This is a question that many growers and cannabis enthusiasts want to know and search for answers to by asking cannabis growers worldwide. The cannabis plant goes through different developmental stages as it grows, and each stage brings new challenges and opportunities. Follow along as we discuss the different cannabis growth stages and what you can expect during each one!
What Are The Cannabis Life-cycle Stages?
The cannabis plant has five main growth stages: germination, seedling, vegetative, flowering, and harvest. Let’s take a closer look at each cannabis growth stage.
Cannabis Germination Stage
How long does it take to germinate cannabis seeds?
24 hours – up to 10 days
The germination stage is the beginning of a cannabis seedling’s life. This is when the seed begins to grow into a plant. It can be a complicated process, but it can be easy and successful with the proper knowledge and tools.
Cannabis seeds are small, hard, and often brown or black. They come from the female cannabis plant and are typically found in clusters at the base of the plant. A single cannabis plant can produce hundreds of seeds!
To germinate a cannabis seed, you will need:
- Container (such as a cup or jar)
- Cannabis seeds
- A growing medium (such as soil or coco coir)
- Water
First, fill your container with the growing medium of your choice. Make sure to moisten the grow medium before adding the seeds. You can do this by watering it thoroughly or using a spray bottle. Next, take your cannabis seeds and gently place them on the moistened grow medium. Be careful not to bury them!
Now, all you have to do is wait. Keep an eye on your seeds and make sure they have enough moisture – but not too much! Cannabis seeds typically begin to germinate within 24-72 hours, but this can vary depending on the strain and growing conditions. Once your seeds have germinated, you can begin the next stage of their growth: the seedling stage!
Cannabis Seedling Stage
How long is the cannabis seedling stage?
14 days – up to 21 days
The first stage after germination of the cannabis growth cycle is the seed stage. This is when your cannabis plants are just starting and are still getting established. It is essential to provide your plants with plenty of water and nutrients to grow healthy and strong during the seed stage.
During this stage, the plant grows and develops its root system and stem. Cannabis seedlings need plenty of light, water, and nutrients to grow big and strong!
Cannabis seedlings are very delicate and need to be taken care of carefully. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment with plenty of light. Cannabis seedlings need to be watered frequently, but be careful not to overwater them! Too much water can kill a cannabis seedling. They should also be given nutrients regularly. Once cannabis seedlings have developed their root system and stem, they can be transplanted into a larger pot or outdoors.
Cannabis seedlings grow quickly and can reach up to 12 inches tall within a few weeks. During this time, they will develop their first set of leaves called cotyledons. These leaves are different from the true leaves that the plant will grow later on. Cannabis seedlings will also build their first roots during this stage. The roots are very delicate and need to be taken care of carefully.
Eventually, cannabis seedlings will develop their true leaves and begin to grow more quickly. Once the Cannabis Seedling Stage is complete, your plant will be ready to enter the Vegetative Stage!
Cannabis Vegetative Stage
How long is the cannabis vegetative stage?
21 days – up to 112 days
Once your cannabis plants have germinated and grown a few leaves, they will enter the vegetative stage. This is when your plants will start to put on more growth and develop a fuller appearance. During the vegetative stage, you will need to continue providing your plants with plenty of water and nutrients to grow healthy and strong.
The vegetative stage of cannabis is the first growth stage for a cannabis plant. During this stage, the plant will grow leaves and stems. It is vital to provide the plant with plenty of light and nutrients during this stage to help it grow healthy and strong. Read more about what you can expect during the vegetative stage of cannabis growth and some tips on how to ensure that your plants thrive.
If you’re growing cannabis for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect during the vegetative stage. This is the stage where your plants will grow leaves and stems. It’s essential to provide them with plenty of light and nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Here are some tips on how to ensure that your plants thrive during this stage:
- Make sure your plants have enough light. They need at least 18 hours of light per day during this stage. If you’re growing indoors, you can use grow lights to provide them with the right amount of light.
- Give them plenty of nutrients. Cannabis plants need a lot of nitrogen during this stage, so make sure to fertilize them accordingly.
- Don’t let them get too wet. Water your plants when the soil is dry to the touch, but be careful not to overwater them.
These tips will help you ensure that your plants thrive during the vegetative stage. With proper care, they’ll be ready to start flowering.
Cannabis Flowering Stage
How long is the cannabis flowering stage?
56 days – up to 77 days
Once your cannabis plants have reached a specific size and maturity, they will enter the flowering stage. This is when your plants will begin to produce flowers or buds. The flowering stage is the most crucial time for cannabis growers, as this is when your plants will be producing the majority of their THC and CBD.
The flowering stage of cannabis is perhaps the most critical stage of the plant’s life cycle. This is when the buds are formed, and the plant starts to produce THC and CBD. If you want to get the most out of your cannabis plants, optimizing this stage for maximum yield is essential. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on doing just that!
One of the most important things to do during the flowering stage is to control the amount of light your plants are getting. Cannabis plants need a dark period to flower, so you will want to ensure they are getting at least 12 hours of darkness each day. You can achieve this by covering them with a black tarp or a grow light timer.
Another important factor to consider is the temperature and humidity of your grow room. Cannabis plants prefer a slightly cooler temperature during the flowering stage, so you may want to adjust your grow room accordingly. You will also want to make sure that the humidity is not too high, as this can lead to mold or bud rot.
Finally, you will want to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need during this stage. Cannabis plants need a lot of nitrogen during the vegetative stage, but they don’t need as much during flowering. You may want to adjust your nutrient schedule accordingly.
By following these tips, you can optimize the flowering stage of your cannabis plants for maximum yield. So get out there, start growing, and get ready to harvest!
Cannabis Harvest Stage
Once your cannabis plants have finished flowering, it will be time to harvest them. This is when you will cut down your plants and dry/cure the buds, so they are ready to smoke. The harvest stage is also an excellent time to take clones of your plants to have a never-ending supply of cannabis!
The cannabis harvest stage is the final stage of growing cannabis. During this stage, the buds are harvested and dried. This process must be done carefully to preserve the potency and flavor of the buds.
Harvesting cannabis buds is a delicate process. The first step is to cut the plant’s main stem near the base. This will allow the individual branches to be removed more easily.
Next, the branches are trimmed of their leaves and flowers. These trimmed branches are then hung upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room for drying. Leaves can be used to make hash or other cannabis products.
The drying process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of the room. Once the buds are dry, they are ready to be trimmed and cured. Curing is an important step in preserving the quality of cannabis buds. Cannabis that has been adequately cured will have a better flavor and a higher potency.