Weed Plant Stages & Growing Life Cycle Explained

The growth of weed plants requires unique demands and a certain environment. These conditions must be available at all stages of the cultivation process. It takes about 3 to 5 months for the weed plant stages of growth. You must provide proper care at every stage of the plant growth to ensure the best harvest and preservation.

Weed Plant Stages and Growing Life Cycle of Weed Plant

Different factors should be considered at every weed plant stage. The 4 stages that these conditions must be factored in are the following:

1.Germination stage

Germination of weed takes place between 24 hours and 2 weeks. Sexual reproduction is used by the plant to ensure that the species continues into the next generation. There are female and male weed plants that must reproduce. There are also instances of hermaphrodite in weed plants.

Growers prefer to use the female weed plant because of their ability to produce massive quantities of trichomes. Trichomes are small white crystals that contain cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Male plants are not very useful at this stage and may contaminate your crop if you have them around. As a result, it is recommended that you go for feminized seeds.

The genetics of feminized seeds have been engineered to make them become only female plants. You can find these types of seed banks. You are not guaranteed a female plant when you use regular seeds, but you have a chance of 99% with feminized seeds.

Every seed contains a weed plant waiting to emerge. You will have to take good care of it t get the expected results. To sprout, the seeds need water and heat, or else they will remain dormant if they do not get these things. There are different ways to germinate your seeds, and you can choose any method you like.

2.Seedling stage

After germination, comes to the seedling stage. This takes about 2 to 3 weeks. The germinated seeds will begin to grow once they are planted. A little weed plant will shoot out from the soil and begin to develop characteristics that are similar to the weed plant. It will produce two leaves during this seedling stage.

The leaves will open outward from the plant’s stem to begin receiving sunlight. Thereafter, is the sprouting of the trademark weed leaves at the top of the plant. The plant will also begin to develop its root system at this stage. It is officially a seedling when this happens.

Generally, the seedling should be kept in an environment with humidity of around 60% and at a temperature of 77 °F. Once the leaves start to emerge, the weed plant will need a light cycle of about 118 hours in a day. You can also make use of fertilizer rich in nitrogen at this point.

3. Vegetative stage

You should have transferred the plant from a smaller pot into a larger one by the time the vegetative stage comes around. The vegetative stage takes about 3 to 4 weeks. The plant will begin to grow more rapidly at this point. It will also take more carbon dioxide and other required nutrients. These ensure that the plant takes shape and grows quickly.

Vertical growth happens as the plant gets taller. The characteristics of the plant will be displayed at this point, letting you know if it is indica or sativa. Indica will appear bush and short with dense foliage. Sativa, on the other hand, becomes narrower and taller.

Furthermore, you can look for males in your crop at the end of the vegetative stage. The males will grow pollen sacs, and the female plants will begin developing white pistils as the plant leaves the vegetative stage. Remove any sac you find in the vicinity so that it does not pollinate the females and destroy your crop.

4. Flowering stage

The flowering stage is the last but the most important. It takes around 6 to 8 weeks. Through the reduction of the amount of white light this plant gets, you can transition it into the flowering stage. What is ideal for it at this point is 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light.

Sticky resins will be produced on the leaves when the plant flowers. The development of trichomes also happens at this stage. What this means is that the cannabinoids present in the plants are developing well. The potency of the weed is commonly determined by how long the flowering stage takes.

The temperature at this point should be kept between 68 and 77 °F, and the humidity around 50%. You can then up the plant’s intake of phosphorus and potassium, but stop giving it nitrogen.

Harvesting and Pruning Your Weed

You need to keep a close look at the weed plant to know when it is ready to be harvested. The potency, weight, taste, and smell can all affect the final product. To help you with this, look at the pistils closely. It is time for harvest when the pistils start changing to brown and the leaves to yellow. Generally, experts recommend that you harvest your weed before the pistils are entirely brown.

Pruning the plant is what follows after cutting it down. It is this process that ensures you have a smokable and rounded bud. You can carry out dry or wet pruning. Wet pruning is much easier than dry pruning.

Preparing for Next Season’s Growth Cycle

You will have a delicious, potent bud once the first growing cycle has been completed. You are going to need more seeds if you plan to cultivate your weed continuously. It is unlikely that you have your seed because you will have to remove the males from the weed plant.

As a result, you can look to get more speed from a seed bank. This will allow you to try different strains of weed; however, some cultivators prefer cloning.

Conclusion

Cultivating weed plants can be rewarding if it is legal in your state. However, you must understand its growth stages and life cycle to ensure your effort is not a waste of time. If you are still confused about Weed Plant Stages & Growing Life Cycle, then you can contact BC Seeds for more information.