Growing cannabis using the cup and water germination method and progressing all the way to the flowering stage requires a thorough understanding of each phase of growth. Here’s an in-depth, step-by-step guide to this process, from germination to flowering.

1. Germination (Cup and Water Method)

Materials:

• Water (preferably distilled or filtered)
• A clean glass or cup
• Cannabis seeds

Steps:

1. Fill the cup: Start by filling a cup or glass with water at room temperature. Distilled or filtered water is ideal because it lacks impurities and chlorine that can damage delicate seeds.
2. Drop the seeds in: Gently place your cannabis seeds into the cup of water. Over the next 24–48 hours, the seeds will begin to absorb the water, which triggers the germination process. Keep the cup in a dark, warm place (around 70–75°F or 21–24°C).
3. Monitor the seeds: After 12–24 hours, some seeds may sink to the bottom. If they don’t, lightly tap them, and they should sink. This indicates the seeds are viable. If they remain floating for more than 48 hours, they may not germinate.
4. Sprouting the taproot: After 24–48 hours, you should see the seeds crack open and a small white taproot will emerge. This is the beginning of your cannabis plant. Once the taproot is visible, it’s time to transfer the seed to a growing medium.

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2. Seedling Stage (1-2 weeks)

Once the taproot has sprouted, you’ll plant the seed into a growing medium.

Materials:

• Growing medium (soil, coco coir, or peat-based mix)
• Small pots or seedling trays
• Light source (LED, fluorescent, or sunlight)

Steps:

1. Plant the seed: Make a small hole (about ¼ inch deep) in your chosen growing medium and gently place the seed with the taproot facing down. Cover it lightly with soil.
2. Moisture and light: Water the soil lightly to keep it moist, but avoid soaking it. Place the pots or trays under a grow light, or in a sunny location if growing outdoors. Cannabis seedlings need 18–24 hours of light daily.
3. Growth: In the seedling stage, the plant will focus on developing a strong root system and the first set of leaves (cotyledons). After a week, true leaves (serrated cannabis leaves) will emerge.

Tips:

• Keep humidity around 65-70%.
• Keep the temperature between 70–77°F (21–25°C).
• Avoid overwatering; water only when the top layer of soil feels dry.

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3. Vegetative Stage (3-8 weeks)

This stage is where the cannabis plant focuses on leaf, stem, and root growth. You’ll need to optimize the environment to promote healthy and vigorous growth.

Materials:

• Larger pots (3-5 gallons)
• Nutrient-rich soil or nutrient solution for hydroponic setups
• Strong light source (HID, LED, or sunlight)
• Ventilation or fans for airflow

Steps:

1. Transplant: Once the roots have outgrown the seedling tray or small pots, it’s time to transfer your plants to larger containers (3–5 gallons for indoor growing or directly into the ground if outdoors).
2. Lighting: Provide 18-24 hours of light each day. A light intensity of 400–600 μmol/m²/s is optimal for the vegetative phase if using artificial lighting.
3. Watering: Water when the top inch of the soil is dry. Be sure to water thoroughly but avoid overwatering.
4. Nutrients: Introduce nitrogen-rich nutrients to promote green, leafy growth. Use a fertilizer formulated for cannabis or plants in the vegetative stage. A balanced N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2 or similar is ideal at this stage.
5. Training: You can train your plant using techniques like Low-Stress Training (LST) or topping to maximize yield and keep the plant’s height under control. These techniques encourage more side branching and more flowering sites later on.

Tips:

• Maintain humidity around 50-70%.
• Keep the temperature between 70–85°F (21–29°C).
• If growing indoors, use oscillating fans to improve air circulation and prevent mold.

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4. Pre-Flowering/Transition Stage (1-2 weeks)

In this phase, the plant starts to prepare for flowering. You’ll notice a change in growth patterns as the plant stretches and produces pre-flowers, which will help identify the plant’s gender.

Steps:

1. Change lighting schedule: For indoor growing, switch to a 12/12 light cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness). This simulates the shorter days of autumn, signaling the plant to start flowering.
2. Sex the plants: Look for pre-flowers, which will appear where the leaves meet the branches (nodes). Males develop pollen sacs (which should be removed if growing sensimilla), while females develop white pistils (hair-like structures) indicating they will produce buds.

Tips:

• Reduce humidity to 50-55%.
• Maintain temperatures around 68–77°F (20–25°C).

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5. Flowering Stage (6-10 weeks)

This is when your plant will produce the cannabis buds you’ve been waiting for. The flowering stage is where most of your attention and care should be focused to ensure a successful harvest.

Materials:

• Blooming fertilizer (higher in phosphorus and potassium, lower in nitrogen)
• PH meter to monitor soil or water pH (optimal range is 6.0–7.0 for soil, 5.5–6.5 for hydroponics)
• Hygrometer for humidity monitoring

Steps:

1. Nutrients: During flowering, reduce the nitrogen levels and increase phosphorus and potassium to support bud development. Use a bloom formula designed for cannabis.
2. Lighting: Continue with the 12/12 light schedule. For indoor setups, make sure no light leaks occur during the dark period, as this can cause stress or hermaphroditism in the plant.
3. Watering: Water less frequently as the plant focuses on bud production rather than root growth. Make sure the water you use is pH balanced to avoid nutrient lockout.
4. Pest Control: Be extra vigilant during the flowering phase for pests or mold. Use organic pesticides if necessary, but avoid any harsh chemicals that can affect the quality of your buds.
5. Bud Development: As weeks progress, buds will grow larger and more resinous. The pistils will turn from white to orange/brown, and trichomes (tiny resin glands) will shift from clear to milky, and eventually to amber.

Tips:

• Keep humidity low (40-50%) to prevent mold in the dense buds.
• Temperature should be kept between 65-80°F (18-26°C) during flowering.
• Stop nutrient feeding in the final 1-2 weeks and “flush” your plants by giving them only water to remove excess nutrients for a smoother smoke.

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6. Harvesting

Once about 70-90% of the pistils have changed color and the trichomes are cloudy with some amber, it’s time to harvest your cannabis plants. Cut the plants down at the base and hang them upside down in a dark, cool place with good ventilation for drying.

Drying and Curing:

• Dry for 7–14 days in 60–70°F (15–21°C) temperatures with 45-55% humidity.
• Once dry, trim the buds and cure them in airtight jars for at least 2–4 weeks, opening the jars daily for the first week to release excess moisture.

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By following these steps and carefully managing the environment, your cannabis plants should grow healthy and produce high-quality buds by the end of the flowering cycle.