What is Flowering Time?
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Cannabis flowering time refers to the stage of growth when plants begin to produce flower buds and trichome-coated resin.
Different strains have different flowering times, which impact growing cycles.
Generally, indicas flower faster than sativas, while auto flowers transition quickly.
Understanding flowering times helps predict plant development.
How Does Flowering Time Differ between Indicas and Sativas?
On average, indica strains flower in 6-8 weeks after switching grow lights to a 12/12 light/dark cycle.
Indicas evolved near the equator with consistent light exposure, so they transitioned to blooming quickly.
Sativas take 9-12 weeks on average to fully flower. Originating nearer the poles, sativas adapted to longer summer days and anticipate a gradual light reduction.
Their longer flowering time produces higher yields.
However, significant variability exists within each group.
Growers should rely on specific strain guidelines, not broad indica/sativa generalizations about flowering times.
How Long Do Auto Flowers Take to Flower?
Autoflowering strains with ruderalis genetics eliminate the need to change light cycles.
They transition from vegetative growth to flowering automatically within 2-4 weeks of sprouting.
Their rapid life cycle lets growers produce multiple harvests each season outdoors.
With no specific light cues needed, auto flowers can be tricky to grow indoors but deliver fast from seed to flower.