STEP BY STEP, OH BABY – THE GROWTH STAGES OF THE CANNABIS PLANT
Cannabis is like Rome, it’s not created in a day and somehow the appeal is that perfection is a journey through different stages. Each stage of cannabis growth brings its own mystique, from seed to harvest. And we’re going to explore that very question here: What are the life cycles of a cannabis plant?
THE INDIVIDUAL GROWTH PHASES OF MARIJUANA
Seed germination (1-7 days):
The life cycle begins with the germination of the seed. This process can take between 1 and 7 days. The seed is usually placed in moist soil, where it sprouts and develops a root (radicle) and a shoot. The cotyledons appear to collect energy from the light and start plant growth.
To ensure effective germination, it is important to ensure that the seeds are mature. Immature seeds are unlikely to germinate.
Mature seeds have a shiny surface and are light to dark brown in colour. They are dry and hard to the touch.
Underdeveloped seeds are soft to the touch and appear white or green.
For germination, the seeds should be kept in a moist, dark place. Some growers may keep them in a glass of water or in a damp paper towel placed in a cupboard.
Exposing the seeds to light and moisture stimulates hormones and speeds up the growth process.
A single root, called a radicle, grows downwards, while the new stem grows upwards and pushes the seed out of the soil.
Two rounded cotyledons sprout from the stem as the plant emerges from the protective seed coat. These cotyledons collect energy from the sunlight so that the plant becomes stable and can continue to grow. As soon as the roots develop, the first true leaves grow and the plant is no longer in the seedling stage.
Seedling (2-3 weeks):
The seedling phase of cannabis is the phase that immediately follows seed germination. During this phase, the young plant develops from a tiny seedling into a stable seedling with a sufficient number of leaves to photosynthesise and continue growing.
In the seedling phase, the needs of the plant are particularly important. Here are some important points that characterise this phase:
Light: Cannabis seedlings need light to grow, but they cannot tolerate intense light. Soft, indirect light is ideal. For indoor cultivation, lighting with a power of 18 to 24 hours per day is recommended to promote growth.
Water: Seedlings require regular but careful watering. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can suffocate the roots.
Humidity: Moderate humidity is important to promote healthy seedling growth. A humidity level of around 60-70% is ideal.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for cannabis seedlings is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius at night.
Nutrients: During the seedling stage, plants require minimal nutrients. A light, balanced fertiliser can be used, but it is important not to give too much as this can burn the tender roots.
During the seedling phase, the plant develops its first true leaves, which are different from the cotyledons. These true leaves already have the typical serrated shape of cannabis leaves. The seedlings are still relatively sensitive, so it is important to protect them from strong winds, pests and diseases. The seedling phase usually lasts around two to three weeks, depending on the specific conditions and genetics of the plant. During this time, the seedlings grow rapidly and are prepared for the next stage of vegetative growth.
Vegetative growth (2-8 weeks):
The vegetative growth stage is a crucial phase in the life cycle of cannabis, during which the plant develops into a full-grown and vigorous structure. During this phase, the plant lays the foundation for flowering and the production of buds. Here are the most important characteristics and requirements of the vegetative growth phase in detail:
Light: Cannabis plants require a longer light period during the vegetative phase. Indoors, artificial lighting systems such as LEDs or sodium vapour lamps are often used to provide the required light spectrum.
Water: Watering during the vegetative phase should be regular, but the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging. Well-drained soil is important to prevent root rot.
Air circulation: Good ventilation and air circulation are essential to maintain plant health and prevent mould and pest infestation. Fans can be used to keep the air moving around the plants.
Temperature: The ideal temperature for vegetative growth is between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius during the day and between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius at night. Temperatures that are too high or too low can impair growth and cause stress.
Nutrition: During the vegetative phase, cannabis plants need plenty of nitrogen to promote leaf growth. A balanced fertiliser with a higher nitrogen content is recommended to meet the plant’s needs. In addition, micronutrients such as calcium, magnesium and potassium may be required to avoid deficiency symptoms.
During the vegetative growth phase, cannabis plants develop a strong root structure and produce new leaves, stems and branches. The plants can increase considerably in size and are prepared for the flowering phase. Various training and pruning techniques can also be applied during this phase to control growth and promote uniform development.
Flowering (6-8 weeks):
The flowering stage is one of the most crucial phases in the life cycle of cannabis, where the plant is actively forming flowers and focussing on producing buds and buds. During this phase, the plant undergoes a series of changes that are influenced by genetic factors, environmental conditions and the grower’s cultivation style. Here are the most important aspects of the flowering phase explained in detail:
Initiation of flowering: The flowering phase is initiated when the plant’s light cycles are altered, usually by shortening the hours of light. Cannabis is a so-called “photoperiodic” plant, which means that it responds to the changes in daylight duration to initiate the transition to flowering.
Development of inflorescences: During the early flowering phase, the cannabis plant begins to develop inflorescences consisting of calyxes and trichomes. These inflorescences form the basis for the later buds and flowers, which are rich in cannabinoids, terpenes and other bioactive compounds.
Sexual maturity: In the flowering phase, male plants show sac-like structures in which pollen develops, while female plants form calyxes with pestle-like structures that serve to collect the pollen. The separation of male and female plants is crucial to avoid unwanted pollination and to maintain the quality of the crop.
Advanced flower development: As the flowering stage progresses, the inflorescences become larger and denser, while the trichomes on the petals multiply. Trichomes are tiny glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes, and they are responsible for most of the psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis.
Nutritional needs: During the flowering phase, cannabis plants have specific nutritional needs aimed at promoting flower production and optimising cannabinoid production. Balanced fertilisation with suitable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is crucial for healthy flower development.
Monitoring and care: Throughout the flowering phase, it is important to monitor the plants regularly and watch for signs of stress, disease or nutrient deficiencies. Adequate watering, ventilation and humidity, as well as pest and disease control, are crucial to ensure successful flowering.
The flowering stage is a crucial part of the cannabis growing process that requires careful planning, care and monitoring in order to produce a high quality harvest of rich and potent buds. By understanding the different aspects of this stage, growers can achieve the best results and fully utilise the unique characteristics of their cannabis strains.
Harvest:
The final countdown… The harvest stage is the culmination of the cannabis growing process, where the plants are harvested and prepared for further processing.
Determine harvest time: The optimal time for harvesting depends on several factors, including the cannabis strain, the desired active ingredient levels and the grower’s preferences. As a rule, harvesting takes place when the trichomes on the flower heads are milky to amber in colour and most of the white flower hairs (pistils) have retracted.
Harvest preparation: Before starting the actual harvest, the plants should be prepared by removing excess foliage and large leaves. This makes it easier to handle the plants and allows better air circulation during the drying process.
Pruning the plants: The cannabis plants are carefully trimmed with sharp scissors or a trimmer. It is important to cut the plants so that the flower heads remain intact and are not damaged, as this can affect the quality of the harvest.
Drying: After the plants have been cut, they must be dried to remove excess moisture and promote the ripening of the buds. The plants are hung upside down and placed in a well-ventilated, dark room to dry slowly. This process can take 7 to 14 days, depending on humidity and temperature.
Curing: After the buds have dried, they can optionally undergo a curing process to improve their flavour, aromas and smoke quality. To do this, the buds are stored in airtight containers such as jars and regularly ventilated to remove excess moisture and achieve an optimum moisture level. This process can take several weeks and often results in an improved quality of the end products.
Final processing: After drying and optional curing, the buds are checked for any impurities or unwanted components and reworked if necessary. The buds can then be packed into suitable containers and stored, ready for consumption or further processing into cannabis products.
PATIENCE IS A SUPERPOWER.
