A crucial component of this involves understanding the specific phases and time frames of regular marijuana growth. Each phase requires a particular approach and is influenced by specific factors.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to speed things along for a successful cannabis yield.
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How Long Does Weed Take to Grow: A Detailed Timeline
There are five main stages in the growth of cannabis, and each one takes a specific amount of time.
Germination Stage
The germination stage takes between 1 to 7 days, depending on the method you use. In this part of the process, the seeds sprout. This can be done by germinating seeds in between wet paper towels, which is the faster option, or planting them directly in the soil.
In order to sprout, the seeds need dark conditions at temperature and humidity settings between 70–85°F and 80–90%, respectively.
At the end of germination, germinating seeds will crack open to reveal a white tap root, and the process can speed up if you have a proper grow room air filtration system, and room air filtration protects plants throughout the entire growth cycle.
Seedling Stage
The seedling stage comes next, and this takes between 10–15 days. During this stage, the cannabis plants develop roots and stems, and the first true leaves start to form. Special environmental conditions are needed to prevent mold and disease.
You need to provide light waterings and between 18–24 hours of moderate-intensity light daily, maintain humidity levels around 60–70% to support young root formation, and keep the temperature between 75–85°F for consistent development during the seedling stage.
Vegetative Growth
The next stage is the vegetative stage, which can vary between 2–8+ weeks depending on the strain. In this stage, the plant grows rapidly and develops strong stems, roots, and foliage. This stage also requires certain changes to the environmental factors.
The cannabis plants should receive 18–24 hours of light daily, and the intensity should be increased as they grow taller and bushier. The daytime temperature should range between 70–85°F, with cooler temperatures at night, and the humidity should be reduced to 50–60%.
At this point, you can start introducing fertilizers with a high nitrogen content and increase the watering frequency. You can also start trimming and low-stress training techniques during this stage.
Flowering Stage
In the next stage, the all-important buds are produced, and this can take between 5 –16+ weeks. The light conditions during this stage are extremely important.
For indoor photoperiod strains, bud production is triggered by changing the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
This stage includes:
Early Phase (1–3 Weeks): The cannabis plants develop pre-flowers at branch nodes, which causes them to stretch.
Mid-Phase (4–8 Weeks): The buds begin to form in clusters and become sticky with resin.
Late Phase (9–16 Weeks): The buds ripen, and the pistils darken from orange to red. At this stage, the trichomes also change color from clear to cloudy or amber.
During this phase, you need to carefully monitor the humidity levels and aim for 40–50%. Indica strains often bloom within 7–10 weeks, while sativa strains may require up to 16 weeks.
Harvest and Curing
Before you harvest, you need to first inspect trichomes for maturity, you can do this using magnification tools. You should harvest when the trichomes are mostly cloudy or starting to amber and the pistils are at least 50% colored.
The next step is drying, which takes around 7–14 days. You should hang branches upside down in a dark space utilizing grow room air. The ideal drying conditions are around 60°F and 50% humidity.
Once the cannabis plants are dry enough, we move on to the curing process. Curing helps to improve the flavor and potency of the buds. For this, the buds are placed in airtight jars. You should open the jars daily for 10–15 minutes during the first week and gradually decrease the frequency.
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Indoor vs Outdoor Weed Growth
The timeline for growing cannabis indoors vs outdoors differs, with indoor growth generally being faster. This is mainly because indoor growers have complete control over environmental factors, and they can provide their plants with the ideal growing conditions.
Indoor cannabis plants reach the vegetative stage much faster and can go from germination to harvest in about 3–4 months, depending on the strain and conditions used.
Outdoor cannabis growing, on the other hand, depends on natural light cycles and seasonal changes, which results in a longer timeline. This process generally takes about 6–8 months from germination to harvest.
The extended daylight hours of summer prolong the vegetative stage, and the flowering stage starts as the length of daylight decreases in the fall.
Factors Affecting the Growth of Weed
The rate at which cannabis plants grow depends on a number of internal and external factors. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Genetics and Strain
The genetic characteristics of a particular strain affect a plant’s growing rate, potential yield, and cannabinoid profile. Most indica hybrids grow faster and can flower within 6–8 weeks, while sativa dominant strains can take as long as 14 weeks to reach this stage.
Apart from this, the type of seed you choose can also affect growth times. For example, autoflowering varieties can reach the flowering stage within just 2–4 weeks after germination, while feminized seeds can take 10–12 weeks to mature.
Light and Photoperiod
Light might be one of the most crucial factors when it comes to growing times. Light is the driving factor behind photosynthesis, and changes in light times and intensity act as signals to plants to transition to different growth stages. Without proper lighting, the growth of cannabis plants can slow down or stop altogether.
