The lifecycle of a cannabis plant is divided into distinct growth stages, each with unique characteristics and requirements. From germination to harvest, understanding these cycles is crucial for cultivators aiming to optimize plant health, yield, and potency. Cannabis growth cycles can be divided into four primary stages: germination, seedling, vegetative growth, and flowering.
1. Germination
- Definition: The initial stage where a seed sprouts and begins its journey as a plant.
- Conditions for Germination:
- Moisture: Seeds must be kept in a humid environment, such as between damp paper towels.
- Temperature: Optimal range is 20–25°C (68–77°F).
- Darkness: Seeds germinate best in dark or dimly lit conditions.
- Duration: Typically 2–7 days.
- Outcome: A sprout with a taproot emerges, signaling the start of the seedling stage.
2. Seedling Stage
- Definition: The young plant establishes its first true leaves and roots.
- Characteristics:
- Develops small, serrated leaves, followed by true cannabis leaves with more blades.
- Requires 16–24 hours of light daily to support growth.
- Needs high humidity (65–80%) and moderate temperatures (20–25°C or 68–77°F).
- Duration: Typically 2–3 weeks.
- Care Tips:
- Avoid overwatering to prevent damping-off disease.
- Provide soft lighting to avoid stress on young plants.
3. Vegetative Growth
- Definition: The plant focuses on rapid growth of foliage, stems, and roots to prepare for flowering.
- Characteristics:
- Large fan leaves develop to maximize light absorption.
- Roots grow extensively to support nutrient uptake.
- Stems thicken to support future buds.
- Conditions:
- Light: 18–24 hours of light per day.
- Humidity: Moderate levels (40–70%).
- Temperature: 20–30°C (68–86°F).
- Duration: 3–16 weeks, depending on the strain and desired plant size.
4. Flowering Stage
- Definition: The stage where the plant develops flowers or buds, which contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Characteristics:
- Photoperiod plants require a 12/12 light cycle to trigger flowering.
- Female plants produce resinous buds, while male plants develop pollen sacs.
- Trichomes form on buds, producing cannabinoids like THC and CBD.
- Conditions:
- Light: 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness daily.
- Humidity: Low levels (40–50%) to prevent mold.
- Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F).
- Duration: 6–12 weeks, depending on the strain.
5. Harvest and Beyond
- Harvest Timing: Based on trichome maturity, which can be observed with a magnifier.
- Post-Harvest:
- Drying: Ensures buds retain potency and avoid mold.
- Curing: Enhances flavor and aroma by allowing buds to slowly release moisture.