How To Maintain A Cannabis Plant Outside?

Cannabis plants require consistent watering, a balance of nutrients, proper lighting, temperature and humidity, pruning and training, pest and disease control, and harvesting and drying. Starting with seeds or clones will change the timing and manner of introduction to the outdoors. Seeds are typically heartier and more vigorous than clones.

There are two main options for cannabis cultivation: autoflowering or photoperiod strains. Leafly’s comprehensive guide covers marijuana, its life stages, survival needs, and creating an ideal environment for it to thrive. Outdoor growing offers unique benefits, making it worth considering. SunMed experts provide insights on the growing calendar for outdoor cannabis plants.

To ensure a good harvest, outdoor growers should do some research, analyze local soil, and choose a suitable location. Sunlight is crucial for cannabis plants to grow and produce buds. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, ideally 12 or more hours of sunlight and daytime temperatures.

Maintains the plants’ health by watering them, discouraging pests, pruning new major shoots, and adding high-nitrogen fertilizer. Cannabis plants prefer temperatures in the 70s or low 80s Fahrenheit, so plant them in a sunny spot.

When growing cannabis outdoors, start indoors if possible, choose suitable soil or pots, and aim for the sunniest spot you have access to. The bare minimum required for cannabis cultivation is basic gardening tools, soil, water, and a spot in your backyard that receives ample sunlight.

How big should my plants be after 2 weeks?

Cannabis plants typically grow to a height of 2 or 3 inches after two weeks, with 2 or 3 sets of leaves, including cotyledons. The size of the plant depends on various factors such as seed quality, soil, relative humidity, pot size, watering, and lighting. A weaker or improper light source may cause the seedling to stretch out.

Cannabis fertilizer is not as important during the germination process as it is not as crucial during the initial growth stage. Seedlings are initially autotrophic, nourishing themselves with nutrient stores within the seed. Once they grow 3-4 sets of true leaves and start photosynthesizing, they become heterotrophic and require nutrients from the media. Most seedlings require no or a very low dosage of nutrients in the first couple of weeks. During the initial growth stage, plants require only water and light, but there may be instances where fertilizer may be required.

How many fan leaves to remove during flowering?

To ensure optimal growth and maturity of a flowering site, it is essential to use proper techniques for thinning. This involves removing 20-40 of the mid to upper foliage every 5-7 days, opening up light and improving air exchange to the lower canopy. Healthy leaves at the bottom of the canopy should be kept to trap valuable light. Careful thinning should start in mid to late vegetative growth and continue until late flowering. Thining can temporarily slow growth and leave nutrients behind in the substrate.

It is crucial to monitor runoff after thinning and adjust the EC of the next feeding if necessary. When working with new techniques or genetics, it is recommended to start small and be conservative. The heavier the pruning, the more stress the plant will undergo. Regularly removing leaves allows for frequent inspection of the canopy and leaves for signs of leaf discoloration, pests, or diseases.

Is it better to overwater or underwater cannabis leaves?

Cannabis plants require varying amounts of water for successful growth. They depend on humidity, light, grow medium (soil), nutrients, and water. To determine the correct amount of water, growers should check the top inch of the soil to avoid overwatering and allow for water runoff from the bottom of the pot to prevent rot. The pH of the water should be around 6. 5 PH, and the PPM (parts per million) should be around 500 when in the vegetative phase and 1000 during the flowering stage of the grow cycle.

Cannabis plants take in their oxygen and water supply through their root system, and it takes trial and error to perfect the watering process. To avoid overwatering, water the plant when this section is dry, allow for water runoff from the bottom of the pot, and check the PPM (parts per million) of nutrients the plants are receiving through the water source. Underwatering can help show the time lapse of the crop coming back to life after being watered.

Should I top my outdoor cannabis plants?

Cannabis growers can manipulate the plant by cutting its top growth tip, increasing branches and bud sites. This practice is beneficial for indoor and outdoor cultivation, improving light penetration and air circulation. Topping a cannabis plant during the vegetative stage, after 4-6 nodes, is optimal. Ensure the plant is healthy and well-established before performing the topping technique, as too early or late can stress or limit growth potential.

What are the best conditions for outdoor growing cannabis?

