Unfortunately, we do not live in Jamaica. And since most of us, alas, will not be able to change this, we will have to adapt to the current climate. But do not hang your nose, because the weather that reigns on the territory of Russia is far from hopeless. Especially when you consider the recent successes of geneticists in the creation of fast-maturing varieties (both autoflowering and photoperiodic). For many representatives of this type of plants, 7-9 weeks are enough in favorable conditions to bring a crop. It is possible to choose a “window” with a suitable temperature even in the conditions of not the warmest summer.
What temperature does hemp like?
At the vegetative stage, an even, warm temperature is ideal for cannabis, with a bias towards coolness at night (the difference from the daytime at this stage should not be more than 3-4 ℃). The comfortable minimum and maximum points are 20 and 30 ℃. The closer the temperature is to the middle of this range, the more comfortable the plants will feel. At the flowering stage, starting somewhere in the third week, the daytime temperature can be slightly lower (18-26 ℃), and the difference from the nighttime can reach 10 degrees.
Daily temperatures below 15 ℃ are detrimental to cannabis. (Some indica varieties will not die even at 7-12 ℃, but they will not grow in this cold anymore). Below this mark, the processes of development of the bush practically stop, the wilting of the plant and the death of tissues begin. The most dangerous combination of low temperature and high humidity – this contributes to the development of mold and rot.
Under the influence of cold, especially with sharp daily fluctuations, many varieties can turn red or purple. It looks nice, but it reduces the activity of photosynthesis, and, accordingly, reduces the amount of carbohydrates and energy required for the development of the plant.
Choosing a variety for cool climates
Although many famous cannabis varieties trace their ancestry to the tropical regions of Hindustan and Indochina, there are many plants that have adapted to the harsh climate of the Himalayan and Hindu
Kush foothills. It is these hardy and unpretentious bushes (as well as hybrids created on their basis) that will become the basis for choosing a photoperiodic variety that is resistant to cold and frost. Indica hemp is excellent for cultivation in the middle lane; Kushi are especially resistant.
Autoflowers are a lifesaver for the Northern grower. To say “thank you” for this is the genes of ruderalis (wild-growing weed hemp) contained in each of them. Ruderalis grows in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. It is accustomed to cold weather and dampness, but most importantly, it has an interesting flowering mechanism. This process, in the case of ruderalis, is not related to the length of daylight hours – it starts automatically, according to the “internal timer”. But most of all, it is worth noting that the flowering of weed hemp is much faster than that of photoperiodic counterparts.
The autoflowering property is just one of the ways to adapt to cold and short summers. It significantly speeds up the plant’s life cycle, so autoflowering strains can harvest in just 7-9 weeks. Also, the distinctive features of hybrids with ruderalis genetics include their inherited high resistance to diseases, parasites and pests, unpretentiousness and vitality. Those who live in colder areas should pay close attention to autoflowering.