Feminized Seeds Growing Timeline
Feminized Cannabis Growth Timeline
Feminized cannabis plants require a change in light cycle to trigger flowering. This timeline shows the typical stages from seed to harvest, which generally takes 3-5 months depending on strain and growing conditions.
Week 0Week 4Week 8Week 12Week 16
Germination & Seedling
Weeks 0-1
Key Events:
- Seeds germinate within 24-120 hours
- First set of true leaves appears by day 7-10
- Seedling establishes initial root system
Care Tips:
- Light: 18/6 schedule (18 hours on, 6 hours off)
- Light type: Gentle CFL or LED at 25% power
- Water: Light misting, keeping medium just damp
- Nutrients: None needed yet
- Humidity: 65-70%
- Temperature: 70-75°F (21-24°C)
Avoid: Overwatering, high-intensity light, and nutrients at this stage
Early Vegetative Growth
Weeks 1-4
Key Events:
- Accelerated leaf and branch development
- Root system development throughout growing medium
- Plant structure forms foundation for future growth
Care Tips:
- Light: 18/6 schedule
- Light type: Full spectrum LED or MH at 50-60% power
- Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings
- Nutrients: Begin at ¼ to ½ strength vegetative formula
- Humidity: 50-60%
- Temperature: 70-78°F (21-26°C)
Training begins: Weeks 3-4 are ideal for starting low-stress training (LST), topping, or FIMing to create a more even canopy and multiple main colas.
Mid to Late Vegetative Growth
Weeks 4-8
Key Events:
- Significant increase in plant size and foliage
- Branches thicken and strengthen
- Pre-flowers may begin to show sex (female pistils)
Care Tips:
- Light: 18/6 schedule
- Light type: Full spectrum LED or MH at 75-100% power
- Water: Regular watering as plant consumption increases
- Nutrients: Full-strength vegetative formula
- Humidity: 45-55%
- Temperature: 70-80°F (21-27°C)
Vegetative control: This phase can be extended to achieve desired plant size before flowering. Most training should be completed by week 6-7 before transitioning to flowering.
Flowering Transition (Stretch Phase)
Weeks 8-10
Key Events:
- Switch to 12/12 light cycle triggers flowering
- Plant undergoes significant vertical growth (stretch)
- Pistils form at nodes throughout the plant
- Plant can grow 50-100% taller during stretch
Care Tips:
- Light: 12/12 schedule (critical for flowering)
- Light type: Switch to HPS or bloom-spectrum LED
- Water: Maintain regular watering schedule
- Nutrients: Transition to bloom formula (higher P-K)
- Humidity: 40-50%
- Temperature: 68-78°F (20-26°C)
Light leak warning: During the 12-hour dark period, even small light leaks can stress plants and potentially cause hermaphroditism. Ensure complete darkness during the night cycle.
Mid Flowering
Weeks 10-14
Key Events:
- Bud sites fatten and stack along stems
- Trichome production increases significantly
- Distinct strain aromas develop
- Plant's nutritional needs peak
Care Tips:
- Light: 12/12 schedule
- Water: Regular watering but avoid overwatering
- Nutrients: Full bloom formula (careful not to exceed recommended dosage)
- Humidity: 40-45%
- Temperature: 68-75°F (20-24°C) with a slight drop during dark period
Support needed: As buds gain weight, branches may need support from trellises, stakes, or yo-yos to prevent breaking. Watch closely for any signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses.
Late Flowering & Ripening
Weeks 14-16+
Key Events:
- Bud development completes and ripening begins
- Pistils darken from white to orange/brown/red
- Trichomes change from clear to cloudy to amber
- Some fan leaves naturally yellow and may be removed
Care Tips:
- Light: Maintain 12/12 schedule
- Water: Reduce slightly as harvest approaches
- Nutrients: Flush with plain pH-balanced water for the final 10-14 days
- Humidity: 35-40%
- Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) with 5-10°F cooler during night
Harvest window: Monitor trichomes with a jeweler's loupe or microscope. For more cerebral effects, harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy; for more relaxing effects, wait until 20-30% have turned amber.