The cannabis growth stages include germination (1-7 days), where seeds sprout in a moist, dark environment. The seedling stage (2-3 weeks) shows true leaves and a strong root system development.

The plant rapidly grows stems and leaves in the vegetative stage (3-16 weeks). The pre-flowering stage (1-2 weeks) reveals the plant’s sex. The flowering stage (6-12 weeks) produces buds. Finally, harvesting and proper drying (7-14 days) and curing (2-8 weeks) ensure high-quality cannabis.

Characteristics Of Cannabis Plant 

The cannabis plant, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa, is renowned for its versatile characteristics and therapeutic properties. It features palmate leaves with serrated edges and can grow up to several feet tall. 

Cannabis plants are dioecious, meaning they have distinct male and female plants, each essential for reproduction.

These plants flourish in diverse climates and are renowned for their resilience and rapid growth. Cannabis produces compounds called cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which have garnered significant attention for their medicinal potential.

7 Cannabis Growth Stages

Cannabis grows through distinct stages: germination, seedling, vegetative, pre-flowering, flowering, and curing for optimal yield.

Germination

Germination is crucial in growing cannabis and ensuring healthy and robust plants. To germinate cannabis seeds, soak them in water for 12-24 hours to soften the outer shell. 

Then, place the seeds between damp paper towels, ensuring they remain moist but not soggy. Keep the towels in a warm, dark place, like inside a drawer, and check daily for sprouts. 

Carefully transfer the seeds to your growing medium once the seeds have sprouted, typically within 2-7 days. Proper germination sets the foundation for successful cannabis cultivation, leading to strong and productive plants.

Seedling

Once cannabis seeds have germinated, they enter the seedling stage, a critical period for establishing a strong foundation. The seedlings develop their first set of true leaves during this phase and begin photosynthesis. 

It’s essential to provide them with optimal conditions, including 18-24 hours of light per day, temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C), and moderate humidity levels around 60-70%. 

To support their growth, use well-draining, nutrient-rich soil or a hydroponic setup. Maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Proper care during the seedling stage ensures healthy growth and prepares the plants for the vegetative phase.

vegetative stage

In the vegetative stage, cannabis plants concentrate on developing sturdy stems and abundant foliage, setting the stage for the flowering phase. This period generally lasts 3 to 16 weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions.

Provide the plants with 18-24 hours of light daily using natural sunlight or grow lights. Maintain temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and keep humidity levels around 40-60%.

Nutrient requirements increase during this stage, so use a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote vigorous growth. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and consider training techniques like topping, pruning, or low-stress training (LST) to maximize yield. Consistent care during the vegetative stage is crucial for developing strong, healthy cannabis plants.

Pre-Flowering

The pre-flowering stage is a critical period in the cannabis plant’s life cycle. The plant undergoes significant changes during this stage as it prepares to enter the flowering phase. Typically, this stage occurs when the plant is about 4 to 6 weeks old.

One of the first signs of the pre-flowering stage is the appearance of pre-flowers at the nodes, where the leaves meet the stem. These pre-flowers are small and can be difficult to see without close inspection.

In this stage, the plant’s growth rate may slow as it shifts its energy from vegetative growth to reproductive development. It’s also a time when growers can determine the sex of the plants, identifying male and female plants. Female plants will develop small, hair-like pistils, while male plants will produce pollen sacs.

Environmental factors such as light, temperature, and nutrients are crucial during the pre-flowering stage. Proper care and attention can significantly impact the plant’s health and yield. Growers typically shift the light cycles to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to promote the transition to the flowering stage.

Flowering

The flowering stage of the cannabis plant is when it starts to produce buds. This stage usually starts once the plant gets 12 hours of continuous darkness. During this time, the plant directs its energy toward bud development, leading to increased resin production and the formation of trichomes.

This stage lasts about 6 to 8 weeks for most strains. Proper lighting, nutrients, and environmental conditions are essential to maximize yield and potency during flowering. Growers should monitor for pests and mold to ensure healthy bud growth.

