Determining the ideal vegetative stage duration for cannabis grown in 5 gallon pots requires balancing multiple factors. By considering the genetics, space constraints, training techniques and your desired yield, you can maximize the vegetative period to achieve beautifully developed plants ready for flowering.
How Plant Size Affects Flowering Potential
In general, allowing a longer vegetative growth stage results in larger plants that yield more. Within limits, bigger cannabis plants equal bigger yields. This is simply because larger plants contain more growth tips capable of generating flower buds during the blooming stage.
However, unchecked vegetative growth can lead to excessive plant sizes that outgrow their space. Once the roots are pot-bound or overcrowded, further vegetative growth yields diminishing returns in terms of increasing yields. Root restriction also causes stress that can negatively impact flowering performance.
Typical Vegetative Stages for 5 Gallon Pots
The ideal veg time for 5 gallon pots depends on your goals. but some general timeframes are
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Short veg: 2-4 weeks. Best for fast turnaround of smaller plants with lower yields.
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Moderate veg 4-6 weeks. Allows plants to establish roots and gain some size while remaining manageable Good compromise if space is limited
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Extended veg: 6-8+ weeks. Maximizes plant size and flowering sites. Requires more space and plant training.
The longer you veg, the more time the roots have to colonize the entire soil volume before switching to flowering. A minimum of 4 weeks is recommended even for short veg periods.
Factors that Influence Ideal Veg Time
The optimal duration for vegetative growth depends on several factors:
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Strain genetics – Sativa-dominant strains typically require longer veg periods to reach maturity compared to faster growing indica-dominant varieties.
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Space available – Vertical and horizontal space for growth determines how long you can veg before plants outgrow your capacity.
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Lighting – Brighter lighting fuels faster vegetative growth, shortening veg time needed to gain size. Upgrading from fluorescents to HID or LED enables shorter veg.
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Container size – Within reason, larger pots allow longer productive vegging before plants become root-bound.
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Training techniques – Methods like topping, fimming, LST, and SCROG create shorter, bushier plants that make better use of space, extending possible veg time.
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Your target yield – Longer veg phases result in larger plants and higher yields, if sufficient space is available.
Signs It’s Time to End Vegetative Growth
Once plants reach the maximum size your environment can support, it’s time to transition to flowering. Signs yours are ready include:
- Reaching the edge of your growing space
- Lower fan leaves yellowing from lack of nitrogen
- Slowing vertical growth and tip growth
- Roots visible at the surface or drain holes
- Leaves drooping from underwatering (root-bound)
- Nutrient deficiencies appearing
Preventing plants from becoming pot-bound prior to flipping the lights is ideal. Root-bound plants tend to show signs of nitrogen and magnesium deficiency during flowering.
Optimizing Vegetative Time in 5 Gallon Pots
If using properly sized pots filled with nutrient-rich soil, cannabis can vegetate for extended periods while remaining highly productive. Take advantage of the rapid growth potential by vegging 5+ weeks after sufficient roots develop. Just be sure to actively use training techniques to control plant heights and widths. With dialed-in inputs and environment, a longer vegetation cycle can maximize yields in your 5 gallon pots.
Using Nutrients when watering plants in veg
As we explain in the video above, we use nutrients in our water for all plants in veg. Even with newly sprouted seeds, we still use nutrients in the water, we just dial it back.
When use a basic salt mix of Grow Part A and Part B. We also add silica as a supplement. If you are going to grow hydroponically, you must use nutrients to feed your plants.
The Benefits of Using Half-Gallon Pots
We like using half gallon pots for transplanting clones. Starting our smaller plants in smaller pots is something new for us, but we are finding it very helpful.
How Long Should You Veg Your Cannabis Plants For
FAQ
How many vegetables can I grow in a 5 gallon container?
Does vegging longer increase yield?
How often do you water plants in a 5 gallon bucket?
How long should I veg for the best yield?
How long should I Veg in 5 gallon pots?
How long should i veg for in 5 gallon pots? As long as you want. It’ll double in size usually when you hit flower so whatever room you have to grow in tends to dictate veg time. IMO or the visa versa should you have a dominant sativa strain mix in there!
How big should a vegetable pot be?
The type of vegetable you’re growing in a container should guide the size of the pot. There are some key things to keep in mind. • Height and width: Vegetables like lettuce with shallow roots don’t need pots as tall as something like tomatoes, which have deep roots. In general, though, pots should be at least 10″ wide.
How many plants can I plant in a 5 gallon container?
Summer Squash: Direct seed or transplant, two plants per 5-gallon container. Swiss Chard: Transplant or direct seed four plants per 5-gallon container. Tomatoes: Transplant one plant per 5-gallon container. Winter Squash: Direct seed one plant per 5-gallon container.
Can you grow vegetables in a 5-gallon bucket?
And besides, you get fresh produce from right outside your window. A 5-gallon bucket is cheap, readily available, and perfect for growing a variety of vegetables Starting seeds and transplanting them to a larger container is the best way to go to ensure healthy adult plants.
What vegetables can be planted in a 5 gallon container?
Tomatoes, eggplant, pepper, cucumbers, cabbage, and beans should be planted in at least a five-gallon container. Beets, carrots, lettuce, and green onions can be planted in three-gallon containers. Most herbs and radishes grow well in containers of one gallon or less.
How do you arrange a vegetable garden container?
When arranging a vegetable garden container, consider the size and number of plants you want to grow, and choose an appropriately sized container with good drainage. Fill the container with a high-quality potting mix and plant your vegetables, leaving enough space between them.