Growing cannabis can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially if you understand and master the different growth phases. Each phase has its own requirements and challenges. In this guide, we'll explain the most important phases and give you valuable tips to take optimal care of your plants and achieve maximum yields.
germination phase
The germination phase is the beginning of the life cycle of your cannabis plant. This is where you start with the seeds and prepare them for growth.
Conditions:
- Humidity : 70-80%
- Temperature : 20-25°C
- Light : Minimal, often a dark, warm place is enough
Methods:
- Cotton pad method : Place the seeds between two damp cotton pads.
- Peat pot : Plant the seeds directly into peat pots.
- Directly into the soil : Plant the seeds directly into the prepared soil.
Tip : Always keep the cotton pads or medium slightly moist, but not wet.
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seedling phase
In the seedling phase, the seeds develop their first leaves and begin to obtain energy from light.
Conditions:
- Humidity : 60-70%
- Temperature : 20-25°C
- Light : 18-24 hours daily
Tip : Use lighting with a color temperature of 6500K (daylight white).
vegetative phase
During the vegetative phase, your plants grow vigorously and develop strong stems and leaves.
Conditions:
- Humidity : 40-70%
- Temperature : 22-28°C
- Light : 18-24 hours daily
Differences between indoor and outdoor:
- Indoor : You have full control over light, temperature and humidity.
- Outdoor : Plants are exposed to natural weather conditions, make sure they get enough sunlight and are protected from wind and rain.
Tip : Prune the plants lightly to encourage growth and improve branching.
flowering phase
During the flowering phase , plants begin to develop flowers and prepare for the production of cannabinoids.
Conditions:
- Humidity : 40-50%
- Temperature : 20-26°C
- Light : 12 hours daily (dark phase is crucial)
Differences between indoor and outdoor:
- Indoor : You control the light cycles precisely.
- Outdoor : The flowering time depends on the natural light cycles.
Tip : Watch for possible mold growth and ensure good ventilation.
ripening and harvest phase
During the ripening and harvesting phase, the flowers are fully developed and ready to be harvested.
Conditions:
- Humidity : 40-50%
- Temperature : 20-26°C
- Light : 12 hours daily
Tip : Harvest when the trichomes are milky white and some are amber.
timeline of growth
| phase | Length of time |
|---|---|
| germination | 3-10 days |
| seedling phase | 2-3 weeks |
| vegetative phase | 3-16 weeks |
| flowering phase | 8-12 weeks (Indica), 10-16 weeks (Sativa) |
| harvest | Ripe after 8-16 weeks of flowering |
Differences in phase transitions in automatics (autoflowering)
Autoflowering cannabis strains, also called autoflowers , are specially bred plants that flower regardless of the photoperiod. They are based on Cannabis Ruderalis genetics, which gives them this unique trait.
Differences in phase transitions:
- Germination : Similar to photoperiod plants, takes about 3-10 days.
- Seedling phase : Slightly shorter, about 1-2 weeks.
- Vegetative phase : Shorter, often only 2-3 weeks.
- Flowering phase : Starts automatically after 2-3 weeks, regardless of the light cycle.
Advantages of Autoflowers:
- Faster life cycle : About 8-12 weeks total from germination to harvest.
- Easier for beginners : Less maintenance required, no need to adjust light cycles.
- Subtlety : Remain smaller and more inconspicuous, ideal for limited space and discreet growing projects.
