Seed to Harvest
Introduction
Understanding the distinct growth stages of cannabis is essential for proper watering, lighting, feeding, and environmental management. From germination to curing, each phase has specific needs and characteristics that contribute to the final product quality.
Main Growth Stages
- Germination – 1 to 7 Days
- Seed is placed in moist medium (cotton, paper towel, or directly in soil)
- White taproot appears — ready to plant
- Temp: ~22–25°C / High humidity
- Seedling – 1 to 2 Weeks
- First real leaves (3 or 5 blades) emerge
- Plenty of gentle light (18 hours daily)
- Humidity: 60–70% / Very light nutrients
- Vegetative – 3 to 8 Weeks
- Plant develops stems, branches, and many leaves
- Strong light (18/6) / High nitrogen nutrients
- Training methods (LST, topping) can be applied
- Humidity: 50–60% / Temp: 22–28°C
- Flowering – 6 to 12 Weeks
- Triggered by switching light to 12/12
- Buds and trichomes begin to form
- Focus nutrients on phosphorus and potassium
- Humidity: 40–50% / Temp: 20–26°C
- Watch for mold and pests closely
- Harvest and Processing
- Monitor trichomes for harvest timing
- Includes flushing, drying, and curing (see Article 10)
Recommended Timeline Chart:
| Stage | Duration | Light (hrs) | Humidity (%) | Key Notes |
| Germination | 1–7 days | 18 | 70–80 | Healthy seeds, high humidity |
| Seedling | 1–2 weeks | 18 | 60–70 | Slow growth, gentle light |
| Vegetative | 3–8 weeks | 18 | 50–60 | Fast growth, nitrogen feed |
| Flowering | 6–12 weeks | 12 | 40–50 | Bud development, humidity control |
Conclusion
Mastering the cannabis growth stages improves plant health and final yield. Each stage presents an opportunity to optimize your cultivation strategy for better results.