Weed Plant Stages & Cannabis Flowering Stage: Complete Growing Guide

Growing cannabis involves various weed plant stages, with the most important being the cannabis flowering stage. Careful attention during the weed plant flowering stage can help you achieve the desired buds.

Each cannabis growth stage requires specific growing light intensity, photoperiod, cannabis nutrient ratios, temperature, and water. Before the weed flowering stage, issues like "How to identify the sex of the weed seed?" and "What nutrients are required for growing cannabis?" may arise.

It can be challenging for new growers, especially when there's little room for error during the weed flowering stage. However, Medicgrow has created a complete guide in this post to help you navigate through all the cannabis growth stages, enabling you to maximize cannabis yield and quality.

Main Content:

• 1. How Long Does It Take for Weed to Grow?
• 2. Germinating Weed Seeds
• 3. Weed Seedlings Stages
• 4. Weed Vegetative Stage
• 5. Pre-Flowering
• 6. Cannabis Flowering Stage (Week-by-Week)
• 7. Harvesting Cannabis
• 8. Conclusion
• 9. FAQs about Weed Plant Stages

How Long Does It Take for Weed to Grow?

The time it takes for a weed to grow from seeds to harvest depends on several factors, including the strain, growing conditions, and cultivation methods.

Indoor growers have more control over the growing environment with grow tent kits and can often speed up the process, while outdoor growers depend more on the natural growth cycle. Here's a general growing weed timeline:

Growing Weed Timeline:

1. Germinating Weed Seeds: 1-7 days
2. Weed Seedlings: 2-3 weeks
3. Weed Vegetative Stage: 3-8 weeks
4. Pre-Flowering: 1-2 weeks
5. Cannabis Flowering Stage: 6-10 weeks
6. Harvesting Cannabis

Germinating Weed Seeds

Germinating weed seeds typically takes 1 to 7 days in the first weed plant stage. The exact time can vary depending on factors such as seed quality, the method used for germination, environmental conditions, temperature and humidity. Here's a brief overview of the time needed for different germination methods:

• Paper Towel Method: Seeds usually begin to sprout within 1 to 7 days.
• Direct Planting Method: Seeds generally take a similar time to sprout, typically 3 to 7 days.
• Water Glass Method: Seeds usually crack open and start sprouting within 12 to 48 hours, after which they can be moved to another medium to continue germination, often taking an additional 1 to 3 days to sprout fully.

Overall, germination is usually complete within a week.

Before germinating weed seeds, It is necessary to determine the sex of cannabis seeds when cultivating cannabis. Only female weed plants produce flowers with high THC content, while male weed plants, mainly used for breeding and seed production, can reduce THC content and overall cannabis yields in the cultivation area.

Identifying the gender of cannabis seeds can be challenging, but fortunately, the appearance of the seeds—such as their shape, color, or size—can predict their gender. Female marijuana seeds are usually rounder and more pronounced than male marijuana seeds. They typically have a mottled or marbled appearance with a mix of light and dark browns.

Besides, you can also tell the difference between male vs. female weed plants by pre-flowering stage or through DNA testing. To ensure you cultivate female plants successfully, purchase feminized seeds and choose darker-colored seeds for germination, also avoid light green or white seeds as they will likely fail to germinate.

How to Germinate Weed Seeds?

Germinating weed seeds is the first crucial step in weed plant stages. Here are three common methods to germinate weed seeds, along with some notes:

Paper Towel Method

This is one of the simplest to germinate weed seeds in the cannabis growth stage. Place the cannabis seeds between two moist paper towels, making sure they’re damp but not soaked. Put the paper towels in a container or on a plate, lightly cover it to maintain humidity, but don’t seal it completely to allow air circulation. 

Keep the container with weed seeds in a warm, dark place, with a temperature between 18°C and 24°C (64°F to 75°F). Typically, seeds will start sprouting within 1 to 7 days. During this time, ensure the paper towels stay moist, and if they dry out, gently mist them with water.

Direct Planting Method

This stage of pot growing method is great for those who prefer to plant weed seeds directly in their growing medium. Start by choosing a light, loose soil or another medium like peat moss or coco coir. Create a small hole about 0.5 to 1 cm deep, place the seed in it with the pointed end facing down, and lightly cover it with soil. 

