How to grow marihuana outdoors step by step

Complete guide to marihuana outdoors growing

Growing marihuana outdoors is one of the best options to obtain healthy and productive plants, taking advantage of natural light and reducing costs. If you are wondering how to grow cannabis outdoors, here is a detailed guide with everything you need to know: from choosing the best cannabis seeds for outdoors, to types of substrates, watering, pest control, pruning and harvesting at the optimum time.

Choosing the Best marihuana outdoors seeds for the Climate

The first step to a successful grow is selecting the right outdoor marihuana seeds. There are two main types:

–Photodependent seeds: Their growth and flowering depend on the photoperiod (hours of light). They are ideal for climates with distinct seasons.
-Autoflowering seeds: They do not depend on the photoperiod, they flower automatically in 8-12 weeks. They are perfect for variable climates or for several harvests per year.

Key Factors in Growing marihuana outdoors

Photoperiod and Seasons of the Year

Photoperiod-dependent varieties flower when the days start to get shorter (late summer-autumn). In contrast, autoflowering varieties do not depend on the photoperiod and flower in 8-12 weeks.

Photoperiod-dependent varieties need changes in natural light to flower. The best time to germinate is in spring, when the days are longer. Flowering occurs in autumn as daylight hours shorten.

Photoperiod-dependent seeds need a change in photoperiod to induce flowering. Outdoors, they depend on natural light, so their life cycle follows the changing seasons.

Hours of Light Needed for Flowering in Photoperiod-Dependent Plants

Growth Phase (Vegetative)

• They need at least 14-18 hours of light a day to keep growing.
• Outdoors, this happens in spring and summer, when the days are long.

Flowering phase

• Flowering is triggered when the days get shorter, that is, with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness or less.
• Outdoors, this happens naturally in late summer and autumn.

Tips for Forcing Outdoor Flowering

If you want your plants to bloom earlier, you can force flowering by artificially reducing the hours of natural light:

• Cover the plants with dark tarpaulins or boxes to simulate 12 hours of darkness.
• Plant later (mid-summer) so that they grow less and start flowering earlier.
• Avoid artificial light sources at night.

Differences According to Latitude

In temperate climates (Spain, Italy, France, southern USA)

• Plants begin to flower between August and September, when the days have 12-13 hours of light.
• They are harvested between October and November.

In equatorial zones (Colombia, Thailand, southern Mexico)

• As there are 12 hours of light almost all year round, some sativa varieties may take longer to flower.
• Hybrids or tropical sativas are recommended.

In cold or northern zones (Canada, United Kingdom, Germany)

• The growing season is shorter, so fast flowering or autoflowering varieties are more advisable.

Soil and fertilisation

For optimal growth, the soil should be rich in nutrients and well aerated. You can use specific substrates for cannabis or improve the soil with:

• Worm castings: Promotes water retention and provides nutrients.
• Bat guano: Rich in phosphorus, ideal for flowering.
• Liquid fertilisers: Provide nitrogen during growth and phosphorus/potassium during flowering. Ask at your grow shop for the best fertilisers for cannabis.

It is crucial to avoid over-fertilisation, as this can burn the roots. Control the amount and frequency of fertiliser application to avoid problems.

Selecting the right outdoor cannabis seeds is essential for successful growing. Depending on your climate, some varieties will adapt better than others:

Climate types and marihuana outdoors strains

• Mediterranean climate (warm and dry): long-flowering sativa and photoperiod-dependent strains can be grown, such as Buddha Amnesia and Kraken.
• Continental climate (warm summers, cold winters): It is advisable to choose fast-flowering hybrids or Indicas such as Buddha Critical, Deimos or Gorilla
• Humid or rainy climate: Varieties resistant to mould and pests are required, such as Buddha White Widow, Morpheus,
• Cold or mountain climates: The ideal varieties are fast-flowering and autoflowering, such as Buddha Auto Ak, Skunk, Quasar.

