Here are the four main stages of growing cannabis, explained simply and clearly:

1. Germination Stage (3–10 days)

What it needs:

Warmth (22–26°C / 72–79°F)

Moisture (but not soaked)

Darkness or low light

Humidity around 70–90%

2. Seedling Stage (1–3 weeks)

What it needs:

Bright but gentle light

Humidity 65–80%

Temperature 20–25°C (68–77°F)

Light feeding (low nutrients)

Keep roots moist but not waterlogged

3. Vegetative Stage (3–8 weeks, sometimes longer)

What it needs:

Long light cycle (18/6 or 20/4)

Lower humidity (50–70%)

Stronger nutrients (higher Nitrogen)

Good airflow and training (LST, topping, etc.)

Bigger pots as roots expand

Goal: Build a strong, healthy plant to support heavy buds later.

4. Flowering Stage (8–11+ weeks depending on strain)

Early Flower (weeks 1–3)

Plants stretch, pistils appear, first tiny buds form.

Mid Flower (weeks 4–6)

Buds swell, trichomes increase, strong aroma begins.

Late Flower / Ripening (weeks 7–11)

Buds reach full density; trichomes turn cloudy/amber.

What it needs:

12/12 light cycle

Humidity 40–50% (lower, ~35–40%, in final weeks)

Temperature 20–26°C (68–79°F)

Low Nitrogen, high Phosphorus & Potassium

Strong dehumidification & airflow to prevent mold

5. Harvest, Drying & Curing (2–6 weeks total)

Not part of “growth,” but crucial.

Harvest

Cut when trichomes are mostly cloudy with some amber.

Drying (7–14 days)

Hang at:

18–21°C (65–70°F)

Curing (2–4+ weeks)

Summary Table