In cannabis cultivation, understanding each stage of growth is not only fundamental to cultivation, but also key to optimizing yield and quality. In this article, we’ll dive into the entire cannabis process from seed to maturity.
We will teach you how to accurately control the growing environment and how to care for it, ensuring that your cannabis plants get the nutrients and care they need at every stage of growth. Are you ready? let's start.
Budding Stage
Under the right humidity and temperature, the seeds will break out of the shell and reveal the first white roots. Later, the seedling will grow upward and break out of the soil. At this time, the first pair of leaves, the cotyledons, can be seen.
Environmental requirements
Temperature: The ideal germination temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 25°C. If the temperature is too low, the germination speed of the seeds will be delayed, while if the temperature is too high, the seeds may be damaged.
Humidity: High humidity is necessary, usually above 70%, which helps keep the soil moist and promotes root growth.
Light: During the seed germination stage, light is not necessary, but once the seedlings break out of the soil, stable and mild light should be provided immediately to support the beginning of photosynthesis.
germination process
Seed preparation: Before starting, seeds usually need to be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed shell and accelerate water absorption.
Sowing: Seeds should be placed gently in soft, well-drained soil, covering with no more than 0.5 to 1 cm of soil. Make sure the soil is constantly moist but not waterlogged.
Root and Seedling Development: After a seed germinates, the first thing to grow are the roots, which grow downward to stabilize the plant and absorb water and nutrients. Next, the seedling's stem will grow upward, pushing the cotyledons across the soil surface.
Stage duration
The germination stage usually lasts 1-2 weeks, depending on the type of seed and planting conditions.
Seedling Stage
During the seedling stage, the plant develops from a single cotyledon to multiple pairs of true leaves. True leaves usually have the typical cannabis leaf morphology, with the number of leaves gradually increasing and the stems of the seedlings becoming thicker.
Environmental requirements
Light: Seedlings need sufficient light to support their rapid growth. It is recommended to use full-spectrum LED growth lights that provide 16-18 hours of light per day.
Temperature: Keep the ambient temperature between 20°C and 24°C, and the night temperature should not be lower than 18°C.
Humidity: Relative humidity should be maintained at 60% to 70%. Too high a humidity can lead to the formation of mold, and too low a humidity can dehydrate the seedlings.
Ventilation: Good air circulation is necessary to prevent disease and promote healthier plant growth.
Nursing measures
Watering: Keep the soil moist, overwatering can lead to root hypoxia and disease. Light watering with a fine mist of water is recommended.
Fertilization: During the seedling stage, use low-concentration fertilizers to avoid excess nitrogen, which may harm fragile seedlings. Fertilizers should contain essential trace elements.
Disease and pest management: Check plants regularly to detect any signs of disease or pest infestation. Use natural and environmentally friendly pest control methods, such as food-grade insecticides.
Stage duration
The seedling stage usually lasts 2-3 weeks, but this time may vary depending on environmental conditions and plant species.
Growth Period
Cannabis plants will significantly increase their height during the growing season, growing several inches per week. The number and size of leaves increases, branches become thicker, and the overall plant shape becomes fuller and expanded. The plant's root system is also rapidly expanding to support the rapid growth above.
Environmental requirements
Light: Cannabis plants in the growth period require a lot of light. It is recommended to provide 18-24 hours of continuous light every day to promote their rapid growth.
Temperature: Maintain the temperature at 22°C to 28°C during the day and no less than 20°C at night to optimize photosynthesis and growth rate.
Humidity: Keep the relative humidity between 40% and 60%. Appropriately reducing the humidity can help prevent the growth of fungi and mold.
Ventilation: Ensure good air circulation, which not only reduces the risk of disease, but also promotes plants to absorb carbon dioxide more evenly, which is beneficial to their growth.
Nursing measures
Fertilization: Fertilization at this stage should be rich in nitrogen, as nitrogen is a key element that promotes leaf and stem growth. Apply a balanced NPK (nitrogen phosphorus potassium) fertilizer regularly, adjusting the fertilizer ratio according to the plant's growth response.
Pruning: Timely pruning can promote healthier growth and better light coverage of plants. Removing lower branches and leaves can focus energy on the top growing points.
Moisture management: Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid over-humidity. Excess moisture can cause root problems and other growth problems.
Stage duration
The growing season usually lasts 3-8 weeks, depending on variety characteristics and growing environment.
Flowering Period
The flowering stage is the most critical stage in the cannabis growth cycle. As the flowering stage progresses, the buds grow and open, revealing dense blooms that are surrounded by a sticky resin that is a key source of cannabinoids. Female cannabis plants produce flowers with white hairy filaments, which are the main production sites of THC and other cannabinoids.
Environmental requirements
Light: The photoperiod needs to be changed during the flowering period, usually adjusted to 12 hours of light/12 hours of darkness to simulate the reduction of sunlight in autumn and promote plant flowering.
Temperature: The temperature is maintained at 20°C to 26°C during the day and not lower than 18°C at night. Temperatures that are too high or too low may affect flower development and THC content.
Humidity: Control the humidity between 40% and 50%. Lower humidity helps reduce the risk of mold and promotes dense growth of flowers.
Ventilation: Good air circulation is essential to prevent disease and promote proper flower ripening.
Stage duration
The flowering period usually lasts 6-8 weeks and may vary between varieties of cannabis plants.
Maturity and Harvest
When the cannabis flowers are full and resinous, it is close to harvest time. Watching the plant's hair change from white to dark is an important indicator of maturity. During this stage, the cannabis flowers reach their optimal state of maturity and are ready for harvest.
Preparation before harvest
Flower Observation: Observe the hairs and resin glands of the flowers. It usually means the flower is mature when most of the hairs change from white to dark and the resin glands change from clear to cloudy or amber.
Nutrient flushing: 1 to 2 weeks before harvest, start flushing and replace fertilizer with clean water to remove residual nutrients and salts in the plants and improve cleanliness and taste when burning.
Harvesting method
Hand Harvesting: Harvest flowers by hand using scissors or professional pruning tools, which helps maintain the integrity and quality of the flowers.
Mechanical harvesting: Mechanical harvesting can be considered when planting on a large scale. Although it is fast, it may affect the integrity of the flowers.
Post-harvest handling
Drying: Hang and dry the harvested fruits in a well-ventilated, dark place, usually for 7 to 14 days, until the stems can break easily.
Curing: The dried flowers should be placed in a sealed container for curing, and the lid should be opened and ventilated regularly to remove remaining moisture and gas. This process helps enhance the flavor and potency of the flowers.
To grow good cannabis, understanding every stage of its growth from seed to harvest is key! This is the equivalent of creating a personalized growth plan for your plants, getting it just right every step of the way. When you meet the needs of each stage, your cannabis yield and quality will naturally increase.
If you have more questions about growing cannabis, or would like to learn more about grow lights and technology, you can contact us by clicking on the box below.