Indoor growers can accurately control light schedules to provide the optimal conditions for plant development. This often means offering 18–20 hours per day during vegetative growth and switching to 12 hours to facilitate flowering.
High-intensity lights, such as LEDs or HPS systems, promote faster development and denser foliage, but they also need positioning to avoid overheating and burning.
Outdoor cannabis cultivation process requires natural sunlight, meaning growth patterns shift with seasonal light cycles. During summer, longer days drive vegetative growth, while the shorter days of fall trigger flowering.
Temperature and Climate
In a similar manner to light, temperature also signals cannabis plants to switch to different stages of growth. These environmental conditions need to be carefully controlled with optimum ranges, as extreme heat or cold can cause cannabis plants to wilt.
A healthy temperature for the vegetative phase is around, a temperature range of 70–85°F (21–29°C), while a change to 65–80°F (18–27°C) can trigger the flowering phase and is essential for good resin production and flavorful terpene profiles.
It is also important to keep in mind that some cannabis plants fare better in outdoor natural climates and temperatures, and this should be taken into account when choosing strains.
Growing Medium and Soil Quality
The growing medium of your cannabis plans will affect root development, nutrient absorption, and water retention, which are all crucial aspects of how quickly they will mature and how much product they will yield.
Look for nutrient-rich organic soil with sufficient drainage to support a strong root system. It is also important to keep the PH at 6.0 and 7.0 for ideal growth. Using Coco coir is also popular since it offers a balance of good aeration and moisture retention.
Many indoor growers are switching to hydroponic systems, as they are able to deliver nutrients directly to the roots, leading to a shorter flowering stage.
Nutrients and Fertilization
The nutrition requirement of cannabis plants changes during their growth cycle, and it is important to know which nutrients are required at each stage.
Nitrogen is essential for leaf and stem development during the vegetative phase, and a common fertilizer NPK ratio of 20% Nitrogen, 10 % Phosphorus, and 10% Potassium is advisable at this stage.
During flowering stage, more phosphorus and potassium are needed for bud formation and resin production, and for this, an NPK ratio of 5% Nitrogen, 15 % Phosphorus, and 15% Potassium is recommended.
Watering and Humidity
Finally, the last factor to consider on our list is water. Proper water regulation is needed as both overwatering and underwatering can lead to stress or disease. Young plants require frequent, smaller waterings to avoid root rot.
Higher humidity levels of between 60–70% help with water uptake during the vegetative phase, while lower levels of 40–50% during the flowering stage reduce the risk of mold developing on the buds. In fact, this is essential for mold and bacteria prevention.
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Tips for Growing Weed Faster
We have put together a useful list of tips to help you achieve success faster when growing cannabis.
Optimal Growing Conditions
For faster growth, the roots of the cannabis need to absorb nutrients at an optimal rate, this can be achieved with the right growing mediums. You should use organic soil mixed with perlite or use coco coir for root aeration and proper drainage.
Optimum temperature levels and good airflow also need to be maintained for better growth rates. Aim for a temperature range of 70–80°F during the vegetative stage, and use oscillating fans to circulate air evenly.
High-Quality Nutrients
As we mentioned before, cannabis plants have different nutrient requirements at different stages of growth. In the vegetative phase, more nitrogen is required in the soil, while in the flowering phase, you should add more phosphorus and potassium for denser and more flavorful buds.
You also need to follow proper watering practices by watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and under-watering, which may slow down plant growth.
Improved Lighting Systems
Cannabis plants need natural sunlight, and if you are an indoor grower, you need the right lighting systems to mimic natural light. Many growers use LED grow lights as they are energy efficient, run cooler, and can be adjusted for light spectrums.
You should position grow lights at the right distance above plants to prevent heat damage and use timers to change the light schedules when needed.
Training and Pruning Techniques
For more advanced growers, the use of training and pruning methods can help to accelerate growth rates, and they also result in plants with larger, healthier buds while minimizing the risk of diseases and mold.
Low-stress training involves carefully bending stems to spread light evenly across the plant, while High-Stress Training, such as topping, involves cutting the main stem to encourage growth inside branches.
Pruning involves carefully trimming the lower branches to increase airflow and direct the plant’s energy to the upper canopy for better growth.
Choosing Fast-Growing Strains
Quick flowering time is another important consideration for cannabis growing. It allows growers to complete multiple cultivation cycles efficiently, increasing overall yields while maintaining the quality of male and intersex plants.
