Growing outdoor Cannabis in a hot climate, such as the Mediterranean, can be challenging for any level of grower. With unpredictable heat waves and record-breaking temperatures on the way, being as prepared as possible is key! We provide 5 tips to grow outdoor cannabis in a hot climate to help you grow the best plants possible, explain what to avoid, nutrients and deficiency and what to consider when battling the great outdoors this year.
Top Tips for growing outdoor cannabis in a Mediterranean climate
Living in California, South Spain or anywhere that experiences long Summer months, growers will experience daytime temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius / 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Nighttime temperatures may be as high as 30 degrees Celsius / 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Mediterranean hot climate may sound like paradise, however if you are not vigilant and fully on top of your outdoor garden then you can quickly lose your crop.
Top Tip #1– Shade for cannabis plants in hot weather
This may sound counterproductive and the opposite of what we have always been taught, however providing shade and reducing light intensity is beneficial. Our top tip here is to find a shaded area and move the pots manually each time, or build a frame from bamboo canes and use a thin cloth net such as a mosquito net, and create shade. Light intensity will be reduced, and Cannabis plants will not transpire as fast. Outdoor Cannabis plants can be temporarily shaded daily from 12pm until 4pm.
Top Tip #2 – Watering Times for cannabis plants in hot weather
Outdoor Cannabis may transpire much faster than indoor when the temperature and humidity levels are far higher than the standard 24 degrees Celsius / 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Our top tip here to help the plants cope with such demanding conditions is to simply water the plants earlier in the morning and later in the evening. Both of these times the temperature will be the coolest point of the day, and will be far more beneficial than a large watering during the hottest part of the day.
Top Tip #3 – Protect cannabis from summer wind
If you live in a mountainous region known for its hot climate, then strong winds can be a serious problem. Some cultivars can handle a Mediterranean climate better than others, however hot and dry winds can quickly cause wind burn, aggressively fast transpiration and kick-start a short list of incoming deficiencies. Our tip here is to build a windbreaker around the side of the plants, creating a secure square area. This won’t cost much and can even offer some camouflage and added stealth to your outdoor Cannabis plants.
Top Tip #4 – Build a polytunnel for outdoor cannabis
Any outdoor grower who has ever made their own custom sized polytunnel from pipe, bamboo, and polystyrene sheet knows how beneficial they can be over the seasons. Not only do polytunnels protect your outdoors Cannabis plants during a hot climate from wind, rain, heat, and high U.V levels, but they also provide excellent cover from helicopters and neighbors. Our tip here is to decide how big you want it, and then invest in the materials and tools to build one. A well-built polytunnel should stand the test of time year after year.
Top Tip #5 – Foliar Feeding Outdoor Cannabis Plants
The idea of spraying your plants during the hottest parts of the day may seem like a good idea; however, it may cause them to be damaged and become crispy and lifeless over time. Our top tip here is to only spray the plants when they are shaded. This can be from your shading nets, or when the sun is rising or setting. Using an organic foliar spray such that is algae / seaweed based is best applied without direct sunlight.
Best cannabis seeds for hot climates
Buying the right cannabis seeds for hot climates gives the grower a major advantage. Many Paradise Seeds strains have been bred to withstand extreme conditions such as intense heat. Two of the most popular outdoor cannabis seeds in the Paradise collection are the incredibly versatile hybrids Wappa and Tangerine Sorbet. Other popular choices are the classic indica Durga Mata, and heritage strain Dutch Dragon, has Swaziland sativa genetics at its core.
Conclusion:
Growing outdoor Cannabis plants in a hot climate such as the Mediterranean is hard work, however extremely rewarding. Once you dial in your strains, feeding times and get the hang of the seasons, then coping with hot temperatures will be easy to do. Good luck with your outdoor crop this year and keep those jars full!
