When can I harvest cannabis if I start growing it today? The curiosity is real! After the social acceptance of cannabis gardening, growers are super happy and are looking for ways to speed up the growing process.  The growth time of cannabis plants varies depending on factors such as strain, growing conditions, and desired yield.
There are many benefits of marijuana, but one cannot deny that it is a time-consuming and complex project that requires proper attention and an optimal environment to bloom. Overall, if you want to know how long it takes to grow cannabis? Then a short answer is:
- Autoflowering strains take up to 3 months
- Photoperiod strains take up to 4+ months
In short, an average indoor cannabis growth takes 2 to 4 months. It depends on strain type and factors, like whether you are growing weed indoors or outdoors or which system you opt for hydroponics, traditional soil, or aeroponics. For example- the Indica plant matures faster than sativa plants. Everything matters!
So, whether you are a seasoned grower or a novice, we are happy to help!
Stages of Growing Cannabis
Broadly, there are four main stages of cannabis growth- germination, seedling, vegetative, and flowering stage, if we dive deep, there are three more stages that need to be addressed, they are- pre-flowering, harvesting, and curing.
Every stage has distinct features and requirements. Mostly, cannabis plants are photoperiodic and react on a day cycle. During summer, they stretch and produce flowers. If you are growing cannabis indoors, you need to mimic this environment with a balanced light cycle.
However, autoflowering strains are different from this.
However, autoflowering strains are different from this.They have Ruderalis genetics and bloom automatically within six weeks, it is why we recommend this strain to beginners, as it can withstand harsh climatic conditions, so you don’t have to worry about its light cycle, etc.
Here are the phases of cannabis growth. If you have cloned plants, skip two steps and move to the vegetative stage.
1. Germination (1- 10 days)
It is the very first stage where the seed is sprouted, and a small taproot emerges. It usually takes 24-72 hours for germination to occur. Remember to pick mature seeds as they may not germinate properly. It should be hard and brown. Do not pick soft and white-green seeds for germination.Â
To germinate, keep seeds in a wet and dark place. You can do the paper towel method or keep it in the cabinet. Expose seeds in light to boost growth, in a few hours, you will see a radicle (single root in soil). The young plant develops its first set of leaves, known as cotyledons, and delves rapidly.
2. Seedling (2-3 weeks)
It is the most fragile stage, the seedling requires 18 to 24 hours of sunlight, moist nutrient-rich soil, and proper humidity. During this stage, the plant should grow two to three sets of leaves ( not the single cotyledon). This stage lasts for about 2-3 weeks. Take proper care, as the plant may get damaged or killed.
3. Vegetative (4- 8 weeks)
It is the second longest and most vital phase in cannabis plant growth. Once the plant grows seven sets of leaves, it enters the vegetative stage. In this stage, the plant grows and develops more leaves and branches.
During this phase, increase water supply, airflow, and nutrients for maturation. Similar to germination and seedlings, this time requires well-drained soil and proper light for photosynthesis. For indoor rooms, opt for an 18-hour daylight cycle and a 6-hour night period. The vegetative stage can last for several weeks, depending on the desired size of the plant.
Indoor growers usually veg this stage for 3 -4 weeks. However, growers employing high-stress training techniques may take a long to achieve this stage as plants require recovery time.
Also Read: How to Water the Cannabis Plant?
4. Pre-flowering (7 – 14 days)
Cannabis is a photoperiodic plant, meaning its flowering cycle is influenced by light. As the days get shorter (typically in fall), the plant receives less light, which signals it’s time to reproduce. Indoor growers can control this switch by reducing the light cycle from 18/6 (18 hours light/6 hours dark) to 12/12 or even less.
Pre-flowering marks the transition from the vegetative stage (focusing on foliage growth) to the flowering stage (bud production). In this stage, tiny pre-flowers develop at the nodes (where stems meet branches). These pre-flowers will eventually turn into mature flowers, but at this stage, they’re too small to determine the plant’s sex.
How to tell if it’s male or female cannabis?
Look for the following:
- Female: Two pistils on the buds
- Male: Small green pollen sacs around the area of the node
5. Flowering (8-10 weeks)
This is the most crucial stage because the plant focuses its energy on producing buds, the flower clusters that contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These cannabinoids produce the psychoactive and therapeutic effects.
The flowering stage typically lasts 8-10 weeks, depending on the strain. Tiny pre-flowers from the pre-flowering stage mature into dense, frosty buds. These buds have trichomes, tiny hair-like glands that produce cannabinoids and THC.
Unlike the vegetative stage, which prioritizes leaf growth, the flowering stage requires less light. Typically, growers switch to a 12/12 hour light/dark cycle to mimic shorter days and stimulate flower production. The nutrient needs of the plant shift during flowering, so growers adjust their fertilizers to provide more phosphorus and potassium essential for bud development.
