The marijuana plant goes through different phases of development, from germination to harvest. In each phase, important changes happen, leading to the next stage. Unlike other plants, marijuana requires different amounts of light, nutrients, and water in each phase, complicating the growth process. Therefore, growers need to understand all these stages to enhance the cultivation process and optimize results. Here is everything marijuana growers need to understand.

Germination

The first phase of marijuana growth is the germination. What happens in this phase? Growers take a viable seed and provide it with the right amount of oxygen, moisture, and warmth. After 10-15 days, the first true leaves and a tiny tap root should emerge. How can growers improve this phase? When growing your own marijuana plants, you can speed up the germination stage through scarification or roughening of the seed coat. This will help since the seed coat of the marijuana seeds is hard.

Seeding

The seedlings take about two to three weeks to grow, which is the most sensitive stage for the plants. This is because the root system is small and fragile. Therefore, growers should not drown the roots by overwatering them. This stage is exciting because the plant leaves will start to show as the plant begins photosynthesis. Although the leaves are small, they will need to get a minimum of 18 hours of light. Since the sun cannot provide this, cultivators can use artificial products producing UV light.

Vegetative Growths

During the germination stage, the plants are prone to getting molds and diseases, and in some cases, they die. That is why it is usually exciting for the growers when their plants reach vegetative growth, and the cultivator gets to transfer the plant from the seedbed to the main growing area. Transplanting at this stage is possible since the plants have a well-established root system and an average of 6-8 fingers or leaves. In some plants, the leaves can have up to 13 fingers. 

Pre-Flowering

For a marijuana farmer, the flowering stage is when they start to see the rewards of their hard work. The plant exhibits signs of gender, with females showcasing tiny white hairs while males develop pollen sacs. Also, the growers start identifying and segregating plants based on desired traits at this phase. They can speed up the pre-flowering stage by providing at least 12 hours of light. 

Flowering

In contrast to germination, cultivating, and vegetative development, where the plant mostly depends on light, the plant will need light and darkness during the flowering phase. At this stage, ensuring the plant gets ten complete hours of total darkness will act as a catalyst and ensure that the plant flower buds, which are white, start fattening within a few weeks, and before long, it will be ready for reaping.

Harvesting

A common question that first-time cannabis growers ask is when they can tell the plant is ready for harvesting. The whole purpose of going through the stages is to have a good harvest. However, growers should not start harvesting when they notice that the buds are fat; they have to wait for it to turn orange before harvesting the plant. Early harvesting will result in a low-quality product.

Before embarking on the journey of marijuana growth, growers should learn the basics and what is required in every phase. The growth process has many phases, each essential for its growth, development, and eventual harvest. Growers must understand these phrases to optimize output and nurture healthy, thriving plants.