When your cannabis plants enter weeks 9 to 10, it means they are in the final stretch of their life cycle. Now it’s all about ripening the buds, boosting resin production, and squeezing out maximum potency. Here’s how to get your plants through this crucial phase and prepare for a successful harvest.
Important factors in the late flowering phase
Light
You should continue to maintain the 12/12 light cycle, i.e. 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, in weeks 9 to 10. The red light spectrum continues to play an important role and helps the plants to complete the buds. Be careful not to interrupt the dark phase under any circumstances – your plants are particularly sensitive during this phase and stress could slow down or even stop their development.
nutrients
Nutrient requirements change in the late flowering phase. Your plants now require less nitrogen, while phosphorus and potassium remain important for maximising bud development. The ‘Trinity of Modern Cultivation’ guide recommends starting the so-called ‘flushing’ in this phase – this means that you only give your plants pure water. This flushes any remaining nutrients out of the soil, resulting in pure flower flavour.
irrigation
Watering your plant properly is especially important now. Let the soil dry out a little between waterings to avoid problems such as overwatering, which can lead to root rot or mould. Continue to maintain a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5 to ensure that your plants can absorb all the nutrients they need during this phase.
Humidity and temperature
To protect your plants from mould and bud rot, low humidity is essential. A relative humidity of 30–40% is ideal. Keep the temperature between 18–24°C during the day to avoid stress and boost resin production. If it gets a bit cooler at night, it’s actually beneficial: cooler night-time temperatures improve the terpene profile of the plant, which means that the flavour and aroma of the buds become more intense.
Keep an eye on the trichomes and stigmas
Now it gets exciting: it’s time to keep a close eye on the maturity of your plants. The trichomes—those small, resin-producing glands—will change from clear to milky to an amber hue. Once most of the trichomes are milky and some are turning amber, the plant has reached peak potency. The pistils will also change colour and curl inward. These visual signs will help you determine the optimal time to harvest.
What does the late flowering phase look like?
At this stage, your plant’s buds are large, dense and covered with a thick layer of sticky resin. The pistils are now much darker, and the trichomes are usually milky or amber in colour. Your plant’s scent will become intense, which is a sure sign that it will soon be ready.
Conclusion: How to get the best out of the late flowering phase
The late flowering phase is crucial for the quality and potency of your cannabis harvest. By ensuring the right light conditions, nutrients, watering, humidity and temperature, you can make sure that your plants complete this phase strong. The ‘Trinity of Modern Cultivation’ guide offers you valuable tips to help you achieve maximum yields and prepare for a successful harvest.
So prepare yourself – the big moment will soon be here and you can reap the rewards (or rather the buds) of your hard work!
Keywords: late flowering phase of cannabis, cannabis at harvest time, trichomes on cannabis, flushing of cannabis plants, cannabis cultivation temperature