Then water gently to keep the medium moist, but be careful not to overwater. Place the pot in a warm environment and maintain moisture. Weed Seeds usually germinate within a few days to a week.

Water Glass Method

The water glass method is another easy and effective way to germinate weed seeds in growing weed stages. Simply place the seeds in a glass of room-temperature water and let them soak for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the seeds will absorb water and should sink to the bottom. Be careful not to soak the seeds for more than 48 hours to avoid drowning them.

Once the seeds crack open and a small white root appears, you can transfer them to a moist paper towel to continue germinating or plant them directly in the growing medium. This method is ideal for those who prefer germinating weed seeds in a water glass before moving them to a medium.

Post-Germination Care

It's advisable to maintain a suitable temperature (around 22°C to 26°C or 72°F to 79°F) and humidity levels between 70% and 90% to encourage healthy growth in stages of pot growing. It’s best to keep the seeds in the dark during germination. Once you germinate a weed seed, handle the delicate seedlings with care during transplanting to avoid damaging their roots.

1 week-old weed plant

Weed Seedlings Stages

When we observe the weed seedlings emerging from their seed shells in stages of pot growing, we enter the weed seedling stage. It is important to consider the frequency of watering, how much light for weed seedlings, and the temperature for weed seedlings.

How Long Is the Seedling Stage for Weed Plants?

The weed seedlings stage typically lasts 2 to 3 weeks. During this stage, the plant develops its first true leaves but is still fragile at this point, so it's important to maintain the right environmental conditions, including proper light, temperature, and humidity.

How Much Light Do Weed Seedlings Need?

For weed seedlings, light intensity is crucial and should be moderate to avoid light stress. The ideal Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) for weed seedlings typically ranges between 100 to 300 µmol/m²/s. Here’s the detail.

Light Requirements for Cannabis Seedlings:

• PPFD: Optimal light intensity for weed seedlings ranges from 100-300 µmol/m²/s. This range provides enough light for healthy growth without overwhelming the young plants. Moreover, full-spectrum LED grow lights help develop strong and healthy roots.
• Light Duration: An 18/6 light cycle is the ideal light duration for seedling weed. 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness encourage healthy vegetative growth without overstressing the plants.
• Light Source: LED grow lights like Medicgrow Minisun-2 150W grow lights are highly recommended for weed seedlings due to their efficiency and ability to control light intensity and light duration.
• Distance: The light source should be positioned about 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) above the weed seedlings. Adjust this based on the PPFD output of your specific light setup.

By maintaining the PPFD within the recommended range and adjusting based on the plants’ response, you can ensure that your weed seedlings receive the right amount of light to develop strong, healthy roots and foliage in growing weed stages.

Read Also: Best LED Light for Cannabis

Temperature for Weed Seedlings

The ideal temperature range for weed seedlings is 20-25°C (68-77°F), a temperature that aids in photosynthesis and root development during stages of growing weed. Nighttime temperatures can drop slightly to 18-22°C (64-72°F) to mimic the natural environment and aid in healthy weed plant growth.

Temperatures above 28°C (82°F) can lead to stunted growth and problems such as wilting, while temperatures below 18°C (64°F) can stunt seedling growth and increase the risk of disease in growing weed stages. By maintaining proper temperatures, seedlings will be stronger and healthier going into the next stage of growth.

How Often to Water Weed Seedlings in Soil Indoor?

When watering indoor weed seedlings in soil, it's advisable to maintain a balance by keeping the soil moist but not overly saturated. Water your seedlings every 2-3 days, but this can vary based on factors such as the size of the container, temperature, and humidity. Smaller containers dry out faster and may require more frequent watering.

Tips for Watering Weed Seedlings:

• Check the Soil: Before watering weed seedlings, check the top inch of the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. If it's still moist, wait another day and check again.
• Avoid Overwatering: Weed seedlings are vulnerable to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Ensure the soil is well-draining and that excess water can escape from the bottom of the container.
• Drooping Leaves: If the weed leaves are drooping and the soil is dry during the stages of growing the weed, the plant needs water. If the leaves are drooping and the soil is wet, you might be overwatering.

