Flowering Cannabis: A Complete Week-by-Week Guide to Harvest Success

Key Takeaways

• Curious about how each week’s changes impact your flowering cannabis results? From early buds to dense blooms, each phase holds essential secrets. Keep scrolling to discover them all.
• Want perfectly potent buds? Timing is everything during cannabis flowering, but knowing exactly when to harvest can be tricky. Learn how trichome inspection can make all the difference.
• Wondering how to get smooth, flavorful buds after harvest? It’s all about drying and curing techniques. Dive in to see why post-flowering care matters.

Week-by-Week Cannabis Flowering

Weeks 1-2: Pre-flowering and early changes

In the first two weeks of flowering cannabis, the plant shifts focus from vegetative growth to producing flowers. During this phase, the flowering weed plant starts to show early signs of budding, and you'll notice small white hairs, or pistils, forming at the nodes where branches meet the main stem. 

In the first two weeks of flowering, cannabis shifts to flower production (Source)

This is a good indicator that your cannabis flowering stage has officially started. For optimal results, adjust light cycles to a 12/12 schedule (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness), which is essential for triggering the flowering response.

Nutrient needs shift as well—decreasing nitrogen and increasing phosphorus and potassium levels helps the flowering cannabis process thrive. Keep temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C) with 40-60% humidity, as cannabis flowering plants are sensitive to humidity changes. 

Monitor these levels closely to prevent mold or mildew from forming on your flowering weed plant. This pre-flowering stage sets the foundation for healthy bud development, so ensuring the right light, nutrients, and environment will support a smooth transition to the next phase.

Weeks 3-4: Formation of buds

In weeks three and four, the flowering cannabis plant progresses as visible buds begin to form. These buds will grow from the pistils seen earlier, clustering at the plant’s nodes and gradually getting bigger. 

In weeks three and four, visible buds start forming on the flowering cannabis plant. (source)

During this time, the cannabis flowering phase accelerates, and it’s crucial to keep nutrient levels optimal, specifically focusing on high phosphorus and potassium to fuel bud development.

Maintain the 12/12 light cycle for consistent flowering, as the flowering weed plant needs uninterrupted darkness to thrive. 

Humidity levels should be lowered slightly, around 40-50%, to avoid moisture issues that could affect bud quality. Temperature control remains important; try to keep daytime temperatures steady, as fluctuating temps can stress the flowering cannabis plant. 

Regularly check your plant for signs of pests, as flowering cannabis is particularly susceptible during these growth-heavy weeks. Providing the right care will prepare you for robust buds in the coming phases.

Weeks 5-7: Rapid bud growth

During weeks five through seven, the flowering cannabis plant enters a phase of rapid bud growth. Buds will become denser, more aromatic, and sticky with resin, indicating the peak of the cannabis flowering process. 

In weeks five to seven, the cannabis plant undergoes rapid bud growth. (Source)

By this stage, a flowering weed plant has high nutrient needs, so continue feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizers to support the growing buds. Humidity levels should stay around 40-45%, which helps avoid moisture buildup in the dense buds, reducing the risk of mold.

Temperature remains a critical factor; the ideal range for flowering cannabis is 68-75°F (20-24°C) during the day, slightly cooler at night. Light cycles should remain consistent at 12/12, as any change could cause stress and potentially delay the flowering cannabis stage. 

Trimming lower leaves can help improve airflow around the plant, preventing mold and enhancing light exposure for bud sites. This period requires attentive care to ensure buds develop fully, increasing potency and yield.

Weeks 8-10: Final ripening

The final weeks, eight to ten, mark the ripening stage in flowering cannabis. Buds reach peak maturity, becoming plump, resinous, and potent. 

Cannabis flowering in 8-10 weeks (Source)

During this cannabis flowering phase, nutrients should be reduced, and a “flush” should be focused on to remove excess fertilizers and improve the flavor of the buds. Many growers have switched to plain water for the last two weeks to ensure a smoother smoke.

