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Lifecycle of a Cannabis Seed

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Lifecycle of a Cannabis Seed

This timeline is provided for educational purposes only and is intended to offer a general overview of the cannabis cultivation process from seed to harvest. Please note that results may vary depending on numerous factors, including strain genetics, growing environment, and cultivation methods. This information is not guaranteed to produce specific outcomes and should not be considered professional advice. Always follow local laws and best practices when cultivating cannabis.

1. Germination Cannabis Seed - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
1-7 Days
1. Germination Stage
The cannabis lifecycle begins when a viable seed is exposed to moisture, warmth, and darkness. The seed absorbs water through its hard outer shell, activating internal enzymes and hormones. A white taproot (radicle) emerges as the seed cracks open, anchoring the future plant and beginning nutrient uptake.

Key Conditions:
• Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Humidity: 70–90%
• Darkness or low light
• Moist, not soaked, growing medium (paper towels, peat plugs, or soil)

Goal:
A strong taproot and first signs of life—ready for transplant into soil or a hydroponic medium.
1-7 Days
2. Seedling - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
2-3 weeks
2. Seedling Stage
After germination, the seedling emerges above soil. The first cotyledon leaves (small, round seed leaves) appear, followed by the first true serrated cannabis leaves. This young plant is very delicate and needs proper conditions to develop a strong root system and stem.

Key Conditions:
• Light: 18–24 hours per day (low-intensity grow lights)
• Temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C)
• Humidity: 65–70%
• Minimal nutrients (overfeeding can damage seedlings)

Goal:
Grow a sturdy, healthy base with at least 4–5 sets of true leaves before moving to vegetative growth.
2-3 weeks
3. Vegetative - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
3-8 weeks or longer
3. Vegetative Stage
This is the main growth phase. The plant rapidly develops branches, stems, and fan leaves, building energy through photosynthesis. Roots expand aggressively, and the plant can be trained (via topping, LST, etc.) to encourage bushier growth and increase future yields.

Key Conditions:
• Light: 18 hours on / 6 hours off
• Temperature: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
• Humidity: 40–70%
• Nutrients: High nitrogen (N) feed for structural growth

Goal:
Produce a robust, healthy plant with strong stems and multiple bud sites ready for flowering.
3-8 weeks or longer
Pre-Flowering / Sexing Stage - Cape Cod Cannabis in Wellfleet, MA
1-2 weeks
4. Pre-Flowering / Sexing Stage
When transitioning from vegetative to flowering (typically by changing the light cycle), the plant shows signs of sex.

• Females show pistils (white hairs at nodes)
• Males form pollen sacs (round balls)

If growing from regular seeds, this is the time to identify and remove males (unless breeding). Feminized seeds skip this guessing game.

Key Conditions:
• Same as late vegetative stage
• Begin adjusting nutrient mix (lower nitrogen, more phosphorus)

Goal:
Identify plant sex and prepare females for full flowering.
1-2 weeks
Flowering - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
6-12 weeks (Strain Dependent)
5. Flowering Stage
Once exposed to 12 hours of darkness, cannabis begins to flower. Female plants grow buds, which are clusters of calyxes covered in trichomes (resin glands with cannabinoids and terpenes). Buds thicken and ripen over time, developing their signature aroma, flavor, and potency.

Key Conditions:
• Light: 12 hours on / 12 off (strict)
• Temperature: 65–80°F (18–26°C)
• Humidity: 40–50% (lowering toward end to prevent mold)
• Nutrients: Lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)

Goal:
Grow dense, resinous, cannabinoid-rich buds for harvest.
6-12 weeks (Strain Dependent)
Harvest - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
Timing depends on Strain
6. Harvest Stage
Once trichomes shift from clear to cloudy/amber, and pistils darken and curl, the plant is ready for harvest. Timing affects potency:

• Cloudy trichomes = peak THC
• Amber trichomes = more CBN (relaxing, sedative effect)

Key Steps:
• Flush plant with water (no nutrients) for 7–14 days pre-harvest
• Cut plant at the base or trim individual branches
• Handle gently to preserve trichomes

Goal:
Harvest at optimal ripeness for desired effects and potency.
Timing depends on Strain
Drying & Curing - Cape Cod Cannabis, Wellfleet, MA
2-6 weeks
7. Drying & Curing
Post-harvest, buds must be dried slowly to remove moisture without damaging cannabinoids. Then, curing in airtight containers allows flavors and potency to develop fully, reduces harshness, and preserves freshness.

Key Conditions (Drying):
• Temp: 60–70°F (16–21°C)
• Humidity: 50–60%
• Time: 7–14 days, in dark space with airflow

Key Conditions (Curing):
• Use glass jars, “burped” daily to release gases
• Continue for at least 2–4 weeks (up to 6+ weeks for premium results)

Goal:
Smooth, flavorful, potent buds with long shelf life and full terpene profile.
2-6 weeks
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The full lifecycle of a cannabis seed from germination to harvest and curing takes approximately 3.5 to 6+ months, depending on the strain, growing conditions, and desired quality.

 

Here’s a breakdown of how long each stage takes:

 

Stage

Timeframe

Germination

1–7 days

Seedling

2–3 weeks

Vegetative

3–8 weeks (longer if desired)

Pre-flowering/Sexing

1–2 weeks

Flowering

6–12 weeks (strain dependent)

Harvest

1–3 days (includes trimming)

Drying & Curing

2–6 weeks (curing can go longer)


Typical Total Duration:

  • Fast grow (auto-flowering strains): ~12–14 weeks (3–3.5 months)

  • Photoperiod grow (indoor/outdoor): ~16–24 weeks (4–6 months+)

 

 

 

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