From Seed to Plant: A Guide to the Developmental Stages of Cannabis Plants

The cannabis plant goes through several stages of development, from the first seed being planted until the plant is fully grown. Each stage is essential to ensure the quality and growth of the plant. In this guide, we will go through the most important stages of development and explain how each stage contributes to the final shape and structure of the plant.

1. Germination

The development of the cannabis plant begins with the seed, which contains the necessary nutrients to start the plant’s growth. Under the right conditions – with moisture and warmth – the seed will break its shell and send a root into the soil. This stage, called germination, typically lasts 1-7 days and marks the beginning of the plant.

Germination is important to give the plant a healthy start, as the roots are established here and become the plant's first connection to nutrients and water in the soil.

2. The Seedling Stage

Once the seed has germinated, the plant enters the seedling stage, where the first leaves – known as cotyledons – appear. These leaves look different from typical cannabis leaves, but they are essential as they help the plant convert light into energy through photosynthesis. After a short time, the characteristic serrated leaves will emerge.

The seedling stage typically lasts 2-3 weeks and requires a lot of light and moisture to ensure that the plant grows strong and robust.

3. Vegetative growth

Once the plant has established its roots and produced its first leaves, it enters the vegetative phase, which is characterized by rapid growth. During this phase, the plant focuses on developing strong stems and more leaves, which support photosynthesis and provide the energy it needs for the next stage. Here, the plant can grow significantly in both height and width.

During vegetative growth, it is important that the plant receives sufficient light, nutrients and water, as during this phase it gathers resources that will support flowering.

4. Flowering

After vegetative growth, the plant enters the flowering stage. Here it begins to develop flowers, which contain most of the plant's active compounds and terpenes that give it its characteristic scent. The flowering stage varies in length depending on the strain, but typically lasts 8-12 weeks.

The flowering phase is crucial as it is here that the appearance and quality of the plant is finally formed. The flowers also develop small resin glands, which can be seen as small glittering dots on the surface of the flower. These contribute to the unique appearance of the plant and make it a special sight.

5. Harvest

Once flowering is complete, the plant is ready for harvest. At this stage, the plant is removed from the ground and prepared for further use. The harvesting process typically involves drying and possibly further processing the plant material to preserve its quality and fragrance. After harvest, the different parts of the plant can be used in a wide range of products, from skin care to textiles, depending on legislation and intended use.