Adapting Cannabis to Cold, Rainy, and Humid Weather Conditions: 3 Best Strains for Cold Climates

The cannabis plant is highly adaptable and capable of growing in harsh weather conditions. However, this can lead to developmental irregularities and growth issues. Continue reading to learn how to address weather-related concerns and safeguard your cannabis crops.

Chilly Periods for Cannabis

In the face of an impending cold spell, forewarned by the meteorologists, our garden seems to stand on the brink of a frosty ordeal, with the promise of respite shimmering faintly at the month’s end. How might one fortify the flourishing haven against the nipping chill? Allow me to guide you through these trying times.

This chilling narrative might seem somewhat pessimistic, but our foremost duty is to shepherd our green comrades safely through the harsh cold until warmer chapters unveil themselves in the weather’s storyline. Embrace this role with steadfast determination, keeping in mind that at a threshold of 45°F (7°C), our green protagonists stand resilient, ready to burgeon anew with the return of favorable conditions.

Consider transforming your indoors into a temporary sanctuary where your plants can continue to thrive, nourished by a symphony of light cycles that echo the rhythms of sunnier days. This nurturing environment serves as a protective cocoon, fostering life until the outdoors is once again a hospitable home for your botanical companions.

Venture to introduce patio heaters to your garden, and guard against the biting frost that threatens to mar the verdant beauty of your outdoor oasis. As an innovative caretaker, I envision erecting a temporary greenhouse; a structure of wood and plastic that serves as a barrier against the cold, capturing and holding warmth in its embrace, a beacon of hope that can be dismantled once the warmer winds return.

Do not underestimate the protective embrace of polyethylene wrappings, shielding individual plants against the ruthless onslaught of wind and rain, while also cradling them in a warm embrace. However, remember, the persistent cold will find ways to creep in, seeking to extinguish the flicker of life within. Counter this with a vigilant watch, possibly introducing forced air heaters as sentinels, maintaining a gentle warmth of 70°F (21°C), and guarding against the potential hazard of overheating.

In this narrative of resilience and nurturing care, you emerge as the heroic guardian of your garden, steering it with grace and wisdom through the turbulent chapters of winter, into the promising embrace of a warmer epilogue.

Chilly Climate for Cannabis

Challenge: The plants have yet to reach maturity, and the weather is gradually cooling. How long is it viable to keep the plants outdoors?

Solution: As the daylight temperatures begin their descent into the realm of the low 60s (15-18°C), the once-vigorous growth of the plants will markedly decelerate, eventually grinding to a halt in the mid-50s (12-14°C). If you find yourself doubting the prospect of consistent daytime temperatures rising above the high 60s (20°C and above), it might be prudent to contemplate abandoning the crop altogether.

The impending peril lies in the realm of evening temperatures. While most plants can withstand temperatures plummeting into the 40s (5-10°C), any dip below that threshold (below 4°C) will inevitably result in tissue damage.

The crux of any solution hinges heavily upon the availability of sunlight. As the Earth transitions from autumn to winter, the intensity and duration of sunlight wane. Plants that once basked in full daylight during the summer and early autumn now find themselves cast in prolonged shadows. Overcast skies further diminish the quality of available sunlight. During the winter, these light-deprived plants lack the requisite energy for growth and should be harvested to prevent the squandering of a potentially fruitful yield. Even if the buds aren’t sufficiently ripe for smoking, they can still be processed for kief, extracts, or culinary purposes.

In the event of cold weather but sufficient sunlight, consider sheltering the plants behind a translucent sheet of plastic. This makeshift greenhouse effect captures the sun’s warmth and fosters growth in the process.

You can also opt for utilizing “passive heaters.” These involve using containers with dark colors, which are filled with water, allowed to absorb heat during the day, and then release that stored warmth during the cold nights.

Propane-powered patio heaters can also provide warmth to the plants. Additionally, they emit gases that include CO2 and water vapor, which can actually enhance growth due to the added carbon dioxide.

Moist Atmospheric Conditions

Ah, behold the ever-shifting tapestry of transitioning seasons, a spectacle where the once-arid atmosphere gracefully yields to the embrace of a novel, humidity-laden environment. While the siren song of laissez-faire natural progression may tempt the uninitiated, those seasoned in the art of cannabis cultivation discern that the advent of humid weather unfurls a formidable array of challenges, poised to beset your cherished green companions. Fear not, for I present to you an expansive and all-encompassing manual, a veritable compass to navigate this moisture-saturated odyssey, ensuring not merely the endurance but the resplendent prosperity of your prized cannabis plants amid these demanding climes.

As the barometer of humidity registers its ascent, your vigilant cannabis plants, akin to ardent messengers, convey their subtle distress signals. It is at this juncture that you, the horticultural maestro, must rise to the occasion with unwavering resolve. Commence your stewardship by embarking on a meticulous reconnaissance of your verdant kingdom, employing discerning scrutiny to unearth those mature buds that have ripened to perfection and stand poised for the imminent harvest. These exquisite blossoms, each a treasure unto itself, shall emerge as your foremost bulwark against the impending perils posed by the capricious hand of humidity.

Precipitous Rainfall Conditions

The weather forecast has quite literally cast a gloomy shadow over our cheerful gardening endeavors! We, the dedicated enthusiasts of the horticultural realm, are acutely aware that inclement rainy weather can unfurl a vexatious tapestry of complications for our cherished botanical companions. At the forefront of our concerns looms the ominous specter of mold, especially the notorious Botrytis, which stealthily creeps in when rainwater permeates the delicate buds of our plants, fashioning a cozy haven conducive to the flourishing of this insidious menace. Alas, the crux of the matter lies in the unfortunate propensity of these buds to retain moisture with tenacious fervor, rendering the process of desiccation a perplexing challenge.