Keeping a close eye on your seedlings and adjusting based on their needs will ensure they grow strong and healthy.

Good management of the weed seedlings stages promotes healthy root and vegetative development, improving plant disease resistance throughout the growing weed stages. After this period, the plant will transition into the weed vegetative stage, where it will focus on rapid growth.

Weed Vegetative Stage

The weed vegetative stage typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks in stages of pot growing, depending on the plant variety, growth goals, and environmental conditions. Different strains may have varying requirements for the vegetative period, and growers can adjust this stage’s length to achieve the desired plant height and yield.

Environmental factors like light cycles, temperature, and humidity also impact the duration of the weed vegetative stage. Optimizing these conditions helps promote healthy growth, shortening or extending this phase. Cannabis growing 6 weeks vegetative is ideal for growers seeking a quicker harvest cycle while still achieving a good yield.

In contrast, cannabis growing 8 weeks vegetative in the cannabis growth stage allows for larger, bushier plants with a more robust structure and higher yield potential, but it requires more time, which can reduce the number of harvests in a year.

Cannabis Grow 8 Weeks Vegetative

To achieve an 8-week cannabis growth cycle with higher yields during growing weed stages, start by selecting a strain that thrives in a longer vegetative stage. Using a nutrient-rich and well-draining growing medium, coupled with high-nitrogen cannabis fertilizers, will support robust plant development. Gradually increase nutrient levels throughout the cycle to match the plant's growing needs.

Incorporating training techniques like topping and low-stress training (LST) encourages the growth of multiple branches and better light penetration, while high-stress training (HST) can stimulate additional bud sites. 

Maintaining optimal environmental conditions with 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness, temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F), and humidity levels around 50-70% in stages of growing weed. Regular monitoring for pests and cannabis nutrient deficiencies ensures plants remain healthy, maximizing their potential yields during the 8 weeks.

veg stage week-by-week pictures

Cannabis Grow 6 Weeks Vegetative

To successfully implement a 6-week cannabis vegetative stage during growing weed stages, choose a strain that responds well to shorter veg periods and ensure the plants receive adequate light (18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness), with temperatures between 20-25°C (68-77°F) and humidity levels around 50-70%.

Use nutrient-rich soil and provide nitrogen-rich cannabis fertilizers to support growth. Also, incorporate training techniques like topping and low-stress training (LST) to create an even canopy and maximize light exposure, ensuring the plants develop a strong structure and multiple bud sites.

Grow lights that can control light cycles and spectra are crucial here, such as the Medicgrow NEO 1000W LED grow light. This light has a switchable light spectrum, containing a high blue-light ratio needed for marijuana growth, specifically designed to promote the plants' growth during various weed-growing stages. This will result in stronger roots and higher yields for your weed plants.

What is topping and low-stress training (LST)?

Topping

Topping is an indoor growing technique that involves cutting off the top of the main stem to promote lateral growth during the early growth stages of cannabis. By removing the top, the plant redirects its energy to the side branches, resulting in more growth points where flowers can develop.

Topping cannabis can increase branching, which leads to more main branches and flowering sites, potentially enhancing the overall yield. Additionally, topping helps create an even canopy, controlling the plant’s height and shape for more uniform light distribution.

To perform topping, simply cut off the top of the main stem when the plant has 4-5 sets of leaves, leaving some side branches to continue growing in the late stages of growing weed.

Low-Stress Training (LST)

Low-stress training (LST) involves gently bending and tying down a plant’s branches to modify its shape without causing significant physical stress. This method is gentle on the plant and aims to improve its overall growth during stages of pot growing.

Benefits of LST include creating an even weed canopy, which enhances light penetration and airflow, thereby reducing the risk of mold and pests during different stages of pot growing. Additionally, LST exposes more branches to UV plant light, potentially increasing the number of flowering sites. 

It also helps control the weed plant’s height, making it ideal for limited spaces. To perform LST, use soft ties or string to carefully bend and secure the branches, and regularly adjust the ties to maintain an even plant shape in growing weed stages. 