1. Germinating Cannabis Seeds Outdoors

Before planting cannabis seeds, you must germinate them correctly. Recommended methods:

• Wet paper method: Place the seeds between damp paper towels and keep them in a warm, dark place until the root sprouts.
• Germination in jiffy pellets or pressed peat: An ideal option for direct transplanting without damaging the root.
• Direct sowing in soil: Works well in warm climates, but there is less control over humidity.

When to germinate?

The best time to germinate is at the end of winter or the beginning of spring, when daytime temperatures exceed 15°C. If your cannabis seeds do not germinate, we invite you to review the main mistakes in germination.

1. Types of Outdoor Marihuana Cultivation

Growing in Pots

Advantages:

✔ Control of substrate and drainage.

✔ Possibility of moving the plant according to light or climate.

✔ Reduction of the risk of soil pests.

Disadvantages:

✖ Need for more frequent watering.

✖ Limitation in root development.

Cultivation in Direct Soil

Advantages:

✔ More vigorous growth and higher yields.

✔ Less need for watering and fertilisation.

✔ Greater stability in the face of strong winds.

Disadvantages:

✖ Greater exposure to soil pests.

✖ The plant cannot be moved in case of bad weather.

Greenhouse Cultivation

Advantages:

✔ Protection against pests and rain.

✔ Possibility of extending the growing season.

✔ Temperature and humidity control.

Disadvantages:

✖ Higher initial cost.

✖ Risk of moisture build-up if there is no adequate ventilation.

1. Light Pollution A Problem in Outdoor Marihuana Cultivation

If there are streetlights or lights nearby, the flowering process in outdoor marijuana cultivation can be interrupted. If you grow in an area with a lot of night light, it is better to opt for autoflowering seeds or install blackout barriers.

1. Watering, Fertilising and Controlling pH and EC

Frequency and Type of Watering

• In hot climates, water every 1-2 days.
• In humid climates, let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Use chlorine-free water and adjust the pH to between 6.0 and 6.5.

Fertilising and Avoiding Over-fertilisation

Cannabis needs nitrogen when growing and phosphorus and potassium when flowering. Use organic or liquid fertilisers, but avoid excess, which can cause burnt leaves and nutrient lockout.

pH and EC control

The optimum pH in soil is 6.0-6.5 and in hydroponics 5.5-6.0. EC (electroconductivity) indicates the amount of salts in the water and helps to avoid overfertilisation.

1. Pruning to improve production in Outdoor Marihuana Cultivation

Pruning helps to improve bud production and control the size of the plant.

• FIM pruning: The tip of the main shoot is cut to stimulate the growth of more branches.
• Apical pruning: The central stem is cut to encourage a bushier structure.
• LST (Low Stress Training): The branches are gently bent to improve light distribution.

1. Common Pests and Diseases in Outdoor Marihuana

When grown outdoors, marijuana plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

• Common pests: red spider mites, thrips, aphids, caterpillars and snails.
• Common diseases: powdery mildew, botrytis and fusarium (root rot).
• Solutions: neem oil, potassium soap and biological control with beneficial insects.

1. When and how to harvest marihuana outdoors?

Harvesting depends on the type of seed and the climate, but in general:

• Photoperiod-dependent: Harvest between September and October.
• Autoflowering: Ready in 8-12 weeks from sowing.

Signs that the plant is ready for harvest

• Milky or amber trichomes under the microscope.
• Brown, dry pistils.
• Yellowing leaves at the end of flowering.

For an optimal harvest, cut the branches, hang them in a dry, dark place for 10-15 days and then proceed to cure them in glass jars.

Conclusion

Outdoor cannabis cultivation is an excellent option for taking advantage of natural resources and obtaining quality harvests. From choosing the best cannabis seeds for outdoor growing, to controlling humidity, avoiding pests and harvesting at the right time, every detail is key to a successful result.

If you follow this guide on how to grow cannabis outdoors, you will enjoy healthy and productive plants. Start growing today with Buddha Seeds and maximise your harvest!

BUY CANNABIS SEEDS