You made it past the flip — now it’s time to focus on bud development, aroma, and ripening. The final weeks of flower are all about patience, precision, and protecting your plants until harvest.
Table of Contents
- 1. Weeks 3 to 6 – Bud Development
- 2. Weeks 7+ – Ripening and Maturity
- 3. Feeding and Nutrient Adjustments
- 4. Environmental Control and Humidity
- 5. Supporting Heavy Buds
- 6. What to Watch Out For
1. Weeks 3 to 6 – Bud Development
By week 3 of flower, the stretch usually slows down and buds begin to bulk up. You’ll notice:
- Thickening of bud sites
- More pistils (white hairs)
- Stronger smell — carbon filters are a must
- Increased trichome production (frosty look)
2. Weeks 7+ – Ripening and Maturity
From week 7 onward, buds swell, pistils darken, and trichomes mature. This is the final phase before harvest. Watch for:
- Pistils turning orange/brown
- Trichomes going from clear → cloudy → amber
- Strong terpene smells and stickiness
Use a jewelers loupe or microscope to examine trichomes up close — it’s the best way to know when to harvest.
3. Feeding and Nutrient Adjustments
During mid flower, continue feeding bloom nutrients. But by the last 1–2 weeks, begin your flush:
- Weeks 3–6: Full strength flower nutrients
- Weeks 7–8+: Start reducing feed, flush with plain water or light enzymes
Flushing helps remove excess salts and improves flavor/smoothness after harvest.
4. Environmental Control and Humidity
- Temperature: Keep it around 68–75°F (lower is better near harvest)
- Humidity: Drop to 35–45% to prevent mold or bud rot
- Airflow: Prune bottom leaves, clean floor, keep fans running 24/7
This is the most sensitive part of the grow — a single mold outbreak can ruin a full tent.
5. Supporting Heavy Buds
As buds get heavier, branches may start to droop or snap. Add support using:
- Trellis netting
- Yo-yos or plant ties
- Bamboo stakes
6. What to Watch Out For
Late flower can be tricky. Look out for:
- Bud rot (gray mold inside buds)
- Overfeeding – check leaf tips for burn
- Foxtailing – caused by excess light or heat
- Pests – they love sticky buds too
Keep your environment clean, your eyes sharp, and your feed light — you’re almost there!