Flowering is the final stage of a cannabis plant’s growth before it is harvested and the most important stage of its life cycle. At this stage, the cannabis flower buds begin to grow and develop, and high-quality flower buds can be harvested after 7-9 weeks of growth.
During flowering, plants will more than double their height than during the Vegetative stage. The nutrient supply for plants is mainly diverted from the leaves to develop flower buds. As well as producing long blooms full of stacked buds, the cannabis flowering stage is also a time when the production of resinous trichome glands goes into full flow. This produces the familiar sticky, aromatic resin which coats the buds with a white sugar frosting.
The start of the cannabis flowering stage
The onset of the cannabis flowering stage, pivotal in cultivation, is primarily triggered by changes in photoperiod or environmental cues. Photoperiodic strains transition from vegetative to flowering in response to decreased daylight hours. Stable environmental conditions, proper nutrient balance, and precise light cycle manipulation are vital for successful flowering initiation. Optimal temperature (70-85°F) and humidity (40-60%) levels promote robust growth. Nutrient adjustments, particularly reducing nitrogen levels, are crucial during flowering. Light cycle adjustments, such as transitioning from 18/6 to 12/12 hours of light/darkness, synchronize flowering. Understanding these factors ensures a smooth transition and maximizes cannabis yield and quality.
How long does the cannabis flowering stage last?
The cannabis flowering stage typically lasts 6 to 12 weeks, influenced by strain genetics and cultivation methods. Indica strains tend to flower for 6 to 8 weeks, while sativa strains may take 10 to 12 weeks. Environmental factors like light cycles and nutrient balance impact flowering duration. Advanced breeding has led to autoflowering strains with rapid flowering in 8 to 10 weeks. Monitoring trichome development and pistil coloration helps determine optimal harvest time. Understanding these factors aids growers in optimizing cultivation practices for desired yields and quality.
Flowering Stage Tips：
Light Period: Light is very important at every stage of the life cycle of a cannabis plant, and a photoperiod of 12 hours light/12 hours dark is required during the flowering stage. Cannabis will only flower if there are more than 12 hours of continuous uninterrupted darkness and getting any light during the dark period may cause your plant to slow flowering and even revert to the vegetative stage or start producing hermaphroditic flowers.
Light Intensity: We usually measure light levels in terms of PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density). Luminaire manufacturers will explain the optimum hanging height and the PPFD light level a given area will achieve. Typically, growers aim for a PPFD level of 600-900 during the flowering phase of cannabis. Higher PPFD levels over 1000 are also available, often in combination with CO2 supplementation. When you increase light intensity during flowering, you can increase light intensity by 10% per day so your plants get used to it.
Temperature: Cannabis plants thrive at temperatures around 65-80°F during the flowering stage. Therefore, temperatures below this range may negatively affect the plant, and even kill it if exposed to freezing temperatures for prolonged periods of time. Temperatures below 62°F may slow plant growth. On the other hand, high temperatures can also negatively affect plants. Temperatures exceeding 82°F may cause growth retardation, scorched leaves, excessive water evaporation, and excessive drying (the temperature can be increased appropriately by supplementing CO2).
Humidity: In addition to keeping the temperature within the proper range, it is also critical to control the relative humidity in the growing environment. During this stage, ideal humidity must be maintained between 40-60%. Higher humidity can lead to problems like mold and fungus.
Ventilation: Ventilation and airflow are key to the healthy growth of cannabis plants. At this stage, they not only need air to breathe and grow but also good ventilation to avoid the formation of mold, fungus, and rot. Cannabis can produce an unpleasant odor during flowering, pay attention to odor control when venting, and install an activated carbon filter to remove the odor.
Nutrients: The main fertilizers that cannabis plants need are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). When the plants reach the flowering stage, the content of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) should gradually increase, and the content of nitrogen (N) should gradually decrease. In addition, other secondary nutrients and trace elements are also necessary for the correct development of plants. Water-soluble fertilizers can be made into nutrient solutions and used together with watering.
Watering: Water the plants regularly with clean, safe water, avoid overwatering, and pay attention to good drainage. How to know when to water your marijuana plants? A good test might be to stick your finger into the soil a few centimeters or an inch, if the soil is dry then you’ll know it’s time to water. 1-2 weeks before harvesting, pay attention to flushing the soil with clean water to remove excess salt and mineral nutrients, so as to obtain better-tasting flower buds.
Pot size and soil pH: Pot size depends on the type of strain you choose to grow, but most people will choose a 3 or 5-gallon grow bag. If you plan to grow taller strains, be sure to choose a pot that can handle that size. Soil pH should be between 6-7, as the soil in this range absorbs almost all nutrients. Test it often with a pH meter.
Cannabis budding: It refers to the final blossoming stage when female cannabis plants start sprouting the actual consumption buds containing the desirable cannabinoid compounds. During budding, the plants stop focusing on leaf/stem growth and start diverting energy into producing flowers (buds). Female plants grow resinous, sticky buds packed with trichomes that contain cannabinoids like THC and CBD, while male plants try to release pollen from their sacs in an attempt to fertilize the female flowers.
The flowering period is the most important stage of the cannabis plant, and the weight and quality of the flower buds are related to the final harvest. At this stage, it is necessary to ensure that the plants grow in a good environment, and finally harvest beautiful flower buds.
Common mistakes to avoid during the cannabis flowering stage
1. Overfeeding Nutrients:
Excessive nutrient application can lead to nutrient burn or lockout, hindering flower development. Maintaining a balanced nutrient regimen tailored to the plant’s needs is crucial to avoid nutrient-related issues.
2. Inadequate Environmental Control:
Fluctuating temperatures or humidity levels can stress plants and disrupt the flowering process. Consistent environmental conditions within the optimal range promote healthy flower development.
3. Improper Light Management:
Insufficient light intensity or incorrect light distance can result in sparse flower production and reduced potency. Adjusting light fixtures and monitoring light levels ensure optimal conditions for flower growth.
4. Neglecting Pest and Disease Management:
Ignoring pest and disease prevention increases the risk of infestations, damaging flowers and compromising quality. Regular monitoring and prompt intervention with appropriate treatments help maintain plant health during flowering.
5.Premature Harvesting:
Harvesting too early due to impatience can result in underdeveloped buds with lower cannabinoid and terpene levels. Patience is essential, and monitoring trichome development is crucial to determine the optimal harvest time for maximum potency and flavor.
Different grow stages of cannabis
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