Growing cannabis outdoors is an experience that, apart from being very rewarding and providing many joys, also offers numerous advantages, from taking advantage of natural sunlight to enjoying vigorous growth in a free and natural environment. However, when summer intensifies and heat waves become relentless, something to which we are unfortunately becoming accustomed, this project can quickly become a real challenge. High temperatures can not only slow the growth of your plants, but also cause heat stress, dehydration and in extreme cases, damage the crop . Keeping your plants healthy in these conditions requires careful planning and the application of specific techniques that allow them to withstand the scorching heat.
Well, don’t despair; in this article we will guide you through a series of strategies and tricks to protect your crop from the heat during those days of intense sun, ensuring that your plants not only survive the high temperatures, but also continue to develop with strength and vitality. Get ready to learn how to turn the challenge of heat into an opportunity to optimize your outdoor crop!
Growing cannabis outdoors in summer
We already mentioned it in the introduction, and if you usually grow cannabis outdoors you will know it: it is increasingly common to find ourselves under the effect of heat waves that periodically sweep the territory leaving temperatures higher than normal. And this is something that not only affects us, but of course also has its impact on animals and plants.
Although cannabis is a plant that tolerates high temperatures relatively well, not in vain it is an annual plant that is grown in the middle of summer, it is no less true that these affect it negatively, especially when they exceed 30ºC and humidity is low. Problems with pests , nutrient assimilation or dehydration are not minor, and you should try not only to control them, but to avoid them from the beginning at all costs. Before moving on to see what you can do to make the heat have a lesser impact on your plants, let’s look at some of the problems it can cause in your crop:
Prepare your outdoor cannabis plants for flowering
At this time, outdoor plants are beginning their flowering or about to do so, so it is worth making a brief review of those aspects of the crop that we can change or improve in order to obtain a successful and problem-free flowering. Today we will show you what you can do to prepare your plants for this important stage and achieve a first-rate harvest.
- Heat Stress : Heat stress is one of the biggest problems cannabis plants face in extremely hot climates. Elevated temperatures can cause plants to close their stomata , the small openings in the leaves that allow for gas exchange. When this occurs, photosynthesis slows down, which directly affects plant growth and development. Additionally, heat stress can lead to leaves wilting, curling, or showing signs of sunburn, compromising the overall health and development of the plant.
- Dehydration : In hot weather, the soil dries out more quickly, which increases the risk of dehydration in plants. If water is not available in sufficient quantities, plants cannot maintain their turgor, which means that their cells lose water and the leaves become limp and droopy. Prolonged dehydration can lead to plant death, especially if the roots cannot access fresh, abundant water .
- Problems with nutrient uptake : Extreme heat can affect the ability of plants to absorb essential nutrients from the soil. Roots, when exposed to elevated temperatures, become less efficient at absorbing nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which manifest in yellowing leaves, slow growth and an overall reduction in plant vitality.
- Accelerated life cycle : Very high temperatures can force plants to complete their life cycle more quickly than normal. This accelerated process can result in premature flowering and smaller, less dense buds . Additionally, plants that are forced to flower too early often produce fewer cannabinoids and terpenes , which affects both the potency and flavor of the final product.
- Increased Pests and Diseases : Extreme heat conditions can create an ideal environment for pests and diseases to thrive. For example, spider mites and other insects are more active in hot weather and can wreak havoc on a crop already weakened by heat. Additionally, heat stress can make plants more susceptible to fungal infections , especially if irrigation is not managed properly.
- Reduced bud quality : Elevated temperatures can negatively affect the production of terpenes and cannabinoids, the compounds responsible for the aroma, flavor, and effects of cannabis. Extreme heat can volatilize these compounds, resulting in buds with less flavor, aroma, and potency. Additionally, the resin produced by the plants can become more fluid and less sticky, reducing the quality of the final product.
As you can see, growing cannabis outdoors under extremely high temperatures presents several challenges that require greater attention and careful management. Below we give you a series of tips and tricks so that your outdoor plants do not suffer as much during the summer heat peaks.
Tips to combat the heat when growing cannabis outdoors
Although there is little you can do to avoid high outdoor temperatures, it is also true that if heat is a problem for your plants, you can take a series of measures that will help them withstand it better and affect their development as little as possible. Let’s look at some of them:
- Select resistant strains : Yes, we know, information about these types of traits or characteristics is often not provided, but whenever possible, try to choose genetics that are resistant to heat and drought. Native varieties from warm regions, such as some sativas, are usually more tolerant of extreme heat, as are of course those that are usually grown in desert areas.
- Covering plants with shade cloth : Installing shade cloth to protect plants from direct sunlight during the most intense hours of the day can greatly help reduce stress on the plant. This will reduce the temperature around the plants and prevent leaf burns.
- Covering pots or soil : Place a thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants. This helps retain moisture in the soil and lowers the temperature of the roots, protecting them from extreme heat. If you grow in pots , try to raise them a few inches off the ground so air can flow underneath. Also, ideally, the pots (not the plants) should always be shaded.
- Spray water daily : If you spray both on and around the plants, you will reduce the temperature of the leaves while increasing the humidity around the plant, which works wonders in high temperatures. Try not to spray water on the plants if the sun is shining directly on them, especially at midday. If you suspect that some pest may be affecting your plants, add some preventive phytosanitary product every 2-3 days.
- Water more, fertilize less : In hot climates, watering is crucial. Water plants early in the morning or in the evening to prevent water from evaporating quickly. Use automatic drip irrigation systems to maintain consistent hydration and avoid water stress. Since you’ll need to water more in hot weather, it’s best to slightly reduce the dosage of liquid nutrients if you use them to avoid over-fertilization or nutrient lockout. Check soil pH regularly and adjust fertilization to ensure plants are receiving adequate nutrients in the optimal pH range.
- Air circulation : Make sure there is good air circulation around the plants to reduce the risk of mold and other problems. Prune plants – especially the lower parts that tend to produce less – so that air can flow freely between the branches.
- Use of biostimulants : There are products such as humic acids or seaweed that help the plant’s metabolism to better withstand sources of stress such as heat. Do not hesitate to use them if temperatures rise too high and you fear that your plants will suffer from thermal stress.
Outdoor cannabis harvest
In today’s article we are going to talk about harvesting cannabis outdoors and what you can do to ensure it is successful, from what to do in the weeks before harvest to how you should dry your flowers to avoid unpleasant surprises. A brief harvest guide that will surely help you enjoy the best quality flowers all year round.
Coping with high temperatures when growing cannabis outdoors can seem like a challenge, but with the right tips and tricks, it’s possible to overcome obstacles and ensure a healthy and bountiful harvest . Adapting watering techniques, providing shade, selecting the right strains, and taking care of the soil are all key steps that can make all the difference. With a little preparation and attention, your plants will not only withstand the heat, but will also thrive in harsh conditions.
Remember, nature always finds a way to adapt, and with these strategies, you can do the same to achieve successful cultivation, even on the hottest days of summer.
Happy harvest!
The articles published by Alchimiaweb, S.L. are reserved for adult clients only. We would like to remind our customers that cannabis seeds are not listed in the European Community catalogue. They are products intended for genetic conservation and collecting, in no case for cultivation. In some countries it is strictly forbidden to germinate cannabis seeds, other than those authorised by the European Union. We recommend our customers not to infringe the law in any way, we are not responsible for their use.
