Growing cannabis can be both a fun and therapeutic activity, regardless of the method you choose. While indoor growing offers greater control, outdoor growing offers a more natural experience, with the sun’s natural cycle being ideal for cannabis plants. However, for new growers in the Pacific Northwest, timing can be a challenge. You want to grow large, healthy plants and harvest heavy, resinous buds, but the seasons in Oregon can be difficult to predict.
The winter solstice arrives early and® spring may arrive later, depending on the severity of the previous winter. Knowing when to start an outdoor grow for the best results in Oregon is important, and this article will provide all the information you need.
In 2015, the cultivation of recreational cannabis became legal in Oregon as of June. This means that residents of Oregon can now add cannabis plants to their backyard vegetable gardens, as long as they comply with the state’s cultivation laws. To grow your own cannabis, you must be 21 years of age or older, have a private yard, and comply with all relevant laws. Every household is allowed to have up to four cannabis plants growing at a time.
It’s not as simple as just purchasing a cannabis plant. Unless you have a medical marijuana card, you cannot buy a clone from a dispensary or buying cannabis seeds like Blimburn Seeds sell.. If you want to grow weed without a medical card, you will need to seek the help of a medical marijuana cardholder or a licensed grower.
Once you have obtained your plant, or cannabis seeds there’s no need to worry. The challenge lies in harvesting buds without mold or mildew. But, that’s a topic for another day. For now, let’s focus on the best time to start outdoor marijuana grows in Oregon.
Is marijuana Legal in Oregon – Outdoor
Many growers in Oregon prefer outdoor cultivation, despite its slightly more difficult and less controlled nature, due to the state’s climate that is favorable for cannabis. The temperatures, soil, and rainfall in Oregon provide a decent environment for growing cannabis, particularly compared to states with a high altitude like Colorado.
Another reason for the popularity of outdoor grows is the cost-effectiveness of the initial setup. An outdoor grow in Oregon costs around $200, which covers the necessary items such as pots, soil, fertilizers, compost teas, and harvesting tools for four plants. In comparison, the cost of a basic indoor setup is around $1000, or more which includes lights. This makes outdoor growing a more accessible option for many growers.
Additionally, growing cannabis outdoors allows growers to get a full season of experience with the plant and its life cycle, making it an ideal way to hone their skills and perfect their craft.
Option for Growing Marijuana in Oregon – outdoor
If you’re considering planting your marijuana directly in the soil, it’s best to avoid that approach. The rainy season in Oregon can be quite intense, and if you leave your plants in the ground, they may end up drowning and facing issues such as root rot, moldy buds, nutrient loss, slowed growth, and more. This can lead to a lack of harvest or even the death of the plant before it begins to flower.
A better option would be to use pots, so that if the weather turns too wet and cold, you can move the plants inside to a south-facing window to keep them dry and receive sunlight. When the weather improves, you can relocate them outside again, being cautious as young plants can be delicate. Don’t disturb their roots too much.
When you receive your marijuana plant, transplant it into a plastic or cloth pot using soil designed for cannabis growth. Place the plant in the shade for 2 to 4 days before gradually introducing it to sunlight over the course of a week, a process known as “hardening off.” If you want to move your plants outside by May, starting seeds indoors in February is a good option.
The best time to start an outdoor grow in Oregon is in early spring, planting in March, April, or May when the weather is cooler and the days are getting longer. This way, you’ll start flowering in July and be able to harvest before September.
It’s important to not give your marijuana plants too much water. Novice growers tend to overwater and over-fertilize their plants. To begin with, the soil should be relatively dry before watering. Not completely dry, but if you insert your finger into the topsoil, it should remain dry until you reach about an inch deep.
As the plant grows, you’ll need to water it more frequently. As for fertilizing, you should feed the plant with compost tea every 10 to 14 days.
The weather plays a significant role in determining the health of your plants and the size of your crop. A couple of rainy days in early autumn can result in moldy flowers. He believes that if there is no rain in September, growers should expect a successful harvest. However, if it’s a particularly wet September, an early harvest may be necessary, but the flowers won’t be as potent, which may suit new cannabis consumers.
Early harvests produce flowers that “don’t smoke as well, they don’t taste as good. They are usually a bit harsh. Instead of smoking them, he suggests using the flowers from an early harvest to make brownies or other baked goods.
When growing cannabis, it’s important to pay close attention to the plant and address any pest issues that arise. Make sure to prune and trim the plant regularly. To ensure optimal growth, it’s recommended to consult with the source of the plant for information about the specific strain’s flowering cycle.
The flowering period for most strains ranges from 45 to 70 days, with popular strains like Matanuska Tundra Fast Version and Herlfire Fast Version having 6 and 8 weeks of flowering times, respectively. Keep an eye on the development of the plant’s first flowers and harvest at the end of the flowering period. Additionally, observing the plant’s trichomes and pistils can also indicate when it’s time to harvest. When it comes to harvesting, cut down the plant and hang the stems upside down for 5 to 7 days.
