The Ultimate Week-by-Week Cannabis Flowering Nutrient Guide for All Growers
Growing flowering plants like cannabis indoors means you're in charge of everything they need - especially their food. Let's look at how to give your plants the right nutrients at the right time during the flowering cycle.
Key Takeaways
- Week-by-week nutrient plans help cannabis and other flowering plants get exactly what they need during flowering
- Timing your nutrients right leads to better yields and healthier buds
- Simple adjustments each week match what your plants need as they develop
Why Timing Matters in Flowering
Cannabis and other flowering plants need different things as they grow. Just like you wouldn't feed a baby the same food as a teenager, your plants need their nutrients adjusted as they move through their flowering cycle.
Weekly Breakdown: What Your Plants Need
Week 1-2: Early Flowering
Your plants are switching from vegetative growth to flower production. They need:
- Less nitrogen than during vegetation
- More phosphorus to start developing flowers
- Regular amounts of potassium
Week 3-4: Peak Flowering
This is when your plants are working hard to produce dense, resinous flowers. They need:
- Very little nitrogen
- Lots of phosphorus
- Extra potassium
Week 5-6: Late Flowering
Your flowers are reaching maturity. They need:
- Almost no nitrogen
- Medium phosphorus
- High potassium
Final Week: Flushing
Time to clean out the growing medium:
- Use plain water only
- This helps remove leftover nutrients for a cleaner final product
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Feeding too much (more isn't always better)
- Sticking to the same nutrient mix throughout flowering
- Skipping the crucial flushing period
Signs Your Timing is Right
You'll know your nutrient timing is good when:
- Fan leaves stay green (not too yellow or dark)
- Flowers grow dense and resinous
- No burning on leaf tips
Tips for Success
- Keep a grow journal with feeding schedules
- Check your water's pH before adding nutrients
- Start with half the recommended amount
Remember: Every plant is different. Watch how yours respond and adjust as needed. It's better to feed a little less than too much.
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FAQ
1. How long is the entire flowering cycle?
The flowering cycle typically runs 6-7 weeks, with distinct phases from early flowering (weeks 1-2) through peak flowering (weeks 3-4) and late flowering (weeks 5-6), ending with a final flushing week.
2. Why is nutrient flushing important?
Flushing is crucial in the final week as it helps clean out the growing medium using only plain water, resulting in a cleaner final product.
3. How do I know if I'm feeding my plants correctly?
Signs of proper nutrient timing include green fan leaves (not too yellow or dark), dense and resinous flowers, and no burning on leaf tips.
4. What are the most common nutrient mistakes to avoid?
The main mistakes are overfeeding, maintaining the same nutrient mix throughout flowering, and skipping the flushing period.
5. How should I start with nutrient feeding?Â
It's recommended to start with half the recommended amount and keep a grow journal to track feeding schedules. Always check water pH before adding nutrients.
6. How do nutrient needs change throughout flowering?
Plants need decreasing nitrogen levels throughout flowering, while phosphorus and potassium requirements vary. They start with moderate needs, peak during weeks 3-4, and taper off towards harvest.
