Let’s face it: the easiest way to grow cannabis is indoors. There is no need to worry about rain, wind, snow, cold, hot, humid and the other elements that our beautiful world throws at us. However, many cultivators do look to face these elements and take on the adventure of growing outdoors. There are several reasons for this, and if you are interested then you should know when the best time of year to grow cannabis outdoors is.
Many experienced outdoor cultivators know when the best time of year to grow cannabis outdoors is. They have set dates to purchase seeds, germinate them, plant them, top them and harvest them. This is all done primarily from Spring to Fall, but your local climate plays a big role in these specific dates. Below are general dates for cultivation. Those who live in colder climates will need to adjust. Also, these dates are set for growers living in the Northern Hemisphere (which is around 90% of the Earth’s population). So if you happen to be apart of the 10% that live in the Southern Hemisphere, this post won’t do you much good. Instead, send me a message and I’ll help you personally!
Best Time To Get Started
The cannabis plant will change with what is known as a photoperiod. This happens when days become shorter and nights longer, or when Summer turns to Fall. When this happens, the cannabis plant will shift from the Vegetative Stage to the Flowering Stage, which is important to know for growers. A good grower knows to maximize the amount of sunlight that their plants get, before the days become shorter (and colder).
The beginning of Spring is generally looked at as the best time to germinate your cannabis seeds. This allows them to grow throughout the rest of Spring and Summer. Make sure to collect your seeds before Spring begins! Germination takes anywhere from 3 days to a full week. This beginning process is best done indoors. However, those who live in warmer climates will have it easier germinating outside, if desired. A small greenhouse can also do the trick. Once the germinated seed has grown at least one foot in height, it can handle outdoor weather and should be moved there.
You should also figure out if you want a big plant or small. Common sense says to go big, of course, for bigger yields. This means you will want to begin growing early in the season. However, big plants are much harder to maintain, and rookies may find it overwhelming. Some growers enjoy smaller, easier plants so they start growing a bit later in the season.
The final harvest will depend on your local climate and the strain that you choose to grow. For example, indica strains are typically harvested earlier than sativas, since indica plants are denser and can get moldy easier in the cold. Warm climate growers may not have this problem.
How Climate Affects Cannabis
No matter where you live and what your local climate is, you should have some method of covering up your outdoor plants incase the weather turns bad. Rain, wind, cold and other natural elements can harm your plants. But if you live in an area with a colder climate than most others, you may need to take extra precautions and grow at different times for the best results.
Too cold of weather can create mildew buildup on plants. In addition, the cold can simply freeze your plants and kill them. This is why you should never grow cannabis outdoors during Winter. The only way you should grow during the coldest months is by doing so indoors.
Related Post: How To Start Growing Cannabis Indoors
Different regions of the world experience different climates and even different lengths of sunlight in a day. Thankfully for the diversity of cannabis genetics, however, this plant can be grown almost anywhere. Yet, growers must know the specifics of growing in their own climates. For example, a cannabis grower in Oregon may not follow the exact same dates and procedures as a grower in the Middle East (which has very ideal climates for cannabis).
Here is another example. Northern California cultivators enjoy a longer season; they plant their seeds earlier and harvest later compared to cultivators in Washington State where it is much colder and has less sunlight. In Washington, cultivators must start and harvest earlier, before it gets too cold.
Also, different cannabis strains do better in certain climates and with certain amounts of sunlight. This may take a few trial-and-errors, but do some research and learn what strain(s) work best in your area.
Dates To Remember
Though local climates differ, here is a list of good general dates to remember throughout the cultivation season. Make sure to remember them so that you are not missing the ideal times to grow. These dates most accurately represent cannabis cultivation in the Northern Hemisphere (which is pretty much all of it). For those in the Southern Hemisphere, you should do your own research on when you should be growing and harvesting.
February to April
This is the best time period to buy cannabis seeds for the upcoming season. Remember, purchasing seeds online may take a few weeks to arrive, so give yourself enough time in advance. As Spring kicks in, start to germinate those seeds.
Spring Equinox
On the first day of Spring (which is March 20th for 2021), you should be germinating your seeds.
Mother’s Day
Some growers, not all, claim that the day after Mother’s Day (May 9th for 2021) is the best time to move your germinated seeds outside.
Summer Solstice
Now we are in Mid-Summer (June 20th for 2021). All of your cannabis plants should be outside by now. The sun is hitting its highs for the year, and your plants will want to do the same.
June to August
This is the best time period for you to top and prune your plants. August is generally (not for everyone) the month when cannabis plants begin to flower and produce buds. By then you should be done with topping them. Need tips on topping? Click here!
Fall Equinox
The first day of Fall (September 22nd for 2021) means harvest is very close. You should be harvesting around this time. For the Southern Hemisphere, Spring has just begun.
Winter Solstice
By Mid-Winter (December 21st for 2021), your harvesting should be completely done. Cultivation for the year is over. Harvesting, drying, curing and cleaning should all be finished. It’s time to enjoy the harvest and stay cozy for the cold months, and prepare for next year’s season!
Don’t forget that these are general guidelines to follow. Your area may be able to follow these dates, but you should still inform yourself on the local climate so that you can get the best yields from your plants. Hope this post helps you with the upcoming cultivation season. Always focus on the best time of year to grow cannabis outdoors. Thanks for reading!