By using these weed-growing techniques, you can effectively increase weed plant yield and quality while optimizing your growing space. Once the weed vegetative stage ends, the plant will be ready to enter the Pre-flowering stage, where it will develop buds and ultimately produce cannabis flowers.

Pre-Flowering

Pre-flowering begins after a cannabis plant has spent several weeks in the weed vegetative stage. For photoperiod strains, this cannabis growth stage starts when the light schedule shifts from 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. 

Autoflowering strains can enter pre-flowering as early as 3 to 4 weeks from germination, regardless of the light schedule. The pre-flowering stage typically lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, during which the plant grows rapidly, stretching in height and starting to show early signs of buds. 

This period is crucial as it sets the foundation for the cannabis flowering stage, impacting the quality and quantity of the final harvest. Here are some pre-flowering growing tips to help you set the foundation before the final cannabis flowering stage.

Identifying Plant Gender

Pre-flowering is the time when cannabis plants start showing their sex during growing weed stages. Female plants will develop small pistils (white hairs), while male plants will produce small pollen sacs. It’s crucial to identify and remove male plants (if not breeding) to prevent them from pollinating the females, which could result in seeded buds and reduced potency.

Light Schedule

In the cannabis growth stage, ensure the light schedule remains at 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness (or similar) to keep the plants in the weed vegetative stage until you’re ready to induce flowering. Any disruptions in the light cycle can cause stress and lead to hermaphroditism or premature flowering.

Nutrient Adjustments

As the plants prepare to enter the cannabis flowering stage, gradually start reducing nitrogen levels in the nutrient mix and increase phosphorus and potassium. This adjustment supports bud development and prepares the plant for the flowering phase.

Environmental Control

Maintain optimal environmental conditions with temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F) and humidity levels slightly lower than in the weed vegetative stage, around 40-50%. Proper ventilation and air circulation are also important to prevent mold and mildew as the plants begin to develop flowers.

Training and Pruning

If you’re using techniques like topping, low-stress training (LST), or super cropping, the pre-flowering cannabis growth stage is your last chance to implement them before the plants focus on bud production. Prune lower branches that won’t receive much light to direct more energy towards the top colas.

By paying attention to these factors, you can ensure that your cannabis plants are well-prepared for the flowering stage, leading to a healthier plant and a more abundant harvest.

Cannabis Flowering Stage

Cannabis Flowering Stage (Week-by-Week)

The cannabis flowering stage is the final and most critical stage of pot growing where your plants transition from vegetative growth to producing buds. This weed plant stage typically spans 8-10 weeks. Here's a week-by-week cannabis flowering guide to help you go through this crucial phase.

1 Week Flowering

During the first week of the cannabis growth stage when transitioning grow lights to a 12/12 light cycle, cannabis plants switch to the flowering stage, which initiates the weed plants' budding stage.

In this week, the plants may experience a rapid "stretch," growing significantly in height as they prepare for bud production. It's also important to switch from cannabis vegetative to flowering nutrients, reducing nitrogen while increasing phosphorus and potassium to support blooming.

Week 2 of Flower

In week 2 cannabis flowering stage, early Flowering (Pre-Flowering) sees female plants start to develop white pistils, indicating the initial stages of bud formation. The cannabis plant’s vertical growth continues, though at a slower rate. 

Maintain slightly lower humidity levels (40-50%) to prevent mold and mildew, and keep the temperature around 20-26°C (68-79°F) to create an optimal environment for early flowering in the cannabis growth stage.

Week 3 Flowering

During Week 3 cannabis flowering stages, the first small weed buds, often referred to as "budlets," begin to form at the nodes where branches meet the stem. This is a pivotal time to continue providing cannabis budding nutrients, particularly those rich in phosphorus and potassium.

If you're using low-stress training (LST) or defoliation techniques, this is the last week of the cannabis growth stage to safely manipulate your plants without risking damage to the budding sites.

Week 4 Flowering

In the Week 4 cannabis flowering stage, the weed buds become more prominent as the plant shifts its energy entirely toward flowering. This is also when the first signs of trichomes, the resin glands responsible for producing cannabinoids, may start to appear. 

