What Does a Marijuana Plant Look Like at Each Growing Stage

Growing marijuana is a systematic process, and understanding the visual cues at each stage of its life cycle is crucial for a successful harvest. From germination to flowering, a marijuana plant undergoes distinct transformations. These transformations have clear indications, making it important for cannabis growers to monitor and observe their plants daily to notice the changes. In this guide, I will explore the physical characteristics, smells, and colors that define a cannabis plant at various stages of growth, along with specific details about male, female, and hermaphrodite plants. The information provided can help you learn more about how the cannabis plant's appearance and growth can serve as valuable indicators.

What Does a Marijuana Plant Look Like?

Marijuana plants are unique and characterized by tall, green, and spiky leaves. Often up to 2 feet long, these leaves have a serrated edge, contributing to the plant's distinctive appearance. The stem, usually green but occasionally brown or purple, supports these large, thin leaves. Clusters of small, colorful flowers add to the plant's beauty, with hues ranging from purple and orange to green and yellow.

Physical Characteristics

Smell and Taste

The scent of marijuana is unmistakable, described as pleasant and earthy, very similar to the smell of grass but a little more potent. However, the aroma can vary significantly based on the strain. Likewise, marijuana is renowned for its diverse flavors, which can include citrus, berry, and vanilla, depending on the specific strain and growing conditions.

Color

Color is a crucial indicator of a marijuana plant's characteristics. Green leaves are high in THC, the compound responsible for marijuana's effects. Yellow, orange, and brown leaves contain less THC and serve alternative purposes. Plants with purple or red leaves are typically decorative and not meant for consumption.

Easiest Marijuana Strains To Grow
Strain	Content	Effects	Website
Blue Dream	20% Indica/ 80% Sativa THC 21%+	Euphoric, Relax, Calm,
Easy Bud	15% Sativa / 55% Indica/ 30% Ruderalis THC 15%	Relax, Euphoric
Wedding Cake	Indica dominant THC 16% - 24%	Relax, Uplifting
Super Lemon Haze	35% Sativa /65% Indica THC 24%	Relax, Calm, Hungry
White Widow	50% Sativa /50% Indica THC 19%	Powerful, Energized, Relax, Euphoric

What Does a Marijuana Plant Look Like At Each Stage

The marijuana plant undergoes distinctive changes at each stage of its growth cycle. In germinating, seeds transform into shiny, brown entities, setting the foundation for the delicate seedling stage marked by unique leaves. As the plant progresses into the vegetative stage, there's a surge in growth, while the pre-flowering stage becomes pivotal for sex determination. The flowering phase introduces natural color variations indicative of harvest readiness. Finally, the harvesting stage emphasizes strategic cutting for optimal drying and optional curing, highlighting the plant's evolving characteristics throughout its developmental stages.

Germinating

During germination, marijuana seeds mature into shiny, brown specimens. To get the best out of them in this stage, I recommend placing the cannabis seeds in a wet, dark environment. This will help grow a root, or radicle, and cotyledon leaves. Marijuana buds like Blue Dream are a great option to do so. These leaves, distinct from typical marijuana leaves, gather sunlight energy, marking the transition to the seedling stage.

Best Marijuana Seed for the Germination Stage:

	Blue Dream - Buy Now
Reasons to buy this seed:	- Stable genetics; - Moderate THC content - Vigorous growth - Adaptability to various conditions.
What our experts say:	The strain's balanced nature ensures uniform seedling development, making it suitable for both novice and experienced growers. With a pleasant aroma and flavor profile, Blue Dream adds a sensory aspect to the cultivation process, complementing its overall reputation as a reliable and versatile cannabis strain during the germination stage.

>> Read full article How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds .

Seedling

The seedling stage is delicate, requiring 18-24 hours of sunlight, moist soil, and mild humidity. Traditional marijuana leaves with serrated edges begin to appear, and as the plant grows, the number of leaf fingers increases. Healthy seedlings exhibit short stature, thick vegetation, and vibrant green leaves. To know if your plant is developing these characteristics, I recommend observing them at the beginning and end of the day.

Vegetative

Entering the vegetative stage, the plant develops more leaves, nodes, and branches. Topping and training may occur during this stage; I recommend using the topping method best for plants like Super Lemon Haze. The plant's growth accelerates with increased water, warm temperatures, and nitrogen and potassium-rich nutrients. Sativa plants are lanky with fewer leaves, while Indica plants are shorter and denser.

Pre-Flowering

The pre-flowering stage, lasting 7 to 14 days, allows for sex determination. Female plants exhibit pistils on buds, while males show sacs of pollen. Hermaphrodite plants have both reproductive organs. It's crucial to identify and remove male and hermie plants to prevent unwanted pollination, so I recommend you do this process with a lot of caution.