Where to Buy Fastest Growing Strains Online?
Now that you know all about how to grow cannabis seeds at a faster rate than usual, the next step is finding good-quality seeds. We have made this easier by curating a list of reputable seed vendors where you can purchase the fastest-growing strains.
Seed Supreme – Best seed bank overall
Homegrown Cannabis Co. – Great range of beginner seeds
Royal Queen Seeds – Excellent selection of high-CBD seeds
Seedsman – Wide variety of high-yielding seeds
ILGM –Best for autoflower and feminized seeds
Seed Supreme – Best Seed Bank Overall
4.000+ unique weed strains
Free seeds on purchases above $50
10% discount for first-time buyers
100% Germination Guarantee applies to all orders
Our top choice is Seed Supreme, which is a top online seed bank with over 4,000 cannabis strains from more than 1,500 breeders, all at affordable prices.
You can find some of the fastest-growing strains here, such as the Little Cheese and Speedy Chile Fast Flowering, which can reach maturity in as little as 6 to 7 weeks.
Their catalog includes popular options like Northern Lights, Girl Scout Cookies, and Blue Dream, as well as high-yield strains such as Fruity Pebbles and Sour Diesel.
New customers receive a 10% discount on their first purchase, and all orders over $200 come with ten complimentary seeds.
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Homegrown Cannabis Co. – Great Range of Beginner Seeds
10% discount on first order
12-seed packs starting at $99
Affordable seeds for beginners
Frequent BOGO offers
Limited payment options
Homegrown Cannabis Co. offers an extensive variety of seeds, including both popular classics and newly developed strains, at competitive prices.
Their catalog includes favorites like Northern Lights, Strawberry Cough, White Widow, and unique hybrids such as White Truffle Ice Cream and Cake Bomb.
You can also find fast flowering options like Bruce Banner and Blue Princess, which are guaranteed to flower in 6 to 7 weeks. They also offer a special fast mix pack, which contains three fast photoperiod strains at discounted prices.
The seed bank also provides excellent value for its customers through its amazing promotions. Customers can get a 12-pack seed deal starting at $99, along with BOGO offers. First-time buyers receive a 10% discount on their initial order by using a promo code.
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Royal Queen Seeds – Excellent Selection of F1 Hybrids
25% monthly discounts
15+ high F1 hybrid strains
Freebies on orders above $30
4.7 out of 5 rating 37,000 customer reviews
Limited variety of CBD seeds
Royal Queen Seeds is a trusted name for experienced cannabis growers, and they offer some of the fastest shipping options across the United States.
Their selection includes unique F1 hybrid strains that are known for their high THC content, such as Medusa F1, Epsilon F1, Milky Way F1, and Titan F1, which are exclusive to this seed bank.
Some of their unique and exclusive strains, like the F1 Cosmos and Milky, can go from germination to harvest in just 80 days. Additionally, they offer high-yield feminized and autoflowering options, including Royal Creamatic and Green Gelato.
Royal Queen Seeds also offers free goodies like stickers or t-shirts on all orders over $30, as well as monthly discounts of up to 25% on best-selling products, and members of their Growers Club benefit from additional savings.
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Seedsman – Wide Variety of High-Yielding Seeds
Wide variety of high-yielding seeds
WELCOME10 promo code for a 10% discount
5-star rating with 7,700 verified customer reviews
Useful marijuana cultivation resources
Best cannabis clones in US
Seedsman is the top choice for high-quality cannabis seeds. Their collaboration with reputable breeders, such as Crop King Seeds, Quebec Cannabis Seeds, Sonoma Seeds, and Sensi Seeds, allows them to offer one of the largest selections of seeds at super affordable prices.
You can find high-CBD strains like Purple Star and Lucky Lucy, as well as options that are great for medicinal use like Blue Dream and Peyote Zkittlez. They also offer a wide variety of plants that produce buds quickly such as Papaya Cookies and Original AK Auto Feminised Seeds, which reach maturity in just 8 weeks.
Seedsman offers its new customers a 10% discount when they use the WELCOME10 promo code. Their constantly updated promotions page features deals like 30% off selected seeds and Buy One Get One offers.
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5. ILGM – Best for Feminized Seeds
Frequent BOGO deals
Get $10 off your first ILGM product
Enjoy free shipping throughout the USA
Wide selection of grow kits
ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana) has been serving cannabis growers since 2012 and has become well-known for offering quality products and reliable service. They offer a wide range of seeds and marijuana grow kits for both new and experienced growers.
Their inventory features popular strains like Granddaddy Purple, Sunset Sherbet, Blueberry, and Kush, with options for feminized and autoflowering seeds.