As trichomes develop, the plant begins to emit a stronger aroma due to the increasing concentration of terpenes, the compounds responsible for cannabis' distinctive smell. During this cannabis growth stage, it's advisable to maintain a stable environment to support healthy bud growth.

Week 5 Flowering

By Week 5 cannabis flowering stage, the weed buds will have noticeably swollen and increased in size, with more white pistils appearing. Trichome production intensifies, and the buds become sticky with resin.

This is a critical time of the cannabis growth stage to monitor and control humidity levels, as dense buds are more susceptible to mold. Keeping humidity in check and prevent any potential issues that could compromise your crop.

6 Week Flower

Week 6 flower marks the peak of the cannabis flowering stage. The weed buds continue to thicken and become denser, while the plant’s growth slows, concentrating its efforts on maximizing bud production.

Trichomes will turn from clear to cloudy, indicating increasing cannabinoid levels. At this point, it’s advisable to slightly reduce nutrient levels to avoid nutrient burn and allow the plant to utilize its stored nutrients.

7 Weeks Flower

In Week 7 cannabis flowering stage, the ripening process begins. Cannabis pistils start to change color, often turning orange, red, or brown, signaling the approach of harvest time. Trichomes continue to mature, with some turning from cloudy to amber.

This is the ideal time to begin checking trichomes with a magnifying glass or microscope to determine the best harvest time. You should also start flushing the plants with plain water to remove any excess salts and nutrients, improving the final taste and quality of the buds in this cannabis growth stage.

week 9 flowering stage week-by-week pictures

The Last 2 Weeks of Flowering Tips

Finally, in Week 8, the late cannabis flowering stage, the buds reach their final size, and most pistils will have darkened and curled inward. Depending on your desired effect—whether you prefer a more uplifting or sedative high—you can harvest cannabis when the trichomes are mostly cloudy or wait until more trichomes turn amber. After reaching the desired maturity level, it’s time to harvest your plants.

For some strains, extending the flowering period into Week 9 or 10 cannabis growth stage may be beneficial to allow the buds to reach their peak potency. During this time, continue to monitor trichome and pistil color to determine the perfect harvest window, and ensure a final flush of the plants with water if it hasn’t been done already.

Harvesting Cannabis

When it comes time to harvest cannabis in the last weed plant stage, timing is everything. Monitor your plants closely during the final weeks, paying attention to the color of the cannabis trichomes. Harvest when the trichomes are mostly milky or cloudy (70-90%) with some amber for a balanced effect, or wait until more trichomes turn amber (30%-50%)for a more sedative experience.

Before cutting down your plants, begin flushing them with plain water for about a week to remove any residual nutrients. This practice helps improve the flavor and smoothness of your final product. Harvest your plants in the early morning or right after their dark period, when terpene levels are at their highest.

After cannabis harvesting, hang the buds upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space to dry. Proper drying and curing are crucial for preserving potency and enhancing flavor. With careful attention to these final steps, you’ll ensure that your hard work pays off, resulting in high-quality, flavorful cannabis.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the different stages of a cannabis plant is crucial for achieving a successful harvest. Each weed plant stage requires specific care, including proper lighting, nutrients, and environmental conditions. I hope you'll grow the cannabis buds of your dreams with our detailed and clear instructions.

FAQs about Weed Plant Stages

1. When Do Buds Grow the Most?

Buds grow the most during the middle to late cannabis flowering stage. During this period, Ensuring optimal light, nutrients, and reduced humidity to 50-60% during these weeks is crucial for maximizing bud growth.

2. What Does a Weed Plant Look Like at 4 Weeks?

At week 4 of the flowering stage, a cannabis plant shows significant bud development. The buds are bulkier and covered with more pistils, which may start to change color from white to orange or brown. Trichomes that produce cannabinoids and terpenes become more prominent.

3. What Does a 2-Week Old Weed Plant Look Like?

At 2 weeks old, a cannabis plant is in the seedling stage and is usually about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) tall with a thin stem. It has developed its first set of true green leaves with serrated edges, typically showing 3 to 4 sets of leaves by this stage, each with 3 to 5 fingers.