Flowering

Flowering begins naturally with less than 12 hours of light daily. The colors of pistils and trichomes indicate harvest readiness. Transparent trichomes transition to milky, opaque, and finally amber, signaling a higher CBD to THC ratio. If you’re growing outdoors, warm weather, moderate humidity, and blooming nutrients contribute to successful flowering. If you’re growing indoors, controlling the environment with the recommended temperature (50 - 55 degrees Fahrenheit), humidity, and adequate lighting (300-400 watt bulbs) can lead to similar results. The best plants to use for this type of cultivation are Wedding Cake and White Widow.

Best Marijuana Seed for the Flowering Stage:

	Easy Bud - Buy Now
Reasons to buy this seed:	- Compact size; - Short flowering time; - Ease of cultivation.
What our experts say:	With a quick flowering period, Easy Bud accelerates the transition from the vegetative stage to flowering, making it ideal for growers seeking a faster harvest. Its manageable height is suitable for indoor cultivation, and the strain's simplicity in care makes it accessible to beginners. The efficient flowering process and low maintenance requirements contribute to Easy Bud's reputation as a top choice for the flowering phase.

Harvesting

Harvesting involves cutting the plant into smaller branches for drying. Hanging the branches upside down in a cool, dark room prevents fungus and bacteria growth. Drying and optional curing processes ensure the preservation of cannabis, enhancing flavor and burn quality. For an added personal touch, I recommend maintaining a controlled humidity level between 40% and 50% during the drying phase. This precaution prevents undesirable microbial growth and contributes to a smoother and more enjoyable smoking experience.

You may also learn how to grow marijuana from seed  in this complete article.

What Does a Male Marijuana Plant Look Like?

Male marijuana plants play a crucial role in reproduction but are generally undesired in cultivation for recreational or medicinal purposes. Identifying a male plant involves recognizing specific characteristics. Males tend to have a taller and less bushy appearance compared to females.

Male plants play a key role in breeding programs, providing pollen to fertilize females for seed development. While not yielding consumable products, recognizing and managing male plants is vital for preserving specific strains or creating hybrids. Male plants may have a slightly taller and less bushy profile, but growers should primarily focus on identifying pre-flowers and sac development for accurate differentiation. In summary, understanding the characteristics and behavior of male marijuana plants is essential for effective cannabis cultivation. The key features of a male marijuana plant include:

• Pre-Flowers : Male plants develop pre-flowers that look like small, sac-like structures. These structures contain pollen, a crucial component for fertilizing female plants.
• No Buds : Unlike female plants that produce buds, males generate small clusters of pollen sacs. These sacs lack the resinous and THC-rich characteristics found in female buds.
• Early Identification : Males typically reveal their gender earlier than females, allowing timely removal to prevent pollination.
• Limited Trichome Production : Male plants generally have fewer trichomes compared to females. Trichomes are the resinous glands responsible for producing cannabinoids like THC and contribute to the potency of the buds.

What Does a Female Marijuana Plant Look Like?

Female marijuana plants are highly prized in cannabis cultivation for their ability to produce potent and resinous buds. Recognizing the distinctive features of a female plant is crucial for a successful harvest.

Identifying and nurturing female plants is a primary objective for growers aiming to harvest potent and seedless buds. Female plants typically have a more robust and bushier appearance compared to males. Their focus on bud production makes them the desired gender for recreational and medicinal cannabis. Recognizing pistils and the absence of pollen sacs aids in accurate gender determination. In summary, here are key characteristics of a female marijuana plant:

• Bud Development : The most distinguishable feature of a female plant is the development of buds. These clusters of flowers contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, making them valuable for consumption.
• Pistils and Calyxes : Female buds have pistils, which are hair-like structures, and calyxes, the protective covering that houses reproductive parts. The presence of pistils indicates the plant's reproductive stage.
• Resin Production : Female plants exhibit a higher resin production than males. The resin contains cannabinoids and contributes to the potency and therapeutic effects of the plant.
• Trichome Density : Female buds are covered in trichomes, small resinous glands that produce cannabinoids. The density of trichomes contributes to the overall potency of the buds.

Best Marijuana Seed for Female Plants cultivators:

	Wedding Cake - Buy Now
Reasons to buy this seed:	- High THC content; - Resinous buds with a sweet and tangy flavor profile; - Short flowering time and robust growth.
What our experts say:	This hybrid strain is renowned for its high THC content, providing potent and euphoric effects. The strain's robust growth and shorter flowering time also align with the preferences of those focusing on cultivating exclusively female cannabis plants. Overall, Wedding Cake is considered a top choice for its impressive characteristics and the premium quality it brings to the cultivation of female plants.

Among weed consumers, female marijuana plants are the most searched for. Here’s a complete article with recommendations of the best feminized seeds , ensuring optimal yield from your cannabis plants. .

What Does a Hermaphrodite Marijuana Plant Look Like?

