When is the best time to start growing cannabis outdoors?

Spring is coming and I want to plan my outdoor grow. When should I: 1. Start seeds indoors? 2. Move seedlings outside? 3. Expect flowering to begin? 4. Harvest? I'm in the northern US / southern Canada area (zone 5-6). First time growing outdoors.

3 comments

3 Comments

Experienced1mo ago

For zone 5-6: 1. **Start seeds indoors:** Mid-March to early April 2. **Move outside:** After last frost (usually mid-May) 3. **Flowering begins:** Mid-August (triggered by shorter days) 4. **Harvest:** Late September to mid-October For autoflowers, you can plant directly outside after last frost and harvest by August — beating the cold/wet fall weather entirely. I'd recommend starting with autoflowers your first outdoor season. They're much more forgiving of timing mistakes.

Expert Grower1mo ago

First time outdoor grower last year in zone 6. Started autos in May, harvested in August. Easy! Going with photoperiods this year now that I know what I'm doing.

Experienced1mo ago

If you go with photoperiods outdoors, choose early-finishing strains. A strain that takes 10 weeks to flower will be harvesting in November in zone 5 — too late. Look for 7-8 week flowering genetics. Northern Lights and Early Skunk are perfect for short seasons. Royal King Seeds has both with solid outdoor genetics.