Cannabis Flower Week by Week: A Grower's Guide

The flowering phase is one of the most exciting and important phases in cannabis cultivation. After weeks of vegetative growth, it's finally time to get down to business: the plant develops Flowers, which are later harvested and processed. The flowering phase usually extends over 8 to 10 weeks - This can vary slightly depending on the variety. In this guide, I will explain week by week what you need to consider during the flowering phase, how the plant develops and how you can maximise the yield.

Week 1 of Flower: The transition from the growth to the flowering phase

In the first week of Flower, you will notice how your cannabis plant slowly flips the switch. It recognises that the light cycles are getting shorter (typically 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness) and reacts to this. During this transition phase, the plant begins to redirect its energy from the vegetative to the flowering phase. You will notice that Stigmen - small, white hairs - begin to form on the nodes (the places where the leaves branch).

Here it is important that you:

• Adjust the light cycle to 12/12.
• Continue to fertilise the plant with a slightly reduced amount of nitrogen, but increase the phosphorus and potassium content.

Week 2 of Flower: First flower buds and stigmas

In the second week, the inflorescences become increasingly visible. The plant now invests all its energy in flower formation, which means that vegetative growth comes to a standstill. The stigmas on the nodes become more numerous and longer. These are the first visible indication that the plant is female and developing Flowers.

Important points in week 2:

• Make sure that you provide the plant with enough nutrients, especially Phosphor and Kalium .
• Monitor the Luftfeuchtigkeit because excessive humidity can promote the formation of mould.

Week 3 of Flower: The growth of Flowers

Flower formation really picks up speed in week 3. You will see that the Flowers are now growing faster and small Knospen develop. During this phase, it is crucial to keep a close eye on the environmental conditions. The plant needs plenty of light and sufficient nutrients to support growth.

Important care instructions:

• Provide sufficient light, at least 600W (for HPS lamps) or equivalent for LEDs.
• Continue to give the plant special flowering fertiliser with a high phosphorus content.
• Good ventilation helps to keep the Flowers healthy.

Week 4 of Flower: Flower development and resin production

Now it's getting exciting: in week 4, the plant begins to Resin to produce. Resin contains the valuable cannabinoids such as THC and CBD which give cannabis plants their psychoactive and medicinal properties. The Flowers continue to swell and the stigmas slowly begin to curl.

In week 4 you should pay attention to this:

• This is a good time to check the quality of the resin. Trichomes become visible, which are later decisive for potency.
• Make sure that the plant has enough Kalium as this supports flower formation.
• Keep the humidity low (around 40-50%) to prevent mould.

Week 5 of Flower: Maximum flower formation

The Flowers have reached their full size in week 5. The odour becomes more intense and the Flowers start to thicken. This is the phase in which your plant is most Nährstoffe needed to support growth and fill the trichomes.

Important points in week 5:

• If you are growing indoors, a Kohlefilter be useful, as the odour of Flowers is now strongly increasing.
• Stick to the nutrient plan consistently, as the plant consumes a lot of energy during this phase.

Week 6 of Flower: Trichomes and ripening

In week 6 you can take a closer look at the trichomes. These small crystal-like glands on the Flowers are an indication of how close the plant is to maturity. Trichomes begin to turn from clear to milky - a sign that the plant will soon be ready to harvest.

What to do:

• Use a magnifying glass or microscope to check the condition of the trichomes.
• Gradually reduce the nutrients and prepare the plant for the Spülung before (flush).

Week 7 of Flower: Ripening and preparations for the harvest

In the penultimate week of the flowering phase, the focus is on the Maturation of Flowers . The trichomes should now be predominantly milky in colour, which indicates the optimum THC content. It is time to prepare the plant for harvest.

Important steps in week 7:

• Stop feeding and rinse the plant with clear water to remove any fertiliser residue.
• Make sure that the stigmas start to change colour from white to brown.

Week 8 of Flower: Harvest time - How to do everything right

Week 8 marks the end of the flowering phase and nothing stands in the way of harvesting. The trichomes should now be milky to amber in colour - a sign that the plant has reached its peak.

Harvesting tips:

• Harvest the plant when about 70-80% of the trichomes are milky.
• Cut the plant, hang it upside down and leave it to dry in a dark, well-ventilated room.

Conclusion: Successful cannabis flowering phase

The cannabis flowering phase is an exciting and critical time for any grower. By observing the development of the plant week by week and making appropriate adjustments to care, you can ensure that your plants develop their full potential. Patience, good observation skills and proper care are the keys to a successful harvest.