Cannabis flowering stages: week-by-week guide to bud development

The flowering stage is the most thrilling and vital phase of your cannabis cultivation. It’s when your plants transition from producing leaves to forming the resin-laden buds you’ve been waiting for. To achieve the best results, you need to understand how the flowering process develops—and what your plants require at every step.

In this guide, we break down the cannabis flowering stages week by week, covering visible changes, ideal conditions, and expert tips. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, from feminised seeds or elite genetics like those from Mavericks Genetics, mastering this phase will help you boost your yield and potency.

How long is the cannabis flowering stage?

The flowering stage typically lasts between 8 to 10 weeks, depending on the genetics:

Indica-dominant strains: 7–9 weeks
Sativa-dominant strains: 9–12 weeks
Hybrids: 8–10 weeks
Autoflowering varieties usually have shorter cycles, often completing flowering in just 5–8 weeks from the onset of bloom.

Week-by-week cannabis flowering stages

Pre-flowering (transition): week 1–2

This phase begins when the plant receives 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness per day.

What to expect:

• Stretching: Plants may double in height.

• Pre-flower formation: White pistils (hairs) emerge at nodes.

• Increased nutrient demand: Especially for phosphorus and potassium.

Tips:

• Support elongating branches early.

• Lower nitrogen input; increase bloom nutrients.

• Maintain humidity under 50% to prevent mould.

Early flowering: week 3–4

The plant’s energy redirects from growing tall to developing buds.

What to expect:

• Bud sites become more pronounced.

• White pistils multiply at each node.

• Trichome production starts.

Tips:

• Ensure good air circulation around developing buds.

• Closely monitor temperature and humidity.

• Use low-stress training (LST) to open the canopy if necessary.

Mid-flowering: week 5–6

Buds begin to bulk up and resin production increases significantly.

What to expect:

• Buds gain noticeable weight.

• Sticky resin starts to coat flowers.

• Aromas intensify.

• Pistils may begin to darken and curl.

Tips:

• Inspect for pests near maturing buds.

• Avoid handling buds—resin is delicate.

• Tweak nutrients to lower nitrogen and boost potassium.

Late flowering: week 7–8

Plants are approaching maturity and preparing for harvest.

What to expect:

• Buds reach peak size and density.

• Most pistils turn dark and curl inward.

• Trichomes shift from clear to cloudy and some to amber.

Tips:

• Flush with pH-balanced water (optional but recommended).

• Use a magnifier or jeweller’s loupe to assess trichome colour.

• Lower humidity below 45% to protect against bud rot.

Ripening (optional weeks 9–10)

Some cultivars benefit from an extended ripening phase for enhanced potency and flavour.

What to expect:

• Calyxes swell and harden.

• Maximum trichome coverage.

• Most pistils have turned dark.

• Aroma is strongest at this point.

Tips:

• Stop feeding nutrients—focus on flushing and final monitoring.

• Start preparing the drying space.

• Minimise plant stress—avoid pruning or environmental changes.

How to tell when your cannabis is ready to harvest

Calendars help, but the best harvest timing comes from observing trichomes and pistils directly.

Pistils: 70–90% darkened and curled inward
Trichomes: Mostly cloudy with 10–30% amber
Bud structure: Dense, swollen, and sticky

Key nutrients during flowering

• Use bloom boosters during mid-flowering for larger buds.

• Avoid excessive feeding in late flowering to preserve flavour and aroma.

• Flush 1–2 weeks prior to harvest to remove salt buildup (optional but beneficial).

Common mistakes during flowering

Indoor vs outdoor flowering

At Mavericks Genetics, our premium feminised seeds are bred to perform in both growing conditions. Choose cultivars that match your local climate and preferred grow method.

Final thoughts: flowering is where the magic happens

The flowering stage is where all your planning and care pay off. By staying attentive to each week's developments and responding accordingly, you’ll enhance trichome production, maximise yield, and unlock the full terpene profile of your plants.

Whether you're after high-grade flower or producing your own seeds, starting with proven genetics and applying expert flowering techniques makes all the difference.

Ready to grow top-tier results?
Visit Mavericks Genetics to shop elite feminised cannabis seeds bred for flavour, strength, and consistency—flower after flower.