The Complete Guide to Growing Cannabis for Growers

Contents

• Main Stages of Cannabis Growth
• Germination and Seedlings
• Vegetative Stage
• Indica Vegetation
• Sativa Vegetation
• Autoflower Vegetation
• Cannabis Flowering
• Indica Flowering
• Sativa Flowering
• Ripening
• Harvesting

Growing healthy plants and achieving a high-quality yield is the main goal of every grower, whether an experienced hydroponic farm owner or a hobbyist cultivating a few plants in a grow box. Success depends on many factors: selecting the right soil or substrate, lighting and ventilation regimes, and proper cannabis fertilizer choices. Understanding the specifics of each stage of marijuana growth is essential for achieving outstanding results.

Main Stages of Cannabis Growth

Growers distinguish five key stages in the growth and development of cannabis:

1. Germination and Seedlings
2. Vegetation
3. Flowering
4. Ripening
5. Harvesting

Germination and Seedlings

Germination is the initial stage where the journey to harvest begins. Most growers prefer germinating seeds indoors, followed by transplanting into open soil or a substrate. At this stage, there is no need for fertilizers. It is important to maintain high humidity and air temperatures between 21–32°C (70–90°F).

Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage starts with the first sprouts and lasts until the beginning of flowering. During this period, plants develop into bushes, establish strong root systems, and grow lush leaves. It’s crucial to provide plants with the necessary minerals and organic substances, along with proper lighting and ventilation.

Indica Vegetation

For Indica strains, the vegetative stage lasts 2–4 weeks. The optimal temperature is between 18–28°C (64–82°F). It’s important to maintain high humidity levels and provide balanced nutrition.

Sativa Vegetation

Sativa plants often continue vegetative growth even during flowering. The optimal temperature is 20–28°C (68–82°F). Nitrogen and potassium fertilizers are used for feeding. In natural conditions, vegetation can last several months.

Autoflower Vegetation

Autoflowers require temperatures of 20–28°C (68–82°F) and high humidity. The vegetative stage lasts about two weeks and is independent of the light cycle.

Cannabis Flowering

Flowering in marijuana (except autoflowers) begins with a 12-hour light cycle. Indoors, growers can switch plants to flowering almost immediately after germination, which increases both the quantity and quality of buds.

Flowering is divided into three stages:

1. Bud formation (pre-flowering)
2. Active flowering
3. Ripening

Indica Flowering

Flowering for Indica strains lasts up to 10 weeks. The buds are small but dense. It’s important to provide proper feeding and avoid high humidity to prevent fungal diseases.

Sativa Flowering

Sativa flowering lasts up to 12 weeks. The optimal light cycle is 12/12, but extending daylight hours can improve harvest quality. Feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizers enhances results.

Ripening

During the ripening stage, buds develop their maximum THC content. Watering should be done with clean water only, without additional fertilizers.

Harvesting

Harvesting is the final stage where the crop is collected. The quantity and quality of the yield depend on proper care at every growth stage. The optimal time to harvest is early morning when the buds contain the highest THC levels.