Cultivating cannabis involves navigating a succession of growth stages, each demanding tailored attention to light, nutrients, and hydration. Understanding these phases and their durations is pivotal in discerning the plant’s requirements and timing interventions such as pruning, training, and trellising, as well as determining the optimal harvest window.
The timeline for nurturing a marijuana plant from seed to fruition typically spans between 10 to 32 weeks, translating to approximately 3 to 8 months. This duration may be expedited with the utilization of clones or autoflower seeds.
The most notable fluctuation in the growth timeline occurs during the vegetative stage, situated between the seedling phase and flowering. Indoors, growers possess the flexibility to induce flowering shortly after a few weeks for smaller plants or prolong it for several weeks for larger specimens.
Outdoor cultivation, however, is contingent upon seasonal cues, necessitating patience until the onset of fall when daylight diminishes, signalling the initiation of flowering and subsequently, harvesting.
Outdoor growers can exert influence over the flowering cycle through light deprivation techniques, offering a degree of control amidst seasonal variability.
Outdoor cultivation, however, is contingent upon seasonal cues, necessitating patience until the onset of fall when daylight diminishes, signalling the initiation of flowering and subsequently, harvesting.
Outdoor growers can exert influence over the flowering cycle through light deprivation techniques, offering a degree of control amidst seasonal variability.
The growth journey of a cannabis plant unfolds across four key stages, from seedling to harvest:
Germination (3-10 days)
Seedling (2-3 weeks)
Vegetative (3-16 weeks)
Flowering (8-11 weeks)
Germination Stage
During germination, which typically spans 3-10 days, the cannabis seed initiates its journey. The optimal light cycle for marijuana at this stage is 18 hours a day indoors, while outdoors, it thrives under full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily. A viable cannabis seed exhibits a firm, dry texture, with a colour range from light to dark brown. Seeds that are soft, green, or white in colour are likely undeveloped and less likely to germinate successfully.
After germination, the sprouted cannabis seed is ready for placement in a growth medium, such as soil. As the taproot extends downward, the seedling’s stem progresses upward. At this stage, two rounded cotyledon leaves emerge from the stem, facilitating the absorption of sunlight crucial for healthy growth and stability.
As the roots develop, the stem elevates, and the initial iconic fan leaves emerge, marking the transition of the cannabis plant into the seedling phase.
Attempting to accelerate the germination process is not recommended as cannabis seeds are delicate and sensitive to disturbances.
They thrive in a stable, warm environment with minimal temperature fluctuations and moderate moisture levels. Once planted in soil, it’s advisable to refrain from disturbing them.
While high-quality seeds typically exhibit robust germination rates, occasional non-germinating seeds, or “duds,” may occur. Patience is key, as interfering with the process can diminish their chances of successful growth and survival.
During the seedling stage, which typically spans 2-3 weeks, maintaining an optimal light cycle is crucial. Indoors, a light cycle of 18 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor seedlings benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
During the seedling phase of your marijuana plant’s growth, you’ll observe the emergence of its characteristic fan leaves. Initially, as a sprout, the seed will produce leaves with a singular ridged blade.
With subsequent growth, these leaves will develop additional blades or “fingers” (3, 5, 7, etc.). A mature cannabis plant typically boasts leaves with 5 to 7 blades per leaf, although variations may occur.
Seedlings progress toward maturity as they develop leaves with the full complement of blades. A thriving seedling displays a vibrant green hue, indicative of its health.
Exercise caution to avoid overwatering during this phase, as the plant’s roots are still delicate and require minimal moisture for optimal growth.
Given the susceptibility of seedlings to diseases and mould, it is imperative to maintain a clean environment and diligently monitor moisture levels. Adequate exposure to light is crucial for their development.
Even outdoor growers often initiate the growth process indoors under artificial lighting to safeguard seedlings during this critical stage.
Should you opt to purchase a clone from a grower or breeder, it will already be in the seedling phase, allowing you to bypass the seed germination process.
Transitioning into the vegetative stage, which spans 3-16 weeks, necessitates adherence to specific lighting protocols. Indoors, a light cycle of 18 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor plants benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
The Vegetative Stage
The vegetative stage marks a pivotal period in the cannabis plant’s growth trajectory, spanning approximately 3-16 weeks. During this phase, the plant experiences significant expansion as both roots and foliage undergo rapid development. It is customary to transplant the plant into a larger container at this juncture, facilitating its continued growth.
