Overcoming the challenges of growing weed in cold climates can be quite a challenge for someone with little growing experience, in this guide we will explain how to enjoy a successful cannabis crop with our expert tips and recommended strains.
Table of contents:
- Effects of cold weather on weed
- Delayed germination
- Limited photoperiod
- Retarted growth
- Tips for growing weed in cold climatic conditions
- Outdoor growing in cold climates
- Root health becomes a bigger player
- Some of the best strains to grow in cold climates
- Final Thoughts
Can weed grow in cold climates?
You might be wondering if it’s even possible to grow weed in a cold climate. After all, marijuana plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world. But believe it or not, it is possible to grow weed in colder climates – you just have to take a few extra steps to make sure your plants thrive.
Even if it seems harsh, certain cold parts still harbor enough conducive nutrients for the growth of cold-weather cannabis. Before I share with you the proven surefire tips on how you can grow weed in the cold, it is important to know how cold climate auto-flowering cannabis seeds are affected by the cold.
Effects of cold weather on Weed
Whatever people say, the fact is cold weather has profound effects on your weed plants. Some of the effects of cold climates on cannabis plants are evident immediately after you plant the seeds while other effects come much later during the veg, growing, and harvesting period.
Although you can grow weed in the cold you should beware there are few yet dangerous effects of planting marijuana in cold climates.
Here are some of those disadvantages:
Delayed germination
Some breeds, such as cold climate autoflower seeds, will take days before they germinate. In normal and conducive circumstances, you will expect to see your marijuana seeds germinate within 3-6 days. However, in some cold conditions, chances of delayed germination are inevitable. Because of this unpredictable situation, many experienced farmers find other conducive places to plant their cannabis plants.
Alternatively, they decide to plant their marijuana crops inside a greenhouse, where they can monitor and regulate growing conditions.
If you want to know more about the germination, you might be interested in reading this article “How to germinate marijuana seeds”.
Limited photoperiod
Photoperiod is a term used to explain the period in which crops need to get light. During this period, plants such as marijuana need to get enough light, possibly sunlight. Depending on where you’ve cultivated it, your cannabis may not get sufficient light.
In an area where you are not able to regulate the amount and intensity of light that comes to your crops, it would be difficult to say with certainty they will grow to maturity at the right time.
Even if you decide to grow your cannabis plants indoors, you will still need to find a time when you place the pots outside for direct sunlight. This is not an easy task especially if you are dealing with hundreds of cannabis plants.
Retarded growth
There is no doubt about this when you are speaking about cold climate cannabis. Plants grow strong and healthy when there is an all-inclusive sustainable and conducive environment. With extended periods of cold weather, you can expect the plants to be weak.
In addition, many weed farmers who have contended with bad weather say their marijuana crops did not grow to attain the normal height when compared with healthy cannabis plants that are grown in a grow room or warm temperatures.
Simply said, cannabis suffers in the cold and produces a weaker, discolored, and lighter crop.
Tips for growing weed in cold climatic conditions
After looking at the effects of cold temperatures on cold weather cannabis, I’m sure you are ready to learn expert tips that can help your crops thrive in cold climates. All the tips herein answer this important question; can weed grow in the cold?
1. Pick the right marijuana strain
Like any other seeds, marijuana seeds have different performances when grown in different climates. Interestingly, our seeds are labeled. When shopping for marijuana seeds, be sure to check the label to confirm whether it is ideal for ‘cool’ or ‘cold’ conditions. It means, that if you make a wrong choice of seeds, possibly those that are meant for warmer environments, you are going to be frustrated from day one.
The other thing that I’ve learned along the way is that Indica strains are more resistant to cold weather as opposed to Sativa strains. Put that in mind the next time you go shopping for seeds to plant in cold climates.
Lastly, strains that are known to have genetic rooting from Canada, Afghanistan, Netherlands, and generally the Himalayas tend to do well in winter climates.
