A Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Vegetative to Flowering StageUpdated 5 months ago
Making the switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage is a crucial moment in your cannabis plant's life cycle. By following these simple steps, you'll ensure a smooth transition and set your plants up for a successful flowering period.
To induce flowering, you need to change your lighting schedule from 16–20 hours of light per day (depending on the strain) during the vegetative stage to a 12/12 light cycle. This means your plants should receive 12 hours of continuous light followed by 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day.
When transitioning to the flowering stage, it's essential to adjust the climate in your grow space:
- Reduce the relative humidity from 50–70% in veg to 40–60% when you start flowering. This helps prevent mold, mildew, and other potential issues.
- Increase CO2 levels beyond standard atmospheric conditions by using a CO2 kit or increasing the air exchange rate.
- Maintain the optimal flowering temperature range of 68–82°F (20–28°C).
It's much easier to address pests and diseases during the vegetative stage. Before flipping to flowering, thoroughly inspect your plants for any signs of problems, as they will be more challenging to treat once the plants are in full flower.
As you begin flowering your cannabis plants, resist the urge to overfeed them. Instead, gradually adjust the nutrient mix to include more magnesium and phosphorus while reducing the amount of nitrogen.
Pro Tip: Make sure to slowly transition the nutrients to avoid stressing your plants.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you'll successfully navigate the transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage, creating the ideal conditions for your plants to thrive and produce an abundant harvest of high-quality buds.