10 Common Flowering Stage Mistakes When Growing Cannabis

10 Common Flowering Stage Mistakes When Growing Cannabis

Growing cannabis is an art, and like any art form, it requires a keen eye and careful attention to detail, especially during the flowering stage. During this time, even minor mistakes can affect your plant’s yield greatly.  

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned grower, understanding common mistakes during the flowering stage can make a significant difference in your yield and the quality of your buds. 

Let's dive into some of the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them to ensure your cannabis plants thrive. In this article, you’ll learn about the common mistakes to avoid during the flowering stage of your cannabis plant. 

Importance of the Flowering Phase in Cannabis Cultivation

The flowering phase plays a major role in cannabis cultivation. It’s where all the action lies. After all, we need the buds, so it’s a no-brainer to pay more attention to the flowering phase more than anything else. If you aren’t convinced, here are a few reasons detailing why you should take gentle care of your plant during this stage:

1. Bud Formation

During this phase, cannabis plants develop their buds which are essential for accumulating cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Whether you like THC or CBD, this is the stage where they develop. Proper lighting, nutrients, and environmental conditions are necessary to enhance cannabinoid levels in the buds. The quality, size, and strength of the buds depend on the care provided during the flowering stage. But, you must allow the buds to fully mature before harvesting to achieve the desired effects and flavors.

2. Aroma and Taste

Terpenes, which give cannabis its aroma and flavor, develop prominently during the flowering stage. Although they don’t make you high, they add to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis by interacting with cannabinoids. Apart from this, the genetics and the environmental conditions during flowering like temperature, humidity, and light exposure significantly impact terpene profiles.

Taking extra care of the plant during flowering can boost terpene production resulting in more distinct and desirable scents and tastes that are essential for both recreational enjoyment and medicinal effectiveness.

3. Resin Production

During the flowering stage, trichomes — the resin glands found on various parts of the plant including buds — become more visible. These trichomes contain a combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, making their growth crucial for the quality of the cannabis plants. 

You can also encourage trichomes by ensuring that the plants are getting the right spectrum and intensity of light. Increasing the dark cycle during the last stage of harvest can also increase resin production. 

4. Overall well-being

Maintaining the well-being of plants throughout the flowering phase is essential for ensuring healthy cannabis growth. Healthy plants are better equipped to withstand pests, diseases, and environmental challenges that could otherwise harm bud quality and yield. 

To take care of the plant during the blooming phase, consistent regulation of temperature, humidity, and air circulation is important as it helps prevent issues like mold, powdery mildew, and pest attacks. You should also provide a diet tailored to the flowering stage to support strong bud growth and overall plant vigor.

Now that you have an inkling of the importance of the flowering phase, let’s take a look at the most common mistakes beginners tend to make while growing cannabis. 

Common Flowering Mistakes in Cannabis Cultivation

1. High Temperatures

One of the common mistakes many growers make when growing cannabis is setting incorrect temperatures during the flowering stage, or at least, neglecting this factor. Generally, cannabis likes a temperature of 64°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), but if the temperature exceeds this range, things can start going wrong. 

If your cannabis is in the flowering stage and the temperature is too high, you’ll notice that the plant will lose its shine and may even show signs of heat stress. As a result, the leaves may become dry and the plant can experience nutrient deficiency, which is never good for the yield. 

2. High Relative Humidity 

Just like high temperatures, high humidity can also be bad for your cannabis plant’s yield, especially in the flowering stage. One of the biggest risks high RH brings is mold issues — something that can completely ruin your plant’s yield. It’s never advisable to smoke moldy buds, buddy! 

So, make sure you maintain a relatively low relative humidity, ranging between 35% to 40% during the flowering stage. You can also consider investing in a dehumidifier if your grow room gets too humid. 

3. Lack of Airflow 

Similarly, you should also maintain a decent airflow in your grow room at all times. If the temperatures and humidity are perfect but the airflow is poor, your plant can still lose some of its yield potential. 

When the airflow isn’t good, your plant is exposed to stagnant air that’s pointless to breathe. Additionally, stagnant air can also lead to increased humidity and mold, and finally, lack of airflow can invite pests into your cannabis garden. 

So, how do you maintain a good airflow? By installing fans and vents in your grow room. You won’t want a windstorm in your grow room; a single oscillating fan or a computer fan (for a small plant) can work wonders, too! The air just has to be fresh. 

