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Cannabis Re-Vegging Step by Step – Save Your Favorite Genetics

Cannabis Re-Vegging Step by Step – Save Your Favorite Genetics

Many believe that a cannabis plant’s life ends with harvest – but that’s not necessarily true. Re-vegging or regenerating a plant after harvest, is a useful and sustainable technique that allows you to breathe new life into a previously harvested specimen. In this article, we explain how the process works, its advantages and how to carry it out step by step – whether you’re looking to preserve a mother plant, use it as a cloning alternative or save space in an indoor grow.

Guide to Cannabis Re-Vegetation – Step-by-Step Re-Vegging

Cannabis re-vegging is a unique technique that allows a harvested plant to come back to life and start growing again. This method not only saves space and time but also offers the chance to preserve the life of a particularly valuable genetic strain. In this article, we explain how the process works, its benefits and what to watch out for if you decide to try it.

What is Re-Vegging?

Cannabis is a photoperiodic plant, meaning it responds to the ratio of light and dark hours. Under a typical growth cycle:

18/6 hours light/dark → vegetative growth
12/12 hours light/dark → flowering

During re-vegging, a previously harvested plant is returned to its vegetative state by switching back to an 18/6 lighting schedule. The plant then begins to produce new shoots. It’s essential to leave some lower branches and leaves on the plant at harvest, as new growth will emerge from these parts within 4–6 weeks.

How does re-vegging work?

  1. Leave 5–6 bud sites on the lower branches after harvest.
  2. Reset the lighting schedule to 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.
  3. Maintain humidity levels between 65–75%.
  4. Observe leaf development: new leaves will initially appear as single blades, then progress to 3, 5, and eventually 9 blades, just like on a healthy plant.
  5. New growth typically becomes visible after about 4–6 weeks.

Why is re-vegging worth it?

  • Genetic preservation: If a clone failed to root or a mother plant was lost, re-vegging can be the backup plan.
  • Faster growth: Thanks to the existing root system and stems, the plant can restart growth more quickly.
  • Selective cultivation: From a large female population, you can select the best individuals and re-veg them.
  • Cost efficiency: An indoor plant can be moved outdoors in spring for re-vegging, saving space, energy and nutrients.
  • Emergency recovery: If a plant was partially damaged (e.g. theft, legal intervention), new growth may still emerge from the remaining lower parts.

4 Tips for Successful Re-Vegging

Tip #1:
Don’t leave just one bud site – leave at least 5–6 bud sites on the lower parts of the plant to increase the chances of successful regrowth.

Tip #2:
Don’t try to re-veg a completely “flushed” plant – only attempt it with plants that still have healthy, green leaves.

Tip #3:
Larger plants revert to vegetative growth more slowly – be prepared for a longer process, especially under weaker lighting.

Tip #4:
Feed the plant with compost, worm castings and nitrogen-rich nutrients (e.g., fish emulsion). This supports regrowth and enriches soil microbiology.

What can you expect visually?

The first leaves will look strange – they grow individually and won’t show the familiar serrated pattern. Don’t worry, this is normal! Later, 3- and 5-fingered leaves will appear and the plant will start looking “normal” again.

Summary

Re-vegging is not just a secret weapon for experienced growers, but a potentially life-saving technique for any cannabis cultivator. It can save time, energy, genetics and money – all it takes is patience and careful attention.

If you're looking for stable, reliable genetics that respond well to re-vegging:

Sensi Seeds – Northern Lights

Classic indica genetics.
Known for its strong regenerative abilities and stress resistance.
An ideal choice for re-vegging and mother plant cultivation.

Super Sativa Seeds Club – Bruce Lemon Diesel

Easy-to-grow, fast-flowering indica-dominant hybrid.
Its compact structure and strong root system make it well-suited for re-vegging.
A very stable strain, suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Barney's Farm – Critical Kush

Fast growth, heavy yields and a robust structure.
Easily returns to a vegetative state if lower branches are left intact.
A perfect choice even for beginners.

Sweet Seeds – Cream Caramel

Powerful indica with a large root system and dense foliage.
Responds well to re-vegging and remains stable even under stress.
Rewards your care with tasty, resinous flowers.

If you want to bring your plant back to life, don’t throw away the roots – give it another chance!

Written on 2025.04.03 by B. Alen.

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