The Flowering Stage
Cannabis is a flowering plant that has been used for centuries to create medicine, fabric, and recreational drugs. The flowering stage of cannabis is an incredibly important part of the plant’s life cycle, as this is when the plants will produce their buds – the parts of the plant that contain the highest levels of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. For cannabis growers, understanding the flowering stage is essential in order to create the best quality buds.
During the flowering stage, cannabis plants go through several distinct phases, each of which has its own unique characteristics. Here’s a closer look at some of the stages of the cannabis flowering period.
The Pre-Flowering Phase: During this stage, the plants will begin to go dormant, and the shoots and branches will start to become less active.
The Flowering Phase: This is the most important part of the flowering period and is the stage when the buds will start to develop. The plants will be producing the highest levels of cannabinoids, and a thick layer of resin will cover the buds. This is also when growers will start to reduce their light cycles to prepare the plants for harvest.
The Secondary Flowers Phase: As the flowers continue to mature, small larvae and bugs may begin to appear. This is the best time for growers to inspect their cannabis plants for pests and diseases, or to add fertilizers for stronger, healthier growth.
The Ripening Phase: At this stage, the buds will start to mature and will become increasingly dense. The colors of the trichomes will also start to become more vivid. This is a critical time, as growers will need to start harvesting their plants at this stage to prevent the buds from becoming too dry.
The Harvest Phase: This is when the buds are ready to be harvested, usually around 8-9 weeks after the beginning of the flowering stage. This is a great time for growers to savor all the hard work that has gone into growing a high-quality crop.
The flowering stage of cannabis is an exciting and important part of the growing process. A thorough understanding of each stage of cannabis flowering can help growers maximize their yields and produce the highest quality buds possible. By keeping a close eye on their plants, and following proper care and feeding practices, growers can ensure that they’ll have a successful harvest each and every time.