Now, let us embark upon the quest to shield our beloved green companions from this soggy predicament. Fortunately, within the annals of our gardening wisdom, we have unearthed a trove of ingenious stratagems. For those among us who possess the means and resources, the prospect of relocating our precious plants or erecting a protective fortress comes to the fore. Such a stronghold serves as a formidable bulwark against the relentless onslaught of rain. Nevertheless, be mindful that despite our best efforts, moisture may still persist in the air. To confront this lingering dampness, we advocate for the strategic elevation of the ambient temperature within the protective enclosure, aiming for the optimal range of approximately 70°F (24-26°C). This deliberate act not only serves to ensure the safety of our verdant charges but also contributes to the acceleration of the drying process for those vulnerable buds, thus placing a considerable damper on the rampant proliferation of mold. And let us not overlook the indispensable role of the fan, our clandestine ally, tirelessly toiling to maintain the steady circulation of air, a formidable bulwark against the encroachment of mold.

Now, let us delve into a scenario where the rain proves to be nothing more than a transient visitor, soon to be succeeded by sun-drenched days. In this optimistic scenario, proactive measures can be undertaken to preclude the nefarious molds from establishing a foothold. We propose the judicious application of anti-fungal solutions, such as potassium bicarbonate or Serenade, as a pre-emptive strike against these encroaching threats. These remarkable substances wield transformative powers, adept at thwarting the ambitions of mold.

However, if the weather forecast unfurls a relentless tapestry of non-stop rain, stretching endlessly into the horizon, it may be incumbent upon us to make the arduous decision of advancing our harvest schedule. The rationale behind this seemingly drastic step lies in the protracted exposure of our lush botanical companions to incessant rain, a predicament that could transmute their exuberance into a lamentable mushy state. Consequently, we advocate for the vigilant scrutiny of the weather forecast and the prompt execution of the harvest when our precious crop attains its zenith of ripeness, thus securing its optimal condition for preservation.

Wilting

Problem: There arises an abrupt and alarming situation in which the plants, previously vibrant and robust, undergo a swift and disconcerting transformation, succumbing to wilting within mere moments.

Solutions: These botanical organisms demonstrate a proclivity for water absorption through the maintenance of an elevated concentration of salts within their internal cellular structures, surpassing that which is prevalent in the surrounding soil. When the levels of these salts, typically sourced from nutrient-rich fertilizers, become disproportionately abundant within the planting medium as compared to the plant itself, it frequently signifies a deficiency in the plant’s capacity to either take in or retain water. To address this complex issue, it is advisable to contemplate the notion of flushing the soil with meticulously pH-adjusted water, assiduously maintaining its thermal environment at a precisely calibrated 72°F (22°C). The volume of water necessitated for this endeavor should approximate roughly 1.5 times the container’s total capacity, an example being the utilization of 7 gallons to flush a five-gallon receptacle effectively.

From time to time, the foliage of cannabis plants may manifest a penchant for drooping, particularly as the period of illumination draws to a close. This observable phenomenon, however, is well within the realms of the ordinary and should not elicit undue concern or distress.

3 Best Cannabis to Grow in a Cold Climate

1. White Widow

White Widow is a legendary hybrid strain, first bred in the Netherlands in the 1990s. It is known for its potent blend of Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-rich South Indian indica. This strain usually contains high THC levels, often ranging between 18-25%, offering users a powerful and energetic buzz. White Widow is easily recognizable by its frosty white trichomes that envelope the buds, resembling a snowy cover, from which it gets its name. Users praise this strain for its ability to uplift and energize, making it a popular choice for social or creative endeavors. Its floral aroma with hints of pine and citrus, coupled with a smooth, earthy flavor profile, makes White Widow a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts globally. Its resilient nature and relatively short flowering time of around 8-9 weeks have made it a popular choice among cultivators, especially in colder climates.

2. Blue Cheese

Blue Cheese is a beloved Indica-dominant hybrid strain, cherished for its potent effects and unique flavor profile. This strain is the offspring of the UK Cheese and Blueberry strains, inheriting a complex flavor combination of sweet blueberry notes and a tangy cheese undertone that lends it its distinctive name. With a moderate THC content, usually ranging between 15-20%, Blue Cheese offers users a relaxed and happy high, making it an excellent choice for evening use. This strain is also famed for its potential medicinal properties, often sought after to help manage stress, pain, and insomnia. Cultivators appreciate Blue Cheese for its relatively short flowering time, approximately 8 to 10 weeks, and its generous yield. Its dense, resin-coated buds are a hallmark of its quality, making it a staple in the collections of many cannabis enthusiasts.

3. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is one of the most famed and cherished pure Indica strains in the cannabis community, renowned for its resilience, potency, and enchanting aroma. This strain boasts a lineage tracing back to indigenous Afghani and Thai landrace strains. Northern Lights captivates users with its rich, earthy, and sweet pine notes that promise a serene and soothing experience. With a substantial THC content, often found between 16-26%, it offers a powerful, full-bodied relaxation that can aid in alleviating stress, pain, and insomnia, making it a favorite choice for evening use. The plant itself is relatively easy to grow, with flowering times ranging from 6-8 weeks, producing dense, resinous buds with a luminous, almost crystalline appearance, which might be seen as a physical representation of its name. This tranquilizing strain has become a cornerstone in the cultivation of numerous other successful hybrid strains and remains a cherished classic in the cannabis industry.