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Seedling or Vegetative Stage: What to Count in the First Two Weeks?

Seedling or Vegetative Stage: What to Count in the First Two Weeks?

The 420 Gardener

Whether you’re new to growing cannabis or a seasoned green thumb, there’s one question that keeps coming up: do you count the first two weeks as part of the seedling stage or the vegetative stage? Some growers see the first couple of weeks as critical seedling development time, while others believe that as soon as those cotyledon leaves appear, the plant is already in the vegetative phase.

Either way, the truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer. What really matters is taking care of your plants in the best possible way, regardless of what label you use. So let’s dive into what you need to remember during those first two weeks of growth and beyond, keeping things real and, most importantly, keeping it fun.

Understanding the Seedling Stage

The seedling stage is when your little cannabis plant is at its most delicate. During this time, it’s all about getting the basics right: light, water, and nutrients. If you choose to count the first two weeks as part of the seedling stage, here’s what you need to remember:

  • Light Intensity: Seedlings don’t need as much intense light as fully vegetating plants. Keep your lights at a safe distance to avoid burning those young leaves.
  • Watering: Be gentle with water. Seedlings need moisture but not soaked soil. Using a humidity control kit can help maintain a stable environment.
  • Nutrients: At this stage, less is more. Most growers don’t feed seedlings right away, as the plant is still developing its roots.

Think of the seedling stage as the time when your plant is learning how to stand on its own. It’s fragile but full of potential, just like how a young sapling needs time to build its strength before facing the elements.

Starting the Vegetative Stage Early

If you count the first two weeks as part of the vegetative stage, then your mindset might shift to more aggressive growth techniques earlier on. During veg, your plant is focusing on growing strong roots, bigger leaves, and tall, sturdy stems.

  • Light Cycle: Many growers switch to 18/6 (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness) right after the seed pops. This simulates long summer days and helps the plant get into a growth mode.
  • Nutrients: As soon as you see those first true leaves (not the cotyledons), your plant will start needing light nutrients. Consider adding a mild feeding schedule but be cautious to avoid nutrient burn.
  • Training: If you start training your plants early, such as with low-stress training (LST), the vegetative stage gives you a chance to shape the plant before it starts flowering.

Starting your plant in the vegetative stage early can give it more time to grow big and strong before you flip to flowering, but remember to watch closely. Plants grow fast, and things like overwatering or too much light can set you back.

What Really Matters: Growth Conditions

No matter what you call those first two weeks, the most important part is giving your plant the best conditions to thrive. Whether you’re nurturing a seedling or pushing for faster veg growth, keeping your grow environment dialed in is key.

Here are some tips to remember:

  • Temperature & Humidity: For both seedlings and vegging plants, aim for temperatures around 70-85°F (21-29°C) and humidity levels of 60-70%. As your plant gets bigger, you can lower the humidity gradually.
  • Good Airflow: Whether your plant is a baby seedling or a thriving vegger, it needs fresh air. Make sure you have a fan gently circulating air in your grow space.
  • Containers: If you start your seeds in small containers, be ready to transplant when they outgrow their space. You can use quality UV Cure Jars to store seeds before planting.

Keeping It Fun

Let’s be real—growing cannabis should be fun. Whether you’re counting the first two weeks as seedling time or jumping right into veg, the most important part is enjoying the process. Watch your plants closely, learn from them, and experiment. Not everything goes perfectly every time, and that’s okay.

One way to keep it light and enjoyable is by trying different grow techniques. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could test both approaches. Start half of your plants in a traditional seedling phase and the other half in full veg mode. Document the differences and see what works best for your setup. It’s all about finding what fits your style and grow space.

Conclusion: What’s in a Name?

Whether you count the first two weeks as part of the seedling stage or the vegetative stage, it doesn’t change the fact that your plant is going to grow, thrive, and eventually reward you with beautiful flowers. What matters most is how you care for your plant during this time. As long as you’re giving it the right amount of light, water, and nutrients—and most importantly, love—you’ll have success.

So, whatever you decide, just remember: keep it real, keep it fun, and enjoy the journey. At the end of the day, every grow is a learning experience, and your plants will show you what they need. Happy growing!

 

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