Cannabis Grow Planner
Generate a personalized week-by-week growing calendar from seed to cure. Covers nutrients, light cycles, VPD targets, and key milestones for any strain.
Configure Your Grow
Understanding Cannabis Growth Stages
Germination (Week 1)
The seed absorbs water and the embryo activates. A taproot emerges, followed by the seed cracking open as the embryonic stem pushes upward. The entire energy for this process comes from stored reserves in the seed itself.
Seedling (Weeks 2-3)
The first round leaves (cotyledons) appear, followed by the first true leaves with serrated edges. The root system is small and fragile. Photosynthesis begins, but the plant still relies partly on seed reserves. Overwatering is the leading cause of seedling death.
Vegetative Growth
The plant focuses on building structure — stems thicken, branches form, and the root system expands rapidly. This is when training techniques like LST, topping, and SCRoG are most effective. Nitrogen demand is highest during this stage. For photoperiod strains, veg continues as long as the plant receives 14+ hours of light.
Pre-Flower (Photoperiod Only)
When the light cycle shifts to 12/12, the plant enters a transitional phase. Hormonal changes trigger rapid vertical growth (the "stretch") that can double plant height. Pre-flowers appear at the nodes — small calyxes with white pistils for females, or pollen sacs for males. This is the last opportunity to identify and remove males.
Flowering
Bud sites form and develop into dense flower clusters. Trichome production ramps up, producing cannabinoids and terpenes. Phosphorus and potassium demand increases while nitrogen needs decline. Humidity control becomes critical as dense buds are susceptible to botrytis (bud rot). By late flower, trichomes shift from clear to milky to amber — the ratio at harvest determines the effect profile.
Flush, Harvest, Dry, and Cure
Flushing removes residual nutrients from the plant tissue, producing a cleaner final product. Harvest timing is determined by trichome color under magnification. Drying should be slow (7-14 days) in a dark room at 60-70 degrees with moderate humidity. Curing in sealed jars for 2-8 weeks allows chlorophyll to break down and terpene profiles to mature, dramatically improving taste and smoothness.
Tips for Your Setup
Growing in Soil
Soil is the most forgiving medium for cannabis. A quality organic soil mix can buffer pH fluctuations and provide slow-release nutrients for weeks. Water when the top 1-2 inches feel dry — lift the pot to gauge weight. Aim for 20-30% perlite in your mix for drainage. Living soil setups can reduce the need for bottled nutrients entirely, but require a well-established microbial ecosystem. Target pH 6.0-6.8 at every watering.
Indoor Growing
Indoor growing gives you complete control over the environment. Invest in a quality exhaust fan and carbon filter for odor control and fresh air exchange. LED lights are the most efficient option with the best spectrum coverage. Keep your canopy level to maximize light penetration. Monitor your VPD using our calculator, as indoor environments can fluctuate rapidly. A timer for your lights is essential — never miss a light flip during flower.
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