Cannabis Nutrient Schedule Example: Seedling to Harvest
Providing the right nutrients at the right time is crucial for healthy cannabis plants and high yields. Below is a typical nutrient schedule broken into phases: Seedling, Vegetative, and Flowering stages. Adjust the feeding amounts based on plant response and strain-specific needs.
General Guidelines
- Start Slow: Begin with half the recommended nutrient dosage to avoid nutrient burn, especially with young plants.
- Monitor pH Levels: Keep pH between 6.0-6.5 for soil and 5.5-6.0 for hydroponics.
- Flush the Medium: In soil, flush the plants with water every 3-4 weeks to prevent salt buildup.
- Observe Plant Response: Adjust feeding based on leaf color, growth rate, and any signs of deficiencies or toxicity.
Sample Nutrient Schedule
| Week | Phase | Nutrient (N-P-K Ratio) | Dosage (Per Gallon of Water) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Seedling | 1-1-1 (Mild Starter) | ¼ tsp | Use minimal nutrients; focus on root development. |
| 3-4 | Early Vegetative | 3-1-2 (Nitrogen-Rich) | ½ tsp | Increase nitrogen to encourage leaf growth. |
| 5-6 | Vegetative | 4-2-3 | 1 tsp | Monitor for healthy foliage and strong branches. |
| 7 | Transition (Pre-Flower) | 2-2-2 | ¾ tsp | Prepare the plant for flowering by reducing nitrogen. |
| 8-10 | Early Flowering | 1-3-4 (Phosphorus-Rich) | 1 tsp | Increase phosphorus for bud development. |
| 11-13 | Mid-Flowering | 0-3-5 | 1½ tsp | Boost potassium to improve resin and terpene production. |
| 14 | Late Flowering | 0-1-2 | 1 tsp | Reduce nutrients to avoid harsh flavors in the final product. |
| 15 | Flush | Water Only | – | Flush the medium with plain water to remove nutrient buildup before harvest. |
Additional Tips for Success
- Light Schedule: Maintain an 18/6 light cycle during the vegetative phase and switch to 12/12 for flowering.
- Temperature and Humidity: Keep temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) with humidity levels between 40-60%.
- Watering Frequency: Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry to prevent overwatering.
- Cal-Mag Supplement: Use a Calcium-Magnesium supplement if you see signs of deficiencies, especially in hydroponic systems.
