The journey from a cannabis seed to a harvestable flower is a multi-stage process. Total cultivation time varies significantly depending on the strain’s genetics and the growing environment. While some rapid-growing strains can reach harvest in as little as three months, others, particularly those grown outdoors, may require six to eight months to fully mature. Understanding each phase allows cultivators to accurately project the overall timeline.
Timeline of Early Development
The initial stage of the growth cycle begins with germination, where the dormant seed is activated by moisture and warmth. This process typically takes between 2 and 10 days until a tiny taproot emerges.
Following germination, the plant enters the seedling phase, which generally lasts for two to three weeks. During this time, the plant develops its first true leaves and establishes a root system. Starting from a rooted cutting, known as a clone, bypasses this early development period, saving approximately three to four weeks from the total cultivation timeline.
Duration of Vegetative Growth
Once the seedling phase concludes, the plant enters vegetative growth, developing stems, branches, and fan leaves. This phase is the most adaptable segment of the indoor cultivation schedule, as its duration is directly controlled by the grower. The plant is kept in this state by providing a long daily light cycle, typically 18 or more hours of light, which prevents flowering.
The length of this phase is determined by the desired size of the final plant, and it can last anywhere from three to eight weeks for most indoor setups. Techniques requiring larger plants, such as Screen of Green (SCROG), may extend this period to 10 weeks or more. Outdoor cultivation does not allow for this flexibility, as vegetative growth is naturally fixed by the season, continuing until the days shorten in late summer.
Flowering: The Final Countdown to Harvest
The transition to the flowering phase is triggered indoors by reducing the light cycle to 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 12 hours of light. This light shift signals the plant to produce flowers. The duration of this final stage before harvest is primarily dictated by the strain’s genetic background.
Indica-dominant strains often complete their flowering cycle in seven to nine weeks. Sativa-dominant strains require a significantly longer time to finish, frequently taking 10 to 14 weeks or more. Hybrid varieties fall between these two extremes, depending on their dominant genetics.
The precise moment of harvest is determined by observing the glandular hairs on the flowers, called trichomes. Cultivators inspect the color of these trichomes, which progresses from clear to cloudy and finally to amber. Harvesting is typically performed when the majority of trichomes are cloudy, indicating peak cannabinoid potency, or when a percentage have turned amber, suggesting a more sedative effect.
Post-Harvest Processing Time
After the plant is cut down, the process is far from complete, as the flowers are not yet ready for consumption. The harvested material must first undergo a drying process to reduce its moisture content. This initial drying period typically requires between 5 and 14 days, depending on the density of the flowers and the environmental conditions.
Once the flowers have dried sufficiently, they are placed in airtight containers for curing, which refines the flavor and aroma. Curing allows for the slow breakdown of residual compounds and the preservation of terpenes. This phase requires a minimum of two weeks but is often extended for a month or longer to achieve high quality.