Cannabis plants prefer outdoor temperatures between 70-85°F (20-30°C) during the day and 10°F cooler at night. Ideally, they should be kept slightly lower during the flowering stage, ideally under 80°F. Cannabis can tolerate temperatures as low as 40°F, but prolonged cold can hinder its growth. To protect your plants, cover them or move them indoors when frost is a threat. Familiarize yourself with the first and last frost dates in your region.

Harvesting cannabis is best during the peak flowering stage, characterized by vibrant pistils, swollen calyxes, and resinous trichomes. Observe the trichomes for color changes, and October is typically the peak harvest for cannabis grown outdoors.

What is the best spot for outdoor cannabis plants?

Growing cannabis outdoors requires a balance between light, heat, airflow, and soil conditions. Good outdoor grow spots should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, with gardens or balconies facing south being attractive. Avoid hotspots with temperatures exceeding 30°C and provide shade and shelter with shrubs, trees, and fences. Proper ventilation is essential for maintaining health and preventing mold, but wind can dry out plants and soil faster. Mobile pots offer advantages over rooted plants in fixed positions in bad weather.

Potted cannabis plants can be placed precisely where circumstances are optimal, but they still limit root development to some extent. Most cannabis plants grow shorter in pots than in open ground, which is beneficial for those with limited space. Potted plants need ample room for expanding root systems, fresh soil, and nutrients for growth and flowering. Soil in pots dries out faster than in flowerbeds, and adding mulch can help protect against evaporation. However, mulch can raise the acidity level in the soil, so balance is crucial in growing cannabis outdoors.

Should I cover my outdoor cannabis?

Growing cannabis seeds outdoors offers numerous benefits, but it is crucial to be cautious about the potential damage to your plants. Outdoor growers face numerous challenges such as excessive rainfall, high winds, frosts, droughts, and heatwaves, as well as threats from larger animals and snooping neighbors. However, these factors should not discourage you from growing outdoors.

Cultivating cannabis outdoors provides natural sunlight, more space, and the ability to grow polycultures that are not as suitable indoors. To ensure the best outcome, it is essential to protect your plants from pests and diseases. Building a small greenhouse, having companion plants to protect them from pests, or placing a wire cage against predators can help protect your plants.

Additionally, protecting your plants from larger animals like moles, gophers, cats, and dogs can also help protect them. The goal of protecting your cannabis plants is to ensure the best outcome possible. Damage caused by pests, adverse weather, animals, and disease can slow down growth and impact yields at the end of the growing cycle. Therefore, it is in your interest to do everything you can to protect your plants against these threats. Succeeding in this area will result in the biggest harvest possible and the highest quality flowers with the chosen genetics and the environment.

How many times can you top an outdoor cannabis plant?

Topping plants can be done more than twice, but it can increase time in the vegetative phase. Experienced growers may top up to five times to obtain 32 branches. Healthy plants usually take 2-3 days to recover from topping, so don’t remove leaves from the node after topping. Topping during flowering causes too much stress, slowing growth and inhibiting yield. Avoid topping unhealthy plants and older, thicker growth as it takes longer to heal.

Step 2 involves Low Stress Training (LST), which involves pulling down and outwards the branches to create a “star” configuration, ensuring all four branches are spread apart, horizontal, and at the same height. Lower branches from nodes below where topping occurred are now closer and more exposed to light. As these grow, they can be topped and manipulated using LST.

Should you prune outdoor cannabis?

The practice of outdoor cannabis pruning and trimming has the potential to significantly enhance yields. However, late-season challenges, such as frost, temperature fluctuations, and cold snaps, can inflict damage and consequently reduce yields. To safeguard against these unfavorable conditions, it is imperative to closely monitor the crop, utilize row covers or portable greenhouses, and ensure optimal crop care.

Should you spray cannabis leaves?

To effectively spray marijuana plants, use low light intensity, avoid high temperatures, and avoid spraying in rain, wind, or with ventilation on. Apply the spray across the entire leaf, paying special attention to the underside. If unfamiliar with the product, test it on one leaf and wait 24 hours. Do not spray during flowering to avoid mold, except in cases of pests or mold. Use a fine sprayer for improved absorption. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and wear protective gear.

When watering or spraying, adapt to the plants and climate. If growing outdoors in a humid climate, don’t spray at night as it may cause rot or mold. Avoid extreme heat as droplets can burn leaves. Factors like irrigation water should also be considered.