Hermaphrodite marijuana plants, also known as hermies, possess both male and female reproductive organs. While they can self-pollinate, leading to seed production, hermies are generally undesirable for growers aiming for seedless, high-quality buds. Identifying hermaphrodite plants involves recognizing specific features:

• Male and Female Structures : Hermaphrodites display male pollen sacs and female pistils on the same plant. This dual sexual expression is a key indicator.
• Risk of Pollination : Hermies pose a risk of pollinating nearby female plants, leading to seed development in the buds. This compromises the overall quality of the harvest.
• Environmental Stress Response : Hermaphroditism can be triggered by environmental stress factors such as inconsistent lighting, nutrient imbalances, or temperature fluctuations.
• Early Detection : Regular monitoring during the flowering phase helps in the early detection of hermaphrodite traits, allowing growers to take preventive measures.

Best Marijuana Seed to Minimize the Chance of Hermaphrodite Plants:

	Super Lemon Haze - Buy Now
Reasons to buy this seed:	- Stable genetics and resistance to hermaphroditism; - Uplifting and energizing sativa effects; - High THC content; - Distinctive citrusy aroma and flavor.
What our experts say:	Most of the growers and breeders emphasize the importance of avoiding hermaphroditic plants, as they can lead to unwanted pollination and seed production, affecting the overall quality of the harvest. Strains like Super Lemon Haze, known for stability and resistance to hermaphroditism, may be favored by cultivators aiming to reduce the likelihood of encountering hermaphroditic plants in their crops.

What Does a Baby Marijuana Plant Look Like?

Understanding the appearance of a baby marijuana plant is crucial for successful cannabis cultivation. The early stages of a plant's life set the foundation for its overall health and development.

In its early stages, during germination, the plant showcases small, emerging leaves, symbolizing the start of its growth journey. As these tiny leaves unfold, they signify the plant's entry into the seedling stage. Observing this phase offers a visual insight into the initial stages of marijuana plant development. Here are key characteristics of a baby marijuana plant:

• Cotyledon Leaves : In the germination stage, a baby marijuana plant initially develops cotyledon leaves. These leaves are distinct from mature cannabis leaves and provide initial energy for the plant.
• Root Development : A baby plant's root system is established during germination. The emergence of a primary root, or radicle, marks the initiation of root development.
• Seed Casing : As the plant grows, it sheds the seed casing, revealing the initial leaves. Proper care during this vulnerable stage is crucial for a healthy seedling.
• Early Growth : Baby marijuana plants exhibit a compact and delicate structure during seedling. Adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients are essential for robust early growth.

Best Marijuana Seed to Maximize the Chance of Survival of Baby Plants:

	White Widow - Buy Now
Reasons to buy this seed:	- Robust seedling development; - Short flowering time; - Adaptability to different environments.
What our experts say:	White Widow is often recognized for its vigorous growth, resilience, and balanced genetics, making it conducive to successful germination. The strain's reputation for promoting robust seedling development aligns with the preferences of cultivators aiming for a strong start in the early stages of cannabis cultivation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Big Do Marijuana Plants Get?

Marijuana plants' size can vary based on the strain and growing conditions. Typically, outdoor-grown plants can reach heights of 8 to 12 feet, while indoor plants, subject to confined spaces, are usually shorter, ranging from 3 to 6 feet. The growth stage, pruning, and environmental factors contribute to the final size.

How Do I Identify a Hemp Plant?

Identifying a hemp plant involves observing key characteristics. Hemp plants, a variety of Cannabis sativa, have narrow leaves concentrated at the top of the plant. They generally grow taller and slimmer than marijuana plants. Hemp is cultivated for industrial purposes and contains low THC levels, ensuring it does not produce the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.

What Does a Sativa Plant Look Like?

Sativa plants exhibit specific visual traits. They are tall and lanky, with narrow leaves that are lighter in color. Sativa strains are known for their energetic and uplifting effects. The plants thrive in warm climates and have a more extended flowering than Indica varieties.

How Many Leaves Does a Marijuana Plant Have?

A marijuana plant typically starts with a pair of single-blade leaves known as cotyledons during the seedling stage. As the plant matures, leaves with multiple fingers or serrated edges develop. The number of leaves varies, but mature plants commonly have between 5 and 7 fingers per leaf. Genetics, growing conditions, and pruning practices can influence leaf count.

Related Content

• When to Harvest Marijuana
• Best Seed Banks
• How to Dry Marijuana

What Does a Weed Plant Look Like: Wrapping Up

In conclusion, understanding the visual cues of a marijuana plant at each stage of its growth is key to successful cultivation. Each stage demands specific care and attention, from the delicate germination phase to the rewarding harvest. The information provided can help you understand how a marijuana seed grows into a plant and what needs to be done during its growth cycle. As you continue to embark on your growing marijuana experience, learning more about the world of strains and cultivation methods can enhance your growing abilities. Study and learn as much as necessary, and you will surely see results one growth cycle at a time.