less light at the end of Flower

At the end of the flowering phase, many growers ask themselves: Can less light improve the quality of my harvest? In this article, you'll learn what this method is all about—and whether it's worth it for you.

Why is light so important during the flowering phase?

Cannabis plants require a stable light cycle during flowering—usually 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This stimulates flowering and ensures healthy plants. However, towards the end of flowering, some experiment with reducing the light hours in the hope of increasing resin and aroma.

What happens when there is less light at the end of flowering?

When the duration of light decreases, the plant recognizes that winter is approaching. It uses its last energy reserves to further develop its flowers. Some report:

• more compact buds
• more intense fragrance
• increased resin production

Whether this works for you depends on the type, setup and experience.

How do I reduce the hours of light correctly?

If you want to try it out, you have two common methods:

• Gradual reduction: Slowly reduce the amount of light from 12 to 10 or 8 hours per day over the last 7–14 days.
• Completely dark: 24 to 48 hours of absolute darkness directly before harvest – many say this really boosts the resin.

When is the right time?

The last 1–2 weeks of the flowering phase are ideal. Pay attention to how your strain responds:

• Sativas are more sensitive than Indicas.
• Avoid sudden changes in light to prevent stress.
• Keep temperatures stable – otherwise mold will grow during the dark phase.

Does it really make a difference?

Whether less light will take your harvest to the next level is something you'll have to test. Many report clear differences – others see none at all. Try it with a single plant and compare. Small adjustments can sometimes have a big impact.

FAQs

What does less light mean at the end of flowering? +

Less light can encourage the plant to focus its energy on final flower development and resin production. Some growers report more compact, resinous flowers with a more intense aroma.

How many hours of light are ideal at the end of flowering? +

Often the light is reduced from 12 hours to 10 or even 8 hours per day – but this is done gradually in the last 7 to 14 days of the flowering phase.

What is the benefit of a complete dark period before harvest? +

Some growers leave the plants in complete darkness for 24–48 hours. This method is said to further stimulate resin production, but there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Can every variety handle less light? +

Not necessarily. Indica strains often cope better with reduction. Sativas are more sensitive, so you should proceed with particular caution.

Can a reduction in light cause stress? +

Yes, especially if it happens suddenly. Therefore, the light cycle should be gradually reduced over several days.