The flowering time shown in a strain’s description is generally not the total time from planting the seed to harvest. It refers only to the flowering stage.

Photoperiod strains 🌱

For photoperiod strains grown indoors, the listed flowering time begins when the light schedule is switched to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.

For example, if a strain lists a flowering time of 8–10 weeks, it will usually need:

• Time to germinate and establish itself

• Several weeks in the vegetative stage

• Approximately 8–10 additional weeks after switching to the flowering light cycle

The grower controls how long an indoor photoperiod plant remains in vegetation, so the complete seed-to-harvest timeline will vary.

Outdoors, flowering time begins when the shortening daylight hours naturally trigger the plant to flower. The listed harvest month or outdoor harvest window is usually a better guide for outdoor growers.

Autoflower strains ⏱️

Autoflower timelines may be listed as the total estimated time from seed to harvest, especially when the description specifically says “from seed” or “seed to harvest.”

Autoflowers begin flowering automatically based on age rather than a change in the light schedule. Always check the wording on the individual strain page to confirm whether the displayed number represents flowering alone or the complete growing cycle.

What about Fast Version strains?

Fast Version strains are still photoperiod plants. Their listed flowering time normally begins after flowering is triggered, just like a standard photoperiod strain. “Fast Version” means the flowering stage is typically shorter—it does not mean the listed period begins when the seed is planted.

Remember: flowering times are estimates 🌿

The timelines shown in strain descriptions are estimates rather than exact harvest dates. Growing conditions, plant health, temperature, lighting, nutrition, training, and natural variation can all affect how quickly a plant matures.

Instead of harvesting based only on the calendar, inspect the buds and trichomes to confirm that the plant is ready.

In short: For photoperiod and Fast Version strains, count the listed flowering time after the plant enters flowering. For autoflowers, a timeline labeled “from seed” generally covers the complete seed-to-harvest cycle.