roots. Use a tablespoon per gallon of water.

• Flowering Stage:

Boosts nutrient uptake for larger buds. Ideal for foliar sprays mixed with compost teas.

 

Types of Molasses

• Sulfured vs. Unsulfured Molasses:

Unsulfured molasses is preferred for cannabis as it lacks sulfur dioxide, which can harm soil microorganisms.

• Light vs. Dark Molasses:

Dark molasses is richer in nutrients and carbohydrates, making it more beneficial for cannabis plants than lighter varieties.

• Organic vs. Non-Organic Molasses:

Organic molasses is free from chemical additives and preservatives, providing a natural nutrient boost. Non-organic molasses may contain additives that can affect plant health.

 

Application Method for Using Molasses on Cannabis Plants

• Foliar Sprays:
• Dissolve a teaspoon of molasses in a gallon of lukewarm water and apply it to leaves in the evening to avoid light-induced burn.
• Final Thoughts:
• Incorporating molasses into your cannabis cultivation regimen enhances plant growth, strengthens natural defences, and fosters a healthy soil environment. This leads to increased yields and healthier, more resilient plants.