This stage also heralds the commencement of topping or training techniques to shape the plant’s growth trajectory according to desired outcomes.
As the plant matures, it is imperative to adjust watering practices accordingly. Initially, focus watering near the base of the stalk; however, as the plant expands, encourage root spread by watering farther away from the stalk, optimizing water absorption efficiency.
Nutrient-rich soil is paramount for the thriving of vegetative plants, with a particular emphasis on nitrogen supplementation during this stage to support robust growth.
Transitioning into the flowering stage, which typically spans 8-11 weeks, involves a shift in lighting requirements. Indoors, a light cycle of 12 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor plants benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
The pre-flower stage marks the initial emergence of cannabis plant sex organs, a pivotal moment for growers, especially when cultivating regular seeds containing both male and female plants. Distinguishing between sexes is imperative to discard male plants promptly, as their pollen can inadvertently pollinate females, compromising desired outcomes.
The Pre-flowers Stage
Pre-flowers manifest at the nodes of the plant, where branches extend from the main stalk. Female plants exhibit oval-shaped bracts adorned with protruding hairs or pistils, while male plants develop round pollen sacs.
Understanding pre-flowers and the process of cannabis plant sexing is crucial for effective cultivation practices.
Determining the readiness of a cannabis plant to bloom varies depending on the growing environment:
Outdoor cultivation: Flowering commences post-summer solstice, coinciding with decreasing daylight hours. The onset of pre-flower development signifies the initiation of flowering.
Indoor cultivation: Growers opt to induce flowering, or “flip” plants into the flowering phase by reducing artificial light exposure.
The duration of the flowering phase is strain-dependent, with indicas typically exhibiting early flowering and sativas displaying a longer flowering period. Referencing breeder-provided information regarding strain-specific flowering times aids in planning harvest schedules. Flexibility may be necessary, as varying finish times may require staggered harvesting.
For strains prone to late flowering, vigilance regarding weather conditions is paramount to prevent adverse effects from cold weather on plant health and yield.
The flowering stage
OG Kush – FeminisedDedoverde Haze – FeminisedChocolate Mint OG
The flowering stage represents the culmination of a cannabis plant’s growth journey, characterized by the emergence of resinous buds, marking the fruition of your efforts. While most strains typically flower within 8-9 weeks, certain sativas may require a longer flowering period.
In outdoor settings, flowering occurs organically as daylight hours diminish with the transition from summer to fall.
For indoor growers, initiating the flowering cycle involves adjusting the light exposure of marijuana plants from 18 to 12 hours per day.
Within the flowering stage, three distinct subphases can be identified:
1. Flower initiation (week 1-3): During this phase, the plant continues to grow, and female plants develop pre-flowers characterised by the emergence of pistils or white hairs, heralding the onset of bud formation.
2. Mid-flowering (week 4-5): Growth halts, and buds begin to swell and mature.
3. Late flowering/ripening (week 6 and beyond): Trichome density increases, resulting in a sticky texture. Monitoring the colour of pistils provides insight into the optimal harvest time.
Transitioning from the vegetative to the flowering stage necessitates several adjustments:
Avoid pruning during the flowering stage to prevent disruption of hormonal balance.
Provide support for developing buds through trellising or scrogging techniques, ensuring adequate airflow.
Consider supplementing plants with bloom or phosphorus nutrients to support flowering and bud development.
When should you grow marijuana indoors?
Many start growing seedlings inside in a more controlled environment because seedlings are more delicate and then put the seedlings in the ground outside once they’re a little bigger and the weather is warmer.
For indoor cannabis cultivation, flexibility in timing is a key advantage. Growers have the freedom to initiate their growth cycle at any time of the year. However, it’s essential to consider the external environment’s impact on the growing space. During colder months, heaters may be necessary to maintain optimal temperatures, while fans and air conditioning units may be required in warmer seasons to regulate temperature and humidity levels.
