The early vegetative phase, i.e. weeks 3 and 4 of cannabis cultivation, is one of the most important phases for healthy plant growth. During this phase, your plant begins to build its structural base, so to speak, the foundation for everything that is to come. After the delicate seedling phase, there is now a significant growth in leaves and stems – your plant is really picking up speed. The ‘Trinity of Modern Cultivation’ manual from Treez Tools offers you helpful tips to optimise plant growth and prepare them perfectly for the next growth phases.
Important factors in the early vegetative phase
Light:
At this stage, your plants need more light intensity. Full-spectrum grow lamps, which are particularly geared towards the blue spectrum (400-500 nm), are best suited. This light promotes strong leaf growth and prevents the plants from becoming too tall and thin (‘asparagus-like’). An 18-6 light cycle (18 hours on and 6 hours off) ensures continuous growth during the vegetative phase.
Nutrients:
Your cannabis plants are now growing increasingly faster and need more nutrients accordingly. Nitrogen is especially important at this stage as it supports leaf and stem growth. The Trinity Guide recommends starting with a mild nutrient solution and then adjusting nutrient application as needed based on how fast your plants are growing.
Irrigation:
Consistent watering is extremely important during the early vegetative phase. Make sure that the water can drain away well so that there is no waterlogging – root rot is the last thing you need now. Always water the plants thoroughly, but let the top layer of soil dry out slightly before watering again. A pH value of 6.0 to 6.5 ensures that the plants can absorb nutrients optimally.
Humidity and temperature:
The ideal humidity range is 50-60% during weeks 3-4. Too high humidity can lead to mould, while too low humidity will dry out the leaves. During the day, the temperature should be around 22-27°C, at night it can drop a bit to stimulate growth. A slight temperature gradient between day and night will help your plants to grow healthy and robust.
Plant training:
Now is also the ideal time to start low-stress training (LST). This technique involves gently bending and fixing branches so that all parts of the plant receive light evenly. This ensures that the plant grows compactly and uniformly, maximising yields later on.
Visual signs of healthy growth
By the end of the fourth week, your cannabis plants should have developed a sturdy stem structure and several sets of healthy, vibrant green leaves. The plants should appear robust and increase in height as they stretch energetically towards the light. All of these are signs that you are on the right track!
Conclusion
The early vegetative phase is a period of rapid growth in which light, nutrients and environmental conditions play a major role. Taking good care of your plants during this phase will lay the perfect foundation for a smooth transition into the late vegetative phase and flowering period. The Trinity Grow Guide from Treez Tools will help you to do everything right, ensuring that your plants grow strong and healthy, ready for a bountiful harvest.
So go ahead and give your plants the best possible care – they will thank you for it!
Keywords: early vegetative phase of cannabis cultivation, cannabis plants light intensity, low-stress training LST, nutrients for cannabis plants, cannabis humidity and temperature