4. Lighting Issues

Lighting is crucial during the flowering stage, so you should get it right at any cost. Light serves as a source of energy for photosynthesis while influencing physiological processes such as bud growth and resin production.

Several common lighting issues can impact the flowering stage of cannabis plants, such as light cycles, light leaks during dark periods, and using the wrong light spectrum. Let’s take a look at these problems:

Inconsistent light cycles

Cannabis plants are particularly sensitive to changes in cycles especially when they are in the flowering stage. So, it’s crucial to maintain proper light exposure to ensure the flowering process begins properly and continues without any issues. 

Cannabis plants depend on the light cycle to start flowering, even in the wild. Indoors, you typically start with an 18-hour light and 6-hour dark cycle and shift to the 12-hour light and 12-hour dark cycle to initiate flowering. You should follow these cycles consistently as inconsistencies can lead to issues such as disrupted flowering patterns and reduced yield and quality of flowers. 

Inconsistent exposure to light can stress the plants so much that they have severe consequences. One major concern is hermaphroditism, where plants produce both female flowers and male pollen sacs, increasing the risk of self-pollination. If you don’t remove such plants on time, they will pollinate all the female plants in your garden, so you won’t have any seedless or sensimilla buds. 

Apart from that, the plants may also show signs of stress where the growth gets stunted or the leaves get curled.  

To prevent such issues, you should monitor the plants and maintain proper light cycles. Use timers that make your life easier. Some sophisticated growing setups incorporate automated systems that can notify growers of any issues with the lighting schedule. While it’s optional, a simple routine check every now and then will help. 

Light Leaks During Dark Periods

Cannabis plants need an uninterrupted dark cycle to flower properly. Even minor light leaks can have an impact on flowering.

When there are leaks during the dark period, it can disturb the plant's understanding of darkness, causing confusion and interrupting the signals for flowering. This disruption can result in negative effects where there could be a delay in flowering. If the plants are flowering already, they may stop and go back to vegging or their growing stage, abandoning the flowering process completely along with a drastic reduction in yields. This is known as re-vegging where the plant displays abnormal growth. You may also notice an uneven development or the buds may turn out to be very airy and thin. 

Stress caused by light leaks can also impede cannabis plant growth preventing them from reaching their maximum potential. Stunted growth can impact the size and quality of the buds leading to reduced yields as the plants may not allocate energy to bud production. Additionally stressed plants might use resources inefficiently which further reduces the yields. 

Moreover, plants under stress are more prone to pests and diseases. Light leaks can weaken the plant's immune system, making it easier for pathogens and pests to attack.

To ensure the plants flower successfully, you should take steps to prevent light leaks. This includes checking the grow tent or area for any light leaks around doors, windows, and ventilation openings. Even small gaps can disrupt the period for optimal growth.

If you identify a light leak, use blackout curtains, tape, and seals to cover any openings where light could seep through. Properly sealing all edges and seams is essential to maintain darkness within the growing environment.

Creating a controlled environment that shields the growing space from sources of light is key to promoting plant growth during the flowering stage. Regularly inspect the growing area for any signs of leakage by turning off all lights and looking for any light leaks. You could also use a light meter for precision. 

Incorrect Light Spectrum

The type of light the plants receive during flowering is also crucial for bud growth and overall plant well-being. Different colors of light have different effects on plant growth.  

Red Light (600 700 nm): During the flowering stage, cannabis plants benefit from an increased amount of red light which helps with bud development and flowering. LED lights designed for flowering usually have it to support this process.

Blue Light (400 500 nm): Although blue light is more beneficial during the vegetative stage, a certain amount of light is still necessary during flowering to maintain healthy foliage and overall plant structure.

Full Spectrum Lights: Rather than trying different spectrums, you can use LEDs or other grow lights that offer full spectrum light. Essentially, you need lights that mimic sunlight to provide a well-rounded mix of wavelengths supporting all growth stages. These lights ensure that plants get good quality of light for all stages of growth. 

Adjusting Light Spectrum: Many modern grow lights allow you to adjust the spectrum so you can easily optimize your lighting setup for the flowering stage to enhance bud development and resin production.

Distance Between the Grow Lights and Plants

Your plant needs a lot of light during the flowering stage to grow healthy nugs. To make sure your plant gets this, you must set the grow light at the right distance from the canopy. Only then will your plant grow gorgeous buds. 

