When Does Pot Plants Start to Flower?
Pot plants or cannabis plants are famous for their psychoactive properties that are obtained from the chemical compound THC. Apart from this, it is also used for its medicinal properties such as pain relief, reducing anxiety, treating insomnia, and so on. One aspect that cannabis growers keep an eye on is the flowering phase. The flowering phase is when cannabis plants produce those beautiful and aromatic buds that are sought-after. The question is, when does pot plants start to flower?
Understanding the Life Cycle of Cannabis Plants
Cannabis plants have three significant stages in their life cycle, namely germination, vegetative phase, and the flowering phase. The flowering phase is the stage where the plant produces and matures flowers. The phase is critical to growers as it is during this stage that the plant produces those buds that hold the cannabinoids.
Environmental Factors that Affect Flowering
Before we dive deep into the flowering stage, we must acknowledge environmental factors that affect cannabis plants' flowering process. One of the critical factors is the photoperiod, which means the amount of daylight and darkness the plant is exposed to. During the vegetative stage, the plant requires 18-24 hours of light to grow. On the other hand, during the flowering stage, the plant requires equal intervals of darkness and light. Moreover, the temperature and humidity levels are also crucial. The right temperature range for flowering is between 65-80°F (18-26°C), with relative humidity levels ranging between 40-50%.
When Do Pot Plants Start to Flower?
Pot plants start to flower when they reach maturity, which typically happens between the 8th and 10th week of the plant's life cycle. However, this can vary depending on the strain, environmental conditions, and the plant genetics. Indica strains tend to have a shorter flowering time of about six to eight weeks compared to Sativa strains that take longer, ranging between 10-16 weeks.
Identifying the Flowering Stage of a Pot Plant
The flowering stage of a pot plant is when the plant produces and matures buds. At this stage, the plant's focus is on reproducing rather than growing in size. During the flowering stage, the plant develops white pistils or hairs, which form part of the flower's reproductive structure. Additionally, the leaves start to thin out, and the buds increase in size and density, with the aroma becoming more potent.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the flowering stage is the most critical stage for cannabis growers. It is at this stage that the plant produces the buds that hold the plant's medicinal and psychoactive properties. Pot plants start to flower when they reach maturity, which depends on genetic factors, environmental conditions, and the strain. It is vital to ensure that the plants get the requisite light, temperature, and humidity conditions during this stage to get the optimal yields.