Why you should only plant auto hemp plants outdoors until the beginning of August

Autoflowering cannabis plants, or autoflowers, have gained popularity among cannabis gardeners in recent years. These plants are known for their ability to flower regardless of light cycles. However, there is an optimal period for planting these plants, which only extends until early August. But why is that?

disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If handling or growing cannabis is currently illegal in your home country, this post should not be misunderstood as an encouragement to grow cannabis. It is your responsibility to inform yourself about the current legal situation in your country and to ensure that you act in accordance with the applicable laws. Any liability for any legal consequences or other damage that may result from the application of the information contained in this post is excluded from the outset. We assume no responsibility for actions taken on the basis of this information. If you are unsure about the legality of activities related to cannabis, it is recommended that you contact qualified legal advisors and observe the current laws in your respective country.

growth phase and flowering period

Temperature and lighting conditions:

Autoflowering plants require sufficient heat and light to grow and flower. From the beginning of August, the days begin to get noticeably shorter and temperatures can drop drastically, especially at night. This can slow growth and affect the quality of the harvest.

Flowering time and harvest window:

Autoflowers typically begin flowering around 3-4 weeks after germination. If you plant in early August, your plant will be ready to harvest in mid-September to early October. Later in the year, weather conditions are often less ideal: lower temperatures and higher rainfall can encourage mold growth and increase plant stress.

Mold and pests:

As we move to cooler, wetter conditions in late summer and fall, the risk of mold and pest infestation increases. Mold is particularly dangerous because it can ruin an entire crop in a matter of days.

How tall do autoflowering plants grow?

The height of autoflowering plants varies greatly depending on the variety, but is usually between 30 cm and 100 cm. However, there are also varieties that can grow up to 150 cm. The average height is around 60 cm. This compact size is one of the reasons why autoflowers are so popular for outdoor cultivation, as they require less space and can be grown more discreetly.

Why do autoflowers flower?

Unlike photoperiod strains, which require a change in the light cycle from 18/6 (hours of light/hours of darkness) to 12/12 to initiate flowering, autoflowers flower automatically after a set period of time. This trait comes from their genetic lineage of Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies of cannabis that grows in regions with extreme light conditions such as Russia and Central Asia. These plants have evolved to flower regardless of the amount of light in order to make the most of the short growing season in their natural environment.

Conclusion

Respecting the optimal window for planting autoflowering cannabis plants is crucial to ensuring a successful harvest. Planted only by early August, plants will have enough time to grow and flower in warm and bright conditions. Planting later risks encountering less favorable climatic conditions, which can affect the growth and quality of the harvest. With good planning and the right timing, autoflowering plants can be a rewarding and relatively low-maintenance option for outdoor cultivation.

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