Vegetative Stage

During the vegetative stage of growth, your cannabis plants will develop their leaves, stems, and roots. This stage typically lasts for 4-8 weeks, depending on the strain and growing conditions. In this section, we'll cover the key aspects of the vegetative stage, including lighting, nutrients, and training.

Lighting

During the vegetative stage, your cannabis plants will require 18-24 hours of light per day. This can be provided by either natural sunlight or artificial grow lights, such as LEDs or HPS lamps. Be sure to keep your lights at the proper distance from your plants to avoid burning or stretching.

Nutrients

Your cannabis plants will require nutrients during the vegetative stage to support healthy growth. Nitrogen is especially important during this stage, as it is needed for leaf development and stem growth. You can use a high-nitrogen fertilizer or organic amendments, such as blood meal or fish emulsion, to provide your plants with the nutrients they need.

Humidity and Temperature

Maintaining the proper humidity and temperature levels during the vegetative stage is crucial for healthy growth. Aim for a humidity level of around 50-70% and a temperature range of 70-85°F (21-29°C). High humidity levels can lead to mold and mildew growth, while low humidity levels can cause your plants to dry out and stress. Keeping the temperature within the optimal range can also help prevent pests and diseases from taking hold.

Training

Training your cannabis plants during the vegetative stage can help promote healthy growth and increase yields. Some common training methods include topping, pruning, and low-stress training (LST). Topping involves cutting off the top of the main stem to encourage lateral growth. Pruning involves removing leaves and stems to promote airflow and light penetration. LST involves gently bending and tying down the stems to promote even growth and increase yields.