Inside the Cannabis Plant: Lifecycle, Anatomy & How We Prune at Central Harvest
At Central Harvest in Ayer, Massachusetts, cultivating premium-quality cannabis starts with a deep understanding of the plant’s lifecycle, anatomy, and proper pruning techniques. Each stage of growth—from germination to flowering—plays a crucial role in maximizing yield, potency, and overall plant health.
In this blog, we’ll break down the cannabis plant lifecycle, its key anatomical structures, and how our expert team at Central Harvest prunes and maintains healthy, high-quality plants.
The Lifecycle of a Central Harvest Cannabis Plant:
The Cannabis Plant Lifecycle can be broken down into four distinct growth stages, each essential for the Central Harvest plant’s premium yield, potency, and overall health. Understanding these phases helps cultivators at Central Harvest optimize the growth cycle and deliver premium cannabis products to Massachusetts consumers and patients.
Germination (3–10 Days): During this stage, the seed absorbs moisture, cracks open, and sprouts a taproot. Once planted, the seedling pushes through the soil and begins its journey.
Seedling Stage (2–3 Weeks): The young plant then develops its first cotyledon leaves, followed by fan leaves, and establishes a strong root system in preparation for the vegetative stage.
Vegetative Stage (3–16 Weeks): This is the juvenile growth phase where the plant develops strong stalks, branches, stems, and fan leaves.
Flowering Stage (8–11 Weeks): This is the stage in which the plant begins to produce buds for harvest.
Male vs. Female Cannabis Plants
The Cannabis Plant is dioecious, meaning the species has separate male and female plants that produce different reproductive organs. This is crucial in the plant’s anatomy, as each sex plays a distinct role in growth and reproduction. The primary difference in function is that the female plant produces the cannabinoid-rich buds that consumers love, while the male plant develops pollen sacs used for breeding and does not produce smokeable flowers.
The plant’s sex can be identified at the vegetative stage, where the nodes—the location where branches meet the main stem; begin to show pistils or pollen sacs. Female plants grow small, white, hair-like pistils, which later develop into buds, whereas male plants form round pollen sacs that eventually open to release pollen.
At Central Harvest, the male plant is removed at an early stage to ensure that none of the female plants in the flower rooms can receive pollen, as that can contribute to seed growth within the finished buds.
The Anatomy of a Central Harvest Cannabis Plant
To understand the development of a plant, it is valuable to break down the anatomy of a cannabis plant. Each part plays a pivotal role in the successful growth and development of a cannabis plant from the structure and stability of the stalk to the complexity of the female flower. Understanding the anatomy of a cannabis plant is key to optimizing cultivation and ensuring a high-quality harvest.
Cotyledon leaves
The first leaves that appear on a cannabis seedling, providing essential nutrients to support early growth before the true leaves develop.
Stalk
The stalk is the main stem of the cannabis plant that supports the branches and leaves, providing structural stability and a pathway for nutrients and water.
Nodes
Located where the stalk meets the branches, the nodes are the site at which the plant’s (male or female) reproductive organs begin to form.
Fan Leaves
Fan leaves are the large and identifiable leaves that help with photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy to fuel the plant’s growth. When you think of a quintessential “pot leaf” shape – that’s the fan leaves!
Cola
Colas are large clusters of buds, usually found near the top of the plant, where the most mature and dense buds form. They are often the primary focus during harvest.
Bract
Leaf-like structures that encase and protect the cannabis flowers. They are essential in holding the pistils and resinous glands that contain cannabinoids.
Stigma & Pistils (Female)
The stigma and pistils are the female plant’s reproductive organs, with pistils appearing as tiny, hair-like structures at the nodes. The stigma is the receptive part of the pistil, where pollen lands to fertilize the plant.
Pollen Sac (Male)
The male plant’s reproductive structure, the pollen sac, releases pollen to fertilize female plants. Male plants do not produce buds, only pollen sacs.
Flowers (Buds)
The resinous, trichome-covered reproductive structures of the cannabis plant that contain cannabinoids and terpenes, making them the primary part harvested for consumption.
How We Prune Our Plants at Central Harvest
At Central Harvest in Ayer, Massachusetts, we prioritize plant quality at every stage of cultivation, and proper pruning plays a vital role in ensuring healthy plant growth. To set our plants up for success, we focus the majority of plant training during the vegetative phase. Once in our flowering room, we limit defoliation to a single pruning session, allowing the plant to maintain natural growth.
At Central Harvest, we use a method of defoliation referred to as “lollipopping” in which the lower, thinner branches and underdeveloped growth are removed. This directs the plant’s energy toward the top canopy, where buds can receive optimal light exposure and nutrient distribution. Additionally, this process enhances airflow underneath the canopy – promoting healthier, more productive plants.
By utilizing our extensive knowledge and consistent pruning techniques, we ensure that every plant at Central Harvest thrives, delivering top-quality cannabis to dispensaries near Ayer, Massachusetts.
Want to Know More?
For a behind-the-scenes look at our cultivation and trimming methods, check out our YouTube videos featuring Dave Brobeck, Director of Cultivation at Central Harvest. Learn firsthand how we train and prune our plants in Ayer, MA, ensuring exceptional quality from seed to harvest!
Stay connected with Central Harvest for the latest updates on premium cannabis cultivation in Ayer, Massachusetts!
