Outdoor Marijuana Grow Calendar

outdoor-marijuana-grow-calendar

Growing outdoors is the way to go for many growers out there. You donā€™t have to be concerned with expensive lighting and itā€™s a more natural way to grow your stash.

You do have to take into account your place on the planet and how this affects your grow season. For that purpose, I created this grow calendar for the United States and divided it into a northern- and southern states section.

Seeing that the marijuana plant has different needs throughout its lifespan, thisĀ Outdoor Grow CalendarĀ covers the entire growing period.Ā 

It also considers average day lengths and temperatures per region, and info on when the flowering period starts outdoors.

Jump to the relevant month below if you live up north, or head to the southern grow calendar if you live in one of the southern states.

Grow Calendar ā€“ Northern States

Weā€™ll start with the northern parts of the United States. Generally, the outdoor growing season in this part of the country does not officially begin until mid-May.

However, thereā€™s plenty to do before that time comes. In fact, taking the time to prepare now, will make this seasonā€™s harvestĀ even more bountiful.

Hereā€™s the deal:

You can start preparing to grow in February, so thereā€™s no reason to not get psyched for the upcoming season!

Be sure to also grab myĀ free Grow BibleĀ for more onĀ growingĀ outdoors.

Grow Bible

  • Grow with my Quick Start Guide
  • Discover secrets to Big Yields
  • Avoid common grow mistakes

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A Few Notes:

  • This section refers to the top half of the United States, includingĀ Alaska.
  • Averages are based on Seattle, Chicago, and New York
  • If you are growing on the northern West Coast, your springtime temperatures will be the warmer average, and your summer averages will be cooler than average
  • The most amount of sun is found in Alaska, with the Northwest coming in second

February

Average day length: 9.5 to 11.5 hours
Average temperature: 22 to 51 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 8.5 to 10.5 hours
Average temperature: -8 to 12 degrees

buy your seeds

Itā€™s cold outside but now is theĀ time to prepare for the upcoming season. Hereā€™s a little shopping list to get you started:

  • Pots
  • Soil (and possibly other mediums)
  • Watering cans, jerrycans, sprays, and anything you need for prepping and feeding your plants.
  • Plant nutrients
  • And of course; seeds

Many Northern growers choose Indica dominant plants because of the short growing season. Read the article ā€œBest marijuana seeds for my climateā€ if youā€™re not sure what seedsĀ grow best in your area

In places like New York and Boston, it may seem like the frosty, cold temperatures will never end. However, if you start your plants indoors, you can extend your growing period so that you can grow any strain. Ā You can sprout your seeds indoors in a controlled environment with artificial light at the end of February.

Whatā€™s more, if you want to make clones, you should germinate your seeds at this time. Keep your mother plants inside until itā€™s warm enough.

Create a cozy indoor growing space with a CFL grow, 18 hours of sunlight and of course, some fresh air. Keep your grow area between 68 and 77 degrees. Check out ā€œhow to germinate marijuana seedsā€ for more on creating a cozy environment for germination.

At this point, you can also beginĀ prepping your soilĀ if you arenā€™t in Alaska or the Midwest. After the last frost, loosen up your soil by adding worms and compost.

These are some examples of strains that grow well in slightly colder climates:

super skunk cannabis seeds

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March

Average day length: 9.5 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 31 to 54 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 10.5 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 0 to 24 degrees

Start sprouting your plants

Itā€™s starting to warm up on the coasts, and the days are getting very long around Seattle and Portland. Growing time is getting close. If you havenā€™t alreadyĀ ordered your seeds, do it now!

You should also have your mother plant ready by the end of this month if you plan to clone.

If you are ready to go, you can start sprouting your plants in a windowsill at the end of the month. Make sure they get some good sunlight and keep a good watch on the day length.

By this time, areas near Seattle are receiving more than 12 hours of sunlight, while Alaska has 13.

If you plan to grow two rounds of autoflowers this season you should definitely start sprouting those beans.

If youā€™re doing just a single round of autos you can best wait another month with germinating.

