Weeks 5 to 6 mark an exciting phase in cannabis cultivation. Your plants are transitioning from the late-vegetative phase to the early-flowering phase—and that means less leafy growth and more focus on bud formation! Making the right adjustments to light, nutrients, and environment during these weeks is especially important to ensure your plants develop strong and healthy flowers. Let’s take a look at what’s involved during this phase.
Important factors in the late vegetative phase
Light: Initiate the change to flowering
To get your plants to flower, the light cycle needs to be adjusted. Switch the lighting from an 18/6 rhythm (18 hours light, 6 hours dark) to a 12/12 rhythm. This means: 12 hours light, 12 hours dark. This gives Make sure to use more red light (600-700 nm) during this phase – this helps the plants to develop beautiful, dense flowers.
Nutrients: the key to healthy flowers
Now the nutrient requirements also change. Nitrogen is still important, but from now on your plants need more phosphorus and potassium – these are crucial for powerful flower formation. Use a balanced transitional fertiliser formula so that the plants get everything they need for both late vegetative growth and the start of flowering.
Watering: maintaining the moisture balance
As plants grow, so does their need for water. Keep the soil moist, but avoid drowning your plants—let the top layer of soil dry a little before watering again. Also, make sure that the pH of the water is between 6.0 and 6.5 so that the roots can optimally absorb the nutrients.
Humidity and temperature: the perfect balance
Controlling humidity and temperature is especially important during this phase. Slightly reduce humidity to around 40-50% to minimise the risk of mould forming as your plants start to produce flowers. The temperature should be kept constant at around 20-26°C, with a few degrees cooler at night – this promotes healthy growth.
Plant training and pruning: last chance to shape them
Now is the last chance to shape your plants using low-stress training (LST) or pruning before they put all their energy into flowering. Remove small, shady branches and leaves from the lower part of the plant—this will redirect energy towards developing larger and healthier flowers.
Visual signs of transition
As soon as your plants change from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase, you will see the first pre-flowers (small white hairs) at the nodes of the branches. This is the sign that it is starting – the flowering period begins! Now it is time to adjust care and attention to the new needs of the plant.
Conclusion
Weeks 5 to 6 are a crucial phase that lays the foundation for a successful flowering period. By optimising light, nutrients and environmental conditions, you can create the best conditions for healthy, high-yielding plants. With the tips from the ‘Trinity of Modern Cultivation’ manual by Treez Tools, you’ll be well prepared to get the most out of this exciting phase.
Good luck and happy growing!
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