When to start the flowering stage

[mari-ju-ana]

This is my first batch..... I have a few plants set up in a wick hydroponic system I am just wondering when is ideal to start the flowering stage?

[GnOMouS]

Will be good to post some pictures. How old are them?

[mari-ju-ana]

some pics posted under needing help in this topic. they are not ready now as they r only 10 days old just was wondering "rule of thumb" type of knowledge

[slo-han]

Hey mari-, Do some research on the strain you are growing! Find out how they cycle - how many day's to maturity - all are different. Then watch your plants do their thing. Crop to achieve at least 6 stems. This will give you more bud than one stalk will - good luck - -slo

[Saturnalia]

A lot of people like to wait until the plant starts to set alternate branches. This is generally seen as when the plant reaches sexual maturity.
This will vary from strain to strain but gives you a good visual cue rather than just a number of days.