BlueberryĀ Auto

Blueberry is a delicious strain due to its fruity taste. Autoflowers generally do well in cooler climates due to the ruderalis traits. Plus, when youā€™re early you can do two runs in a season! Learn more

Blueberry Autoflower Seeds

Buy Blueberry Autoflower Seeds

  • 80% Indica 20% Sativa
  • THC levels up to 14%
  • Great for in- and outdoors

However, most of the country will not have as much sunlight.Ā  In this situation, you can provide it for them. If your plants arenā€™t getting enough sunlight, set a lamp over your plant a few extra hours each day. That way, you wonā€™t have to worry about premature flowering.

April

Average day length: 12.5 to 14.5 hours
Average temperature: 35 to 62 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 13.5 to 15.5 hours
Average temperature: 24 to 45 degrees

start putting plants outside

Congratulations, itā€™s April! That means flowers, followed by May showers. The middle of this month marks the beginning of long days, with everyone having at least 14-hour days by the end of the month. Once the days are that long, you will not need any more artificial lighting.

Your windowsill plants will not need any more help with light once the days reach 14 hours, and your seeds will find it easy to sprout.

By the end of the month, itā€™s safe to take your plants outside ā€“ especially if you are on the West coast.

Simply put them in a container and put them outside, bringing them indoors at night.

Midwest growers may want to make sure the risk of frost has passed first.

Alaskan growers will need to wait another month or place the plants in containers and bring them inside during cold nights.

If you created a mother plant, itā€™s time to make clones. Need help with that? The article ā€œHow to make clonesā€ explains the process.

May

Average day length: 14 to 15.5 hours
Average temperature: 52 to 72 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 15.5 to 17.5 hours
Average temperature: 40 to 61 degrees

put your cannabis plants outside

Itā€™s finally Spring ā€“ even in Alaska. If you live on the Alaskan coast, itā€™s probably okay to start placing your plants outside. Stay vigilant for frost, of course.

The Alaskan interior should wait until the middle of the month ā€“ just to be safe.

If you haveĀ autoflowering seeds, youā€™ll begin sprouting them the second half of this month. They need three months of summer to grow. Given that in some parts of the Midwest and Alaska, thatā€™s all the time you will have before the freezing temperatures return, so work quickly. Expect your harvest to be ready mid-August.

The Best Places To Grow Marijuana Outdoors

Also read The Best Places To Grow Marijuana Outdoors

Finding the best outdoor grow site requires a lot of planning. Gather information early on from other plants that can help you to securing your grow site.

June

Average day length: 15 to 16 hours
Average temperature: 54 to 81 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 18 hours
Average temperature: 52 to 71 degrees

Plants are getting flowers

June is when your plants will experience the most growth ā€“ especially between June 18th and June 24th. At this time, youā€™ll see your autoflowering plants grow rapidly as they begin to develop flowers. Your non-autoflowering plant will also speed up, thanks to the warming temperatures.

Hereā€™s my full guide on what to keep in mind during the vegetative stage.

July

Average day length: 14 to 16 hours
Average temperature: 58 to 85 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 16.5 to 18 hours
Average temperature: 55 to 73 degrees

Male vs Female buds

During this hot month, your autoflowing plants will develop large flower clusters, while some non-autoflowering plants will grow their first pistils.

If you decided to use feminized seeds (non-feminized), now is when youā€™ll need to start paying attention and check for male plants. Keep an eye on the side branches and quickly remove them. Youā€™ll recognize the males because they will develop flowerheads at the root of the side branch. These flowerheads will look like two small balls resting on a short, thin stem.

Female plants, however, will have drop-shaped calyxes with two white pistils protruding from them.

See the above image for comparison.

August

Average day length: 13 to 15 hours
Average temperature: 58 to 84 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 14 to 16.5 hours
Average temperature: 49 to 66 degrees

dry your autoflowers now

Remember those autoflowers that sprouted back in late May? Itā€™s now time to harvest them. Cut the flower heads and hang them upside down in a dark place to dry. Dry them at room temperature ā€“ donā€™t try to speed up the process by making it too hot. It should take about 10 days.