Once the flowers can easily be snapped off the stems, they’re ready to be trimmed and stored in a glass container for 10 days, allowing for air exchange every couple of days.
The best time to growing in Oregon. Northwestern of US.
This covers the Northwestern region which encompasses Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Alaska. In the Midwest, it includes Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. T
he Northeast region is composed of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
When growing cannabis in the Northwestern states, especially in Oregon and Washington, rain is one of the biggest challenges. The optimal time to grow outdoors is in early spring, which can vary from year to year based on weather conditions.
Typically, the best time is in March or April, but it may also be in May, depending on the weather. Autoflowering strains have a shorter growing time and can be started later, allowing for better weather conditions and more sun exposure.
Rain in the northwestern region can cause mold and mildew, particularly during harvest season. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to grow autoflowering plants which can be harvested before the rainy fall and winter weather arrives. Additionally, growing Fast Version cannabis seeds can also lead to a heavy harvest in a shorter time frame compared to female or regular plants.
States with colder climates and higher elevations, such as Colorado, Montana, the Midwest, and the Northeast, also reap the benefits of the shorter growing season of autoflowering plants. Planting may not occur until April or May, but that is fine as the plants will still be ready for harvest before the weather becomes too cold. Generally, it is safe to take your plants outside by the end of April.
This applies to most states in the North, although it may be wise to bring them indoors at night when the risk of nighttime frost persists.
Best outdoor cannabis strain for growing in Oregon
We have already talked in this guide about the best time to start growing and also to harvest your marijuana plants outdoors in the State of Oregon.
Now, it remains for us to see which genetics are the most suitable for outdoor cultivation in Oregon, since as we said in a preliminary way in this guide, the autoflowering and fast version strains are the most suitable. For this reason, here we are going to leave you 3 recommendations for cultivation in this state in the northwest of the USA.
Matanuska Tundra Fast Version
Matanuska Tundra Fast Version is known for its fast and easy cultivation process, making it a popular choice among growers. If grown outdoors, it can be harvested just as the summer ends. Outdoor cultivation yields an average of 17-22 oz/plant of buds, while indoor cultivation yields about 1.31-1.47 oz/ft2.
This strain boasts a potent THC level, averaging at around 14%-16%. It is commonly used for medicinal purposes, helping to alleviate symptoms such as pain, stress, and anxiety.
The terpenes present in Matanuska Tundra Fast Version are primarily myrcene, with hints of pinene. The flavor and aroma are similar, with a dominant earthy taste and a subtle pine aftertaste. The flowering cycle of Matanuska Tundra Fast Version is relatively short, taking only 6-8 weeks to fully mature.
This makes it an ideal choice for growers in areas with short and humid summers, as it can be harvested before the rainy season begins.
Red Devil Auto
Red Devil Auto is a highly sought after cannabis strain, known for its fast growing time and high yields. From seed to harvest, Red Devil Auto takes only 6-8 weeks to mature, making it a popular choice among growers. On average, one plant can yield approximately 14-21 oz/plant in outdoor growing.
The flavors and aromas of Red Devil Auto are distinct and potent, with hints of pine, and herbal. Its potent THC levels, typically ranging from 12-16%, deliver a powerful and uplifting high that is both energetic and euphoric.
Red Devil Auto is also known for its medicinal properties, and can help alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also be used to treat pain and inflammation, making it a versatile option for those seeking relief. In terms of resin production, Red Devil Auto is a top producer, making it an excellent choice for those looking to create concentrates and extracts.
Hellfire Fast Version
Helfire Fast Version is a highly sought after cannabis strain that boasts impressive yields both indoors and outdoors. Indoor growers can expect to harvest up to 1.47 oz/ft2 while outdoor cultivators can reap up to28 oz/plant. With a flowering time of just 6-8 weeks indoors and early-mid September outdoors, this strain is a quick and efficient option for those looking to maximize their yields.
The potency of Helfire Fast Version is undeniable, with THC levels reaching up to 16%-18%. The effects produced by this strain are both uplifting and relaxing, making it a great option for both recreational and medicinal users.
This strain is also well known for its delicious flavors and aromas, with hints of pine and herbal and spice that tantalize the senses. The terpene profile of Helfire Fast Version is a true standout, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add some extra dimension to their smoke. In addition to its impressive yields and flavorful terpene profile, Helfire Fast Version is also an excellent option for growers in areas with short and humid summers, where rains begin early as summer ends.
The compact size and quick flowering time of this strain make it an ideal option for gardeners looking to avoid potential mold and mildew issues caused by rainy conditions. So if you’re looking for a strain that delivers on yield, potency, aroma, and adaptability, Helfire Fast Version is an excellent choice.
