Understanding the cannabis growth cycle is essential for every grower — from beginners planting their first seed to experienced cultivators optimizing yields and terpene production. Each stage of cannabis growth plays a critical role in determining plant health, potency, yield, aroma, and flavour.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore what happens at each stage of cannabis growth, including germination, seedling, vegetative, pre-flowering, flowering, and harvest. We’ll also cover ideal environmental conditions, nutrients, lighting schedules, and expert cultivation tips to help you grow bigger, healthier, and more productive cannabis plants.

Whether you’re growing indoor, outdoor, greenhouse, soil, coco, or hydroponic, this guide gives you the knowledge needed to achieve professional-level results.

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Table of Contents

1. Understanding the Cannabis Life Cycle

2. Stage 1: Germination

3. Stage 2: Seedling Stage

4. Stage 3: Vegetative Stage

5. Stage 4: Pre-Flowering Stage

6. Stage 5: Flowering Stage

7. Stage 6: Harvesting, Drying & Curing

8. Common Growth Problems & Solutions

9. Pro Tips for Maximizing Cannabis Growth

10. Final Thoughts

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Understanding the Cannabis Growth Cycle

Cannabis is an annual flowering plant that completes its entire life cycle within 3–6 months, depending on strain genetics and growing conditions.

The 6 Key Growth Stages:

1. Germination

2. Seedling

3. Vegetative Growth

4. Pre-Flowering

5. Flowering

6. Harvest

Each stage requires specific lighting, nutrients, temperature, humidity, and care techniques. Mastering these stages leads to strong plant structure, higher yields, richer terpene profiles, and increased cannabinoid content.

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Stage 1: Germination – The Beginning of Life

Timeframe: 1–7 days

Germination is the process where a cannabis seed cracks open and sprouts a taproot, forming the foundation for the entire plant.

What Happens During Germination?

• Water penetrates the seed shell.

• The seed activates enzymes and metabolic processes.

• A white taproot emerges.

• The embryo begins converting stored energy into growth.

Ideal Germination Conditions:

Best Germination Methods:

• Paper towel method

• Starter cubes (Root Riot, Rapid Rooter, Jiffy)

• Direct sowing into soil or coco

• Glass of water soak

Pro Tips:

• Use filtered or distilled water

• Maintain warm, humid conditions

• Avoid overhandling fragile roots

Proper germination ensures vigorous early growth and uniform plant development.

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Stage 2: Seedling Stage – Early Growth & Root Development

Timeframe: 1–3 weeks

Once the sprout emerges from the medium, it enters the seedling stage. This phase focuses on root development and initial leaf formation.

What Happens During the Seedling Stage?

• Cotyledons (first leaves) open

• True cannabis leaves begin forming

• Root system expands rapidly

• Photosynthesis begins

Ideal Conditions:

Nutrient Requirements:

Seedlings need very light feeding, mainly:

• Root stimulators

• Calcium & magnesium

• Mild nitrogen

Avoid strong nutrients as this can cause nutrient burn and stunted growth.

Common Mistakes:

• Overwatering

• Excess nutrients

• Insufficient light

• Poor airflow

Healthy seedlings develop thick stems, vibrant leaves, and fast root growth, setting the foundation for strong vegetative development.

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Stage 3: Vegetative Stage – Structural Growth Explosion

Timeframe: 3–10+ weeks

The vegetative stage is where cannabis plants experience rapid growth, building stems, branches, leaves, and roots.

What Happens During Vegetative Growth?

• Explosive vertical and lateral growth

• Leaf and branch expansion

• Root mass increases dramatically

• Plant establishes its final structure

This stage determines plant size, shape, and yield potential.

Optimal Vegetative Conditions:

Nutrient Needs:

High demand for:

• Nitrogen (N)

• Calcium (Ca)

• Magnesium (Mg)

• Trace minerals

Training Techniques Used:

• Low Stress Training (LST)

• Topping

• FIM

• Mainlining

• SCROG

• Supercropping

Training increases:

• Light penetration

• Airflow

• Bud development

• Yield

Vegetative Growth Tips:

• Strong airflow strengthens stems

• Maintain ideal VPD

• Use beneficial microbes

• Avoid nutrient lockout

This stage determines how big your plants get and how much bud they can support later.

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Stage 4: Pre-Flowering – Sex Identification & Transition Phase

Timeframe: 7–14 days

Pre-flowering begins when plants receive shorter light cycles or reach sexual maturity.

What Happens During Pre-Flower?

• Plants show male or female sex

• Hormonal changes begin

• Vertical stretching starts

• Flower sites form

Light Schedule:

Switch to 12/12 lighting to initiate flowering.

Identifying Sex:

• Female plants: White pistils (hairs)

• Male plants: Pollen sacs

Remove males immediately unless breeding.

Nutrient Adjustments:

Gradually shift from:

• High nitrogen → Balanced bloom nutrients

Environmental Changes:

Stretch typically lasts 1–3 weeks, and plants can double in height.

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Stage 5: Flowering Stage – Bud Development & Resin Production

Timeframe: 7–11 weeks (strain dependent)

This is the most exciting stage where cannabis plants develop flowers, cannabinoids, and terpenes.

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Early Flower (Weeks 1–3)

• Rapid stretch continues

• Flower sites multiply

• White pistils explode

• Buds begin forming

Nutrient Focus:

• Phosphorus

• Potassium

• Calcium

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Mid Flower (Weeks 4–6)

• Bud stacking intensifies

• Resin glands appear

• Aromas increase

• Trichome development accelerates

Nutrient Focus:

• Bloom boosters

• PK supplements

• Amino acids

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Late Flower (Weeks 7–10+)

• Bud swelling peaks

• Pistils darken

• Trichomes mature

• Terpene production reaches maximum

Nutrient Focus:

• Reduced nitrogen

• Final PK

• Flushing agents

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Optimal Flowering Conditions:

Lower humidity prevents mold, mildew, and bud rot.

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Stage 6: Harvesting, Drying & Curing – Preserving Potency & Flavor

Harvest Timing:

Use trichomes to determine readiness:

• Clear → immature

• Cloudy → peak THC

• Amber → more sedative

Ideal Harvest Window:

70–90% cloudy trichomes with 10–20% amber.

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Drying Phase:

Duration: 7–14 days

Slow drying preserves terpenes and cannabinoids.

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Curing Phase:

Duration: 2–6 weeks

Curing improves:

• Flavor

• Smoothness

• Potency

• Shelf life

Store buds in airtight jars, burping daily for the first 1–2 weeks.

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Common Cannabis Growth Problems & Solutions

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Pro Tips for Maximizing Cannabis Growth & Yields

• Maintain proper VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit)

• Use beneficial microbes

• Control root zone temperature

• Implement plant training

• Dial in lighting intensity

• Use quality genetics

• Monitor runoff EC & pH

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Final Thoughts: Mastering Cannabis Growth from Seed to Harvest

Understanding what happens at each stage of cannabis growth gives growers full control over their cultivation success. From germination to curing, each phase plays a vital role in shaping plant structure, cannabinoid production, terpene profile, and final yield.

By mastering the cannabis life cycle, growers can:

• Increase yields

• Improve potency

• Enhance terpene production

• Prevent problems

• Grow healthier plants

Whether you're growing for personal use, private clubs, or commercial cultivation, mastering each growth stage ensures consistent, high-quality harvests every cycle.

At Skyline Smoke Company we have all the products and expertise to guarantee a successful grow from seed to harvest.