Youā€™re done when the branchlet cracks when you bend it.

Hereā€™s my full guide on drying your plants.

Near the end of the month, most areas will have less than 14 hours of sunlight. Alaska is the exception. Once this happens, non-autoflowering plants will begin their flowering phase.

Catch up on how to manage the flowering phase.

September

Average day length: 11.5 to 13.5 hours
Average temperature: 54 to 76 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 11.5 to 14 hoursĀ 
Average temperature: 38 to 55 degrees

take marijuana plants inside

If you are growing non-autoflowering plants, (photoperiod plants) they will start developing more pistils and flowerheads at the beginning of this month. Youā€™ll want to make sure they stay dry during this time ā€“ perhaps, build them a dry shelter, or take them indoors on moist days.

The wind can also be a problem during this month as the seasons start to change. In any case, prevent your plants from falling over by adding a net or using bamboo sticks.

Fall officially begins the end of this month, but it will be a slow transition on the West Coast and in Alaska as the sun tends to linger around a bit longer.

Be sure to read up on when and how to harvest your plants with our free mini harvesting guide

October

Average day length: 10 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 46 to 64 degrees

Alaska:
Average day length: 11.5 to 14 hoursĀ 
Average temperature: 20 to 33 degrees

Bud rot on a plant
Bud rot

Autumn is officially here, and many outdoor-grown plants have bloomed. Unfortunately, this is a high-risk time for most northern growers. Especially in areas where itā€™s cold (Midwest and Alaska) or wet (Pacific Coast), you need to keep an eye out for bud rot.

If you notice any signs of bud rot (see above image), itā€™s time to harvest. An early harvest is better than none at all. Read more about bud rot in the article ā€œHow to prevent Bud Rotā€.

Also, keep your eye on the temperatures. Jorge said it best:

ā€œMany plants can take a short mild freeze (30-32Ā°F). But of the temperature stays below freezing for more than a few hours, it could kill plants.ā€ ~ Jorge Cervantes

Enjoy your harvest and, if youā€™re up to it, why not start an indoor grow over the winter!

Grow Calendar ā€“ Southern Edition

Just like growers in the northern states, by all means, get a head start. As I have said, you can start as early as February. Sure, the true outdoor growing season doesnā€™t begin until mid-May, but why wait? After all, there is a popular saying: ā€œthe early bird gets more bud,ā€ or at least thatā€™s how I remember it.

Click here to jump to the grow calendar for the northern states.

In the southern states, the last frost signals ā€œgo timeā€. After that, use this calendar to help plan the yearā€™s grow season.

A Few Notes:

  • This section refers to the bottom half of the United States, plusĀ Hawaii.
  • Averages are based on Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami
  • Southern West Coast growers can expect the most sun and the coolest average temperatures year-round.
  • Central areas will have the hottest summers, while the Southeast will experience the hottest spring and fall.
  • The shortest summer days are in Hawaii.

February

Average day length: 10.5 to 11.5 hours
Average temperature: 49 to 80 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 11.5 hours
Average temperature: 67 to 81 degrees

Start sprouting your seeds

Time toĀ buy seeds! For most of the southern United States, the threat of frost has passed and itā€™s just about time to start growing. Because of the extended growing season in some areas of the south, itā€™s safe to chooseĀ SativaĀ dominant plants. If you opt for an Indica, the first thing to remember is how hot your summers generally become.

Read the article ā€œBest marijuana seeds for my climateā€ if youā€™re not sure what seedsĀ grow best in your area.

BlueĀ Dream

Blue Dream is one of our most popular Sativa dominant strains due to its energizing yet mellow buzz.

Blue Dream Seeds

Buy Blue Dream Seeds

  • 20% Indica 80% Sativa hybrid
  • High THC levels up to 21%
  • ConsistentĀ heavy yields

You can also begin sprouting your own seeds indoors, but be sure they stay warm enough until they can go outdoors. Seedlings prefer a temperature between 68 and 77 degrees.Ā  Of course, some areas such as Hawaii and southern Florida, boast February temperatures like these,Ā  however, your plants will also need 18 hours of sunlight.Ā  Due to this, you will need to invest in some CFL grow lights until the days get a bit longer to sprout seeds early.

