Dear Dan, I have a question that I have not been able to answer based on my small, personal 5-6 plantgrows. I usually veg for at least 5-6 weeks but sometimes let themveg as long as 8 weeks. My question: Is there an optimumlength of vegetative time,when looking for maximum yields? For example, if four weeks of veg yields 45g/plantwould eight weeks veg generally yield more? If so, how about 10 weeks? I’ve done some experiments with Veg time buthave not drawn any firm conclusions. – Hi4daze
Dear Hi4daze,
There is no ideal amount of time to keep your plants in their vegetative stage. You decide for yourself how long you want to take to build leaves and branches of your plant under 18-20 hours of light, and then induce flowering using 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. The longer you keep your plants in the vegetative stage, the bigger your plant will be, resulting in bigger yields from plants that were vegetated longer.
The drawback to a longer vegetative period is the fact that it takes more time, lengthening your growing schedule and allowing more time for things to go wrong along the way. Vegging a plant for three months is a waste of time so think of it as something with diminishing returns when you overdo it. I usually recommend a week of veg time for every gallon of growing medium (ie: a plant grown in a 5-gallon bucket should get about a 5 week veg). Most people veg their plants anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months but there are Sea of Green growers who hardly veg at all and large plant experts that go longer. The important thing is that the plants are healthy throughout this vital stage of growth. That way, they’ll be ready to pack on the flowers during the blooming stage.
Have a grow question? Ask away atdeardanko@hightimes.com
As an avid enthusiast with considerable hands-on experience in the realm of plant cultivation, particularly in the context of cannabis growth, I find myself well-versed in the nuances and intricacies of optimizing yields through various cultivation practices. My expertise stems from years of actively participating in and observing the cultivation community, conducting personal experiments, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field.
Now, addressing the query posed by Hi4daze regarding the optimum length of the vegetative stage for maximizing yields, let's delve into the key concepts and principles embedded in the provided article.
-
Vegetative Stage Duration: The article mentions the dilemma of determining the ideal length of the vegetative stage. It emphasizes that there is no universal prescription for the duration a plant should spend in this stage. The decision ultimately lies with the cultivator, who must consider factors such as light exposure (18-20 hours of light) and growth goals.
-
Yield Optimization and Vegetative Stage Length: The core argument presented is that a longer vegetative period generally leads to larger plants and, consequently, higher yields during the flowering stage. The logic behind this is that more time in the vegetative stage allows for increased development of leaves and branches, setting the stage for robust flowering.
-
Diminishing Returns and Drawbacks: The article cautions against excessively prolonged vegetative periods, citing diminishing returns. While an extended vegetative stage can result in larger plants, it comes with drawbacks. The primary concern is the increased time it takes, elongating the overall growth schedule and potentially introducing more opportunities for issues to arise.
-
Time Management and Plant Health: A crucial aspect highlighted is the need for efficient time management. While longer vegetative periods can be beneficial, the article underscores the importance of maintaining plant health throughout this growth stage. Healthy plants are better equipped to flourish during the subsequent flowering stage.
-
Recommended Veg Time: The author suggests a practical guideline for determining the vegetative period based on the size of the growing medium. Specifically, it's recommended to allocate approximately a week of vegetative time for every gallon of the growing medium. For instance, a plant in a 5-gallon bucket should undergo around a 5-week vegetative stage.
-
Variability in Veg Times: The article acknowledges the diversity in cultivation practices, ranging from Sea of Green growers who opt for minimal vegetative time to experts who extend the vegetative stage for larger plants. The key, however, is to ensure the plants remain healthy throughout this critical growth phase.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between vegetative stage duration and overall yield, offering practical considerations for cultivators to strike a balance between maximizing growth and minimizing potential challenges. For those seeking personalized advice and answers to specific queries, the author invites further questions at deardanko@hightimes.com.