You can also find a great range of fast flowering seeds that are great for beginners, such as Strawberry Kush, and Maui Wowi, which flower within 8 weeks.
The company really takes care of its customers by offering a 100% germination guarantee, free shipping across the US and a $10 discount for all new customers.
>> Check out the best price for weed seeds at IGLM
Tips for Choosing the Best Seed Banks
If you are looking for the best seed banks that sell fast-growing marijuana seeds, there are a few different factors that you need to consider.
Reputation
A seed bank’s reputation within the cannabis community is a crucial factor. Always opt for companies with excellent reputations and consistent positive feedback for high-quality seed varieties.
Breeders
You can be sure to get good quality cannabis seeds when you buy from seed banks that partner with breeders that are known for their expertise and dedication to refining cultivation practices.
Grow Kits
If you are new to marijuana cultivation, then figuring out the right kind of equipment needed to start growing can be overwhelming. This is why grow kits are a useful option. Consider seed vendors with a large variety of high-quality grow kits to make the growing process hassle-free.
Available Strains
You should also choose vendors with a wide range of cannabis seeds, as well as options that are not commonly available. Seed banks offering a wide variety of strains, including numerous feminized seeds, auto-flowering, and regular options, are preferred.
Germination Guarantee
You should only shop at stores that offer a 100% germination guarantee. This basically means that you will get a refund if you follow all the recommended growing practices and the seeds still fail to germinate.
FAQS
If you need to know more about growing marijuana and the timeframes for plant growth, then you should read our list of common queries.
When Should You Grow Marijuana?
For outdoor cultivation in the Northern Hemisphere, plant marijuana seeds between late March and early May after frost risks have passed. You should start the germination process and then move the seedlings outdoors when the tap root has formed.
However, indoor growers can cultivate year-round as long as they have the right equipment to mimic the ideal environmental conditions.
How Long Does It Take to Grow Weed from Seed to Harvest?
The process takes about 10–32 weeks (3–8 months), depending on the strain and growing conditions. Autoflowering strains complete their cycle in roughly 8–9 weeks, while photoperiod strains need more time, but still only a few weeks.
Should I Grow Weed Indoors or Outdoors for Faster Growth?
Indoor cultivation usually results in faster and more consistent growth because growers can control conditions like light, temperature, and humidity to provide the optimal environment for fast growth. Indoor setups also help avoid challenges like pests and unpredictable weather.
What Is the Difference in Growth Time Between Indica and Sativa Strains?
Indica strains grow faster, with flowering periods lasting only 6–10 weeks, making them a suitable option for quicker harvests. Sativa strains grow more slowly, often requiring 10–14 weeks of flowering due to their longer vegetative stage.
When Do Buds Grow the Most?
Buds grow most during the middle to late flowering stages. Around 3–5 weeks into flowering, plants shift their energy toward bud development. The final weeks are critical for maximizing bud density and cannabinoid production.
What Are the Most Suitable Nutrients for Fast Growth?
Nitrogen-based nutrients are important during the vegetative stage, and this helps to develop leaves and stems. During flowering, phosphorus and potassium are more important for bud formation.
What Are the Ideal Conditions for Rapid Weed Growth?
The optimal conditions for cannabis growth depend on the exact strain of cannabis you have chosen. In general, for good growth rates, you should maintain temperatures between 70–85°F during vegetative stage and 65–80°F during flowering.
The humidity levels should range from 60–70% in the early stages and drop to 40–50% during flowering. In addition, the plants need about 18–20 hours a day of light during vegetative growth, a soil pH between 6.0–7.0, as well as consistent light watering and nutrient additions.
Can I Speed Up the Growth of My Weed Plants?
You can accelerate growth by using autoflowering strains or hydroponic systems that improve nutrient delivery. Some growers optimize light intensity with well-placed LED or HPS lights to trigger the flowering stage.
How Long Can a Marijuana Plant Live?
Marijuana plants naturally live through one growing season, typically from spring to late fall, completing their cycle in about a year. Plants usually wither after flowering and seed production.
The Takeaway
We hope our detailed guide has answered all your questions regarding the time frames of cannabis growth stages. We discussed the cannabis cultivation process in detail and offered much-needed tips to beginners for a successful and significant yield.
We also offered advice on the best places to get high-quality cannabis seeds to start your weed cultivation journey, and Seed Supreme emerged as our top choice, with an extensive range of seed options and grow kits.
Now that you are armed with the necessary knowledge, you can start working on your cannabis garden today. We wish you all the best on your growing journey!