Flowering is the stage of the cannabis growth cycle when things start to get exciting. Your plants start to bud in this stage, which means they’re almost ready to cultivate. Don’t get ahead of yourself, though, as several factors can influence the outcome of the flowering stage in both positive and negative ways. We’re going over seven of them today to help you make the most out of your plants.
1. Light Intensity and Duration
One of the primary considerations for successful cannabis flowering is the light intensity and duration. Just as sunlight is vital in any plant's photosynthesis process, it plays a crucial role in the cannabis flowering phase.
Optimal Light Conditions for Flowering
Your cannabis plants require a healthy balance of light and dark periods to induce and maintain the flowering stage. The optimal light conditions come in a 12/12 cycle, meaning 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day. Generally, cannabis plants thrive at a light intensity level often measured in PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density), between 600-900 μmol/m2/s during the flowering stage.
The quality of light your cannabis plants receive will significantly determine their flowering potential. Too little light can slow down growth and lead to a lesser yield, while too much light can result in a light burn, which might lead to poor-quality buds or even plant death. Very long light periods can confuse your cannabis plant and may prevent flowering altogether, keeping the plant in a vegetative state.
2. Temperature and Humidity
The environment's temperature and humidity play a significant role in your plant's ability to photosynthesize and respire. This influences the plant's growth rate during the flowering stage.
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels for Flowering
Ideal temperature ranges for cannabis flowering usually fall between 65-80°F (18-26°C). Cooler temperatures slow growth while too high temperatures can lead to heat stress. As for humidity, the recommended level during flowering is between 40-50%.
High temperatures can cause the plant to transpire excessively, leading to dehydration. Conversely, low temperatures can slow plant metabolism, delaying flowering. Similarly, too high humidity can create an environment conducive to mold and disease, whereas too low humidity can lead to water stress.
3. Nutrient Levels and Soil Quality
Pay close attention to the nutrient levels and soil quality your cannabis plant is exposed to. These factors affect how much your plant can grow throughout its lifecycle, especially during flowering.
Essential Nutrients for the Flowering Stage
During flowering, cannabis plants need a higher amount of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and a decrease in nitrogen (N). Essential micronutrients include calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.
The soil your plant grows in should be healthy and well-drained. Poor-quality soil can lead to nutrient lockout or deficiency, stunt growth, and impede flowering.
4. Watering and Irrigation
Watering should be an obvious step during the flowering process. It is crucial for transporting nutrients, maintaining plant structure, and other metabolic processes.
Proper Watering Techniques During Flowering
Watering should be done when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Never let your plants sit in soaked soil since cannabis plants are susceptible to root rot.
Overwatering can cause oxygen deprivation in the root zone, leading to wilting, yellowing, and slow growth. On the other hand, underwatering can cause dehydration and a halt to photosynthesis, impacting bud growth. Pay close attention to how your plant responds to different watering levels to determine how much water it needs during the flowering stage.
5. Genetics and Strain Selection
The strain of the cannabis plant plays a major role in how much it flowers, as does the genetics behind that strain and that specific plant. We highly recommend checking out Kind Seed Co for diverse and high-quality cannabis seeds.
Influence of Genetics on Flowering
The genetics of a cannabis plant determine its characteristics, including its flowering stage. Some strains flower faster than others due to genetic traits.
When choosing a strain, consider its genetics and flowering time. Know that Indica strains tend to flower quicker than Sativas. For more specifics, check out information on the strain you’re interested in on the Kind Seed Co website.
6. Pest and Disease Management
Pests and diseases can devastate an otherwise great cannabis plant. It would be a shame to see all your hard work go to waste at such a late stage in its lifecycle, so be on the lookout for both even during flowering.
Common Pests and Diseases Affecting Flowering
Common pests and diseases during the flowering stage include spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, bud rot, and powdery mildew.
Regular inspections, natural pesticides, and a clean environment can help manage pests and diseases. The best strategy for prevention, though, is observation. Reacting quickly can save a plant, so don’t hesitate to help if something seems wrong.
7. Environmental Stressors
The environment you grow in can heavily shape how your plants flower. This is one reason many growers choose to grow indoors, offering more control over the growing conditions compared to outdoor planting. This generally leads to fewer stressors that can inhibit flowering.
Environmental Stressors' Impact on Flowering
Environmental stressors like physical damage, inconsistent lighting, and temperature fluctuations can stress the plant, affecting yields.
Regular check-ups, a stable environment, and immediate action on stress signs can help mitigate these effects. Minor stress is easy to reverse if you remove what’s stressing your plant, though waiting too long to respond could mean that the damage is already done.
Raise Your Cannabis to Flowering With Help From Kind Seed Co.
Understanding these seven factors that can affect cannabis flowering can significantly improve your yield and the health of your plants. They may seem overwhelming, but applying this knowledge will become second nature.
