What Triggers Flowering in Cannabis Plants?
Cannabis plants are photoperiodic, meaning their flowering is initiated by the length of their daily dark period. When grown outdoors, it is the shortening days of late summer and early fall that eventually trigger the flowering stage.
More specifically, most cannabis strains will begin to flower when their night length reaches 12 hours or longer. This critical duration of uninterrupted darkness stimulates hormonal changes in the plant that drive it to switch from vegetative growth to flowering.
Strains are often characterized as either photoperiod-dependent or autoflowering. Photoperiod-dependent strains strictly rely on the shortening days of fall to flower. Autoflowering strains contain genetics that cause them to start flowering after a certain duration of growth, regardless of light cycle.
Typical Outdoor Flowering Timeline in Massachusetts
For most photoperiod-dependent cannabis strains grown outdoors in Massachusetts, the natural decrease in daylight hours will initiate flowering around early August. The specific date can vary slightly based on weather and latitude, but early August is typical for most of the state.
Once flowering begins, most photoperiod strains will take 7-9 weeks to fully mature and be ready for harvest. This puts the typical Massachusetts outdoor harvest window in October. Fast-finishing strains may be ready a week or two earlier, while slower strains may need to go into November before optimal ripeness is achieved.
Autoflowering strains are not dependent on light cycles for flowering. They will begin to flower after a set duration of growth, usually taking 8-10 weeks total from seed to harvest. When planted in early summer, many autoflowering strains can be harvested by mid September in Massachusetts.
Tips for Maximizing Massachusetts Outdoor Flowers
Here are some key tips for getting the highest yields of dense, resinous flowers from cannabis grown outdoors in Massachusetts:
- Choose fast-flowering photoperiod strains rated for your target latitude. Strains like Durban Poison and Blue Dream finish quickly outdoors in New England.
- Give plants lots of nutrients and sunlight in vegetative stage to build robust structures that can support heavy flowering.
- Use autoflowering strains for highest probability of finishing before cold weather sets in.
- Shield plants from excessive rain and humidity which can cause bud rot in fall.
- Track trichome development and plan harvest based on peak ripeness, not date.
- Harvest promptly once majority of trichomes have turned milky white and some amber.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant cannabis seeds outdoors in Massachusetts?
Most growers start their seeds or clones outdoors in Massachusetts in late May or early June. This provides enough vegetative time for plants to grow large before flowering initiates in August.
What causes cannabis plants to start flowering outdoors?
Photoperiod-dependent cannabis strains begin flowering when their night length reaches 12 hours or longer. It is the shortening days of late summer and fall that initiate flowering outdoors.
How long does flowering take for outdoor cannabis in Massachusetts?
Most photoperiod strains take 7-9 weeks to fully flower and mature when grown outdoors in Massachusetts. The flowering stretch begins in early August and harvest for most strains occurs in October.
Can you grow autoflowering strains outdoors in Massachusetts?
Yes, autoflowering strains are a great option for Massachusetts outdoor grows. They transition to flowering automatically and can often be harvested before the coldest weather arrives in late fall.
How can I maximize my cannabis yields growing outdoors?
Use fast-flowering strains suited for your latitude, give plants lots of sun and nutrients in veg stage, control moisture levels during flowering, and harvest based on trichome ripeness, not dates.
Conclusion
August marks the beginning of the flowering stretch for most outdoor cannabis grows in Massachusetts. Photoperiod-dependent strains depend on the shortening days of late summer and early fall to initiate flowering, while autoflowering options begin flowering automatically after a set vegetative period. With the right strain choices and care, Massachusetts cannabis cultivators can achieve successful outdoor harvests in October or even late September. Paying close attention to flowering timelines, plant nutrition, moisture levels, and trichome development are keys to maximizing yields of high-quality outdoor flowers.