The cannabis plant goes through a fascinating transition from the time it is a seed until it is harvested. For everyone who grows cannabis, whether for personal use or commercial production, it is essential to have a solid understanding of these stages. To better understand the lifetime of a cannabis plant, here is a breakdown of six important aspects to know.
Table of Contents
Germination (1-7 Days)
Keep it a Dark, moist, and warm (about 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit) place. Among the most common approaches for hemp seeds are the paper towel and soaking-in-water methods. A white taproot will become visible as the seed splits open. Almost immediately after that, the first cotyledons, which are leaves with a single finger, will appear, and then the first true set of fan leaves will appear. Ensure that the moisture level remains steady, but avoid overwatering. At this stage, seeds do not require light.
The Seedling Stage (2-3 Weeks)
The seedling is primarily concerned with the establishment of a strong root system and the development of its first genuine leaves, which are the characteristic fan-shaped leaves of cannabis that have numerous fingers. When the leaves have developed, the plant can be exposed to moderate light (around 18 hours per day). To prevent root rot, it is important to provide continuous hydration and guarantee good drainage.
Nowadays, it’s easy to purchase cannabis seeds online from licensed companies. Not only do they provide top-quality seeds, but they also give it to people who want to grow these seeds at home. To make sure that the seeds grow well, you might want to consider utilizing a humidity dome to keep the humidity surrounding the seedling.
Vegetative Stage (2-8 Weeks)
This is the place where the magic takes place! The plant’s growth is accelerated when provided with sufficient light, nutrients, and space. The plant grows a robust root system, many branches, and an increased number of fan leaves. During this phase, the plant is most susceptible to being shaped. It is possible to induce bushier growth and maximize bud formation by the use of techniques such as topping, which involves chopping off the main stem and trimming. At this point, a lot of light, around 16 to 18 hours a day, is required.
Pre-Flowering (1-2 Weeks)
The plant can recognize the change and get ready to flower when the daylight hours naturally decrease outside (around the time of autumn) or when the light cycles are altered throughout the winter months. Certain cultivators, particularly those who are cultivating to produce buds, are in a vital phase right now. In this area, they can determine the gender of the plants.
Male plants are typically removed to inhibit pollination and allow female plants to concentrate on the development of buds. Some cultivators choose to maintain certain male plants for breeding. The sex of the plant can be determined by carefully observing it for any signs of pre-flowers, such as little white hairs or pollen sacs.
Flowering Stage (6-8 Weeks)
During this stage, female plants bring forth the highly sought-after blooms, also known as buds. These buds include a high concentration of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes, substance compounds that contribute to the scent and effects of cannabis. The flowering process normally necessitates a particular light cycle to achieve maximum bud formation.
When growing plants inside, growers frequently switch to a light/dark schedule of 12/12 to simulate shorter days and stimulate flowering. Adjust the plant’s nutrient requirements while it concentrates on forming buds. Observe the trichomes, which are structures that resemble microscopic hairs, on the buds. Their hue and cloudiness indicate that harvest season has arrived.
Harvesting
The harvest window is determined by the goals that are being pursued. When buds are harvested earlier, they create a higher level of cerebral stimulation, whereas buds that are harvested later produce a more soothing feel throughout the body. To determine whether or not the harvest is ready, indicators such as the color of the trichomes (amber for a couch-lock effect) and the browning of the pistils (hairs) can be observed. Cannabis buds are rigorously trimmed, and the plants themselves are chopped with great care to remove extra leaves and stems. Buds that have been harvested must be dried slowly in a cold, dark, and adequate ventilation setting to maintain their potency and flavor. Following the drying phase, the cannabis undergoes a curing procedure, which further enhances its flavor and aroma.
Conclusion
Please keep in mind that this is merely general guidance, and the specific requirements of your plants may differ based on the strain and the conditions under which they are grown. To produce cannabis plants that are of good quality and healthy, it is necessary to understand these stages and provide the appropriate care at each stage.