Apart from environmental considerations, the timing of seed germination and transition to the flowering stage is at the discretion of the grower. This decision is often influenced by factors such as desired plant size and available space within the growing area. Whether starting from seeds or clones, growers have the flexibility to dictate the timing of each stage of the growth cycle according to their preferences and requirements.
When do buds grow the most?
The most significant growth of buds generally occurs towards the latter stages of the flowering life cycle. Initially, there might not be noticeable budding during the early flowering stage, and growth may slow down as the cycle progresses, culminating in fully formed buds towards the end.
Harvesting cannabis buds is dictated by various factors, including harvesting techniques and the number of plants being harvested. The duration until harvest varies accordingly.
Important dates for growing marijuana outdoors in South Africa
South Africa offers a diverse range of climates and micro-climates, making it largely suitable for outdoor cannabis cultivation when approached with proper timing and techniques. Beyond seasonal considerations, factors such as sunlight and moon cycles play a crucial role in planning and optimising outdoor growth. Ensuring a minimum of 12 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for healthy vegetative growth.
Here’s a general guideline for outdoor cannabis growing in South Africa, adaptable to the specific conditions of each province:
June/July:
Plan for the upcoming growing season.
Purchase seeds and necessary materials.
August:
Prepare the soil and make any necessary amendments.
September:
Finalize preparations.
Germinate seeds indoors and mark the calendar for the Spring equinox.
Note that around the full moon is an ideal time for seed germination.
October:
Transplant indoor seedlings.
Begin outdoor germination if desired.
November:
Train, top, and prune plants for optimal growth.
Last opportunity for germinating additional seeds.
December:
Continue training, topping, and pruning.
General maintenance tasks.
Autoflowers may begin flowering.
January:
Initial signs of flowering may appear.
Autoflowers may exhibit significant flower development.
February:
Regular and feminized plants enter the flowering phase.
Autoflowers are ready for harvesting.
March:
Flowering continues with more pronounced buds.
Ensure adequate support and moisture management.
April:
Harvest regular and feminized plants.
Note: These guidelines are general and may vary based on local climate conditions and strain characteristics. Observing and adapting to nature’s cues is essential for successful outdoor cultivation.
Here are some important notes to consider regarding marijuana growth phases:
Adapt Timeframes: The timeframes provided are general ranges applicable to South Africa. Adjustments based on your specific region, local weather, and climate are necessary for accurate planning and cultivation.
Maintain a Grow Journal: Keeping a detailed grow journal is crucial for monitoring the progress of your plants. Documenting your observations and actions will facilitate learning from mistakes and optimizing bud quality and yield in subsequent grows.
Record Keeping: Take meticulous notes on various aspects of your cultivation process, including:
Weather conditions: Note temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and any extreme weather events.
Watering regimen: Document the frequency and volume of water provided to plants, considering factors such as soil moisture levels and environmental conditions.
Nutrient management: Record the types and quantities of nutrients administered to plants throughout their growth stages.
Pruning and topping: Document the timing and techniques employed for pruning and topping, noting the response of plants.
Visual Documentation: Supplement your written notes with photographs to visually track the progress of your plants. Visual records provide valuable insights into plant development and health throughout the growth cycle.
By maintaining comprehensive records and visual documentation, you’ll gain valuable insights into your cultivation practices, enabling informed decision-making and continuous improvement in future growth.
This article is for informational and research purposes only.
4 Stages of Cannabis Plant Growth
Cultivating cannabis involves navigating a succession of growth stages, each demanding tailored attention to light, nutrients, and hydration. Understanding these phases and their durations is pivotal in discerning the plant’s requirements and timing interventions such as pruning, training, and trellising, as well as determining the optimal harvest window.
The timeline for nurturing a marijuana plant from seed to fruition typically spans between 10 to 32 weeks, translating to approximately 3 to 8 months. This duration may be expedited with the utilization of clones or autoflower seeds.
The most notable fluctuation in the growth timeline occurs during the vegetative stage, situated between the seedling phase and flowering. Indoors, growers possess the flexibility to induce flowering shortly after a few weeks for smaller plants or prolong it for several weeks for larger specimens.
Outdoor cultivation, however, is contingent upon seasonal cues, necessitating patience until the onset of fall when daylight diminishes, signalling the initiation of flowering and subsequently, harvesting.
