What Does Dormant Bud Mean?
A dormant bud on a cannabis plant is a bud that has temporarily stopped growing. If there are no other signs of a disease or pest problem, yet buds have seemed to stopped developing, they may simply be dormant buds. It's a condition that can usually be reversed.
In biology, dormancy is a period in any organism's regular life cycle when its growth and development stop temporarily.
A dormant bud
condition can be caused by a number of factors. For instance, an intact apical
bud will cause axillary buds to be dormant for some time. Other issues include
a lack of enough light, the incorrect temperature for growth, too much (or too
little water), and more.
Maximum Yield Explains Dormant Bud
When growing cannabis, you want to see buds grow and develop, eventually allowing you to harvest them. This is true whether you’re growing your plants for medicinal use, or for their recreational value. However, there are instances in which you may find your plants suffer from dormant bud issues.
Perhaps the most common cause of dormant buds on a cannabis plant is an intact apical bud. This is the large, terminal bud that forms at the very top of the plant. As long as this bud is intact, it will transmit hormones throughout the plant that keep other buds (axillary buds) from developing. This is done so that the plant can focus on vertical growth and ensure maximum light reaches all areas of the plant.
By removing the apical bud, you can stop the flow of hormones throughout the plant. This will then cause the axillary buds to come out of their dormant state and begin development into healthy colas. This process is called pinching, or pinching back.
Of course, there are other reasons for dormant bud problems with cannabis plants. One of the most common is a lack of adequate lighting in an indoor growing situation. The general rule of thumb is 100 watts of light per plant. Anything less than that will result in stunted growth and poor development. A lack of proper nutrition and too much or too little water will also cause dormant buds.
