Vegetative Stage

The growth phase of the cannabis plant between seedling and flowering, during which the plant develops its structure, root system, and leaf mass. Photoperiod plants remain vegetative as long as they receive more than 12 hours of light per day — typically 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness for indoor grows. Training techniques (LST, topping, ScrOG) are most effective during the vegetative stage. Vegetative stage typically lasts 4–8 weeks depending on desired plant size and strain.