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Cannabis plants have a life cycle that can be divided into four main stages: germination, vegetative, flowering, and harvest. In this post, we’ll take a look at each stage and what happens during it.
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Introduction
Cannabis is an annual plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in one growing season. In order to produce seeds for the next generation, cannabis plants need to go through a process of flowering and pollination. The timing of these events is determined by the amount of daylight the plant receives; in nature, this is generally tied to the changing seasons.
The Plant’s Life Cycle
Cannabis grows in a variety of climates and conditions, but it typically has a life cycle that includes four distinct stages: germination, vegetative, flowering, and harvesting.
Germination is the process by which the seeds of the cannabis plant sprout and begin to grow. This stage typically lasts for about two weeks.
The vegetative stage is when the cannabis plant begins to grow leaves and stems. This stage can last for several weeks or months, depending on the conditions under which the plant is growing.
The flowering stage is when the plant produces flowers (or buds). This stage typically lasts for several weeks or months.
The harvesting stage is when the flowers (or buds) are harvested and dried. This stage typically lasts for several days or weeks.
Cannabis Growth Patterns
cannabis plants can be either male or female, but only female plants produce buds. Male plants are used to pollinate female plants, which then produce CBD-rich seeds. However, if you want to grow your own cannabis at home, you’ll need to purchase a feminized seed.
Cannabis growth patterns vary depending on the strain. Some strains are fast growers and can produc e flowers within 8 weeks, while others may take up to 16 weeks. The amount of time it takes for a cannabis plant to mature also depends on the growing conditions, such as the amount of sunlight and water it receives.
Once cannabis plants have flowered, they will begin to produce buds. Buds are the most popular part of the plant because they contain high levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” feeling associated with marijuana use.
As cannabis plants mature, their buds will go through a process known as “flushing.” This is when the plant begins to shed its excess leaves and stems in order to focus its energy on producing larger, more resinous buds.
The Plant’s Nutritional Needs
Cannabis, like all plants, has specific nutritional needs that must be met in order for it to grow. These needs vary depending on the stage of the plant’s life cycle. In general, cannabis requires six main nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. These are typically referred to as NPK nutrients. Additionally, cannabis also needs small amounts of other essential minerals, such as iron, manganese, zinc, and copper.
Cannabis gets the majority of its nutrients from the soil in which it is grown. However, if the soil is lacking in any of the essential nutrients, the plant will not be able to grow properly. For this reason, growers often supplement with nutrient-rich fertilizers to ensure that their plants have everything they need to thrive.
The amount of each nutrient that a plant needs changes throughout its life cycle. For example, during the vegetative stage, when the plant is actively growing leaves and stems, it requires more nitrogen than at any other time. During flowering, however, it requires more phosphorus and potassium to produce flowers and fruits (or buds).
It is important to note that giving a plant too much of any one nutrient can be just as harmful as not giving enough. This is because nutrients can interact with each other in potentially harmful ways. For example, too much nitrogen can lead to a condition called leaf burn or tip burn, which causes the leaves to turn yellow or brown and die back. Similarly, too much phosphorus can lead to a condition called budrot which causes the buds to rot on the stem. It is therefore important for growers to carefully monitor their plants and adjust their nutrient levels accordingly.
The Plant’s Water Needs
During the vegetative stage, your cannabis plants will need about 1-5 gallons (3.8-18.9 L) of water per day. You can experiment to see how much your particular plants need, but be sure to err on the side of too much rather than too little water.
Cannabis plants love water, and they will reward you with bigger, healthier plants if you give them plenty of it. However, you should be careful not to over-water your plants. Over-watering can lead to problems such as root rot, which can kill your plants.
The best way to water your plants is with a drip irrigation system. This will deliver water directly to the roots of your plants, where it can be absorbed more effectively. Be sure to keep an eye on your plants, though, as they may still need additional watering in hot or dry weather.
The Plant’s Lighting Needs
Cannabis plants are unique in that they can grow under a variety of Lighting Conditions. One of the most important things to consider when growing cannabis is the type of light you will use. In general, there are three different types of light that can be used to grow cannabis natural sunlight, artificial light, and supplemental light.
1. Natural Sunlight: Cannabis plants rely on sunlight for their energy needs. While it is possible to grow cannabis plants indoors without any natural sunlight, it is not recommended. Plants grown without any sunlight will typically be smaller and have less bud production than those grown with at least some exposure to sunlight.
2. Artificial Light: Artificial light can be used to supplement or replace natural sunlight in indoor growing operations. The most common type of artificial light used for growing cannabis is high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting. HID lighting mimics the spectrum of sunlight and can be very effective for plant growth.
3. Supplemental Light: Supplemental light is often used in conjunction with other types of lighting to provide plants with the extra energy they need to thrive. Common supplemental lights include fluorescent lighting and LED lighting.
The Plant’s Soil Needs
Cannabis plants are very resilient and can grow in a variety of soil types, but they do have some specific soil requirements. The ideal cannabis growing soil is loose and well-aerated, with a pH level of 6.0-7.0. The soil should also be rich in organic matter, like composted leaves or manure. Cannabis plants prefer a neutral to slightly acidic growing environment.
Cannabis plants also need a good amount of space to grow. They can grow quite large, so it’s important to give them plenty of room to spread out. Cannabis plants need at least 3-5 feet of space between each plant.
When planting cannabis seeds make sure to plant them at least 2 inches deep in the soil. Once the seeds have germinated and grown into seedlings, thin them out so that there is only one plant per pot or per section of garden bed.
The Plant’s Pest & Disease Control Needs
Cannabis is an annual, dioecious, flowering herb. The leaves are palmately compound or digitate, with serrate leaflets. The first pair of leaves usually have a single leaflet, the number gradually increasing up to a maximum of about thirteen leaflets per leaf (usually seven or nine), depending on variety and growing conditions. At the top of a flowering plant, this number again diminishes to a single leaflet per leaf. The lower leaf pairs usually occur in an opposite leaf arrangement and the upper leaf pairs in an alternate arrangement on the main stem of a mature plant.
Cannabis grows best in humid continental climates with long, hot summers and moderate winters that do not exceed −15 °C (5 °F). It prefers fertile, moist soils rich in organic matter, with good drainage and full sun exposure. Seedlings emerge 60 to 90 days after planting. Flowering occurs around 70 days later for Indica strains and around 100 days for sativa strains. Cannabis grows poorly at high altitudes and prefer temperate climates. Fully grown plants reach a height of 0.5 to 5 m (1 ft 8 in–16 ft 5 in), depending on the strain’s genetics, environmental conditions (such as sunlight and temperature), nutrients used during its lifecycle (hydroponics or soil), humidity, and soil aeration.
The Plant’s Harvesting & Processing Needs
After a few months of growing, it will be time to harvest your cannabis crop. Depending on the size and type of operation, this can be done by hand or with the help of machines. Once the plants are cut down, they need to be hung up to dry in a dark, well-ventilated space. Drying can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Once the plants are dry, the buds need to be trimmed off the stems. This process is called “curing” and it helps improve the flavor and smell of the final product. Curing can also take a few days to a couple of weeks. Once the buds are cured, they can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place.
The Plant’s Storage & Transportation Needs
Cannabis is a hardy plant that can withstand a wide range of growing conditions. However, for best results, it is important to provide the plant with the specific storage and transportation needs it requires.
Cannabis plants need to be stored in a cool, dark place. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The ideal storage temperature for cannabis plants is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
When transporting cannabis plants, it is important to do so in a way that minimizes the risk of damage. The plants should be packed securely in an upright position and placed in a cool, dark place during transport.
