Cannabis Grow Guide Week by Week: From Seed to Harvest

Growing cannabis successfully requires patience, knowledge, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced grower, understanding the week-by-week process can help you maximize yields and produce high-quality buds.

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This comprehensive guide will walk you through each stage of cannabis growth, from seed germination to harvest, and provide actionable tips for optimal results.

Week 1-2: Germination Stage

The first step in cannabis cultivation is germinating your seeds. This is when your seeds awaken and begin to sprout.

• How to germinate: Place seeds between damp paper towels, in a dark, warm area. Within 24–72 hours, seeds should sprout tiny white roots.

• Lighting: Keep seedlings under 18 hours of light per day. Fluorescent or LED grow lights work best.

• Medium: Start in seedling trays with a light, well-draining soil mix.

Tips: Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to mold or rot.

Week 3-4: Seedling Stage

Once seedlings develop a few leaves, they enter the seedling stage. This is a critical period for root development.

• Lighting: Maintain 18–24 hours of light daily. Keep lights close but not too near to prevent burning.

• Watering: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry slightly between sessions.

• Nutrients: Seedlings require minimal nutrients; consider a gentle, diluted fertilizer.

During this stage, your plants are vulnerable, so ensure proper airflow and monitor for pests.

Week 5-8: Vegetative Stage

The vegetative stage is when plants grow rapidly and establish strong stems and leaves.

• Light cycle: Maintain 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.

• Nutrients: Introduce nitrogen-rich nutrients to promote healthy growth.

• Training techniques: Consider topping or low-stress training (LST) to improve yields and airflow.

Plants will need more water as they grow. Monitor soil moisture and watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies.

Week 9-12: Pre-Flowering Stage

During the pre-flowering stage, cannabis plants begin to show signs of gender. Identify and remove male plants if growing from regular seeds to avoid pollination.

• Light cycle: Keep 18 hours of light until transitioning to flowering.

• Nutrients: Adjust feeding to a balanced N-P-K ratio.

• Environment: Maintain humidity around 40–50% and temperatures between 70–80°F.

Tip: Pre-flowering is a good time to start pruning lower growth to focus energy on main colas.

Week 13-18: Flowering Stage

The flowering stage is where cannabis plants develop buds. Proper care is essential for potent, high-quality flowers.

• Light cycle: Switch to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

• Nutrients: Introduce phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers for flower development.

• Environment: Keep humidity lower (40–50%) to prevent mold.

Monitor buds for signs of pests or nutrient burn, and ensure consistent watering without overwatering.

Week 19-20+: Ripening and Harvesting

In the final stage, buds mature and resin develops. Timing your harvest is key to potency and flavor.

• Trichome check: Use a magnifying glass to inspect trichomes. Harvest when they appear milky white with some amber.

• Flushing: Stop nutrients 1–2 weeks before harvest to improve taste.

• Harvesting: Cut branches, trim leaves, and hang buds upside down in a dark, ventilated area to dry.

After drying, cure buds in airtight containers for 2–4 weeks to enhance flavor and potency.

Tips for a Successful Grow

1. Maintain proper temperature and humidity at each stage.

2. Use quality soil and nutrients suitable for cannabis.

3. Ensure adequate airflow to prevent mold and pests.

4. Monitor plant health daily, adjusting water, light, and nutrients.

5. Document growth weekly to learn from each harvest.

FAQ Section

How long does it take to grow cannabis from seed to harvest?

Typically, 14–20 weeks, depending on strain, growth environment, and care.

Can I grow cannabis indoors and outdoors?

Yes. Indoor grows offer more control over light, temperature, and humidity, while outdoor grows rely on seasonal conditions.

How often should I water my cannabis plants?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Overwatering can harm roots and stunt growth.

How do I know when cannabis is ready to harvest?

Check trichomes with a magnifying glass. Milky white with some amber trichomes indicate peak potency.

Do I need special equipment to grow cannabis week by week?

Essential items include grow lights, quality soil, pots, nutrients, and humidity/temperature monitors. Optional tools like fans and pH meters help optimize growth.

Conclusion

A week-by-week cannabis grow guide helps beginners and experienced growers understand each stage of cultivation. From seed germination to harvesting resinous buds, consistent care and attention are key to success. Remember to monitor light, nutrients, and environmental factors carefully, and document your progress for better results in future grows.

With the right tools, patience, and guidance, anyone can cultivate healthy cannabis plants at home. Don’t forget to check DealsZo for the latest coupons and discounts, including your hey abby discount code, to save on seeds, grow kits, and essential equipment.