Understanding The Different Stages of Cannabis Growth: A Grower's Guide

Are you a green-thumbed plant enthusiast who's looking to dabble in the art of growing cannabis at home? Or perhaps you're a hardcore 420 fan seeking to learn more about this magical and medicinal plant's life cycle. Whichever side of the fence you find yourself on, knowing the different cannabis growth stages is crucial for nurturing healthy, thriving plants and reaping a bountiful harvest. But with so much conflicting (and confusing) information on the internet, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. But luckily for you, we're here to help.

Lifespan at Every Level

Please stick with us throughout this guide, where we show you the lifespan of the cannabis plant at every level, from germination to flowering, offering valuable insights and practical tips along the way. So, grab your weed seeds, and let's dive in!

Germination

If you're an avid gardener, you'll be familiar with seed germination — the magical moment when your seeds awaken from their deep slumber. But if you're new to the gardening game, don't fret. Imagine this: hidden under the ground, your cannabis seeds are dormant, waiting for the right moment to jump into action. When the conditions are perfect — warm, damp, and dark — these tiny seeds come out of their hibernation and develop delicate taproots that reach for the nutrients they require to flourish. It's a pure moment of wonder and the first physical indication that your cannabis-growing project has gotten off to a great start.

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Warmth Level

But how exactly do you create the perfect conditions for your cannabis seeds to flourish? Well, it's simpler than you might imagine. The first step is understanding the fundamental essentials that could trigger such a miraculous procedure — warmth is one of them. Your cannabis seeds need warmth to aid in germination, with the ideal temperature ranging from 21-29°C.

Moisture Balance

Moisture is the other vital factor in softening the seed coat and making way for the taproots. However, keeping an even balance with moisture is essential because otherwise, it could lead to rot, which will prevent any of your seeds from germinating — bummer! Finally, a dark environment is where your cannabis seeds will thrive. While light is crucial at later stages for photosynthesis, exposure to sunlight can inhibit germination.

Explore the various tips and tricks for germinating cannabis seeds here.

Seedling Stage

After your seeds have successfully sprouted their delicate taproots, they enter the seedling phase, a period of intense development. The most important thing to remember is that seedlings are fragile creatures that must be reared with utmost care to develop strong roots and stems. While your seedlings absorb the nutrients stored in the seed to sprout when they first emerge from the soil, they will soon require additional nutrients to sustain their growth.

Temperature and Humidity

Providing the perfect growing conditions is paramount to setting your seedlings up for success. That includes maintaining a consistent temperature between 21-24°C and a relative humidity of 65-70%. Too much moisture will increase the chances of mold and dampness, while too little humidity could lead to dehydration and stunted growth. In addition, your seedlings will require gentle airflow to strengthen their growing stems and prevent moisture buildup around their leaves.

18 Hours Light Stage

Regarding light, cannabis plants only require low-intensity lighting during seedling to promote early development. High-intensity light can stress the gentle seedlings and may result in slow or stunted growth. Most growers recommend 16-18 hours of sunlight per day for seedlings, as this mimics Spring and early Summer's long daylight, signaling to the plant that it is time to grow vegetatively.

LED Lightning

Many growers swear by LED grow lights during the seedling stage, as they emit a softer and cooler light, ideal for nurturing young plants. If you go the LED route, keep the lights around 2–3 inches above the seedlings to ensure they receive adequate light without causing heat stress. Once the seedlings mature into the vegetative phase, greater light intensity and duration will be necessary to ensure robust growth.

Vegetative Growth Stage

And now, the moment that all cannabis growers live for — the vegetative growth stage, during which your cannabis plants experience rapid expansion and development. During this phase, the plants invest most of their energy into developing a solid root system and a lush green canopy.

Full Spectrum LED or High-Intensity Discharge Lights

Light is the primary factor for vigorous vegetative development as it signals your plants to prepare for photosynthesis. During this stage, your cannabis plants will require 18-24 hours of light per day, allowing them to expand to their total capacity. Naturally, this can be difficult to achieve depending on where you live or what season you find yourself in, which is why many growers opt to use high-intensity discharge (HID) lights or full-spectrum LED grow lights to achieve the high level of light needed for vegetative growth.

Nitro-Righ Fertilizers

You must provide your plants with optimal nutrition and care during this phase. That includes lots of nitro-rich fertilizer, critical for developing solid leaves and stems. Your plants also require plenty of water and oxygen, aiding nutrient absorption and overall health.

Airflow

Let's not forget—spacing is another essential factor during this stage, as your cannabis plants will require sufficient room to flourish. Having enough room aids in airflow and stops mold and mildew. It also ensures that light is evenly distributed and reduces the chances of light burn.

Lightning, Nutrition, and Spacing

Keeping an eye on lighting, nutrition, and spacing throughout the vegetative phase means you can look forward to healthy and abundant yields.

Pre-Flowering Stage

As cannabis plants progress through their growth cycle, they eventually enter a critical transformative stage called pre-flowering. This early stage signifies the start of the plant's sexual maturity. Pre-flowering is also a fascinating period for growers as it offers them a chance to determine the gender of their plants.

Keeping Females Plans

One indicator of pre-flowering is the appearance of the pre-flowers—these tiny structures grow on the nodes where branches meet the main stem. The leaves form small clusters of pollen sacs for male flowers, while female flowers develop hair-like pistils. At this stage, it's crucial to remove male plants quickly to prevent pollination, as pollinated female plants will channel their energy towards seed production rather than bud development.

Flowering Stage

And now, what every cannabis grower has been waiting for — the flowering stage. After all your hard work and care, this is when your female cannabis plants stop producing foliage and pivot to flower development, forming the precious buds filled with cannabinoids and terpenes.

12 Hours Light Stage

Flowering typically begins when the plants receive 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day, which causes the photoperiod-sensitive response for flowering. Your plants will dramatically change through this phase — the buds swell, and resin production peaks. And, of course, you don't want all your hard work to be for nothing, so be sure to monitor environmental conditions closely and tweak variables such as humidity and temperature to maximize bud development and avoid problems with mold and pests.

Harvesting and Curing

Woohoo! After weeks of patient nurturing and careful observation, your big harvest has arrived. Harvesting your cannabis plants while they are at the peak of ripeness is vital to the end product's potency, flavor, and aroma. When harvesting, always use sharp shears to snip each bud from the plant, being gentle to keep the fragile trichomes intact on the flowers.

Curing Process

Once harvested, your buds will require a curing period. During curing, they are slowly dried in a warm, dark, and dry space to remove excess moisture while enhancing the terpenes' aromas and flavors. Proper curing improves the quality of your final product and makes smoking a much more pleasant experience by allowing you to experience the complexities of taste, aroma, and sensation.

Does weed expire?

If you're wondering, "Does weed expire?" the answer is yes, and using expired weed can result in harsher smoke and diminished effects. Yes, weed does expire over time, just like any other organic material. When stored improperly or for too long, cannabis can lose its potency, flavor, and aroma, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Storing weed in a cool, dark, and airtight environment is essential to extend its shelf life and maintain quality. 

To Sum It Up

Congratulations! You officially know how to grow your weed like a pro. Armed with this newfound knowledge, you'll be well on your way to cultivating vibrant plants bursting with potency and flavor, all in the comfort of your home.

Science and Patience Means Success

Remember, growing is an art as much as a science, requiring a lot of patience, dedication, and love for the natural world. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your seeds, roll up your sleeves, and let your green thumb guide you on this exhilarating adventure into the heart of cannabis cultivation!