Understanding the lifecycle of a cannabis plant starts with the germination phase, which is the first and vital step in growing cannabis. Germination is simply the process where a cannabis seed breaks open and begins to sprout. This early stage is crucial because it sets the foundation for a healthy plant.
Germination Stage
The first of the four stages in a cannabis plant’s lifecycle is germination. This stage can last anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks, depending on the condition of the seed and the environment. The process begins with a mature cannabis seed, which is typically light to dark brown and has a hard and dry texture. This contrasts with an undeveloped seed, which often appears white or green and feels soft.
To start, the mature seed must be placed in a moist and dark environment. Common methods used by growers include:
- The paper towel method.
- Submerging the seed in a cup of water.
- Place it in a dark cabinet.
Despite the darkness required for initial placement, light becomes crucial once the seed begins to sprout. At this point, the grower will transfer the germinated seed to nutrient-rich soil to continue its growth.
During this initial phase, the seed’s protective outer shell cracks open, allowing the taproot—the main root—from which the plant will anchor and feed to grow. Two round cotyledon leaves will also emerge from the stem, marking the end of the germination stage and the beginning of the seedling stage. The successful completion of the germination stage sets the foundation for a healthy growth process during the lifecycle of a cannabis plant.
Seedling Stage
Following germination, the cannabis plant enters the seedling stage, which typically lasts two to three weeks but can vary based on environmental factors and the plant’s health. This stage is crucial as the plant’s root system continues to develop, and the iconic cannabis fan leaves begin to form.
During the seedling stage, it’s vital to maintain a clean environment with moderate moisture levels. Excessive dampness can lead to diseases or mold, severely affecting the plant’s growth. A healthy cannabis seedling is usually short with vibrant green coloring. This indicates that the plant is not suffering from any nutrient deficiencies or moisture-related issues.
Seedlings thrive best in temperatures ranging from 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of 50% to 70%. At this stage, the plant requires nitrogen-rich fertilizers to support its rapid growth and the development of more complex leaf structures. Even though the root system is still relatively small, careful watering is necessary to maintain moisture without over-saturating the soil.
Light is also a critical factor in the seedling stage. Cannabis seedlings need about 16 to 24 hours of light per day to develop properly. The stage is generally considered complete when the plant begins to grow leaves that display the characteristic full number of leaflets, which can range from five to as many as thirteen on a single leaf.
Vegetative Stage
After the seedling stage, the cannabis plant enters the vegetative stage. This part of the lifecycle lasts anywhere from two to eight weeks and up to 16 weeks in some cases. During this time, the plant grows quickly, both upward and outward, developing a thicker stem, more branches, and larger leaves while the root system expands significantly.
Cannabis plants need a lot of light during this stage—between 16 and 24 hours per day—to fuel their rapid growth. They also need temperatures to be stable, between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity should be kept between 50% and 70%. It’s essential that the soil drains well but still holds enough moisture to support the growing plants without becoming soggy.
Nitrogen and potassium are essential during the vegetative stage. These nutrients help build a strong structure, including sturdy stems and healthy leaves, essential for supporting the buds that will develop later. Some growers also add extra carbon dioxide to the air to help the plants grow faster.
During the vegetative stage, you can start to tell the difference between Sativa and Indica plants—sativa varieties usually grow tall and thin, while indica types are shorter and bushier. It’s also the stage when you can identify the plant’s sex. Female plants show two white pistils, and male plants develop tiny pollen sacs. Male plants are usually removed before the next stage to avoid seeds in the buds.
As the plant grows, the way you water it needs to change. Initially, watering close to the stalk is fine, but as the plant gets bigger, watering further from the stalk is better to encourage the roots to grow outwards and access more water.
Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is the last part of a cannabis plant’s lifecycle, lasting six to eleven weeks. It starts when the plant begins to get less light each day, which can be controlled by growers indoors or happens naturally outdoors as the days get shorter.
During flowering, plants need an equal amount of light and dark—12 hours of each. This light schedule encourages the plants to start producing buds.
The best temperature during the flowering stage remains between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with humidity around 50%. This helps ensure the buds develop well and are not damaged by mold or pests.
Now, the plants need more phosphorus and potassium, which are key for developing strong, healthy buds. During this time, sticky crystals called trichomes might form on the buds, which contain THC and contribute to the strain’s potency.
As the buds mature, they bulk up and get sticky, and the pistils might change color from white to orange or brown. The timing of the harvest depends on how potent you want the buds to be—waiting longer can result in stronger effects.
From Seed to Harvest
Successfully managing the vegetative and flowering stages is crucial for getting a good harvest. By understanding and carefully looking after each stage in the lifecycle of a cannabis plant, growers can ensure they produce high-quality buds. Each stage builds on the last, so paying close attention to your plant’s needs throughout its growth can lead to rewarding results. Visit our dispensary in Hobbs, NM, at Mindscape Dispensary and discover the life cycle of a cannabis plant. Mastering the lifecycle ensures quality buds from seed to harvest.
