Cannabis flowering is the final stage of a plant's life cycle, it begins when the growing period comes to an end and flowers begin to develop on the cannabis plants. This phenomenon originates from the moment in which small white filaments called pistils begin to sprout from the internodes of the female specimens.
During the flowering period of female hemp , the plant becomes filled with trichomes, resin glands rich in cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. A successful flowering is essential to have a high yield and a high quality product.
If interested, consult our guide: Cannabis vegetative phase
There are many growing techniques to increase flowering production. The use of these methods must take place during the growth phase by educating the plants to certain forms and arrangements, capable of increasing the flowering of cannabis plants .
During the flowering phase of cannabis , we must not make mistakes as we could irreparably compromise the yield and quality of the marijuana flowers.
Marijuana’s flowering stage in outdoor and indoor growing, which are the most common mistakes that ruin cannabis flowers
The most common errors during the flowering stage of marijuana outdoors and indoors are: an inadequate administration of fertilizers, poor humidity control which can cause mold and rot on cannabis flowers and finally the failure to use natural preventives which favor the arrival of parasites that can compromise flowering.
That said, to have healthy and luxuriant marijuana flowering , our advice will be to give the right doses of fertilizers, carry out preventive prophylaxis against insects and pathogens, which is essential for those who grow marijuana outdoors. And finally, always keep an eye on the humidity in the air.
Another mistake often made with flowering hemp is to administer fertilizers until the plant is harvested. This procedure will ruin your cannabis buds , giving them a tart, pungent and often metallic taste that tingles on the tongue.
If you don't want to ruin the marijuana flower, we remind everyone to interrupt the administration of fertilizers before uprooting the plant, 7-9 days before (if you use organic fertilizers) 10-15 days (if you use mineral fertilizers).
This applies to potted plants, while outdoor field-grown marijuana will need more flushing time.
What are the cannabis flowering times
How long are cannabis flowering times? Let's start by explaining that the flowering phase of cannabis is divided into three different stages: pre-flowering, flower formation, and late flowering.
- Cannabis pre-flowering: The pre-flowering phase of cannabis is manifested by the emergence of the first pistils and the cessation of leaf and structural development of the plant. When cannabis begins flowering, the plant begins to require different nutrients from the growth period.
- Formation of the cannabis flower: This phase is perhaps the most delicate period of flowering, as the plant during the period of the creation of the cannabis flower requires certain care and nutrients to complete a fragrant and luxuriant flowering.
- End of cannabis flowering: Terminal phase which includes the last few weeks before harvesting. At the end of flowering it is normal to see a natural and progressive yellowing of the leaves.
We recommend careful periodic observation to understand when is the right time to harvest flowering marijuana . (See guide: When to harvest and dry cannabis )
Duration of cannabis flowering time: This variable varies according to the species and variety. Each marijuana genetic has different flowering periods including autoflowering plants .
Indica flowering times are known to be quite short, ranging from 6 to 9 weeks. While the flowering times of cannabis sativa are longer and can last from 9 to 12 weeks. If interested, consult our guide: Difference between cannabis sativa and indica.
Finally, the cannabis flowering times for autoflowering varies from 35/40 days and reach up to 70/75 days.
Cannabis flowering stages in suitable outdoor climates and locations
In our latitudes, outdoor cannabis flowering stages takes place from after mid-July onwards, this applies to photodependent plants. While the autoflowering plants will be able to flower throughout the spring/summer season. For those who want to grow flowering hemp outdoors, we recommend a careful choice of the variety to be grown, dictated by the place of cultivation and the climatic conditions.
The multiplicity of marijuana varieties give everyone the opportunity to grow and make cannabis flourish in different places and latitudes. The important thing is knowing how to choose the right variety to grow based on the area where we are.
Below we will list the places and varieties that best suit us for flowering cannabis outdoors:
- Cannabis flowering in the mountains: for those who live in the mountains above 650 meters it is advisable to choose varieties of maria with short flowering, as the sudden arrival of the bad season could ruin flowering. So choose light-dependent indica -dominant strains or fast versions , while autoflowering strains can all be grown.
- Cannabis flowering in the north: for those who live in the north we recommend choosing cannabis varieties with fast flowering, as the short summer could ruin the flowering marijuana. So choose photodependent indica-dominant varieties, hybrids that are not too sativegiant or fast versions, while autoflowering varieties can all be grown.
- Cannabis outdoor flowering in Mediterranean climates: Those who find themselves in warm climates where the summer is longer will be able to grow all varieties of hemp.
By following these simple tips, you can grow anywhere while ensuring healthy flowering for outdoor cannabis.
Weed flowering stage: benefits of growing cannabis indoor
The great advantage of flowering cannabis indoors is the possibility of making our plants flower throughout the year, regardless of the season.
Which lamps can I use during the weed flowering stage indoors? There are many types of lamps for indoor hemp flowering on the market:
During the indoor flowering period, 12 hours of light and 12 of darkness will be administered to photodependent plants, while for autoflowering plants, a cycle of 18 hours of light and 6 of darkness will be necessary for the entire vital period, both in growth and flowering.
Indoor flowering useful tips for growers:
In the first few days of flowering, cannabis plants enter a transition phase, realizing that they will soon have to support a great deal of bud. At this point the plants usually show accelerated growth and some varieties can even double in size, this period usually lasts 10/12 days . The increased rate of growth in this early phase of flowering is also known as "stretching".
After this stretching period, a pre-flowering period will begin followed by the formation of the cannabis flower and finally the buds will fully mature and compact.
Even for those who grow indoors, there are some precautions in choosing the variety that we are going to cultivate. Below we will list the varieties that are best suited to the flowering of maria indoors :
Indoor flowering tips for choosing the most suitable variety for you:
Indoor flowering in small spaces with low light output: for those who find themselves in these certain conditions we recommend the cultivation of fast and compact indica or autoflowering varieties. The small size and low light output will deny you the possibility of growing xl sativa or autoflowering varieties.
Indoor cannabis flowering in adequate spaces and with the right luminous efficiency: those who have adequate space and correct light power will be able to cultivate all varieties of cannabis ensuring healthy flowering. It is known that the predominant sativa varieties need high spaces and powerful lamps equivalent to 400/600w to have healthy and luxuriant flowering.
Follow these simple tips and you can grow indoors and ensure healthy indoor cannabis flowering .
NPK which fertilizers to administer cannabis flowering buds?
Flowering cannabis requires certain nutrients for a healthy and luxuriant development. In contrast to the growth phase which requires a lot of nitrogen, cannabis hardly needs it any more during flowering, instead requiring high doses of phosphorus and potassium.
In fact, the fertilizers for flowering cannabis have very low concentrations of nitrogen (N) and high concentrations of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) . In addition to the fertilizer during this phase it is advisable to administer special stimulators for flowering, which are administered from the beginning of the formation of the marijuana flower and until flowering is finished.
As already mentioned above, we remind you that 8/15 days before the end of flowering of the cannabis it is advisable to stop any administration of fertilizers and stimulators, carrying out abundant rinsing waterings. For those who grow in pots and hydroponics there are specific products for cleaning the substrate such as Canna Flush.
We hope that reading this guide will give everyone the opportunity to deal with flowering cannabis correctly without making mistakes and obtaining excellent marijuana flowers.