For more information on germinating your seed indoors, read ā€œhow to germinate marijuana seeds.ā€

February is also a great time toĀ prep your soil. Loosen it up a bit by adding compost and worms.

March

Average day length: 11.5 to 12.5 hours
Average temperature: 50 to 81 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 11.5 to 12.5 hours
Average temperature: 68 to 82 degrees

sprouting seeds in the window

The warmest areas of the United States are starting to feel like summer, and the interior is no longer at risk of frost. Assuming you already have yourĀ seeds, you can begin sprouting plants in the window sill . Your plants need at least 12 hours of sunlight, so if the days are not quite long enough yet, add a lamp an extra hour a day to make sure they receive enough.

If your plants do not get enough sunlight, they may start flowering early ā€“ and you do not want that.

MyĀ free Grow BibleĀ has allĀ theĀ detailsĀ youĀ needĀ forĀ yourĀ outdoorĀ grow.

Grow Bible

  • Grow with my Quick Start Guide
  • Discover secrets to Big Yields
  • Avoid common grow mistakes

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If you decided to use a mother plant, spend some time tending it. It needs to be ready by the end of the month if you plan on using your clones outdoors.

April

Average day length: 12.5 to 13.5 hours
Average temperature: 55 to 84 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 12.5 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 70 to 83 degrees

sprouting cannabis outside sun

April raises the temperature just a bit and lengthens days significantly (except in Hawaii). Youā€™ll notice the longer days around the middle of the month, with most southern areas reaching 13 hour days by the end of April. At this point, you wonā€™t need those lamps in your windowsill anymore. Make sure your plants receive as close to 13 hours of sunlight as possible, and your seeds should easily sprout.

In fact, if you live in the Southeast, itā€™s probably safe to take your plants off the windowsill and into the fresh air. The Southeast tend to have the warmest spring temperatures in the southern half of the United States. As a rule of thumb, if itā€™s 70 degrees, youā€™re probably okay to let them sit outside during the day. Remember to bring them indoors at night!

If youā€™re planning on growing autoflowers this season, now is the time to get your seeds in the mail.

White Widow

This is a classic and longtime favorite of mine. Be sure to try these if youā€™re in the market for autoflowers this season.

White Widow Autoflower

Buy White Widow Seeds

  • 60% Indica 40% Sativa
  • THC levels up to 19%
  • Very easy to grow plants

If you created a mother plant in late February, now is the time to start making your clones. Read the article ā€œHow to make clonesā€ for more information

May

Average day length: 13 to 14.5 hours
Average temperature: 60 to 87 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 13 to 13.5 hours
Average temperature: 71 to 85 degrees

Spring has arrived ā€“ although, in some places, it already feels like summer. Go ahead and place your plants outside permanently.

Plant yourĀ autoflowering seedsĀ by the middle of the month. By that time, theyā€™ll have plenty of sunlight to grow, and the temperature is just right. Youā€™ll be ready to harvest the beginning of August. As a note to any Hawaii growers, do not choose strains that require higher than average amounts of sunlight for outdoor growing, as Hawaiian summer days are the shortest in the country.

June

Average day length: 14.5 hours
Average temperature: 60 to 91 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 13.5 hours
Average temperature: 74 to 87 degrees

growing outdoor june

June is when outdoor marijuana plants grow the most ā€“ specifically between June 18th and June 24th. Autoflowers begin to develop flowers, and non-autoflowers grow faster.

June is also when Hawaii starts to experience the shortest days in the country, as compared to California, where outdoor plants receive up to 90 extra minutes of sunlight.

July

Average day length: 13.5 to 14.5 hours
Average temperature: 65 to 93 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 13 to 13.5 hours
Average temperature: 75 to 88 degrees

grow calendar first pistils

The hottest month of the year produces large flower clusters on autoflowers while your non-autoflowers may show their first pistils.

