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Cannabis cultivation can be a lengthy process, especially if you’re aiming for high-quality results. In this blog post, we’ll explore how long it takes for cannabis to grow from seed to harvest.
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The Basics of Cannabis Growth
Cannabis is a hardy plant that can grow in many different climates. In general, it takes about 3-4 months for cannabis to grow from a seedling to a mature plant. However, the time it takes for cannabis to grow can vary depending on the strain, the growing conditions, and the grower’s methods. Let’s take a closer look at how long it takes for cannabis to grow.
The difference between indoor and outdoor growth
The main thing that distinguishes indoor from outdoor growing is, of course, the location. There are several other key differences, though, that plant enthusiasts should be aware of.
Indoor growers have complete control over all the variables that affect plant growth, such as temperature, humidity, nutrition, and light. This allows them to produce larger yields of better-quality plants more quickly than outdoor growers.
Outdoor growers, on the other hand, take advantage of natural conditions to produce their crops. Cannabis plants grown outdoors tend to be hardier and more resilient than those grown indoors because they’re acclimated to the local climate.
There are benefits and drawbacks to both indoor and outdoor growing. It’s important to choose the method that’s right for you based on your specific needs and preferences.
The importance of light
The importance of light cannot be overstated when it comes to growing cannabis. Just like any other plant, cannabis needs light to grow. However, unlike other plants, cannabis has a very specific light requirement that must be met in order for the plant to thrive.
Cannabis plants need a minimum of 18 hours of light per day in order to grow properly. This is because cannabis is what is known as a short-day plant, meaning that it requires more darkness than light in order to flower.
If you are growing cannabis indoors, you will need to provide your plants with artificial light in order to meet their light requirements. The most common type of artificial light used for growing cannabis is high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting, which includes metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights.
Cannabis plants also need a certain amount of darkness in order to rest and rejuvenate. This is why it is important to give your plants a dark period each day, typically for 12 hours or more. If you are growing cannabis indoors, you can simply turn off your lights during this period.
Outdoors, the darkness period is dictated by the rising and setting of the sun. Cannabis plants grown outdoors will usually flower when the days start getting shorter in the fall, as the amount of darkness increases.
It is important to note that while 18 hours of light per day is generally considered the minimum amount required for proper growth, some growers believe that 20-24 hours of light per day can actually produce better results.
If you are interested in trying this method, it is important to gradually increase the amount of time your plants are exposed to light each day, as too much light can be just as harmful as too little.
The role of temperature
Temperature plays a big role in the growth of cannabis. Different strains will have different ideal temperatures, but in general, the ideal temperature range for cannabis growth is between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature gets too high, it can stress the plant and inhibit growth. If the temperature gets too low, the plant may not be able to produce enough energy to grow properly.
In addition to temperature, humidity is also an important factor in cannabis growth. Humidity levels that are too high or too low can also stress the plant and inhibit growth. The ideal humidity level for cannabis growth is between 40-60%.
The Cannabis Growth Cycle
It takes anywhere from 60-90 days for cannabis to grow from a seedling to a mature plant. However, the amount of time it takes for your plants to grow will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of soil, the type of light, and the amount of water.
The vegetative stage
The vegetative stage is when your cannabis plants are growing and maturing. They’ll grow leaves and buds, but won’t produce flowers (or buds) yet. The vegetative stage can last for weeks or months, depending on the variety of cannabis you’re growing and the conditions in which you’re growing it.
To force your cannabis plants into the flowering stage, you need to change the light cycle from 18 hours of light to 12 hours of light. Once your plants have been on the 12/12 light cycle for a few days or weeks (again, depending on the variety), they should start to flower.
The flowering stage
Flowering is the reproductive cycle of cannabis plants. It is the process that produces the plant’s flowers (or buds) and ultimately the compounds that make up the finished product.
Cannabis plants are “photoperiodic,” meaning they flower in response to changes in day length (or more accurately, changes in the ratio of light to dark). In nature, this occurs as the seasons change from summer to fall. In warmer climates, some strains will flower based on temperature changes rather than light changes.
The change in light signals to the plant that it is time to start producing seeds. The plant begins to produce more leaves and flowers (rather than just vegetative growth), and male and female plants can be identified. Male plants produce pollen, which fertilizes female plants, leading to seed production.
For growers who want to produce sinsemilla (seedless) flowers, male plants are removed before they can fertilize female plants. This allows the female plants to focus all their energy on producing high-quality flowers. Flowering typically lasts 6-8 weeks but can vary based on strain, environmental conditions, and other factors.
The harvesting stage
The harvesting stage is when you finally get to reap the rewards of your hard work. But, the work isn’t quite done yet. There’s a pretty big process that your cannabis will go through before it’s ready to enjoy. Here’s a quick guide on how to harvest your cannabis plants.
The first thing you need to do is determine when your plants are ready to harvest. A good way to tell is by looking at the trichomes, which are the tiny crystals that cover the leaves and buds. When the trichomes are milky white or clear, it means that the THC levels are at their peak and the plant is ready to harvest. You can also use a magnifying glass to get a closer look.
Once you’ve determined that your plants are ready, it’s time to cut them down. Be sure to use sharp scissors or pruning shears so you don’t damage the plant. Cut off each branch individually and then hang them upside down in a cool, dark place with good airflow.
The next step is drying your cannabis. This is arguably the most important step, as improper drying can ruin all your hard work. The ideal conditions for drying are 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit with 30-50% humidity. You’ll want to dry slowly at first, and then increase the temperature and decrease the humidity as time goes on. Drying can take anywhere from 7-14 days depending on the conditions.
Once your cannabis is dry, it’s time for curing! Curing is basically just storage in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This allows the THC levels to increase even further and makes for a much smoother smoking experience. Curing can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on how much effort you want to put into it.
And that’s it! Once your cannabis is properly cured, it’s ready to enjoy however you see fit!
How long does it take for cannabis to grow?
The length of time it takes for cannabis to grow depends on the strain, the growing conditions, and the grower’s preference. Some strains can take as little as 60 days, while others may take up to 120 days. In general, it takes about 3-4 months from start to finish.
The factors that affect cannabis growth
There are many factors that affect how long it takes for cannabis to grow. These include the type of cannabis strain, the growing conditions, and the level of care given to the plants.
Cannabis strains can be broadly divided into two categories: indica and sativa. Indica strains tend to grow shorter and bushier, while sativa strains tend to be taller and thinner. Indica strains typically take between 8 and 10 weeks to harvest, while sativa strains can take up to 12 weeks.
The growing conditions also play a role in determining the amount of time it takes for cannabis to grow. Cannabis plants need a lot of sunlight in order to thrive, so growers in northern climates often have to give their plants extra artificial light in order to mimic the longer days of summer. Soil type can also affect growth rates; cannabis grown in hydroponic systems often mature faster than plants grown in soil.
Finally, the level of care given to the plants will also dictate how long it takes for them to reach maturity. Plants that are well-watered and fertilized will usually grow faster than those that are neglected.
The average time it takes for cannabis to grow
It takes an average of 3-4 months for cannabis to grow. However, this time may vary depending on the climate, strain, and growing conditions.
