How to Grow Lava Cake Seeds: From Germination to Harvest

Lava Cake is a rich, dessert-like strain known for its sedating high and sweet, doughy terpene profile. But if you want buds that live up to the hype, you’ll need more than just good lighting. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to grow Lava Cake seeds from germination to curing, covering feeding schedules, climate tips, and terpene-enhancing tricks along the way.
👉 Buy Lava Cake seeds from Hypno Seeds
TL;DR
- Type: Indica-dominant feminized photoperiod
- THC: 27%
- Flowering Time: 8–9 weeks
- Indoor Yield: 1.5–2 oz/ft²
- Outdoor Yield: 20–25 oz/plant
- Height: 40–50 inches
- Best For: Flavor lovers, evening use, stress relief
- Grow Skill Level: Intermediate
Strain Difficulty & Grower Experience
Lava Cake is suitable for intermediate growers. It doesn’t stretch much and responds well to training, but its dense buds need careful humidity control. Beginners can succeed too, with the right prep and environmental consistency.
Germination & Seedling Stage
Start with a proven method to ensure a strong grow. We recommend the paper towel method for reliable germination. Keep temps between 75–80°F (24–27°C) and humidity above 70%.
👉 Follow our step-by-step germination guide here
Once sprouted, place seedlings in a light, nutrient-free medium. Transplant into their final pot after 10–14 days.
Feeding Lava Cake from Seed to Harvest
Seedling Stage (Week 1–2):
- Just water or light root booster (no nutrients)
Veg Stage (Week 3–6):
- NPK: 3-1-2
- pH: 6.0–6.5 (soil)
Flower Stage (Week 7–13):
- Transition to 1-3-2 NPK
- Supplement with CalMag & molasses
Flush (Final 10 Days):
- Plain water only
Plant Training Tips
Lava Cake thrives with Low-Stress Training (LST) and topping. This helps control its bushy growth and exposes bud sites to more light. Consider defoliating before the flowering switch to improve airflow.
Experienced growers can use SCROG to maximize space and yield.
Optimal Climate for Lava Cake
Veg Phase:
- Temp: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
- RH: 60–65%
Flowering Phase:
- Temp: 68–75°F (20–24°C)
- RH: 45–50%
Late Flower:
- Night temps down to 62°F (17°C) to enhance colors and resin
Maintaining a stable vapor pressure deficit (VPD) within ideal ranges promotes healthier growth and stickier buds.
Terpenes & Flavor Optimization
To bring out Lava Cake’s sweet, dessert-like profile:
- Add molasses in late flower
- Use full-spectrum LED lights
- Try sulfur foliar sprays in veg (optional, advanced)
- Dry slowly (60°F / 15°C, 60% RH)
- Cure for 3+ weeks
🍰 Terpenes likely include Limonene, Caryophyllene, and Linalool, contributing to its relaxing, dessert-like aroma.
Harvest Timing & Curing Tips
- Harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with 10–15% amber
- Dry at 60°F (15°C), 60% RH for 7–10 days
- Cure in glass jars with humidity packs
- Burp daily during the first week
This process locks in aroma, flavor, and smoothness.
Pro Grower Tips for Lava Cake
- UVB lighting during weeks 6–9 boosts trichome density
- 48 hours darkness before harvest for potency
- Bend & support branches early in flower
- Avoid overfeeding—Lava Cake prefers medium-strength nutrients
Final Thoughts
Learning how to grow Lava Cake seeds is about more than just strong lights and good nutes. It’s about understanding this strain’s temperament, from its short stature and dense nugs to its complex flavor potential. Follow this guide to grow sticky, sweet Lava Cake buds that deliver on both yield and effect.