A Week-by-Week Cannabis Growing Timeline for Connecticut Home Growers

So you’re growing cannabis indoors in Connecticut - congrats! You’ve joined a growing number of residents taking advantage of home grow laws and going from seed to stash right at home. But how long does it really take? What should your plants be doing at each stage?

We’ve broken it all down for you - week by week - so you know exactly what to expect (and what to do) from germination to harvest, specifically for indoor growing in Connecticut.

Week 1–2: Germination & Seedling Stage

What’s happening: Seeds sprout and your plant develops its first leaves.
What to do:

• Use a paper towel or starter plug to germinate seeds.
• Transfer to small pots (solo cup or 1-gal fabric pot).
• Keep humidity high (60–70%) and temps around 70–75°F.
• Use low-watt LED or fluorescent lights 18–24 inches above.

Watch for: Leggy stems (too little light), overwatering.

Week 3–4: Early Vegetative Stage

What’s happening: Roots are spreading, true leaves are stacking.
What to do:

• Begin low-dose nutrients (veg formula).
• Switch to a larger container (3-5 gallons).
• Keep lights 18/6 and bring them closer (12–18” above).
• Start gentle airflow with a fan to strengthen stems.

Watch for: Yellowing from nutrient issues, root-bound signs.

Week 5–6: Veg Growth Explosion

What’s happening: Major leaf and branch development.
What to do:

• Begin low-stress training (LST), like bending and tying branches.
• Consider topping or mainlining for bigger yields.
• Keep humidity around 50–60%.
• Water more frequently as roots grow.

Watch for: Nutrient deficiencies or pH imbalance (use pH-checked water).

Week 7–8: Pre-Flower Transition

What’s happening: Plants stretch and show their sex.
What to do:

• Flip lights to 12/12 to trigger flowering.
• Remove males if using regular seeds.
• Keep using bloom-friendly nutrients (PK-heavy).
• Defoliate lower growth for better airflow and light.

Watch for: Overstretching (raise lights), early bud sites forming.

Week 9–11: Early Flowering

What’s happening: Buds begin to form!
What to do:

• Reduce humidity to 40–50%.
• Keep feeding bloom nutrients.
• Support branches with stakes or netting.

Watch for: Pests, nutrient burn, or powdery mildew (especially if airflow is weak).

Week 12–14: Mid–Late Flower

What’s happening: Buds fatten, trichomes become visible.
What to do:

• Stop training or defoliating heavily.
• Watch trichomes with a loupe - cloudy = potency rising.
• Maintain low humidity (35–45%) to avoid mold.

Watch for: Overfeeding; reduce nutrients as harvest nears.

Week 15: Flush & Harvest Prep

What’s happening: Your buds are at peak size and aroma.
What to do:

• Stop all nutrients and flush with plain, pH-balanced water.
• Check trichomes: Cloudy with some amber = ready to harvest.
• Set up a drying space: dark, cool (60–70°F), 50% humidity.

Watch for: Harvest too early or late - timing is key.

Week 16+: Harvest, Dry & Cure

What’s happening: The hard work pays off.
What to do:

• Cut and hang branches upside down for 7–14 days.
• Once stems snap, trim buds and cure in glass jars.
• Burp jars daily for 2 weeks, then weekly.

Watch for: Mold in jars - use humidity packs for balance.

Growing Indoors in Connecticut

Indoor cannabis growing in Connecticut is legal (with limits), and following a timeline like this makes the whole process smoother. Since CT’s climate doesn’t matter indoors, you get year-round control - just remember to:

• Follow state plant limits (3 mature / 3 immature per person, 12 max per household).
• Keep your grow private and secure.
• Track each stage to learn from every cycle.

Your grow room is now your green room and you’re the director of the show.

At Home Grow Helpline, we’re passionate about helping everyday people in Connecticut grow high-quality cannabis at home - legally, confidently, and successfully. Whether you’re starting your first indoor setup or refining your grow game, we provide easy-to-follow guides, trusted product recommendations, and practical advice tailored to your state’s laws and environment.