Harvest

The harvest stage of the cannabis plant is when growers collect the mature buds. It usually occurs 8 to 12 weeks after the start of the flowering stage. Signs that a plant is ready for harvest include the trichomes turning milky white and some pistils darkening and curling inwards.

Growers usually harvest by cutting the branches, trimming the leaves, and then drying the buds in a controlled environment. Proper drying and curing are essential to enhance the flavor, potency, and overall quality of the cannabis.

Drying and Curing

Post-harvest processes like drying and curing are crucial for cannabis.

Drying

• Hang the trimmed branches or place buds on drying racks in a dark room with good ventilation.
• Maintain a temperature of 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity around 45-55%.
• Drying usually takes 7-10 days until stems snap rather than bend.

Curing

• Store the dried buds in airtight glass jars, filling them to approximately 75% capacity.
• Store jars in a cool, dark place, opening them daily for the first week to release moisture (burping).
• Curing enhances flavour and potency, taking about 2-4 weeks, but longer cures (up to 8 weeks) can improve quality.

Charting the Cannabis Life Cycle

Cannabis pruning

Pruning cannabis plants is essential for maximizing light penetration, airflow, and growth, leading to healthier plants and higher yields.

Why Prune Cannabis Plants?

Pruning cannabis plants enhances light penetration, allowing light to reach lower branches and promoting even growth. It also improves airflow, which reduces the risk of mould and pests. Pruning directs the plant’s energy to the main buds by focusing on growth, resulting in improved yield and quality.

When to Prune?

The best time to prune is during the vegetative stage, typically 3-4 weeks after germination. It is important to avoid pruning during the flowering stage, as this can stress the plant and negatively impact bud development.

How to Prune?

To prune effectively, use clean, sterilized tools to prevent infection. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves. Trim the main stem above a node to encourage a bushier plant. Small branches and leaves at the bottom that receive little light should be removed, and dense foliage should be thinned out to allow light to penetrate all areas.

Pruning Tips:

Prune gradually to avoid shocking the plant. Monitor the plant’s health for signs of stress or disease after pruning. Wearing gloves can safeguard your hands and prevent the plant from becoming contaminated.

Pruning cannabis plants effectively leads to healthier growth and a more bountiful harvest.

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Why Cannabis Leaves Turn Yellow and How to Manage It

Yellow cannabis leaves indicate underlying problems such as nutrient deficiencies, improper watering, pH imbalances, light issues, pests, diseases, environmental stress, root problems, or natural aging.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies in cannabis, such as nitrogen, magnesium, and iron shortages, can lead to yellowing leaves. Addressing these deficiencies is crucial for maintaining healthy plant growth and vitality.

Nitrogen Deficiency

Nitrogen is crucial for the growth and green colour of leaves. A lack of nitrogen often leads to older leaves turning yellow first. This deficiency usually starts at the bottom of the plant and works its way up, indicating that the plant is not getting enough nitrogen to support healthy growth.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll production. Without it, leaves can turn yellow while veins remain green. This is often called interveinal chlorosis and typically affects older leaves first.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency can cause new growth to turn yellow while the veins stay green. This usually happens because the plant cannot absorb iron efficiently, leading to a lack of chlorophyll in the newest leaves.

Overwatering or Underwatering

Proper watering is essential for cannabis plant health. Overwatering can drown roots, causing rot and yellow leaves, while underwatering stresses the plant, leading to wilting and yellowing as it conserves moisture.

Overwatering

Excess water can drown the roots, causing them to rot and preventing the plant from absorbing nutrients properly. This leads to yellow leaves, as the roots cannot supply the necessary elements for healthy growth.

Underwatering

Lack of water can stress the plant, leading to yellowing as the plant tries to conserve moisture. This usually results in the leaves wilting and turning yellow as the plant struggles to maintain its metabolic processes.

pH Imbalance

Maintaining proper pH levels is vital for cannabis health. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 in soil is optimal, while hydroponic systems require 5.5 to 6.5. Deviations can cause a nutrient lockout, leading to yellowing leaves.

