by Jorge Cervantes
Vegetative Growth
Cannabis enters the vegetative growth stage after four to six weeks of seedling growth. Vegetative growth is maintained in most strains with 16-24 hours of light daily. Plants grow faster when they received more hours of light. Marijuana will continue vegetative growth a year or longer (theoretically forever) as long as it receives 18-24 hours of light every day.
During the vegetative stage, green leafy growth is rapid. Healthy plants will grow an inch or more daily. Strong, fast vegetative growth is essential for a heavy harvest. Plants that are stunted now should not be induced to flower because they will yield much less. hold them back until they are stronger. Proper levels of nutrients are important for fast-growing vegetative plants. Make sure you are following the manufacturer’s recommended dosage when fertilizing. Some plants can take much more fertilizer than others.
In general, pure sativa and sativa-dominant strains require less fertilizer. One of the best ways to learn a strain’s fertilizer tolerance is to experiment so that you will know exactly how much fertilizer this specific strain needs.
In general, pure indica and indica-dominant strains can take higher doses of fertilizer. Check with seed sellers and internet forums to learn more about which strains can take high and low doses of fertilizers.