For both novice and seasoned cannabis cultivators, understanding the cannabis growth stages is vital for a successful harvest. This guide takes you through every stage of cannabis growth, offering invaluable tips for increasing your yield, and guiding you from seed germination to the final harvest.
Part 1: Seed Germination – The Start of Your Journey
Your cannabis cultivation journey begins with cannabis seeds. High-quality seeds produce healthy cannabis plants. So, be sure to choose autoflower seeds or regular weed seeds based on your cultivation requirements and experience.
The germination process is where your cannabis seeds begin their life cycle. You can improve your chances of success by soaking your seeds in a cup of water for 24-48 hours. Following this, place the seeds between two damp paper towels and wait for the tap root to emerge.
Keep the seeds in a warm location with temperatures around 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm temperatures and high humidity help to encourage germination. Within a week, your germinated seed should display a tap root, indicating they are ready to be planted.
Part 2: Seedling Phase – Nurturing the Seedlings
Transplant your germinated seed into a growing medium that’s nutrient-rich. You could use organic soil or a hydroponic system based on your expertise and preference. During the seedling phase, which usually lasts a couple of weeks, your young plants are extremely delicate.
It’s essential to provide around 16-20 hours of daily light at this stage. The light cycle can be controlled using a timer to ensure your seedlings receive enough light for proper growth.
Maintaining a relative humidity of around 60-70% will help facilitate growth. Additionally, consider using a small fan to circulate air and strengthen the seedlings' stems.
Part 3: Vegetative Stage – Growing Stronger
The vegetative stage is when your cannabis plant undergoes the most growth. The most apparent change you'll notice is the fast-paced development of new leaves. The increase in foliage supports the plant's ability to absorb more sunlight, which is critical for photosynthesis.
At this stage, transition your cannabis seedlings into a larger pot to provide room for the developing root system. It’s vital to ensure that your growing medium drains well and is rich in necessary nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium.
You should aim to keep the plants under a light schedule of around 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness. Both indoor and outdoor plants can thrive under this light schedule. The plant's growth during the vegetative stage depends on various factors, including carbon dioxide levels, environmental conditions, and the amount of light it receives. Over time, the main stem will get stronger, with new leaves sprouting as the plant matures.
Regular watering is essential at this stage, but avoid overwatering. A common mistake is providing too much water, which can lead to root rot. Instead, keep the soil consistently moist.
Part 4: Flowering Stage – Identifying Your Plant's Sex
The flowering stage is perhaps the most exciting phase for cannabis cultivators. This stage usually commences around the summer solstice for outdoor growers, while indoor growers can manipulate the light cycle to trigger the flowering phase. Transition to a 12/12 light cycle, meaning 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
Your plants will start to show their sex at this stage. Female cannabis plants are desirable as they produce the resinous buds that are harvested for their THC content. Look for white hairs (pistils) emerging from small bud sites to identify female plants.
Increasing the levels of phosphorus and potassium while reducing nitrogen levels can significantly improve bud production. Also, maintaining a relative humidity of around 40-50% will help prevent mold growth.
Part 5: Harvest Time – The Fruit of Your Labor
After a series of stages comes the final stage - the harvest time. Determining the best time to harvest requires careful observation. You'll know it's the best time when most of the pistils have darkened and curled in. A magnifying glass can help you get a closer look at the trichomes on the buds, which should be a milky white color when ready to harvest.
Following the harvest, the drying process is crucial. Hang your cannabis plants upside down in a cool, dark room with relative humidity between 45-55%. This stage may take a couple of weeks, depending on the conditions. It’s essential to maintain adequate airflow to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Curing your buds in airtight glass jars for several weeks post drying enhances their flavor and potency. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place and open them daily for the first week to let the buds breathe.
In conclusion, growing your own cannabis is a rewarding journey, involving different stages of growth, each contributing to the plant's life cycle. From germination to harvest, each stage has its unique challenges and rewards.
And remember, your cannabis cultivation journey doesn’t end here. Storing and curing your buds correctly is the final and equally important step towards ensuring a high-quality product.
At ARCannabisClinic, we are passionate about the cultivation and therapeutic use of cannabis. We offer valuable insights and expert advice on cannabis cultivation, different cannabis growth cycles, and how to nurture a healthy plant from seed to harvest. Tap into our extensive knowledge base and make your cannabis cultivation journey fruitful and enjoyable.