Otherwise, the plant may either stretch excessively to get closer to the light or not grow well enough due to lack of energy. So, always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on using grow lights.

As a rule of thumb, you should carry out the good ol’ palm test. You don’t want the lights to be too close as it can cause light burns. So, place your palm just over the canopy, facing the grow lights. If it is warm on your palm, the lights are too close to the plant. 

As you can understand, lighting is one of the most important factors when your plants are flowering. Remember to maintain consistent light cycles, prevent leaks during the dark cycles, and use the appropriate light spectrum for best results. 

5. Too Much Water

Water is no doubt important for the cannabis plant, but you shouldn’t drown your plant in water. Too much of anything is never good, especially when it comes to growing cannabis. 

If you flood your cannabis plant, expect many problems in the root zone. The plant may get saturated and show signs of excess water, like drooping leaves. The roots may fail to breathe properly, leading to even more problems. 

Plus, the flowering time is critical, and excessive watering can lead to slimy roots, or worse, mold in the root zone. Good luck getting rid of it during the flowering stage. Finally, too much water can be a breeding ground for pests. 

6. Over-Fertilizing

One common mistake among cannabis growers, especially beginners, is overfeeding during the bloom phase. It’s easy to think more nutrients will lead to bigger yields, but over-feeding can burn the roots, damage plant health, and even cause the plant to die. 

If you notice the first signs of over-feeding, reduce nutrient concentrations immediately.

You can also use slow-release organic nutrients, which can help prevent overfeeding. This method simplifies the process by allowing you to feed the plants with plain water most of the time, reducing the risk of both over- and under-feeding.

Maintaining proper pH levels is also crucial during bloom. Ideally, your cannabis plant should have a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 for hydroponics and 6.0 to 7.0 for soil. 

7. Training during the flowering stage

You can use various training techniques to enhance the plant’s growth. From low-stress training (LST) to super cropping, most methods help the plants produce loads of buds. Typically, growers train the plants during the vegetative stage to shape the plant's structure, enhance light exposure, and boost bud production. However, once cannabis plants transition into the flowering stage, it's generally recommended to refrain from training activities. This is because training during this phase can have effects on plant health and overall yield. 

During the flowering stage, the cannabis plants redirect their energy towards bud formation rather than vegetative growth. It's a period where plants display increased sensitivity to stress which can significantly impact the harvest in terms of quality and quantity. During flowering, plants primarily channel their resources into developing buds and synthesizing cannabinoids and terpenes. Introducing stress through training methods can disrupt this process by diverting energy from bud development resulting in less potent flowers. Additionally, plants are more vulnerable to stressors during the flowering stage.

Physical handling, such as bending or trimming can trigger stress responses that impede growth and bud formation. The risks of training plants during the flowering phase are significant and can potentially affect the quality and quantity of the yield. 

One key danger of training marijuana plants while they are flowering is the possibility of buds with low quality. Stress induced by training methods like bending or pruning during flowering can shock the plant leading to stunted bud growth and developed flowers. This critical phase may hinder the plant's ability to allocate resources adequately for bud development. Stress can also impact a plant's capacity to produce cannabinoids and terpenes which are responsible for its potency and scent. 

Training plants during the flowering stage may result in abnormal bud development with some buds growing larger and more mature than others. This variability can impact the quality and market appeal of the harvest.

Apart from that, training at the wrong time can also slow down the flowering process leading to various challenges. For example, the buds can grow very slowly and take a long time to reach maturity. This delay could push back the harvest date and cause disruptions in your timeline.

Delayed maturation can disrupt growing cycles, particularly if you’re into perpetual harvests. It also means that you won’t be able to use your space and resources efficiently. A delayed harvest means that the next batch of plants cannot be started on schedule, impacting productivity.

Extending the flowering phase exposes plants to fluctuations in conditions like temperature and humidity changes. These variations can add stress to the plants and influence bud development. Also, remember that the plants can become hermies if you train them during the flowering phase. 

Thus, always train the plants during the vegetative stage when the plants are more resilient and can recover quickly from stress. The plants are better equipped to handle stress from training methods. You can also shape the plant’s structure to provide better exposure to light and airflow.

Techniques such as low-stress training (LST) and super cropping are used to create an even canopy, thereby improving light penetration and encouraging consistent bud growth. Even if you mess something up, the vegetative stage allows for adjustments and corrections. Any stress or damage from training can be minimized before the crucial flowering phase begins.

