When is the Best Time to Grow Marijuana Outdoors?
The best time to grow cannabis outdoors depends largely on the geographical location and climate of the region. Generally, summer is the ideal season, as cannabis needs plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow optimally. In most areas of the Northern Hemisphere, this means that crops should be started between late April and early June.
Key Factors to Consider
- Temperature: Optimal temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
- Photoperiod: Marijuana is a photoperiod plant, which means that it responds to daylight hours. It needs at least 12 hours of light a day to flower.
- Risk of frost: It is crucial to avoid frost, as it can damage young plants. Make sure to plant after the last frost in your region.
In more tropical areas, where temperatures remain high throughout the year, it can be grown at different times, but spring, as in other regions, is still an optimal time to start growing. Additionally, it is advisable to monitor the weather to ensure that the plants are not suffering from adverse conditions, such as heavy rainfall or prolonged droughts.
Growing Calendar: Key Dates for Outdoor Marijuana Harvesting
Growing marijuana outdoors requires proper planning to maximize yield and product quality. Understanding the growing calendar is crucial, as weather conditions and seasons influence plant development. Here are the key dates that every grower should consider.
Preparation of the Ground
Before planting, it is essential to prepare the land. This includes:
- Select a place with good sun exposure.
- Perform a soil analysis to determine its nutrients.
- Till and fertilize the growing area at least 2-4 weeks before planting.
Sowing
The sowing of marijuana seeds should generally be done between the end of March and the beginning of April. During this period, temperatures begin to get warmer and the risk of frost decreases. When preparing seedlings, it is recommended:
- Germinate seeds indoors using a controlled environment.
- Repot the seedlings outdoors when they are in the 2-4 leaf stage.
Harvest
The time of harvest is crucial to obtain good quality and yield. Cannabis plants grown outdoors are usually ready to harvest between late September and October. An effective method of determining the right timing is to look at the trichomes on the buds, which change color as they mature.
Climatic Factors That Affect Outdoor Marijuana Growing Dates
Growing marijuana outdoors is highly dependent on weather conditions, which can significantly alter planting and harvest dates. Among the most critical factors are temperature, humidity, sun exposure and rainfall.
Temperature
Temperature plays a critical role in the life cycle of cannabis plants. Ideal temperatures for cannabis growth range from 20°C to 30°C during the day. If plants experience temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C, their growth may be inhibited, delaying the dates of cultivation and harvest.
Humidity
Environmental humidity influences plant health. Humidity levels above 70% can encourage the development of mycosis and fungi, which could lead to crop failure. Therefore, growers should monitor relative humidity and adjust their growing practices accordingly.
Sun Exposure
Adequate sun exposure is essential for the development of flowers in marijuana plants. The length of the day, which changes with the seasons, determines when plants enter the flowering stage. Typically, plants require a light cycle of about 12 hours to flower properly.
Rains
Excessive rainfall during the flowering season can cause rot problems and reduce the quality of the buds. As such, it’s recommended that growers inform themselves about local weather predictions and make decisions based on specific climate data to optimize their crop.
Growing Guide: Specific Dates for Each Phase of Outdoor Cultivation
Growing cannabis outdoors is an activity that requires planning and attention to the specific dates of each phase of growth. Knowing the right time for each stage is crucial to maximizing production and harvest quality. Below, the different phases of outdoor cultivation and the estimated dates for each one are detailed.
1. Germination
The first stage of the cannabis life cycle is germination, which can take place between March and April in temperate climates. During this phase, the seeds need heat and moisture. It is advisable to start this process in a controlled environment, such as in a propagator or indoors, to ensure a high germination rate.
2. Vegetative growth
Once the seedlings have germinated and developed their first true leaves, they can be transplanted outside. This usually occurs between the end of April and May. During vegetative growth, plants develop stems and leaves, and it is crucial to maintain a proper watering regimen and balanced nutrition. This period can last between 4 to 8 weeks.
3. Flowering
The flowering phase begins when the days get shorter, usually from mid-July to August. At this stage, plants begin to produce flowers, and it is vital to reduce nitrogen fertilization while increasing phosphorus and potassium-rich nutrients to promote bud development. Harvests usually occur between September and October, depending on the strain selected.
Tips for Optimizing Outdoor Marijuana Cultivation According to the Dates
Success in growing marijuana outdoors not only depends on the genetics of the plant, but also on knowing when is the best time to sow and harvest. Here are some key tips to optimize your crop according to the dates:
1. Know the seasons
The growing cycle is affected by the seasons of the year. Generally, planting should be done in spring, when temperatures begin to rise and the risk of frost decreases. Harvesting, on the other hand, takes place in autumn, when the plants have reached their maximum production potential.
2. Choose the right strain
- Early flowering varieties: Ideal for colder climates or regions with long winters.
- Autoflowering Strains: They can be grown during the summer and offer quick harvests, being perfect for crops with limited time.
- Long-flowering varieties: They require a longer growing time and are suitable for areas with warm and prolonged summers.
3. Monitor weather conditions
Climatic variations can seriously affect your crop. Pay attention to temperatures, humidity, and rain predictions. If the temperatures are too high or too low, you might consider using shade or protection for your plants. Also, plan planting based on sunlight, ensuring that your plants receive between 6 and 8 hours of direct sun per day.