Humidity should be kept at 30-40% to prevent any last-minute mold risks as the flowering weed plant nears harvest. The temperature should also be slightly cooler, ideally 65-70°F (18-21°C), to help intensify colors and resin production in the final flowering cannabis phase. 

Trichomes (tiny, crystal-like structures) are a good indicator of ripeness; a cloudy or amber appearance signifies that buds are ready for harvest. This stage requires patience, but careful attention to environmental factors will yield high-quality cannabis flowers ready for harvest.

Harvesting and Post-Flowering Care

A mature cannabis plant ready for harvest (Source)

Timing Your Harvest

Knowing when to harvest flowering cannabis is essential for achieving quality results. Generally, the ideal harvest window is around 8-10 weeks into the cannabis flowering stage, although this can vary by strain. Indica strains often finish faster, while sativa strains may need additional weeks. To time it right, monitor trichomes, the small crystal-like structures covering the buds. Clear trichomes mean the buds aren’t mature; milky trichomes indicate peak potency, and amber trichomes suggest a more relaxing effect as THC begins to degrade. Aim for a mix of milky and amber trichomes for a balanced effect.

Drying Your Cannabis Properly

After harvesting, drying your flowering weed plant is the next important step. Proper drying retains potency and aroma by preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. Ideal drying conditions are around 60-70°F (15-21°C) with 50-60% humidity. Hang branches upside down or place buds on drying racks in a dark, ventilated area for about 7-10 days. This slow drying process reduces mold risk and brings out the best flavor and strength from the flowering cannabis.

Curing for Better Quality

Curing is the final step to maximize flowering cannabis quality. After drying, place buds in airtight glass jars in a dark, cool place. Open the jars daily for the first week to release moisture, known as “burping.” Over the following weeks, gradually reduce jar openings to every few days. Many growers cure for four weeks or more to enhance flavor and smoothness, as this process breaks down residual chlorophyll, reducing harshness.

Maximizing Potency and Flavor

Harvest timing, trichome inspection, and careful drying and curing are essential steps to maximize flowering cannabis quality. By following these post-flowering care steps, you enhance the potency, flavor, and smoothness of the final product, ensuring a satisfying cannabis experience.

FAQs

How long does the cannabis flowering phase last?

The cannabis flowering phase typically lasts between 8 to 10 weeks for most strains. This period is when the flowering weed plant shifts its energy to bud production. 

Variations exist among strains, with indica strains generally flowering faster (around 8 weeks), while sativa strains may take 10 weeks or more. Environmental factors, such as light and nutrients, also influence the overall length of cannabis flowering.

What changes occur in cannabis plants during week 4 of flowering?

By week 4 of cannabis flowering, noticeable bud growth occurs, with the flowering weed plant producing more pistils and trichomes. The buds are denser, and the plant’s aroma intensifies. 

This stage is crucial for nutrient balance, focusing on phosphorus and potassium, which support healthy bud development and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Maintaining stable light and humidity is essential for successful flowering cannabis results.

What is the meaning of a cannabis plant entering the flowering stage?

When a cannabis plant enters the flowering stage, it begins transitioning from vegetative growth to flower (bud) production. Triggered by a change in light cycles, typically to 12 hours of darkness, the plant focuses on producing flowers, especially in a female flowering weed plant. 

This cannabis flowering stage is critical as it ultimately determines the plant's yield and bud quality.

Is it advisable to trim fan leaves while the plant is flowering?

Trimming fan leaves during cannabis flowering can improve light and airflow to lower buds, but it should be done cautiously. Removing too many leaves can stress the flowering weed plant and potentially slow bud development. 

If trimming, focus on selectively removing only large, obstructive leaves to allow more light exposure and support the flowering cannabis plant's health.

How can you tell when a cannabis plant has finished flowering?

A cannabis plant is ready for harvest when its trichomes change from clear to milky, with some turning amber. Additionally, pistils on the flowering weed plant will darken and curl in. 

Observing these signs closely helps determine peak ripeness, maximizing the potency and flavor of the flowering cannabis. A magnifying tool can help inspect trichome color for accuracy.