Improper Soil pH

Cannabis plants thrive in a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Outside this range, nutrients become less available, causing yellowing leaves. Ensuring the soil pH is within the optimal range is crucial for nutrient uptake.

Hydroponic pH Issues

In hydroponic systems, the optimal pH range is 5.5 to 6.5. Deviations can lead to nutrient lockout and yellow leaves. Regular pH monitoring and adjustments can help prevent these problems.

Light Burn

Proper light exposure is crucial for cannabis health. Excessive light can burn leaves, turning them yellow, while insufficient light hinders photosynthesis, also causing yellowing. Ensuring the right light levels promotes healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Too Much Light

Excessive exposure to intense light can cause leaves to turn yellow and exhibit signs of burning, especially if they are too close to the light source. Maintaining the proper distance between the light and the plants is essential.

Too Little Light

Lack of adequate light can lead to yellowing leaves as the plant has difficulty photosynthesizing properly. Ensuring adequate light exposure is key to healthy leaf colour and plant growth.

Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases, like insects and fungal infections, can cause cannabis leaves to turn yellow and deteriorate. Regular inspection, proper air circulation, and good hygiene are crucial for prevention.

Pest Infestation

Insects like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies can damage leaves, leading to yellowing as the plant weakens. Frequent inspections and immediate treatment can help manage pest infestations effectively.

Fungal Infections

Diseases such as powdery mildew or root rot can cause leaves to turn yellow and deteriorate. Proper air circulation and good hygiene practices can help prevent fungal infections.

Environmental Stress

Temperature extremes and incorrect humidity levels cause stress, leading to yellow leaves. Consistent temperatures and optimal humidity prevent mould and dehydration and ensure healthy plant growth.

Temperature Extremes

Extremely high or low temperatures can stress cannabis plants, causing yellowing of the leaves. These plants thrive best within a stable temperature range.

Humidity Levels

Incorrect humidity levels can cause stress. High humidity can encourage mould, while low humidity can cause dehydration. Maintaining optimal humidity levels is essential for healthy plant growth.

Root Problems

Root-bound plants and physical root damage cause nutrient deficiencies and yellow leaves. Transplanting to larger containers and careful handling are essential for maintaining healthy cannabis growth.

Root Bound

In container-grown plants, roots can become tangled and cramped, leading to nutrient deficiencies and yellow leaves. Transplanting to a larger container can help alleviate this issue.

Root Damage

Physical damage to roots during transplanting or due to pests can hinder nutrient uptake and cause yellowing. It is crucial to handle plants carefully and address root pests promptly.

Natural Aging

Senescence is a natural aging process where older leaves turn yellow and die off. This allows the cannabis plant to focus energy on new growth and bud production.

Senescence

As cannabis plants mature, it’s natural for older leaves, especially those at the bottom, to turn yellow and die off. This process, called senescence, is normal as the plant directs energy to new growth and bud production. Regular pruning of yellowing leaves can help the plant focus its resources.

How to Manage  Cannabis Leaves Turn Yellow

Yellowing leaves in cannabis plants can indicate various issues that need immediate attention. Nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen, magnesium, or iron, are common culprits. Overwatering or underwatering can also stress the plant, leading to yellow leaves.

Maintaining the proper pH levels and ensuring adequate light exposure are crucial. Pests, diseases, and environmental stresses, such as extreme temperatures and humidity, can also cause yellowing. Addressing these factors promptly ensures healthy growth and optimal yields for your cannabis plants.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cannabis cultivation progresses through essential stages: germination (1-7 days), seedling (2-3 weeks) with true leaf growth, vegetative (3-16 weeks) for stem and foliage development, pre-flowering (1-2 weeks) to determine gender, and flowering (6-12 weeks) for bud production.

Harvesting at peak potency is crucial, followed by drying (7-14 days) and curing (2-8 weeks) for optimal flavor and quality enhancement. Understanding these stages is vital for successful cannabis cultivation, ensuring healthy plants, and maximizing yield.

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