If you used regular (non-feminized) seeds,Ā  look for pesky male plants. Watch those side branches for flowerheads at the bottom of the side branches.Ā  They will look like two small balls resting on a short, thin stem. If you see them, quickly remove them. Females, on the other hand, will have drop-shaped calyxes with two white pistils protruding from them.

August

Average day length: 13 to 14 hours
Average temperature: 65 to 95 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 12.5 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 75 to 89 degrees

drying cannabis strains

You can harvest your May autoflowers! Cut off the flower heads and hang them upside down in a dark place to dry. Donā€™t try to rush the process by messing with the temperature- dry at room temperature.

Drying should only take about 10 days. Test for readiness by bending a small branch. If it cracks, it is ready! Read more on this in the article: Ā ā€œHow to harvest marijuana plants.ā€

You may also be able to harvest your non- autoflowers since the days have dropped below 14 hours and you must do so before 13. If you are in Hawaii or the Southeast, due to their shortened outdoor growing season, you should choose autoflower strains with short growing cycles.

Once the days drop below 14 hours, non-autoflowering plants start their last flowering phase and begin to die. If you have limited amounts of daylight, bring them indoors and use lamps to extend the growing season a little bit longer.

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For non-autoflowering (photoperiod) plants that are not ready to harvest, youā€™ll see more pistils and flowerheads. Protect them from the wind and keep them dry by building a shelter or bringing potted plants inside. You can also stabilize them with bamboo sticks.

September

Average Day length: 12 to 13 hours
Average temperature: 64 to 89 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 12 to 12.5 hours
Average temperature: 75 to 89 degrees

plant ready to harvest

Fall comes at the end of this month, but some parts of America may not notice, at least temperature-wise. However, the shorter days near the end of the month are a clear indicator that the growing season is nearly over.

Many plants will be ready to harvest during this month if you havenā€™t already. Ā Read my article ā€œHow to harvest marijuana plantsā€ for more info.

October

Average day length: 11 to 12 hours
Average temperature: 60 to 86 degrees

Hawaii:
Average day length: 11.5 to 12 hours
Average Temperature: 74 to 87 degrees

bud rot weed
Bud rot

Autumn is here and the outdoor growing season is officially over. While plants in most of the southern United States should have already bloomed, there may be some that finish up this month. If your plants are still growing at this time, be especially careful of cold, wet temperatures. This can cause bud rot, which can ruin your harvest. The heartland of America is most at risk for this.

If you notice any signs of bud rot, harvest immediately ā€“ some is better than none.Ā Read more in the article ā€œHow to prevent Bud Rotā€

Enjoy your harvest and if youā€™re considering an indoor grow over the cold season, hereā€™s something to help your plants stay warm.

There are many climate regions in the United States, each impacting your plantā€™s growing season. Be that as it may, marijuana loves mild temperatures and plenty of sunlight, which can be found in many parts of the country.Ā  The important thing to remember is that marijuana loves sunlight. As a result, growing outdoors means you need to time your growing for when it can receive the most of it.

Do you grow in the United States? Did we leave something out?

Let us know in the comments, and weā€™ll update this calendar. Together we can share knowledge to grow the best marijuana in the USA.

FAQs About Outdoor Grow Calendar

How long is the flowering stage outdoors?

The flowering stage can last for about 8 to 10 weeks. The duration will depend on the strain you have and the climate of your location.

How long does pre flowering last outdoors?

Pre-flowering can take 1 to 3 weeks. The time also varies depending on the climate of your location and the strain youā€™re growing.

Why are my outdoor plants flowering early?

Your plants might not be getting enough sunlight. Setting a lamp over them daily for a few extra hours should help. They need at least 12 hours of sunlight every day.

How often do you water during the flowering stage?

You should water your plant every 2 to 3 days during the flowering stage. However, you need to make sure you give it enough water. Overwatering or underwatering the plant will affect its growth. Read When And How To Water Cannabis Plants for more information.Ā 

Hereā€™s to a great harvest!

Robert

GCNN

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