Watch your plants grow.
The four growth stages you will see in your cannabis plant are Germination, Seedling, Vegetative and Flowering.
At the beginning of May we talked about how to germinate our cannabis seeds (click here) for a more in depth break down.
It can vary from seed to seed, though usually you can expect seeds to germinate with in 2-10 days after you begin the germination process. Occasionally there are cannabis seeds that will germinate in just one day, with some taking around 2 weeks. But usually you can expect to wait around 2-10 days for your cannabis seeds to germinate.
The seed has germinated breaking the soil and sheds its shell to embrace the sun.
The seedling stage has begun.
If you have germinated your Cannabis seeds with the moist cotton pad method then you will simply place the germinated seedlings in your growing medium (e.g. soil or coco fibre) or your grow system (e.g. hydroponic DWC or NFT systems).
Many growers that use auto-flowering cannabis seeds will simply put their seedling into the final grow container. This avoids unwanted stress from repeatedly transplanting the seedling to progressively larger containers. In the case of the auto-flowering strains limited lifetimes, this process allows the plant to focus all the available time on growth. Rather than wasting energy adapting to repeated transplants, allowing your auto to reach maximum potential.
Growers of photo period feminized seeds indoors, have a little more flexibility when transplanting from one pot to a larger one, as you can prolong the vegetative stage allowing the plant for more time to adjust to its new surroundings. Establishing a healthy root system is essential for growth and development.
Many growers consider the first 2-3 weeks after germination to be the cannabis seedling stage. These are the first couple of weeks where the seedling is most vulnerable. During the next 2-3 weeks after germination, the cannabis seedling will grow. As the seedling grows you will see each new set of leaves progressively gain more “blades” or "fingers” on the leaves. Initially you may see 3 fingers, then 5 then 7 etc…
The life cycle of the cannabis plant, seedlings need less water and nutrition compared to the later vegetative and flowering stages. Experienced growers aim to deliver fully optimized grow conditions in order to maximize root growth. Maintaining proper moister and oxygen to the roots is important. So try not to water log or dry out your soil as it will damage the roots or cause the plant to die.
From the seedling the plant then goes through its growth spirt during the vegetative stage of its life cycle. Size can very from genetic to genetic.
Typically the Vegetative stage starts at the 3rd week and can go as long as 12 weeks. Often it’s around 4-6 weeks for many growers but that can be stretched out for longer.
Vegetative growth is where the plant grows its roots, branches and leaves but no buds are starting to form. With the plant Increasing in both height and width
Indoor growers often use 18-24 hours of daily light whether they are using auto-flower seeds or photo period feminized cannabis seeds. The first sets of Cannabis leaves grow gradually larger and new leaf sets are formed. As the plant grows its requirements for nutrients, water and light will all increase.
Those growing photo period feminized Cannabis seeds can select the length of the vegetative growth stage.
Those growing auto-flower seeds will not be able to dictate the length of the vegetative growth phase. Instead the auto-flower seed genetics will determine the point at which it automatically transitions from veg to bloom. It does this without any change or alteration to the light cycle. Auto-flowering cannabis seeds grow from seed to harvest under the same light cycle, typically 20 hours of daily light. Photoperiod feminized cannabis strains only commence bloom when indoor light hours are reduced to 12 hours per day.
The Cannabis flowering stage typically starts on the 7th week. The length of the flowering stage depends on the genetics. 7 weeks of bloom is required by fast flowering indica strains such as Kush. But a slower blooming Haze may require upwards of 14 weeks to reach full bloom.
During the flowering stage, the female plant produces buds and resin called Trichomes. When growing auto-flowering cannabis seeds, the transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage happens automatically (hence the name, auto-flowering).
When growing photo period feminized cannabis seeds, bloom begins indoors when the daily light hours are decreased to 12. Outdoors, feminized strains sense the shortened daylight hours as autumn approaches in northern climates and then starts to bloom . However if you are growing near the equator the plants can sense the short days immediately.
During the cannabis flowering stage, the plant will require gradually increased levels of light, nutrients and water. Phosphorus will be required in greater quantities as the plant biochemistry changes. During the cannabis flowering stage the plant biomass can increase dramatically. Prepare for heavy branches that may need support to prevent snapping and braking.
Below is an example of the cannabis flowering stages from week to week.
How to tell when your cannabis buds are ready for harvest?
Our licensed seed providers should give a ruff estimate for harvesting time frames. This should be looked at as a guide line though and it will indicate the typical earliest harvest time rather than the recommended harvest time.
Many factors will determine the actual harvest date. Though additionally, you may have a preference for early, mid or late harvested buds, and there are a few cannabis trichome stages to consider.
Immature buds tend to have clear trichomes, with slightly higher amounts of CBG, so you can expect a more uplifting experience. If you still want to have healthy amounts of THC allowing a majority of the clear heads to turn cloudy is key.
As the buds approach harvest time the trichome heads and stems become cloudy this is when the THC is at its best. You want to aim for a high ratio of cloudy trichome heads and stocks to put you in the clouds.
Eventually trichomes start to produce a rusty colouration. This is when the trichome head bursts open and THC starts to convert to CBN. A decent amount of amber trichome heads is perfect for those who look for a heavy couch lock experience. Though if you allow the plant to produce a majority of amber heads, then you have gone too far.
Using a 60-90% magnification jewellers loop you can see the variety in trichomes. A very useful tool for any Cannabis grower.
After Harvesting and trimming your flowers they will need to dry. Drying can typically take 7-14 days. When the branches ‘snap’ (rather than bend) it’s an indication that the plant is dry enough for curing to begin. This stage is crucial as you do not want the flower to start to rot from high humidity levels. The drying area should be dark with a temperature around 20 degree Celsius, and humidity levels around 45-50%.
After Drying is when curing flower in sealed jars away from Light can take your flower to the next level. Many would say that a month or two is a realistic minimum to allow the taste and aromas to fully develop. In the first week you will want to burp your containers frequently to allow an exchange of air and gasses. As the days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months you can burp the jars less and less. Keeping your cured buds in jars even longer isn't an issue as many people feel that a 6-month cure in cool/dark conditions is a great way to maximize the smells and flavours one desires. As well as, extending shelf life and quality over time.
Many grows prefer to hang the whole plant upside down to dry. Then further trim and manicure the buds before curing in jars.
Sources: Leafly, Google images
I hope that sums up the basics for any one looking at growing soon. With that said this is the end of the Growing them for May. Look out for the next blog in June where we focus on Summer and fun with friends. Cheers….
