Cannabis plants go through several stages of growth, from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage. The flowering stage is an important period for cannabis growers as it is when the plants produce buds, which contain the plant’s most potent compounds, such as THC and CBD. In this article, we will take a closer look at the first signs of the cannabis flowering stage, as well as the different stages of flowering week by week.
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What are the First Signs of the Cannabis Flowering Stage?
The first signs of the flowering stage can vary depending on whether the cannabis plants are grown indoors or outdoors. Indoor plants tend to flower earlier than outdoor plants, as they are exposed to a more controlled environment.
The first sign of the flowering stage is the appearance of small white hairs on the plant, known as pistils. These hairs will start to grow from the nodes where the branches meet the stem. At this stage, the plants will also start to show signs of growth, with buds starting to form.
First Signs of Flowering Outdoors
If you are growing cannabis plants outdoors, the first signs of the flowering stage will usually occur later in the season, around August or September, depending on your location. Outdoor plants will start to show signs of the flowering stage as the days get shorter, and the nights get longer.
The first signs of the flowering stage outdoors are the same as indoor plants. You will see small white hairs forming at the nodes, and the plants will start to grow buds.
what do buds look like when they start to form?
When buds first start to form, they will be small and round, about the size of a pea. As the plants continue to grow, the buds will start to get bigger and denser. You will also start to see the trichomes forming on the buds, which are the small, hair-like structures that contain the plant’s cannabinoids.
Week 1
During the first week of the cannabis flowering stage, the plants will continue to grow, and the buds will start to develop. You may notice that the plants are stretching, with the internodes starting to space out. This is a natural part of the flowering stage, as the plants start to divert energy away from vegetative growth and towards bud production.
At this stage, it is important to maintain the correct levels of humidity and temperature to ensure that the plants are healthy and productive. You should aim for a humidity level of around 40-50%, with temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C).
Week 2
By the second week of the flowering stage, the plants will have continued to grow, and the buds will be starting to get bigger. You may also start to notice that the pistils on the buds are starting to change color, from white to a light brown or orange.
This is a good time to start training techniques such as low-stress training (LST), which involves gently bending the branches to encourage lateral growth and improve light penetration. You should also continue to monitor the humidity and temperature levels, as well as nutrient levels. At this stage, the plants will require more phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for bud development.
Week 3
At this point, the plant is well into the flowering stage, and the buds will be getting bigger and more densely packed. The buds will start to form distinct shapes and begin to fill out, and you should start to see small hairs (pistils) emerging from the buds. The pistils will eventually turn from white to orange or brown, indicating that the buds are nearing maturity. The plant will also continue to grow taller, so you may need to consider staking or tying it down to prevent it from falling over.
Week 4
By week four, the buds will be significantly larger, and the plant will continue to grow taller. The pistils on the buds will continue to darken, and the plant will begin to produce more resin. The leaves may start to turn yellow, which is normal as the plant redirects nutrients to the buds. You may also notice a strong aroma coming from the plant at this point.
Week 5
By week five, the buds will be well-formed and beginning to fatten up, they should be dense and covered in resin, and the pistils should be starting to darken. The size of the buds will depend on the strain and growing conditions, but in general, they should be about the size of a golf ball or slightly larger. Keep in mind that the buds will continue to grow and fatten up in the coming weeks, so don’t worry if they’re not as big as you expected at this point.
The plant will be using a lot of energy at this point, so you may notice that the leaves are starting to yellow and die off. This is completely normal and is a sign that the plant is focusing all of its energy on producing the buds. It’s important to keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent during this stage to ensure that the buds develop properly.
Week 6
As your plants enter week 6 of the flowering stage, they will be in full bloom, and the buds will continue to grow and fill out. This is also a crucial time to start flushing your plants, which involves using plain, pH-balanced water to flush out any excess nutrients that may have built up in the soil.
Flushing is important because it can improve the quality and taste of your final product. When plants receive too many nutrients during the flowering stage, the buds can become harsh and unpleasant to smoke. Flushing can help to remove any unwanted compounds, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable smoke.
This is also a good time to start defoliating your plants. Defoliation involves removing some of the larger fan leaves to increase airflow and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant. This can improve the overall health of the plant and promote bigger, denser buds.
Week 7
By week 7 of the flowering stage, your plants will be approaching the end of the bloom phase. The buds will be larger and more resinous than ever, and the pistils will start to turn brown and curl inwards.
This is also a critical time to monitor the trichomes closely. Trichomes are tiny, hair-like structures that cover the buds and contain the plant’s cannabinoids. By observing the color and clarity of the trichomes, you can determine when to harvest your plants for the best effects.
At this stage, it’s also essential to continue flushing your plants to remove any excess nutrients. Be sure to monitor the pH levels of the water to ensure that it remains within the optimal range.
Week 8 and Beyond
As your plants reach week 8 and beyond, they will be nearing the end of the flowering stage. The buds will be at their peak size and potency, and the pistils will have turned a deep red or brown.
This is the time to harvest your plants for the best effects. You can do this by cutting the entire plant down and hanging it upside down to dry in a cool, dark place. Once the buds are dry, you can trim them and cure them in airtight jars for a few weeks to improve the flavor and potency of your final product.
Final thought
The cannabis flowering stage is a critical time in the growth cycle of your plants. By understanding the first signs of the flowering stage and monitoring your plants week by week, you can ensure that they receive the best care and produce the highest quality buds. Remember to monitor humidity and temperature levels
