I was wondering when is the right time to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage when growing cannabis. I have heard that it depends on the strain and the grower’s preferences, can you provide more information on this topic?
One answer “When to switch from vegetative to flowering stage?”
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In cannabis growing, knowing when to transition from vegetative to flowering stage can make the difference between a good harvest of buds and a poor one. It’s an essential step in any grower’s process, but there’s no perfect answer as to when exactly to switch. It’s a decision that must be tailored to individual preferences, plant traits, and growing environment.
When growing cannabis, the vegetative stage occurs before the flowering stage. In the vegetative stage, the main goal is to develop a healthy and thriving plant before initiating the growth of buds. In this stage, the plants are usually provided with 18-24 hours of light a day, and the intense light mimics the long summer days which stimulate growth. The plants receive nutrients and maintain a smaller stature during the vegetative stage which allows the grower to maximize the output of their garden. During the vegetative stage, growers can also train their plants to the shape and structure that they desire, using topping, low stress training, and other methods.
The flowering stage occurs once the cannabis plant has reached a height and vigor that the grower deems appropriate or once the hours of light per day has been reduced to approximately 12. As the plants progress into flowering, the buds will form and begin to swell. The plants will also start to stretch due to the change in photoperiod which makes them far more sensitive to light, heat, and deficiencies.
To decide when to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage, the grower must consider a few important factors such as the variety of cannabis being grown, the height of the plants, the grow space, and their own end goal.
The first factor to consider is the variety of cannabis. Different varieties will require different amounts of time in the vegetative stage before they switch to flowering. Indica strains tend to be shorter and accept light deprivation sooner which means that an indica strain can typically be put into flower sooner than a sativa strain. Sativa strains usually reach higher heights and take longer to flower compared to indicas.
Another factor to consider is the height of the plants. When the desired shape, size, and structure have been achieved, it’s time to put them into the flowering stage. This is because cannabis plants tend to stretch when put into the flowering stage, so you don’t want them to get too tall.
The third factor to consider is the height and width of the grow space. You’ll want to ensure that the space you’re growing the plants in is suitable for the finished size of the plants. If the space is too small, then you should switch to flowering earlier. If the space is spacious and can accommodate taller plants, then you can allow for a longer vegetative stage.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider what you want out of the harvest as this will affect when you switch from vegging to flowering. If you want larger buds, it’s recommended that you allow for a longer vegetative stage as this will give your plants enough time to grow and expand. If you simply want more buds, then go ahead and switch to flowering when the plants achieve a suitable height and width.
In conclusion, when to switch from the vegetative state to the flowering stage when growing cannabis largely depends on the strain and your preferences as a grower. Consider the variety of cannabis, the height and width of the plants, the size of your grow space, and your desired output. It’s important to note that different strains will also fare better in different environments, so make sure to pick the right strain for your environment as well.