In the Northern Hemisphere, plant after the last frost (April-May in most regions). Seedlings can start indoors 2-3 weeks before transplanting outside. Harvest typically occurs in September-October when days shorten and plants finish flowering.

• Northern climates — Plant May, harvest September (choose fast-finishing strains)
• Southern climates — Plant March-April, harvest October-November

Durban Poison, Frisian Dew, and Early Skunk are known for excellent mold resistance. These strains have open bud structures and natural resistance to Botrytis (bud rot), making them ideal for humid climates.

Prevention is key for outdoor pest management:

• Companion planting — Basil, marigolds, and lavender repel common cannabis pests
• Neem oil — Organic spray for spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies (use during veg only)
• Diatomaceous earth — Sprinkle around base for crawling insects
• Predator insects — Ladybugs and praying mantises control aphid populations naturally

Pure sativas with 12-16 week flowering times are difficult in cold climates. Choose sativa-dominant hybrids with 9-10 week flowering periods instead. Strains like Jack Herer and Amnesia Haze finish before first frost in most temperate regions.

Match the flowering time of your strain to the number of weeks between the summer solstice and your region's first frost date. Northern growers (above 45°N latitude) need fast-finishing strains that complete flowering in 7-9 weeks, while southern growers can run longer-flowering sativas.

• Cold/short-season climates — Northern Lights, Early Skunk, and autoflowers; choose strains finishing by late September
• Warm/dry climates — Durban Poison, Sour Diesel, and most sativas thrive with long sunny seasons and low humidity
• Humid climates — Prioritize mold-resistant strains with open, airy bud structures; avoid dense-bud indicas prone to Botrytis
• Latitude rule of thumb — Above 45°N: 8-week flower max. 35-45°N: 10-week flower. Below 35°N: 12+ week sativas viable

Short growing season? Autoflower seeds finish in 8-10 weeks regardless of daylight hours. Want guaranteed female outdoor plants? Browse our feminized seeds.