Life Cycle of a Plant – From Germination to Harvest

Every plant goes through several key stages of development that determine its final growth and yield. Regardless of whether we are talking about vegetables, herbs, or other species, the pattern is similar. Below, we describe each of these stages and how to properly care for the plant at each phase.

1. Germination – The Beginning of Plant Life

Germination is the moment when a seed awakens to life and releases its first root. This stage is crucial because the success of the germination process determines the further development of the plant.

✅ Ideal Conditions for Germination:

Moisture – Seeds need water to activate growth enzymes.
Temperature – The optimal range is 20-25°C.
Oxygen – Seeds need access to air, so planting too deep may suffocate them.
Darkness or Light? – Most seeds germinate in darkness, but there are exceptions.

? Best Germination Methods:

Paper Towel Method – The most popular method, where seeds are placed between moist paper towels.
Directly in Soil – A natural method but may extend the germination time.
Seed Trays and Eazy Plug Cubes – A convenient solution for those who want more control over the process.

2. Vegetative Stage – Building Strength

After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, during which it rapidly develops leaves and roots. This is a crucial stage, as the plant’s overall health and final yield depend on it.

✅ Key Needs During Vegetative Stage:

Light – A minimum of 14-18 hours per day for optimal growth.
Nutrients – Mainly nitrogen (N), which promotes leaf and stem development.
Humidity – 50-70% is the optimal range for growing plants.
Pruning and Training – Techniques like topping, LST (low-stress training), and others can shape plant growth.

? Differences Between Regular and Autoflowering Plants

Photoperiod Plants – Their growth depends on light cycles, and they can be controlled by switching the cycle to 12/12h (light/dark).
Autoflowering Plants – These plants enter the flowering stage automatically after a set period (e.g., 3-4 weeks), regardless of light exposure.

3. Flowering – Time for Fruits

At this stage, the plant stops growing and focuses its energy on producing flowers, fruits, or other harvestable parts.

✅ Key Needs During Flowering:

Nutrient Shift – Less nitrogen, more phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
Humidity – Lower than in the vegetative stage (40-50%) to prevent mold.
Light – Photoperiod plants enter flowering when switched to a 12-hour light / 12-hour dark cycle.

? Early vs. Late Flowering

Early Flowering – The plant is just beginning to form flowers. Avoid pruning and stress at this stage.
Late Flowering – Flowers become more mature, the plant absorbs fewer nutrients, and harvest time is approaching.

4. Flush – Cleaning the Plant Before Harvest

Flushing is the process of removing excess nutrients from the plant before harvest. This ensures that the final product does not contain nutrient residues and has better taste and quality.

✅ How to Perform a Flush?

When? About 7-14 days before harvest.
How? Watering with clean water (pH ~6.0) without any added nutrients.
Why? Excess minerals can negatively impact the taste and aroma of the plant.

5. Drying and Curing – The Final Step

After harvest, a crucial step is proper drying and curing of the plant. This process helps preserve its quality, taste, and aroma.

✅ How to Dry Properly?

Temperature – 18-22°C
Humidity – 50-60%
Airflow – Good ventilation, but without direct air blowing on the plants.
Drying Time – 7-14 days, depending on conditions.

✅ Curing

Why? Improves aroma and quality of the final product.
How? Store plants in airtight jars, opening them daily for a few minutes to exchange air.
Curing Time – At least 2-3 weeks, but the longer, the better.

Summary

Every plant undergoes similar life stages, and proper care at each phase ensures healthy and abundant yields. Understanding these phases and providing optimal growth conditions is the key to success – regardless of the type of plants you are growing. ?