6. Harvesting
Once the buds have reached maturity, they are ready to be harvested. It involves cutting down the plant, trimming the buds, and drying and curing them to prepare for consumption. By hanging the plants for seven to fourteen days and drying them in 40 to 50% humidity, they can be stored for months in an airtight container without fungus or bacteria growing on them.Â
Also Refer to: Harvesting and Processing of Cannabis Seeds
7. Curing
Freshly dried cannabis can have a harsh taste and smell due to the presence of chlorophyll. Curing allows chlorophyll to break down, resulting in a smoother, more pleasant smoking or vaping experience. The unique terpene profile of each strain, responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors, also fully develops during curing. Also, cured cannabis has a longer shelf life compared to uncured buds.
**To be noted- Specific duration and requirements of each stage can vary depending on factors such as strain, growing conditions, and desired results.
What are some factors affecting the Growth Time of Cannabis?
Three main factors affect the cannabis growth timeline:
1. Strains (Genetics)
It is the most crucial thing to consider when choosing seed strains. Seed types significantly influence the growth time for cannabis, primarily due to how they initiate flowering. Here are the key differences:
- Photoperiod vs. Autoflower Flowering:
Photoperiod Strains: These strains are light-dependent. They require a specific light cycle change (typically from a vegetative cycle of 18/6 light/dark to a flowering cycle of 12/12) to initiate flower production. This dependence on light allows growers more control over the vegetative stage length, but it generally leads to a longer overall grow time. Photoperiod flowering times typically range from 6-10 weeks.
Autoflower Strains: These strains are genetically programmed to flower automatically after a set period (usually around 4-6 weeks) regardless of the light cycle. This makes them ideal for beginners or growers with limited control over light. The total grow time for autoflowers is generally faster, going from seed to harvest in as little as 8-10 weeks.
Here’s a table summarizing the key differences affecting growth time:
| Feature | Photoperiod Strains | Autoflower Strains |
| Flowering Trigger | Light Cycle Change | Age (Typically 4-6 weeks) |
| Vegetative Stage Control | High (adjustable light cycle) | Limited |
| Overall Grow Time | Longer (6-10 weeks flowering) | Faster (8-10 weeks seed to harvest) |
- Indica vs. Sativa:Â Indica-dominant strains generally flower faster (7-8 weeks), while Sativa-dominant strains tend to take longer (9-12 weeks or even longer). It is a general trend, and exceptions exist.
2. Plant Size
Need a bigger plant, wait for more time! However, this does not apply to autoflowering and fast version strains, but if it’s about photoperiod strains, the grower decides the length of the vegetative stage.
- Vegetative Stage Length: The duration of the vegetative stage significantly impacts the overall growth timeline. Growers can manipulate this stage by controlling light cycles (longer light periods for more vegetative growth) and allowing plants to grow bushier before inducing flowering. Bigger plants naturally take longer to flower completely.
- Training Techniques: Techniques like topping or using ScrOG (Screen of Green) can influence plant size and indirectly affect the growth timeline. These methods can promote bushier growth, potentially extending the vegetative stage.
3. Grow Setup
Plants develop quickly and healthily in a full-fledged grow arrangement.
- Light Source: The intensity and spectrum of light can influence growth rate. Stronger lights typically promote faster growth, potentially leading to a shorter timeline.
- Environment: Factors like temperature, humidity, and ventilation can affect plant health and growth rate. Optimal conditions generally promote faster growth and potentially shorten the timeline.
- Growing Medium:Â The type of growing medium (soil, hydroponics, etc.) influences the growth rate to some extent. However, the impact on the timeline is usually less significant than other factors.
Does growing Indoors or Outdoors affect growth time?
Yes, growing setup matters. Indoors, outdoors, micro growing, light deprivation growing, hydroponics, aeroponics, and growing cannabis with plant growth regulators, every setup has a different average growth time that we will discuss below:
1. Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing:
- Indoor: Growers have much more control over the environment indoors, including light, temperature, and humidity. It allows for manipulation of the development cycle. With proper lighting adjustments, growers can induce flowering whenever desired, potentially leading to faster harvests than outdoors. Some strains can be flipped to flower as early as 3-4 weeks of vegetative growth indoors.
- Outdoor: Outdoor plants rely on natural sunlight for flowering, which is dictated by the seasons. It typically results in longer vegetative stages and just one or two harvests per year, depending on the climate.
Also Read: Where to grow Cannabis- Indoor or Outdoor?
2. Other Growing Setups and Techniques:
- Micro Growing: This involves cultivating cannabis in small spaces. While the plants themselves may mature faster due to limited space, the overall timeline might not differ significantly from traditional indoor setups if growers employ efficient lighting and techniques.