Outdoor growers can exert influence over the flowering cycle through light deprivation techniques, offering a degree of control amidst seasonal variability.
Outdoor cultivation, however, is contingent upon seasonal cues, necessitating patience until the onset of fall when daylight diminishes, signalling the initiation of flowering and subsequently, harvesting.
Outdoor growers can exert influence over the flowering cycle through light deprivation techniques, offering a degree of control amidst seasonal variability.
The growth journey of a cannabis plant unfolds across four key stages, from seedling to harvest:
Germination Stage
During germination, which typically spans 3-10 days, the cannabis seed initiates its journey. The optimal light cycle for marijuana at this stage is 18 hours a day indoors, while outdoors, it thrives under full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily. A viable cannabis seed exhibits a firm, dry texture, with a colour range from light to dark brown. Seeds that are soft, green, or white in colour are likely undeveloped and less likely to germinate successfully.
After germination, the sprouted cannabis seed is ready for placement in a growth medium, such as soil. As the taproot extends downward, the seedling’s stem progresses upward. At this stage, two rounded cotyledon leaves emerge from the stem, facilitating the absorption of sunlight crucial for healthy growth and stability.
As the roots develop, the stem elevates, and the initial iconic fan leaves emerge, marking the transition of the cannabis plant into the seedling phase.
Attempting to accelerate the germination process is not recommended as cannabis seeds are delicate and sensitive to disturbances.
They thrive in a stable, warm environment with minimal temperature fluctuations and moderate moisture levels. Once planted in soil, it’s advisable to refrain from disturbing them.
While high-quality seeds typically exhibit robust germination rates, occasional non-germinating seeds, or “duds,” may occur. Patience is key, as interfering with the process can diminish their chances of successful growth and survival.
During the seedling stage, which typically spans 2-3 weeks, maintaining an optimal light cycle is crucial. Indoors, a light cycle of 18 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor seedlings benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
During the seedling phase of your marijuana plant’s growth, you’ll observe the emergence of its characteristic fan leaves. Initially, as a sprout, the seed will produce leaves with a singular ridged blade.
With subsequent growth, these leaves will develop additional blades or “fingers” (3, 5, 7, etc.). A mature cannabis plant typically boasts leaves with 5 to 7 blades per leaf, although variations may occur.
For more info on germination refer to our Germination Guide for Cannabis Seeds
The Seeding Stage
Seedlings progress toward maturity as they develop leaves with the full complement of blades. A thriving seedling displays a vibrant green hue, indicative of its health.
Exercise caution to avoid overwatering during this phase, as the plant’s roots are still delicate and require minimal moisture for optimal growth.
Given the susceptibility of seedlings to diseases and mould, it is imperative to maintain a clean environment and diligently monitor moisture levels. Adequate exposure to light is crucial for their development.
Even outdoor growers often initiate the growth process indoors under artificial lighting to safeguard seedlings during this critical stage.
Should you opt to purchase a clone from a grower or breeder, it will already be in the seedling phase, allowing you to bypass the seed germination process.
Transitioning into the vegetative stage, which spans 3-16 weeks, necessitates adherence to specific lighting protocols. Indoors, a light cycle of 18 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor plants benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
The Vegetative Stage
The vegetative stage marks a pivotal period in the cannabis plant’s growth trajectory, spanning approximately 3-16 weeks. During this phase, the plant experiences significant expansion as both roots and foliage undergo rapid development. It is customary to transplant the plant into a larger container at this juncture, facilitating its continued growth.
This stage also heralds the commencement of topping or training techniques to shape the plant’s growth trajectory according to desired outcomes.
As the plant matures, it is imperative to adjust watering practices accordingly. Initially, focus watering near the base of the stalk; however, as the plant expands, encourage root spread by watering farther away from the stalk, optimizing water absorption efficiency.
Nutrient-rich soil is paramount for the thriving of vegetative plants, with a particular emphasis on nitrogen supplementation during this stage to support robust growth.
Transitioning into the flowering stage, which typically spans 8-11 weeks, involves a shift in lighting requirements. Indoors, a light cycle of 12 hours per day is recommended, while outdoor plants benefit from full, direct sunlight for 6 hours daily.