However, for best results, keep a few things in mind when training the plants even during the vegetative stage. First, initiate training during the early vegetative phase to give plants enough time to recover and adapt. This will help you shape the plants well before they reach the flowering stage.

Next, implement training methods gradually to reduce stress on plants. Handle the plants gently to prevent sudden shocks to the plant. Once you start training, observe how plants react to it. Watch for signs of stress like wilting, discoloration, or slowed growth, and modify techniques accordingly.

Finally, prune the plants sparingly. For those unaware of pruning, it’s a simple technique that involves removing parts of the plant to encourage better growth and airflow. When done correctly, it offers several benefits; however excessive pruning can hamper the plants as leaves are essential for photosynthesis. Removing too many leaves and branches can impede the plant's growth.

And, be very careful of pruning the plants during the flowering stage as the plants need energy to grow buds. When plants are pruned too much, they need time to recover from the stress of losing a lot of leaves. This recovery phase can delay flowering and decrease the yield. So, if you’re planning to prune plants, do it during the vegetative stage. If not, prune sparingly during the flowering stage for best results. 

8. Letting Male Plants Grow Near Female Ones 

Have you ever smoked cheap cannabis? Many times, the buds will have seeds in them and they’ll not produce any outstanding flavors or aromas as you get with high-quality buds. Don’t you want to avoid this?

So, never allow a male cannabis plant to grow near your female cannabis plant. Once the male matures, it starts producing pollen sacs at the nodes, which will release pollen and pollinate female plants in the vicinity. 

Once this happens, the fertilized female plant will start developing seeds, which can significantly impact the quality and flavor of the buds. You can still smoke them, but it just won’t be so pleasant. 

Sometimes, you may also notice pollen sacs growing on female cannabis plants. Congratulations, that plant is a hermie — it will pollinate itself and others. You need to eliminate this plant from the garden too and fix the issue that caused it to go hermie. 

This reminds us —  it is recommended that you buy feminized seeds from reputable seed banks to avoid such problems from occurring in the first place. With feminized seeds, you’re guaranteed to grow female plants only. 

9. Not Having A Good Nose 

This may not apply to most growers, but for whom this is relevant, not being careful of your plant’s smell can be a grave mistake. Sure, fragrant cannabis is all we want, but that’s not what your local authorities might approve of. 

If you live in a region where cultivating cannabis is still questionable and can get you in trouble, you should be careful. This also applies to those who just want to keep their plants discreet, perhaps to avoid nosy neighbors snooping around.

Cannabis smells a lot during the flowering stage, so make sure you have a carbon filter that will scrub the aromas of cannabis. This way, no one will know you’re growing the infamous marijuana plant. 

Some experienced growers also recommend maintaining a negative air pressure in the grow room to curb the smells from escaping. Whether this works or not is debatable, so you’ll have to try it on your own. 

10. Not Harvesting at The Right Time

The length of the flowering stage varies significantly based on your strain and the desired effects. Most cannabis plants need 2-3 months of flowering before they're ready to harvest. Commercial strains might be a bit quicker, while some may take up to 4 months to fully mature.

Choosing Your Harvest Time:

• Early Harvest: Some growers prefer an early harvest for a more energetic, "buzzy" high.
• Late Harvest: Others wait longer for a more sedative, "couchlock" effect.
• Balanced Harvest: Harvesting at the optimal time ensures the best yields and desired effects.

So, how do you know when to harvest?

Look at the trichomes. Harvest the buds when 70% of the trichomes have turned milky with at least 30% amber. But be patient. Don’t get too eager, either. 

Summary: 10 Common Flowering Stage Mistakes When Growing Cannabis

Cultivating cannabis successfully involves more than just planting seeds and watering them. By avoiding these common mistakes during the flowering stage, you can ensure a healthier, more productive garden and a higher-quality yield. 

All in all, it’s fairly simple what you have to do. Most of it boils down to being patient, detail-oriented, and taking proper care of your cannabis plant. Follow the right advice, do some research, and think long-term — your plant will thrive. 

But these aren’t the only things you need to keep in mind when growing cannabis. As we said, growing cannabis is an art and these tips only cover a small part of the canvas. Stay tuned to our blog to learn how to become a true cannabis artist!