The Growth Stages of Cannabis Plants

1. The Growth Stages of Cannabis Plants The cannabis plant just like every other plant has a life cycle with different phases indicating growth in the plant. The total life cycle is relatively short but during this period, a lot will happen from the seed stage to maturity.

2. This article will be discussing the different stages, prominent features and what to be done during these periods to increase the growth rate of the cannabis plant, maximizing quality as well. This knowledge aids a farmer know what he needs to do at each stage and fix issues he might encounter when his plants are not acting according to the familiar script. Each phase of the cannabis plant lifecycle comes with personalized difficulties and challenges, informing yourself as a farmer gives you the tools to handle each issue technically without fretting. Seed Stage Every plant lifecycle starts with the seeds. The quality of cannabis seeds used depends on the traits or strains of the parent plant. The genes of two plants usually mesh together except the parent plant is a hermaphrodite (having the male and female sex organs in the same plant, giving it the ability to reproduce on its own). The cannabis seeds are dormant until water and light that are needed for plant growth are introduced. Extremely low temperature; refrigeration, should be avoided. This kills the cannabis seeds.

3. Seed Germination Stage When dormant seeds are ready to be planted, exposure to light and moisture will activate series of hormones, kick-starting the growth process of the seed. A single root appears, growing downwards, splitting open the outer coat of the seed. The reason for the root growth is to search efficiently for water and nutrient for optimal growth. Almost at the same time, a green stalk will grow upwards; two cotyledon leaves will appear after that. During this sprouting period, the plant has two meristems; the shoot and root meristems, which will grow into the stem and tap root respectively. The meristem is where proper cell division occurs; this continues throughout the plants. Seedling Stage This is the first true lifecycle of a cannabis plant. Here, the seed protective layer is broken apart by the plant. After this is completed, the root system begins to develop, and leaves will also keep growing, new leaves will start to sprout as well.

4. 3 to 7 days after the initial growth stage, a healthy plant should be a seedling. A strong root system and the progressive growth of true leaves should be expected during this point. Real leaves exhibit the same characteristics as matured cannabis leaves. The seedling stage last from 3 to 6 weeks. This duration depends on different environmental factors and the type of strain being cultivated. Vegetative Stage This is the stage your cannabis plants begin to mature. More foliage is produced as the plant has come of age and can absorb more carbon dioxide and other nutrients needed for growth. During this stage, the cannabis plants root keep expanding and the plant keeps growing taller. A healthy plant at this stage can grow 2 inches a day. The temperature for optimal growth of this plant is between 65 to 80 degrees and a humidity of about 50 to 70 percent. Flowering Stage