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Seed to Harvest: Embarking on the Heroic Journey of Cannabis Cultivation
Cannabis undergoes a remarkable “seed to harvest” journey, transiting through a series of pivotal phases throughout its lifespan. This dynamic adventure, unfolding in paramount stages of germination, seedling, vegetative growth, and flowering, presents a distinct set of challenges at every juncture. It is imperative for beginners in the cultivation sector to be cognizant of these stages, embracing the fervent cycle from seed to harvest to ensure the plants receive the requisite attention and nurturing.
Plants commandeer a fundamental position in the evolutionary hierarchy, offering both healing properties for our bodies and nourishment for our spirits, besides captivating our sensory perceptions. To our esteemed readers, it is evident that our plant of preference is Cannabis sativa L., a formidable trailblazer in the agricultural and medicinal arena, standing tall as one of the most ancient plant genera globally, from seed to harvest.
Regardless of the purpose behind cultivating cannabis, witnessing firsthand the mesmerizing transformation from a diminutive seed to a robust plant, which then gracefully transitions into a flourishing flowering stage, evokes a profound and touching sensation on each occasion. It’s an exhilarating witness to the journey from seed to harvest, a natural masterpiece unfolding before our eyes.
Cannabis asserts its role as an annual plant, embarking on a full circle of life, unfolding vibrantly within a solitary year. A spectrum of varieties reach their magnificent climax between four and ten months, completing a grandeur voyage from seed to harvest. Broadly speaking, one can identify the following four life stages in this audacious journey, each encapsulating a fragment of the vigorous seed-to-harvest saga:
- Germination Phase
- Seedling Phase
- Vegetative Growth Phase
- Flowering Phase
A mere cursory inspection is often sufficient to ascertain the prevailing stage. As time progresses, not only does the physical appearance of the plant undergo transformations, but its necessities evolve as well. Various stages demand fluctuating amounts of light, water, and nutrients. Moreover, for endeavors such as determining the plant’s gender or undertaking pruning tasks, comprehension of the current plant stage proves to be beneficial.
1. Germination phase (1 to 2 weeks)
Every living entity originates from a seed or a similar foundational element. Acquiring high-grade seeds stands as the cardinal prerequisite for a triumphant cultivation journey. It is vital that the selected cannabis seeds are firm, devoid of moisture, and bear a brownish hue. Several methods exist to facilitate the germination of these seeds, with the paper towel technique being the most straightforward.
During the germination phase, the embryo housed within the seed pierces its outer shell, giving rise to a primary root known as the taproot. This germination period can span anywhere between 24 hours to a full week. It has been observed that cannabis strains with a substantial Indica content tend to germinate at a quicker pace compared to the pure Sativa varieties.
Following successful germination, the seed should be delicately positioned within the chosen growth medium, initiating the upward growth trajectory of the plant.
In the subsequent phase, as the inaugural pair of cotyledons (or seed leaves) develop, the plant discards the safeguarding seed husk, marking the cessation of the germination period.
2. Seedling phase (2 to 4 weeks)
During this critical phase of the lifecycle, heightened vigilance is required. Seedlings are highly prone to diseases and fungal growth. A common misstep among beginners is excessive watering and over-fertilization. Even if the ultimate goal is outdoor cultivation, providing the plants with a nurturing commencement indoors can be beneficial, granted there is an accessible location that offers sufficient lighting, such as a windowsill. It is imperative at this juncture to maximize light exposure for the plants.
The duration of the seedling phase is contingent upon the specific variety of plants and the prevailing environmental circumstances. The primary objective of the plant during this period is to establish a robust root system, which will serve as the cornerstone for its future growth and development.
Simultaneously, the plant begins to sprout its initial “true” leaves, which bear the distinctive cannabis leaf configuration. These leaflets manifest as elongated and serrated structures. In its initial stage, a leaf will exhibit a solitary leaflet, gradually escalating to a configuration of five to seven leaflets per leaf as the plant matures.
The culmination of the seedling phase is signified by the plant’s production of the full complement of leaflets with each successive leaf generation.
3. Growth phase or vegetation phase (2 to 8 weeks)
At this juncture, the plant enters its primary growth phase. Assuming it is endowed with sufficient light, it has the potential to expand by up to two inches (5 cm) within a singular day. It becomes palpably evident that a transfer to a larger container is warranted if the plant continues to flourish within a confined pot.
Vegetative entities thrive in nutrient-dense, fertile soil. The synthesis of chlorophyll and proteins is reliant on a consistent nitrogen supply, underscoring the significance of investing in appropriate fertilizers or contemplating the creation of homemade variants.
Concurrently, as the plant ascends in stature, its water requirements escalate. While juvenile plants benefit from watering in proximity to their stem, older plants necessitate a broader water distribution to facilitate efficient water absorption at the root tips.
Are you acquainted with horticultural techniques such as topping, super-cropping, or lollipopping? These methodologies allow for the structured training or modification of the plant’s form. Cultivators employ these tactics with the ambition of fostering more resilient plants boasting an increased bud yield. However, the efficacy of these techniques is a subject of diverse opinions, and their application is principally reserved for specialized cultivation methodologies, like the Screen of Green (SCROG).
Determining the precise duration of the growth phase is a complex endeavor. Autoflowering cannabis varieties independently progress to the flowering stage over a period of approximately 2 to 3 weeks. In contrast, regular or feminized strains initiate the flowering process either when exposed to decreasing daylight hours (in the case of outdoor cultivation) or when the cultivator curtails the illumination period to 12 hours (pertaining to indoor cultivation).
4. Flowering phase (4 to 12 weeks)
For a majority of individuals, the flowering stage represents the pinnacle of excitement in the lifecycle of a cannabis plant. As daylight hours recede and the plant receives diminished light exposure, it initiates its reproductive process.
At this point, the sex of the plant can be definitively identified. Male plants commence pollen production, whereas female plants channel their energy towards generating flowers or buds. A prevalent goal among cultivators is to shield the female plants from pollination to prevent seed formation, necessitating the removal of male plants from the cultivation vicinity.
Certain cultivators resort to utilizing specialized fertilizers at this phase to foster bud development. Throughout the blooming period, cannabis plants have a heightened water requirement. The burgeoning weight of the buds may necessitate the use of stakes for support. To prevent interference with hormonal development, pruning activities should be abstained from after the initial two weeks of the flowering phase.
The duration of the flowering stage is contingent upon the specific strains under cultivation. Autoflowering cannabis varieties may reach harvest readiness in a minimal span of one month, whereas Indica strains typically require a period of 6 to 8 weeks. Conversely, certain Sativa strains may necessitate an extended period exceeding 3 months before the optimal harvest opportunity manifests.
