Quick Glance
You've probably wondered exactly how long does it take for cannabis to grow when you first considered starting your own garden. Well, here's the straight answer that every grower needs to know: cannabis typically takes 3 to 5 months from seed to harvest, but honestly, that's just the beginning of understanding your plant's journey.
As someone who's watched countless plants go through their life cycles, I can tell you that timing isn't everything โ but it's pretty darn important. Whether you're planning your first grow or trying to optimize your harvest schedule, understanding the cannabis growth timeline will save you both time and heartache.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every stage of how long does it take for cannabis to grow, from the moment you plant that first seed to the day you're trimming your final buds. We'll explore growth stages, harvest indicators, and the crucial factors that can either speed up or slow down your cultivation timeline.
1.Cannabis Growth Stages
Cannabis grows in two main stages: vegetative stage (growth stage) and flowering stage. The time for each stage depends on the strain, light conditions, and growing method.
1.1 Vegetative Stage (4-6 weeks)
This is when cannabis plants grow leaves and roots. It usually lasts 4-6 weeks.
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Light: 16-18 hours per day (Use full-spectrum LED lights)
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Temperature & Humidity: 22-28ยฐC / 60-70% RH
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Nutrients: High nitrogen (3-1-2 NPK), fertilize every 10 days
Tips for South Africa:
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In summer, use fans for ventilation due to high temperatures.
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In winter, use greenhouse lighting to extend the vegetative stage.
1.2 Flowering Stage (8-10 weeks)
The flowering stage is where how long does it take for cannabis to grow becomes more variable and exciting. This phase typically spans 8-10 weeks and determines your final harvest quality.
| Stage | Duration | Signs | Key Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bloom | 1-2 weeks | White hair-like pistils appear | Switch to 12/12 light cycle |
| Bud Growth | 3-6 weeks | Trichomes (resin glands) form | Increase phosphorus and potassium (1-3-2 NPK) |
| Maturity | 7-10 weeks | Pistils change color, trichomes turn cloudy | Reduce watering gradually |
Remember, Sativa strains typically take longer to flower than Indica varieties, which directly affects how long does it take for cannabis to grow your specific strain.
2. 5 Factors That Affect Harvest Timing
2.1 Cannabis Strain
Different strains have different growth cycles. Popular cannabis strains in South Africa include:
| Rank | Strain Name | Growth Time | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Durban Poison | 10-12 weeks | Uplifting, good for focus |
| 2 | Swazi Gold | 8-9 weeks | Relaxing, euphoric |
| 3 | Transkei Gold | 11-13 weeks | Strong effects, unique flavor |
| 4 | Malawi Gold | 16-18 weeks | Long-lasting effects |
| 5 | Africa Sativa | 16-18 weeks | Energizing, grows well in South Africa |
| 6 | Rooibaard | 14-16 weeks | Hardy, adaptable |
| 7 | White Widow | 12-14 weeks | Strong, relaxing effects |
2.2 Light Cycle
Cannabis plants need different light cycles in different stages:
| Stage | Light Requirement | Best Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetative Stage | 16-18 hours of light per day | 18 hours light / 6 hours dark |
| Flowering Stage | 12 hours of light per day | 12 hours light / 12 hours dark |
Recommended๏ผ grow light south Africa
1.800W Full-spectrum LED grow lightsย
2. 200W quantum board grow light
2.3 Temperature & Humidity
| Technique | Best for | Benefits | Drawbacks | Effect on Harvest Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea of Green (SOG) | Indica strains | Faster harvest, high yield | Harder to manage, needs strong light | Shortens growth cycle |
| Low-Stress Training (LST) | Autoflower & photoperiod strains | Even growth, more yield | Needs regular maintenance | Can speed up flowering |
| Topping | Photoperiod strains | More branches, higher yield | Must trim at right time | Promotes faster flowering |
| Super Cropping | Photoperiod strains | Stronger plant, bigger harvest | Risk of damage if done wrong | Encourages faster bloom |
| Screen of Green (ScrOG) | Photoperiod strains | Better light exposure | More work required | Speeds up flowering |
Note: If humidity is above 60% in flowering stage, mold may develop.
2.4 Growing Techniques
Different growing techniques can speed up growth and increase yield.
| Technique | Best for | Benefits | Drawbacks | Effect on Harvest Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sea of Green (SOG) | Indica strains | Faster harvest, high yield | Harder to manage, needs strong light | Shortens growth cycle |
| Low-Stress Training (LST) | Autoflower & photoperiod strains | Even growth, more yield | Needs regular maintenance | Can speed up flowering |
| Topping | Photoperiod strains | More branches, higher yield | Must trim at right time | Promotes faster flowering |
| Super Cropping | Photoperiod strains | Stronger plant, bigger harvest | Risk of damage if done wrong | Encourages faster bloom |
| Screen of Green (ScrOG) | Photoperiod strains | Better light exposure | More work required | Speeds up flowering |
ย 3. How to Tell When Cannabis is Ready to Harvest
You cannot rely only on a calendar. You need to look for specific signs that your cannabis is ready to harvest.
3.1 Check the Trichomes
Trichomes are the tiny crystal-like glands on cannabis buds. They contain THC and CBD. Use a 40x magnifier to check their color.
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Clear: Not ready, THC levels are low.
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Milky White: Best time to harvest, highest THC levels.
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Amber: Slightly overripe, lower THC but more relaxing effects.
3.2 Look at the Buds and Leaves
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Buds change color from green to purple, red, or yellow.
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Leaves turn yellow and may start falling off.
3.3 Smell and Touch
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Mature buds feel firm and dense.
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Strong, pungent smell means the plant is ready.
Tip: Use a 10x-40x magnifier to check the trichomes for accurate results.
Conclusion
Through this comprehensive guide, you now have a complete understanding of how long does it take for cannabis to grow across different strains and growing conditions.
5.FAQย
Q: How long does it take for cannabis to grow?ย
Cannabis growth time varies depending on the strain, cultivation method, and environmental conditions. Generally, it takes between 3 to 8 months from seed to harvest . Some strains may take as little asย 8 weeks, while others can take up toย 16 weeks or moreย . Indoor and outdoor growing conditions also influence the timelineย .
Q: How do I know my cannabis is ready to harvest?
Cannabis is ready to harvest when theย trichomesย (resin glands) on the buds turn from clear to cloudy or amber, andย 70-90% of the pistilsย (hair-like structures) have turned from white to reddish-brown or orangeย . These visual cues indicate peak cannabinoid and terpene development. Strain-specific characteristics also play a role in determining the optimal harvest timeย .
Q: What happens if I harvest too early or too late?
Too early = weak effects, too late = lower potency and bitter taste.
Harvesting too early results inย underdeveloped cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to reduced potency and flavorย . On the other hand, harvesting too late can causeย cannabinoid degradation, resulting in a more sedative effect and a less desirable tasteย .ย
Q: How many cannabis plants can I grow at home in South Africa?
According to a 2018 Constitutional Court ruling in South Africa, adults may grow up to 4 cannabis plants at home for personal use, or up to 8 for multiple adults in a household. Selling, public use, or providing it to minors remains illegal.