Contents
It takes anywhere from 3-6 months to grow a cannabis plant from seed to harvest. The actual time it takes will depend on the strain you’re growing, the growing conditions, and your level of experience.
Checkout this video:
The life cycle of a cannabis plant
Cannabis plants have a life cycle of around 3-4 months from germination to harvest. However, the time it takes for a cannabis plant to fully mature will depend on the type of strain you are growing, as well as the growing conditions. For example, cannabis plants grown indoors under ideal conditions can mature much faster than those grown outdoors in less than ideal conditions.
Here is a general overview of the stages in the life cycle of a cannabis plant:
1. Germination: This is the first stage in the life cycle of a cannabis plant, and it usually takes place within 2-10 days after the seeds are planted. During this stage, the seedlings will emerge from their shells and begin to grow their first set of leaves (called “cotyledons”).
2. Vegetative growth: Once the seedlings have sprouted, they will enter the vegetative growth stage. This is when the plants will start to grow taller and develop more leaves. The length of this stage will depend on the type of strain you are growing, but most strains will reach maturity after 4-8 weeks of vegetative growth.
3. Flowering: Once the plants have reached maturity, they will enter the flowering stage. This is when the plants will begin to produce flowers (or “buds”). The length of this stage will again depend on the type of strain you are growing, but most strains will be ready for harvest after 8-12 weeks of flowering.
4. Harvest: This is the final stage in the life cycle of a cannabis plant, and it usually occurs anywhere from 8-12 weeks after flowering has begun ( depending on the strain). During this stage, growers will carefully cut down their plants and dry/cure the buds so that they are ready to be smoked or consumed.
The vegetative stage
The vegetative stage of cannabis plant life lasts anywhere between 2-8 weeks, with 3-6 weeks being the sweet spot for most growers. Any less time than that in the vegetative stage and your final yields will be smaller. Any more time than that in the vegetative stage and you may start to see your plants “stretching” which can have a negative impact on final yields. When your plants are in the vegetative stage they will be growing leaves and buds, but not flowers (the buds you smoke).
The flowering stage
After the vegetative stage, your cannabis plants will enter the flowering stage. The amount of time it takes to flower cannabis plants can vary depending on the strain you are growing. Indica strains typically flower for 8-9 weeks, while sativa strains can take up to 12 weeks or longer.
Once your plants have started to flower, they will grow much more slowly. The buds will also start to form during this stage. You will need to increase the amount of light your plants are getting during the flowering stage, as well as make sure they are getting enough water and nutrients.
You should also start to reduce the amount of time your plants are getting light each day, so that they can start to get used to the shorter days of winter. This process is called “flowering” because it is when your plants will start to produce flowers (or buds).
The flowering stage is when your cannabis plants will be at their most potent, so it is important to make sure they are well cared for during this time. Once the flowers are mature, you can harvest them and enjoy your very own homegrown cannabis!
The harvesting stage
The harvesting stage is when you finally get to reap the rewards of your labor and enjoy the fruits of your hard work. But how long does it take to grow a cannabis plant? And how do you know when it’s time to harvest?
The answer to these questions depends on a few factors, including the type of cannabis you’re growing, the growing conditions, and the phenotype (or genetic makeup) of your particular plant. In general, however, most cannabis plants will be ready for harvest anywhere from 8-12 weeks after flowering has begun.
Once your plants have reached maturity, it’s important to carefully monitor them for signs that they are ready to harvest. The most common indicator is the color of the pistils (the small hairs that protrude from the flowers). When these hairs begin to change color from white to orange or brown, it’s a good indication that the THC levels in the plant are at their peak and it’s time for harvest.
Other indicators that your plant is ready for harvest include:
-The flowers are swollen and dense
-The leaves are beginning to yellow or brown
-The trichomes (small crystals on the surface of the buds) are starting to turn milky white or amber in color
Once you’ve determined that your plants are ready for harvest, it’s time to cut them down and begin the curing process. Curing is an important step in preserving your cannabis and ensuring that it will stay fresh and potent for months (or even years) to come.
