How Many Buds Does a Marijuana Plant Produce?

The answer to the question 'how many buds grow on a marijuana plant' depends on a variety of factors, including the growing conditions, length of the vegetative period, and the training methods used during vegetation.

Factors Influencing Bud Production

The number of buds that grow on a marijuana plant is influenced by several factors:

Vegetative Growth

The length of the vegetative growth period is a crucial factor in determining the number of buds a plant can produce. Outdoor growers typically have a significant advantage as the plant can grow much taller and benefit from an extended vegetative period. Indoor growers, on the other hand, often have shorter vegetative cycles due to limited space and height constraints.

Vegetative Period Length

Indoor growers often veg for only a month or two, as indoor plants cannot get much taller than 6 feet due to typical indoor ceiling heights around 8 feet. Conversely, outdoor plants can veg for several months, leading to potentially larger and more prolific plants.

Training Methods

Various training methods can be employed to encourage more branches and bud sites:

Topping

Topping is a technique where the main stem is cut after 5–6 branches have formed. This can be done to all existing branches, causing each stem to grow new branches and 'bush' out the plant. This technique can be used multiple times during the vegetative period but should be avoided during the flowering phase.

Low Stress Training (LST)

Low Stress Training (LST) involves bending the stems down when they are young, causing them to grow new branches upwards towards the light. This technique ensures uniform branch height during the flowering phase.

Screen of Green (SGO or SCROG)

Screen of Green involves using a net or screen to spread branches out, providing support throughout their growth and when laden with buds. This method is particularly useful for maintaining plant structure and maximizing light exposure.

Practical Examples

Let's take a look at some practical examples based on different growing scenarios:

Outdoor Growing

My friend had a collection of 20-foot tall plants this summer, benefiting from perfect weather conditions despite the intensely dry and wildfire-prone climate. The extensive vegetative period allowed the plants to grow to great heights, resulting in a high number of bud sites.

Indoor Growing

Indoor growers face height limitations due to ceiling constraints. However, with effective training and a shorter vegetative period, the plant can still produce a substantial number of buds. For instance, a plant vegged for a month or two can still reach a height where it produces multiple main colas, each laden with buds.

Combining Techniques

To maximize bud production, some growers combine different training methods. For example, I used topping and also cut any branches resting against the house. This resulted in immense plant growth, yielding more than 10 main colas with lots of secondary branches.

Case Study: A Single Plant

For another plant, I simply left it alone but ensured it received ample sunlight, transplanting it to a larger container to avoid root bound conditions. Despite essentially no training, it produced a high number of bud sites, including one main cola with several secondary branches.

Conclusion

The number of buds on a marijuana plant can significantly vary depending on the growing conditions and the training techniques used. By understanding and implementing effective techniques, growers can enhance their plant's growth and yield, resulting in a better harvest.