How long do marijuana seeds take to germinate or mature

Growing cannabis is a process that requires time, patience, and a good understanding of the plant’s life cycle. If you are new to cultivation, one of the first questions you might ask is: How long do marijuana seeds take to germinate? And once they sprout, how long does it take for a plant to fully mature and be ready for harvest?

In this guide, we break down the full timeline from seed germination to harvest, covering every growth stage. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, this knowledge will help you plan your grow cycle and set realistic expectations.

At Mavericks Genetics USA, we provide top-quality cannabis seeds bred for fast germination, stable growth, and high yields. Let’s take a detailed look at what to expect from start to finish.

How long does it take marijuana seeds to germinate

Average germination time: 1 to 7 days

Under ideal conditions, cannabis seeds typically germinate within 24 to 72 hours, although some may take up to a full week.

Key germination factors:

• Moisture: Seeds need to absorb water to activate enzymes.
  
  

• Temperature: 21–27°C (70–80°F) is ideal.
  
  

• Darkness: Seeds germinate best in dark, humid environments.
  
  

• Viability: Older or poorly stored seeds may take longer or fail to germinate.
  
  

Using the paper towel method, most viable seeds from Mavericks Genetics USA will show a visible taproot in 1 to 3 days.

Germination methods and timelines

Regardless of the method you use, once the white taproot appears, the seed is ready to be planted.

How long does it take for a cannabis seed to mature

After germination, the seed begins its journey through four main growth stages:

1. Seedling stage (1–2 weeks)
   
   

2. Vegetative stage (3–8 weeks)
   
   

3. Flowering stage (6–12 weeks)
   
   

4. Harvest and curing (2–4 weeks)
   
   

Total time from seed to harvest:

• Autoflower seeds: 8 to 12 weeks
  
  

• Photoperiod seeds (indoor): 12 to 20 weeks
  
  

• Photoperiod seeds (outdoor): Plant in spring, harvest in fall (4 to 6 months)
  
  

Let’s break down each stage to understand what happens and how long it takes.

Stage 1: Seedling stage (1–2 weeks after planting)

Once planted, the germinated seed emerges from the soil as a seedling. It will grow cotyledons (rounded leaves) and then its first true serrated leaves.

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: 21–25°C (70–77°F)
  
  

• Humidity: 60–70%
  
  

• Light: 18–24 hours per day of low-intensity light
  
  

Seedlings are fragile and highly sensitive to overwatering, excessive heat, and poor airflow. Keep your grow medium slightly moist but not wet.

Stage 2: Vegetative stage (3–8 weeks)

This is the period of rapid growth, where the plant develops its full structure: stems, leaves, and root system.

Factors that influence the length of vegetative growth:

• Photoperiod plants: Can be kept in veg indefinitely under 18 hours of light. Many growers veg for 4–6 weeks.
  
  

• Autoflowers: Begin to flower automatically after 2–4 weeks of veg, regardless of light cycle.
  
  

Key care elements:

• Increase pot size if needed
  
  

• Provide nitrogen-rich nutrients
  
  

• Maintain temperature between 22–28°C (72–82°F)
  
  

• Lower humidity gradually to 50–60%
  
  

Stage 3: Flowering stage (6–12 weeks)

The flowering stage is when your plant begins producing buds. This phase is triggered by changing the light cycle to 12/12 hours (light/dark) for photoperiod strains.

Flowering timeline breakdown:

• Week 1–2: Pre-flower stretch, plants grow rapidly
  
  

• Week 3–5: Bud sites develop, pistils appear
  
  

• Week 6–8: Buds thicken, trichomes start forming
  
  

• Week 9–12: Ripening phase, trichomes turn cloudy/amber
  
  

Differences by strain type:

Always check the breeder’s recommendations for your specific strain on Mavericks Genetics USA.

Stage 4: Harvest, drying, and curing (2–4 weeks)

After flowering, it’s time to harvest your buds, dry them slowly, and cure them to improve flavor, potency, and shelf life.

Harvest signs:

• 70–90% of pistils have darkened
  
  

• Trichomes turn milky white, with some amber
  
  

• Leaves begin to yellow naturally
  
  

Post-harvest timeline:

• Drying: 7–14 days in a dark, cool room (45–55% humidity)
  
  

• Curing: 2–4 weeks in airtight jars, burped daily
  
  

Curing is optional but highly recommended. It enhances smoothness and preserves terpenes.

Total time from seed to smoke

These estimates can vary based on growing style, environment, and genetics.

Factors that can slow down seed germination or plant development

• Old or low-quality seeds
  
  

• Too cold or too hot temperatures
  
  

• Overwatering or poor drainage
  
  

• Lack of oxygen in the root zone
  
  

• Light stress or poor light quality
  
  

• Nutrient deficiencies or toxicity
  
  

Starting with premium seeds from a reputable breeder like Mavericks Genetics USA is the best way to ensure fast germination and healthy growth.

Tips to speed up your grow cycle

• Use autoflower strains for the fastest harvests
  
  

• Start seedlings in a controlled indoor environment
  
  

• Use hydroponics or coco coir for faster root development
  
  

• Choose fast-flowering photoperiod strains
  
  

• Provide optimal light intensity and full-spectrum LEDs
  
  

Check our autoflower collection for quick, easy-to-grow strains.

Frequently asked questions

Can marijuana seeds germinate in 24 hours?

Yes. Some high-quality, fresh seeds will sprout within 24 hours, especially with the paper towel method in warm, humid conditions.

Why are my seeds taking more than a week to germinate?

Old seeds, low humidity, cold temperatures, or lack of oxygen can delay germination. Check that your environment is within ideal parameters.

How do I know when to harvest my plant?

Use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect trichomes. Harvest when they are mostly cloudy with some amber for a balanced effect.

Conclusion: Know the timing, grow with confidence

Germinating marijuana seeds is the first step in a longer journey that spans several weeks or months. By understanding the timeline from seed to harvest, you can plan your grow more efficiently and set realistic expectations.

Start with quality genetics, follow the correct process for each stage, and give your plants the right conditions to thrive.

Ready to begin your grow?
Visit Mavericks Genetics USA to explore feminized, autoflower, and photoperiod seeds bred for fast germination and maximum yields.