- Light Deprivation Growing (Outdoors): This technique involves manipulating light exposure outdoors to mimic shorter days and induce flowering earlier than the natural season allows. It can potentially shorten the grow time compared to a fully outdoor grow that relies solely on natural light cycles.
- Hydroponics and Aeroponics: These soilless growing methods can provide optimal nutrient and water delivery to plants, potentially leading to faster growth rates than traditional soil cultivation. It could translate to a slightly shorter overall growth timeline.
- Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs): These are substances that influence plant growth and development. Some PGRs might promote faster flowering or bushier growth, potentially affecting the growth timeline.
However, it’s crucial to note that using PGRs on cannabis is a controversial practice, and their legality and safety for consumption can vary by region. Always check the regulations in your area before using PGRs or cultivating cannabis in any form. You may consider alternative methods for faster growth like optimizing light or using high-quality nutrients.
How to speed up the Process of Growing Cannabis?
There are many tips and tricks by which you can speed up the cannabis growth process and harvest it early. Here they are:
1. Selecting Strains with Short Flowering Times
This is a key factor. Opt for Indica-dominant or autoflowering strains that are known for faster flowering periods. Indica-dominant strains typically take 7-8 weeks to flower, while autoflowering strains can transition from seed to harvest in as little as 8-10 weeks. Research reputable seed banks and choose strains specifically bred for short flowering times.
2. Maintaining an Optimal Growing
Provide strong, consistent light during the vegetative stage to promote healthy growth. Aim for 18 hours of light per day during this phase. When switching to a flower, ensure a strict 12/12 light/dark cycle to trigger bud production.
Maintain a comfortable temperature range of 68-78°F (20-26°C) and a humidity level of 40-60% during the vegetative stage. Slightly lower the humidity (around 30-50%) during flowering to discourage mold growth. Proper ventilation is also essential.
Feed your plants a balanced nutrient solution throughout the ripening cycle, adjusting the proportions based on the stage. Ensure proper drainage to avoid nutrient lockout.
3. Starting with Clones
Using clones derived from a mature plant can shave off weeks from your growth time compared to starting from seeds. Clones bypass the germination stage and already have a developed root system, allowing them to focus on foliage and flower production quickly.
Also Refer: Can You Clone Autoflower Cannabis Plants?
4. Utilizing Proper Pruning Methods
Pruning techniques like topping or low-stress training (LST) can encourage bushier growth and optimize light penetration to lower bud sites. It can potentially lead to increased bud production without significantly extending the vegetative stage. However, avoid over-pruning, which can stress the plant and hinder growth.
FAQS
1. How long does each stage typically last?
Germination takes 1-7 days, seedlings take 2-3 weeks, and vegetative stages last 2-8 weeks (or more). It is where the plant concentrates on leaf development. Flowering takes 6-10 weeks- depending on the strain, with pre-flowering lasting 1-2 weeks. Harvesting is the last step, which is not scheduled but is determined by trichome growth (cloudy for maximum potency) and grower desire.
2. How does strain selection influence growth time?
Strain selection significantly impacts growth time, Autoflowering buds automatically after a set period (usually 8-10 weeks) regardless of the light cycle. It makes them the fastest option, going from seed to harvest in a short timeframe.
Conversely, Photoperiod Strains rely on changes in the light cycle to flower. Indica-dominant strains typically have shorter flowering times (7-8 weeks), while Sativa-dominant strains can take longer (9-12 weeks or even longer).
3. What are some common challenges that might extend grow time?
Some common challenges that might extend cannabis grow time are improper environment, nutrient deficiencies/toxicities, pest or disease issues, over/under-watering, and light issues.
4. How can I ensure a successful and efficient growth cycle?
Start by researching and understanding your chosen strain’s specific needs and growth patterns. It will guide your approach to a successful and efficient growth cycle.
Maintain an optimal growing environment, water regularly, and feed your plants regularly. Monitor your plants closely and prune them strategically.
5. How long does it take for a cannabis plant to start harvesting?
Harvesting typically occurs after the flowering stage, but the exact timing depends on the desired effect:
- For a more energetic effect: Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy.
- For a more potent and relaxing effect: Allow some trichomes to turn amber before harvest (more common with Indica strains).
Growing Cannabis: Be Patient!
The good thing that takes time so is cannabis harvesting. An autoflower may be ready to harvest in 10 weeks, while sativa dominant may take up to 20 weeks, but you will get a bountiful harvest finally that will be way more satisfying than you have ever thought.
Maintain hygiene and keep the above factors in mind if you are growing cannabis for the first time. If you want everything quick, pick auto strains and fast version seeds, but always buy them from reputed sellers.
Have questions? Talk to us!
That’s all! Happy cannabis growing!
