How Much Does a Single Marijuana Plant Yield? A Grower’s Guide to Estimating Harvests

For both novice and experienced cannabis cultivators, one of the most exciting parts of the growing process is the final yield. After months of careful tending, watering, feeding and waiting, harvest time finally arrives. But how much usable marijuana can you expect to harvest from each plant? Let’s explore the factors that determine yields.

Average Yield Per Plant

On average, a single healthy marijuana plant grown outdoors can produce between 0.5 pounds to 1 pound of usable cannabis bud. For indoor plants, the average yield is usually 0.25 pounds to 0.5 pounds per plant.

However, there is a large range when it comes to marijuana yields. Many elements influence the final dry weight harvest. From genetics to environment to grower skill, yields can vary dramatically.

For example an outdoor superstar sativa phenotype in perfect growing conditions can potentially yield over 2 pounds per plant! At the other end an indoor plant stressed from pests and nutrient issues may only yield a couple ounces or less.

So when estimating your harvests, focus more on the average range, but know there are always outliers on both ends

Factors That Determine Yields

What primarily determines how much smokeable marijuana you harvest? Here are some of the key factors:

• Genetics – Some strains and phenotypes naturally yield higher than others. Look for traits like fast growth, vigor and large bud sites.

• Plant Size – Bigger plants equal bigger yields. Let vegetative plants grow to fill their space before flowering.

• Light – Intense light fuels big flowers and buds. Outdoor sunlight is best, amplify indoor lighting.

• Grow Medium – Soil, hydroponics, coco, etc. Provide nutrients and oxygen to roots.

• Container Size – Roots need room to grow to support plant size and yields.

• Length of Grow – Starting plants earlier equals a longer grow and higher yields.

• Pruning & Training – Removing small buds focuses energy on large colas.

• Environment – Temp, humidity, ventilation all affect plant growth and health.

• Pests/Diseases – Bug and mold problems stress plants and reduce yields.

Optimizing all these elements sets your garden up for success. Plants reach their full genetic potential in ideal conditions with expert care.

Estimating Yields by Plant Count

Most home grow laws allow 6 plants per person, and 12 plants max per household. Based on average yields, here is how much dried bud you can conservatively estimate per plant count:

• 1 plant: 0.25 lb to 0.5 lb (indoors), 0.5 lb to 1 lb (outdoors)

• 3 plants: 0.75 lb to 1.5 lb (indoors), 1.5 lb to 3 lb (outdoors)

• 6 plants: 1.5 lb to 3 lb (indoors), 3 lb to 6 lb (outdoors)

• 12 plants: 3 lb to 6 lb (indoors), 6 lb to 12 lb (outdoors)

Again, your results may end up lower or higher depending on all the factors noted above. But this table provides a ballpark estimate to help gauge your potential harvests.

Maximizing Your Marijuana Yields

Now let’s explore tips for maximizing your yields from each cannabis plant:

Start Plants Early

Give plants more time to vegetate by starting them a month or two early indoors. Transplant outside once frost danger passes.

Pick Strains for High Yields

Look for fast-growing sativas or hybrids bred for high yields like Critical Mass.

Plant in Hot Spots

Place outdoor plants where they will receive maximum sunlight throughout the season.

Use Large Containers

Bigger pots allow more root growth to support larger plants and yields.

Employ Pruning and Training Techniques

Removing lower branches focuses energy on the main colas. Trellis nets spread out buds sites.

Control the Growing Environment

Dial in temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting for optimal growth.

Install Supplemental CO2

Added carbon dioxide can increase yields up to 30% indoors.

Provide Abundant Nutrients

Use compost teas or quality hydro nutrients to fuel big blooms.

Monitor Closely for Issues

Stay vigilant for pests and diseases which quickly impact yields.

Avoid Overwatering

Excess moisture deprives roots of oxygen needed for plant processes.

Estimating Yields by Flowering Time

Another way you can estimate yields is by the length of the flowering period. Here are some typical yield ranges:

• 7-8 week strains – 0.25 to 0.5 lb per plant
• 9-10 week strains – 0.5 to 1.0 lb per plant
• 11-12 week strains – 1.0 to 2.0 lb per plant
• 13+ week strains – Over 2.0 lb per plant

Faster flowering plants tend to produce smaller yields. Long season sativa types can yield monstrous amounts when grown to full maturity.

Yield Loss After Drying and Curing

It’s important to note that about 75% of a cannabis plant’s weight is water weight. After harvest, properly dried and cured buds only retain around 25% of the initial fresh weight.

For example, 10 pounds of fresh wet bud would dry down to around 2.5 pounds of smokable marijuana. Always keep this significant moisture loss in mind when estimating yields.

Ounces and Grams per Plant

For convenient reference, here are yield estimates converted into ounces and grams:

• 0.25 lb = 4 oz = 112 grams
• 0.5 lb = 8 oz = 224 grams
• 1.0 lb = 16 oz = 448 grams
• 2.0 lb = 32 oz = 896 grams

Yield Enhancements to Consider

If maximizing yields is your goal, here are a few additional enhancements to consider:

• CO2 supplementation – Added carbon dioxide fuels growth.

• High-power LEDs – Newer LEDs can rival high-intensity discharge lights.

• Hydroponics/aeroponics – Faster growth and 30-50% higher yields than soil.

• Automation – Controllers reduce mistakes and provide precision care.

• High-yield strains – Choose genetics bred specifically for maximum yields.

With the right genetics, environment and care, you can achieve impressive harvests from your cannabis crop. Just remember to properly dry, cure and store the bountiful buds to preserve quality and potency. Soon you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your labor!