Whether you’re new to growing or refining your cultivation process, understanding the cannabis plant’s lifecycle is essential to producing healthy, potent yields. Each phase—from seedling to harvest—requires distinct care, nutrients, and environmental control. This post walks you through every stage of cannabis growth so you can optimize your efforts from start to finish.
1. Germination Stage (1–7 days)
What happens:
A cannabis seed activates and the taproot emerges. The seed splits open and begins to grow its first root and shoot.
Conditions needed:
- Temperature: 21–26°C (70–79°F)
- Moisture: High humidity, damp paper towel or seed starter cube
- Light: Not necessary until sprout emerges
Tips:
Keep the environment warm and dark. Use filtered water to avoid chlorine, which can hinder root development.
2. Seedling Stage (1–2 weeks)
What happens:
The seedling develops its first true leaves with the classic serrated cannabis shape.
Conditions needed:
- Light: 18–24 hours/day of low-intensity light
- Humidity: 65–70%
- Temperature: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
Tips:
Use a humidity dome if needed. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
3. Vegetative Stage (2–8 weeks)
What happens:
Plants grow rapidly in height and width. This is when they build structure and foliage.
Conditions needed:
- Light: 18 hours/day
- Nutrients: High nitrogen, moderate phosphorus and potassium
- Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- Humidity: 40–70%
Tips:
Begin training techniques like topping or LST to shape plant growth. Monitor for pests and pH imbalances.
4. Pre-Flowering (1–2 weeks)
What happens:
Plants show sex characteristics; females will grow pistils, while males develop pollen sacs.
Conditions needed:
- Adjust nutrients to prepare for bloom (increase phosphorus)
- Reduce humidity slightly to 40–60%
Tips:
Remove male plants if growing for flower only. This prevents pollination and seed development in females.
5. Flowering Stage (6–10 weeks)
What happens:
Plants focus energy on producing buds and resin. Pistils turn orange, and trichomes develop.
Conditions needed:
- Light: 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness
- Nutrients: Low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium
- Temperature: 20–26°C (68–79°F)
- Humidity: 40–50%
Tips:
Avoid excess handling of buds. Watch for mold in dense flowers. Consider using bloom boosters.
6. Harvesting Stage
What happens:
Buds are ripe and ready for harvest based on trichome color and pistil appearance.
How to tell it’s time:
- Trichomes are mostly cloudy with some amber
- Pistils are mostly darkened and curled
Tips:
- Flush plants with water (no nutrients) for 7–10 days before harvest
- Use sharp, clean tools for cutting
- Harvest in low light to preserve terpenes
Post-Harvest (Drying & Curing)
Drying:
- Temp: 18–20°C (64–68°F)
- Humidity: 50–60%
- Time: 7–10 days
Curing:
- Store buds in airtight containers
- Open jars daily for the first 2 weeks («burping»)
Tips:
Proper curing improves potency, flavor, and shelf life.