The pre-flower stage marks the initial emergence of cannabis plant sex organs, a pivotal moment for growers, especially when cultivating regular seeds containing both male and female plants. Distinguishing between sexes is imperative to discard male plants promptly, as their pollen can inadvertently pollinate females, compromising desired outcomes.
The Pre-flowers Stage
Pre-flowers manifest at the nodes of the plant, where branches extend from the main stalk. Female plants exhibit oval-shaped bracts adorned with protruding hairs or pistils, while male plants develop round pollen sacs.
Understanding pre-flowers and the process of cannabis plant sexing is crucial for effective cultivation practices.
Determining the readiness of a cannabis plant to bloom varies depending on the growing environment:
The duration of the flowering phase is strain-dependent, with indicas typically exhibiting early flowering and sativas displaying a longer flowering period. Referencing breeder-provided information regarding strain-specific flowering times aids in planning harvest schedules. Flexibility may be necessary, as varying finish times may require staggered harvesting.
For strains prone to late flowering, vigilance regarding weather conditions is paramount to prevent adverse effects from cold weather on plant health and yield.
The flowering stage
The flowering stage represents the culmination of a cannabis plant’s growth journey, characterized by the emergence of resinous buds, marking the fruition of your efforts. While most strains typically flower within 8-9 weeks, certain sativas may require a longer flowering period.
In outdoor settings, flowering occurs organically as daylight hours diminish with the transition from summer to fall.
For indoor growers, initiating the flowering cycle involves adjusting the light exposure of marijuana plants from 18 to 12 hours per day.
Within the flowering stage, three distinct subphases can be identified:
1. Flower initiation (week 1-3): During this phase, the plant continues to grow, and female plants develop pre-flowers characterised by the emergence of pistils or white hairs, heralding the onset of bud formation.
2. Mid-flowering (week 4-5): Growth halts, and buds begin to swell and mature.
3. Late flowering/ripening (week 6 and beyond): Trichome density increases, resulting in a sticky texture. Monitoring the colour of pistils provides insight into the optimal harvest time.
Transitioning from the vegetative to the flowering stage necessitates several adjustments:
When should you grow marijuana indoors?
Many start growing seedlings inside in a more controlled environment because seedlings are more delicate and then put the seedlings in the ground outside once they’re a little bigger and the weather is warmer.
For indoor cannabis cultivation, flexibility in timing is a key advantage. Growers have the freedom to initiate their growth cycle at any time of the year. However, it’s essential to consider the external environment’s impact on the growing space. During colder months, heaters may be necessary to maintain optimal temperatures, while fans and air conditioning units may be required in warmer seasons to regulate temperature and humidity levels.
Apart from environmental considerations, the timing of seed germination and transition to the flowering stage is at the discretion of the grower. This decision is often influenced by factors such as desired plant size and available space within the growing area. Whether starting from seeds or clones, growers have the flexibility to dictate the timing of each stage of the growth cycle according to their preferences and requirements.
When do buds grow the most?
The most significant growth of buds generally occurs towards the latter stages of the flowering life cycle. Initially, there might not be noticeable budding during the early flowering stage, and growth may slow down as the cycle progresses, culminating in fully formed buds towards the end.
Harvesting cannabis buds is dictated by various factors, including harvesting techniques and the number of plants being harvested. The duration until harvest varies accordingly.
Important dates for growing marijuana outdoors in South Africa
South Africa offers a diverse range of climates and micro-climates, making it largely suitable for outdoor cannabis cultivation when approached with proper timing and techniques. Beyond seasonal considerations, factors such as sunlight and moon cycles play a crucial role in planning and optimising outdoor growth. Ensuring a minimum of 12 hours of direct sunlight per day is essential for healthy vegetative growth.
Here’s a general guideline for outdoor cannabis growing in South Africa, adaptable to the specific conditions of each province:
June/July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
January:
February:
March:
April:
Note: These guidelines are general and may vary based on local climate conditions and strain characteristics. Observing and adapting to nature’s cues is essential for successful outdoor cultivation.
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Here are some important notes to consider regarding marijuana growth phases:
By maintaining comprehensive records and visual documentation, you’ll gain valuable insights into your cultivation practices, enabling informed decision-making and continuous improvement in future growth.
This article is for informational and research purposes only.
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