Flowering Stage — week by week from 12/12 flip to harvest
Flowering is the most demanding phase. Small mistakes halve the yield. Complete guide through the 8–10 weeks.
TL;DR: Wk 1–3 stretch (VPD 1.0–1.3, EC 1.6–2.0). Wk 4–6 bulking (EC peak 2.0–2.4, PK boost). Wk 7–8 ripening (drop T°). Final week: flush pure water. Harvest at 10–30 % amber trichomes.
The 12/12 flip
<12 h light = autumn signal. Total darkness at night: >2 lux = herm risk.
Wk 1–3 — Stretch
50–100 % stretch. Flower nutrients NPK ~1-3-2, EC 1.6–2.0. First pistils end wk 2. Last defoliation window.
Wk 4–6 — Bulking
Peak mass and trichome density. Light 900–1200 μmol, VPD 1.2–1.5, RH <55 %. PK boost wk 5–6.
Wk 7–8 — Ripening
Trichomes clear → cloudy → amber. Drop night T° to 18–22 °C, 8–10 °C differential for color.
FAQ
How long is flower?
Indica 7–9 wk, hybrid 8–10, sativa 10–14, autoflower 8–11 from seed.
Do I need to flush?
Yes with mineral nutrients, no with living soil.
Larfy buds?
Too little light, T° >30 °C, N excess in flower, or sativa without SCROG.