The Flowering Stage: From Bud Set to Harvest-Ready

The flowering stage begins when you change the light schedule to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness (for photoperiod plants), and it represents the most critical and rewarding phase of cultivation. Understanding the week-by-week progression of flowering allows you to make informed decisions about feeding, environmental management, and harvest timing.

WEEKS 1–2: THE STRETCH

The first 1–2 weeks of the 12/12 light schedule are technically still vegetative — plants continue to grow rapidly (the "stretch") before committing fully to flower production. Expect plants to grow 50–100% in height during this period. This is the last opportunity to train and manage canopy height. Nutrient requirements shift gradually from veg ratios (high N) toward bloom ratios (lower N, higher P and K).

WEEKS 3–5: BUD FORMATION

Pistils (white hairs) cluster into small, distinct bud sites at the nodes. Buds begin to swell and become recognisably floral. Resin production begins. This is the peak demand period for phosphorus and potassium — most bloom nutrient programmes reach their maximum feed rate during weeks 3–5. Maintain humidity below 50% to protect developing buds from mould.

WEEKS 6–8: BULKING AND RIPENING

Buds swell significantly and trichomes become clearly visible to the naked eye. The characteristic aromas of the strain become pronounced. Resin glands on calyxes, sugar leaves, and bract tissue accumulate trichomes. Most nutrient programmes recommend reducing or eliminating nitrogen at this stage and possibly reducing phosphorus in the final 2 weeks.

WEEKS 8–HARVEST: FINAL RIPENING

Depending on the strain, harvest occurs between weeks 8 and 12. Pistils (hairs) shift from white to orange/red/brown — when 70–90% have turned, harvest is typically approaching. The definitive ripeness indicator is trichome colour (see the harvesting guide). Reduce or eliminate nutrient feeding in the final 1–2 weeks to allow the plant to metabolise stored nutrients.