Photoperiods flower when you switch lights to 12/12. Autoflowers flower on their own around week 3–5 and finish in 9–12 weeks from sprout. Indicas tend to stay short and finish faster (7–9 weeks of flower); sativas stretch tall and take longer (10–14 weeks).
1Germination (days 1–7)
Soak seeds 12–24h in room-temp water, then move to a damp paper towel in a warm dark spot (24–27°C).
Plant once the taproot is 1–2 cm, root-down, about 1 cm deep.
Keep medium moist, never soggy. Humidity 70–80%.
2Seedling (weeks 1–3)
2–4 sets of true leaves with serrated blades. Leaves should be bright green.
Light 18/6 (autos can run 18/6 or 20/4) at low intensity (PPFD 200–400).
Water small amounts in a ring around the stem. Little to no nutrients — ¼ strength at most.
Stretchy, leaning seedlings mean the light is too far away.
3Vegetative (photo: weeks 3–8+, auto: weeks 3–5)
Rapid leaf and branch growth. New node every few days.
PPFD 400–600, humidity 50–65%, temps 22–28°C.
Train now: LST, topping (photoperiods; top autos only early, if at all), defoliation of blocking fan leaves.
Nitrogen-heavy feed. Up-pot photoperiods before roots circle the container.
4Transition & Stretch (flower weeks 1–3)
Photos: flip to 12/12. Plants can double in height — plan headroom.
White pistils appear at nodes. Switch to bloom nutrients gradually.
Humidity down to 45–55%. Do last defoliation around day 21.
5Bulk Flower (flower weeks 4–7)
Buds swell and stack, trichomes become visible and frosty.
Phosphorus and potassium needs peak; nitrogen tapers.
PPFD 700–1000, humidity 40–50% to prevent bud rot. Strong smell — consider a carbon filter.
Lower fan leaves yellowing late in flower is normal fade.
6Ripening & Harvest
Use a jeweler's loupe on the buds (not sugar leaves).
Clear trichomes = not ready. Cloudy = peak THC, heady. 10–30% amber = heavier, more body.
Most pistils darkened and curled in is another cue.
Optional: 1–2 weeks of plain water (flush) for salt-based feeds; 24–48h of darkness before chop is optional.