The question of how long does it take cannabis to grow is a common one, and the truth is, it varies depending on the plant itself. There are some plants that will grow quickly and others that will take more time. You will need to consider factors such as climate and soil quality before determining how long it will take to grow your own.
Preparatory stage
In the cannabis plant’s life cycle, there are different stages. One of these stages is the vegetative stage. Plants in this stage grow more leaves and prepare for flowering. This is a necessary stage for a marijuana plant to get ready for the eventual bloom.
In this stage, cannabis plants grow from a seed to a small to medium sized plant. A healthy seedling will have thick, vibrant green leaves and a root system.
Seedlings can be grown indoors or outdoors. They are especially fragile, so make sure to provide them with proper care. The vegetative stage is also the best time to purchase additional seeds.
As the plant grows, it requires more nutrients. Nutrients such as nitrogen promote leaf growth. Phosphorous is also important. When plants reach equatorial regions, they will need more phosphorus as their biochemistry changes.
During this phase, the plant will be ready to take in more light. Healthy cannabis seedlings will have a leaf set of at least 5-7 blades.
While it may be difficult to tell exactly when a cannabis plant has reached its harvesting phase, there are some clues. For instance, the color of the trichomes will change. Generally, a mature marijuana plant has a cloudy trichome, whereas a young marijuana plant has a clear trichome.
Another clue to a good harvest is the size of the buds. Mature cannabis buds are amber in colour. Several buds are typically visible, as the plant is growing more rapidly.
There are other signs to look out for during the vegetative and flowering stages of cannabis. For example, the leaf can have a trippy design.
The most exciting stage of the plant’s life cycle is the flowering phase. Cannabis plants in this stage will be producing larger buds, which will be dense with cannabinoid-containing resin.
Growth phase
During the vegetative phase, the marijuana plant grows more leaves and nodes. This phase usually lasts between two and eight weeks. Then, the plant enters the flowering phase. When this stage is complete, the cannabis plant will have a more mature appearance, as well as a bigger body and more branches.
In the flowering phase, the marijuana plant will produce tons of seeds, known as colas. It will also develop strong roots and stems. Once the plant has finished developing its buds, it will start to lose its energy.
The marijuana plant has two main species. Generally, the male species grows taller and produces more buds than the female variety. However, there are some strains that can take longer to grow.
To grow a healthy marijuana plant, you need to ensure it has a clean environment and adequate water. You’ll also need to fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer to support its leaf growth.
Cannabis plants will need between 16 and 24 hours of light to thrive. They also need nitrogen and potassium to grow properly.
One of the most important steps in growing your own marijuana is harvesting. It is a very rewarding part of the cultivation process. However, you shouldn’t do it too early or too late.
There are several different methods to help you decide when to harvest. Most growers recommend harvesting a cannabis plant when half of the trichomes are opaque. At this time, you’ll be rewarded with the best weed.
Although a few growers recommend waiting until 90% of the trichomes turn amber before harvesting, most will advise you to leave them to mature. If you’re not ready to cut off the buds just yet, they can be stored in a cool, dry place.
Flowering stage
The flowering stage of cannabis growth is when the plant produces buds. During this time, the plant will be producing more leaves and larger buds. Besides, the cannabis plant will need more nutrients to ensure proper growth and development.
This is one of the most critical stages of the plant’s life. For starters, a cannabis seedling needs a healthy soil environment. It should have vibrant green leaves and space for root growth.
During this period, the cannabis plant will also produce more nodes, which will lead to branching. The first set of nodes will be located on the main stalk, where the first branch intersects with it.
Depending on the strain, the cannabis flowering cycle may last 8 to 11 weeks. If the plant’s genetics are sativa dominant, it will go through the flowering stage more quickly.
The flowering phase is an important time for a grower. As the cannabis plant produces more buds and leaves, the plant’s need for nutrients will increase. However, cannabis plants should not be overfed. They still need nitrogen and other macronutrients.
Once the plant has reached a certain height, it will stop producing branches. During the flowering stage, the plant will begin to fatten up.
During this time, the trichomes will take shape. These trichomes contain terpenes and other cannabinoids. Trichomes also serve as a plant’s defense mechanism. They help protect the cannabis plant from frost and UV rays.
When the trichomes have finished taking shape, they will become opaque or cloudy. The gland head will turn opaque or milky, depending on the type of cannabis. At this point, the cannabinoid levels in the buds will begin to peak.
Curing
Curing cannabis is a process which preserves and protects the terpenes, cannabinoids and flavors of cannabis. It also enhances its aroma and smoothness, while ensuring that the plant does not decompose.
Curing involves a number of metabolic processes taking place inside the cannabis. The process can be thought of as an extension of drying.
Curing the marijuana buds requires a set of rules and procedures. First, the plants must be stored in a dark, cool, and dry environment. If the plants are stored in an unnaturally warm or humid environment, mold and other fungal infections may grow.
The buds must be trimmed before curing. This process will result in smaller, more manageable plant parts.
Once the plants are trimmed, they should be dried. A common way to determine when the cannabis buds are dry enough for curing is by testing the brittleness of the smallest branches.
After the cannabis buds are dry, they should be placed in airtight containers. Airtight containers are ideal because they preserve the aroma and flavor of the weed, while allowing the buds to breathe.
The jars should be opened thrice a day, allowing oxygen to enter the jars. In addition, the jars should be refilled with oxygen. Opened jars will allow the buds to breathe, which prevents mold from developing.
After two to three days, the buds should be checked to ensure that they are ready for curing. If they are not, the buds should be re-dried.
Some people recommend using airtight containers with Boveda humidity packs. These airtight containers maintain the moisture levels of the flowers and provide additional protection against mold and mildew.
Some connoisseurs prefer the smoother, more refined taste of cured marijuana buds. Curing the cannabis buds can take between five and ten days.
Harvesting
The answer to the question, how long does cannabis take to grow depends on the type of strain you are growing and the growth method you use. Feminized seeds can be harvested in up to four months while autoflowering seeds can be harvested in about eight weeks.
There are four major stages of the cannabis plant’s life cycle. They are: vegetative, flowering, cloning, and curing. A cannabis plant will normally go through these four stages over the course of three to eight months.
In order to produce high quality buds, you need to wait for the right time. The best way to determine how long your plant will take to grow is to know its average growth time. Some strains have been bred to be short-flowering and will be ready for harvest in less than two months. However, you can expect to see higher yields when you let your plant vegetate for a longer period.
For most indoor growers, the vegetative stage of a plant will take about four to eight weeks. After a few weeks, the plant will start to put its energy into producing leaves and stems.
Once the plant has grown enough leaves, it will begin to flower. This is the last stage of the Cannabis plant’s life cycle. As the days get shorter, your cannabis plant will be forced to switch from leaf production to flowering.
During the flowering phase, the cannabis plant will produce pistils, which are the female reproductive organs of the plant. Pistils are usually white in the early stage of the grow, but change colour as the flowers mature.
Many growers will opt to harvest their buds when the trichomes start to turn cloudy. The color and size of the trichomes are important. Proper curing will also improve the taste and aroma of your buds.