2. Do more artificial lighting
Speaking of artificial lighting reminds you of either a greenhouse or indoor cultivation of marijuana. Whatever it reminds you, it is important to remember that if you are growing weed outdoors, it would be hard to regulate lighting. However, indoor or greenhouse cultivation of cannabis helps you regulate the amount and intensity of light that will heat your crops.
If you are afraid of high electricity bills, you can opt for LED lights. They are famed for stronger and brighter illumination but when it comes to consumption, the bulbs are the best. They will save you a lot at the end of the month when you are paying your electricity bill.
Nonetheless, to maintain the illumination, you can add a few HID and halogen lumps. These two are very effective in ensuring your crops get proper and sufficient illumination.
3. Use pots to grow your weed
Growing marijuana inside pots instead of planting them directly into the ground is another way of dealing with cold temperatures. Remember, warmth is the right temperature when growing weed.
With that in mind, think about how hard it would be to maintain warmer temperatures when the soil and the surrounding area are damn cold. Pots on the other hand contain small amounts of soil, which you can decide to illuminate with artificial heat and stay around the roots for a long time.
4. Cover the soil
Although this is not always easy, it is one of the ingenious ways of ensuring your marijuana plants have enough heat. Some farmers opt to cover the area around the crops with a blanket-like material. A limestone blanket, a common practice among those who have vineyards, is one of the best methods of ensuring heat does not escape from the soil.
5. Make use of heaters & thermostats
Soil and environment heaters and thermostats are the ultimate methods of warming up the soil and the surrounding area when you plant your weed in winter conditions. This way does well if you are growing weed inside a greenhouse.
If you decide to use this method, ensure you set the temperature between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. That way, you do not induce your crops with less or a lot of heat.
Outdoor growing in cold climates
Are you planning to grow cannabis outdoors? Good news: this is possible during cold weather. The most difficult task is choosing a good growing location. Your plant will rely heavily on the solar energy that comes through them. To find the most suitable place, it is important to understand how light and dark cycles are used during the various development stages to achieve the optimal result. Naturally, weather presents many difficulties as well as perks. Make sure your garden is protected from harsh conditions. Other hazards include gardening pest infestation and insects or bugs.
Root health becomes a bigger player
In cold weather. Many outdoor/indoor growers believe that as long as the roots are happy, the plant will be happy and produce buds no matter what the temperature is outside. To ensure that your roots stay healthy in a cold climate, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of water and air. Water your plants regularly, but don’t overdo it – too much water can lead to problems just as much as too little. In terms of air, good ventilation is key. Fresh air is necessary for the roots to stay healthy, so make sure your grow room is well-ventilated.
Another important factor in keeping your roots healthy is keeping the temperature consistent. sudden temperature changes can stress out your plants and lead to root problems. Try to keep the temperature as stable as possible, within a few degrees either way, and your plants should be happy.
Some of the best strains to grow in cold climates
Some of the most popular strains for cold climates include White Widow, Northern Lights, and Blue Dream.
Blue Dream XTRM Feminized Seeds
Blue Dream is a hybrid that is perfect for growers in colder climates. It is a cross between Blue Dream and White Widow, two of the most popular cold-climate strains.
White widow XTRM Feminized Seeds
White Widow is another excellent choice for growers in colder climates. It is a hardy plant that can withstand high winds and heavy rains.
Northern Lights XTRM Feminized Seeds
Northern Lights is another great strain for cold environments. It is a short and stocky plant that produces large, resinous buds.
Other cannabis strains that thrive in cold climate
So there you have it, some of the best strains to grow in cold environments. Be sure to check out our other articles on marijuana growing for more tips and advice.
Final thoughts
There is no absolute temperature for growing weed. However, cold climates and extremely hot climatic conditions pose many risks to your marijuana. Even if you live in extremely cold conditions, it doesn’t mean you will not grow a healthy cannabis plant. On the contrary! You can employ the surefire methods mentioned herein to cultivate your weed and you will smile after attaining a good yield at the end of the season.
