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How long does it take to grow cannabis? This is a question that many people ask, and there is no simple answer. The time it takes to grow cannabis can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of cannabis you are growing, the growing conditions, and your own personal level of experience.
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Introduction
It takes between 60 and 120 days for a cannabis plant to go from a seedling to a mature plant ready for harvest. The specific time depends on the particular strain of cannabis, the environment in which it is grown, and the grower’s own personal preferences.
Cannabis strains can be broadly classified into two main types: Indica and Sativa. Indica strains tend to mature faster than Sativa strains, with a typical turnaround time of between 60 and 90 days. Sativa strains, on the other hand, often take a few weeks longer to reach maturity, with a typical timeframe of between 70 and 120 days.
The growing environment also has a significant impact on how long it takes a cannabis plant to reach maturity. Plants grown outdoors in natural sunlight will usually take longer to mature than those grown indoors under artificial lights. This is because outdoor plants are exposed to seasonal changes in daylight hours, which can lengthen or shorten the overall growing season.
Finally, thegrower’s own personal preferences will also play a role in determining how long it takes for a cannabis plant to reach maturity. Some growers prefer to harvest their plants as soon as they are ready, while others allow them to continue growing until they reach peak maturity. There is no right or wrong answer here – it ultimately comes down to what the grower is looking for in terms of yield, potency, and flavor.
The Various Stages of Cannabis Growth
Cannabis plants can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks to grow from a seedling to a fully mature plant. The growing time will depend on the strain of cannabis, the growing conditions, and the amount of time the plant is given to grow. Let’s take a look at the various stages of cannabis growth.
Seed germination
The first stage of growth is seed germination. This is when the dormant seed becomes a living plant. For cannabis, this process usually takes between 24 and 72 hours, although some growers report germination times as short as 12 hours.
Once the cannabis seed has germinated, it will start to grow a small root system and a pair of leaves. At this stage, the plant is known as a seedling. Seedlings need very little care and can be kept on a windowsill or in a grow room with artificial lighting.
The vegetative stage
The vegetative stage of a cannabis plant’s life cycle is when it is growing and producing leaves. This is the stage when the plant is putting all its energy into developing a strong root system and robust stem. Once the plant has a strong foundation, it will be able to support heavier flowers (buds). Cannabis plants will usually stay in the vegetative stage for around 4-8 weeks, although this can vary depending on the strain of plant and the conditions in which it is growing.
During the vegetative stage, you should ensure that your plants are getting around 18 hours of light per day. This will help them to grow quickly and strong. You should also water your plants regularly, giving them enough water to keep their soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to problems such as root rot, so it’s important not to drown your plants! If you’re growing cannabis indoors, you may need to use a grow light to give your plants the right amount of light.
The flowering stage
The flowering stage is when the female cannabis plant produces flowers, or buds. The amount of time it takes for a cannabis plant to flower depends on the strain you are growing. Indica strains tend to flower sooner than sativa strains.
The flowering stage begins when the plant has reached its full size and the days begin to get shorter. The plant will begin to produce flowers (or buds) which are actually the female sex organs of the plant. The flowers are where the THC is produced.
The flowering stage usually lasts for about 8 weeks, but again, this depends on the strain you are growing. Some strains will be ready to harvest in as little as 6 weeks, while others might take up to 12 weeks.
The harvesting stage
After the cannabis plant has flowered and matured, it will enter the harvesting stage. Depending on the strain, this can last anywhere from eight to 16 weeks. Once the plant has been cut down, the buds will need to be dried and cured before they can be consumed.
Factors That Affect the Cannabis Growth Cycle
The length of time it takes to grow cannabis can vary depending on a variety of factors. The type of cannabis you are growing, the growing conditions, and the level of experience you have can all play a role in how long it takes to grow cannabis. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors that affect the cannabis growth cycle.
Climate
Climate is another very important factor in the cannabis growth cycle. Just like with humans, cannabis plants need a certain range of temperature and humidity levels to thrive. If the temperature or humidity levels are too high or too low, it can cause problems for the plant. For example, if the temperature is too high, it can cause the plant to wilt and die. If the humidity is too high, it can cause mold and mildew to form on the plant.
Nutrients
Nutrients are the foundation of proper cannabis growth, and deficiencies or imbalances can cause all sorts of problems, from stunted growth to poor yields. There are three primary nutrients that cannabis plants need: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These are commonly referred to as macronutrients, and they’re required in relatively large quantities. In addition to the macronutrients, cannabis plants also need smaller amounts of other elements, including calcium, sulfur, magnesium, and iron. These are referred to as micronutrients.
The ideal ratio of nutrients varies depending on the stage of the plant’s life cycle. For example, during the vegetative stage, when plants are just growing leaves and stems, they need more nitrogen than they do during the flowering stage, when they’re concentrating on developing buds. The ratio of nutrients can also vary depending on the type of cannabis you’re growing. Indica strains tend to need a little less nitrogen than sativa strains.
Getting the nutrient balance right is crucial for healthy cannabis growth. Too much or too little of any one nutrient can cause problems. For example, too much nitrogen can lead to foliage that’s dense and dark green but with few flowers or buds. Too little nitrogen can cause yellow leaves and stunted growth. It’s important to pay attention to your plants and make sure they’re getting the right mix of nutrients at every stage of their life cycle.
Light
There are a number of factors that can affect the cannabis growth cycle, including the type of cannabis strain, the growing conditions, and the amount of care that is given to the plants. In general, however, it takes around 60 days from seedlings to harvest for most cannabis strains.
Genetics
The largest factor in how long it takes to grow a cannabis plant is genetics. The flowering time of a cannabis plant is mostly determined by its genetics or more specifically, its parentage. Indica strains tend to have shorter flowering times (usually around 8 weeks) while sativa strains have longer flowering times (usually 10 weeks or longer). This is not always the case, however, as some indica strains can have flowering times that are just as long as sativas. Likewise, some sativas can have relatively short flowering times.
Cannabis plants that are grown from feminized seeds will also tend to flower quicker than those that are not. This is because feminized seeds are guaranteed to be female and therefore will not need to spend any time in the vegetative stage The only way to know for sure how long it will take your Cannabis plant to flower is to ask the person you got your seeds from or look up the specific strain online.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it takes approximately 3-4 months to grow a cannabis plant from seed to harvest. However, the time it takes to grow a plant can vary depending on the strain you are growing, the size of your plant, and the conditions in which it is grown. With proper care and attention, you can expect to harvest a bountiful crop of high-quality cannabis in just a few short months.
