The Growing Stages of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Guide for Growers

1. Germination

Germination is the first step in the cannabis growth phases. During this phase, the seed begins to sprout and develop a root (taproot). This is the crucial moment when the cannabis plant comes to life and lays the foundation for all subsequent cannabis growth phases.

Duration: 1-7 days

The seed requires warmth, moisture, and darkness to germinate. Once the root has developed, the seedling breaks through the seed shell and begins to grow. It’s important to maintain consistent temperature and humidity during this phase. Keep the seeds in a warm, moist environment. A common approach is using the paper towel method, where seeds are placed between moist paper towels until they germinate. Additionally, good air filtration should be in place to optimize air quality and prevent mold growth.

Ensure that the ambient temperature is between 20-25°C and keep the seeds consistently moist, but not wet. Continuous air circulation helps maximize the germination rate.

2. Seedling Stage

In the seedling stage, the cannabis plant develops its first true leaves, the characteristic fan-shaped leaves associated with cannabis. This phase is one of the most delicate cannabis growth phases as the plant is still very young and vulnerable.

Duration: 2-3 weeks

During this phase, the plant requires a lot of light and consistent care to promote healthy root and leaf growth. It’s important to use a consistent light source that supports the growth of the young plant without overwhelming it. Provide the seedlings with 18-24 hours of light per day and ensure the substrate remains slightly moist. Use soft, nutrient-poor water. Good air circulation helps protect the delicate plants from mold and disease.

Avoid overwatering, as the young roots can easily rot. Ensure the seedlings are not too close to the light source to avoid burns. Air filtration systems can also be helpful here to keep pollutants and moisture under control.

3. Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage is one of the longest cannabis growth phases. During this time, the plant grows vigorously and develops many leaves and a strong root system. This phase lays the foundation for a strong and productive flowering stage.

Duration: 3-16 weeks (depending on the strain)

In this phase, the plant focuses on the growth of leaves, stems, and roots. The plant now requires plenty of nutrients, especially nitrogen, to grow healthy and strong. Balanced humidity and temperature control are crucial for growth. Ensure the plant receives 18-24 hours of light per day and increase the nitrogen content in the nutrient mix. Humidity should be between 40-70%. Good air circulation prevents moisture buildup and mold growth.

Use training techniques such as LST (Low Stress Training) or Topping to control growth and maximize yield. Ensure the plant has enough space to grow. Air filtration systems can help maintain air quality at an optimal level.

4. Flowering Stage

The flowering stage is one of the most exciting cannabis growth phases, where the plant begins to produce buds containing THC and CBD. This phase requires special attention to ensure a high-quality harvest.

Duration: 8-11 weeks (depending on the strain)

The light cycles are now reduced to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to induce flowering. During this phase, the plant's needs change, and it requires more phosphorus and potassium. Continuous monitoring of humidity and temperature is crucial to prevent mold growth. Reduce humidity to around 40-50% to prevent mold formation. Regularly check the plants for signs of pests and diseases. Air filtration systems can help keep the air clean and protect the plants.

Observe the trichomes (resin glands) under a microscope to determine the optimal harvest time. The color of the trichomes indicates when the plant has reached its peak potency. Good air circulation helps keep the plant healthy and free from mold.

5. Harvesting

Harvesting is the final of the cannabis growth phases and marks the culmination of the cultivation cycle. Here, the plant is cut and the buds are prepared for consumption. This step is crucial for the quality of the final products.

Duration: The timing varies depending on the strain and cultivation goals.

The plant is harvested once the trichomes have taken on a milky white to amber color. After harvesting, the buds must be dried and cured to ensure the best possible quality. Cut the plant at the base and remove the large leaves. Hang the plant upside down in a cool, dark place to dry slowly. Air circulation should be maintained during the drying process to prevent mold.

Ensure the buds are not dried too quickly to preserve their flavor and aroma. The ideal drying time is around 7-10 days. A good air filtration system can also be useful here to control air quality.

6. Post-Harvest

After harvesting, proper storage of the buds is crucial to maintain their quality and potency over the long term. This is also an important phase in the cannabis growth phases.

The buds should be stored in airtight containers at controlled humidity levels to prevent mold and preserve the aromas. Long-term storage requires constant monitoring of storage conditions. Keep the humidity levels in the containers at around 55-65% and store them in a cool, dark place. Regularly checking the humidity is crucial to prevent mold and preserve quality.

Use special Boveda packs or similar products to stabilize humidity in the containers. Good air circulation can also help optimize the storage conditions.

To get the best out of your cultivation, it’s important to continuously learn and understand the specific needs of your plants at each stage. Good air filtration and environmental control are just as important as the right nutrients and light.

Interested in more growing tips? Check out our guide to the flowering stage of cannabis or our article on nitrogen deficiency in cannabis.