By Steven Voser

Learn how to force-flower your outdoor weed plants.

Outdoors, under the sun is arguably one of the best ways to grow your own weed. Unfortunately, growing outdoors can be tricky if you live far north or south or along the equator. Luckily, you can overcome some of the challenges of growing in these areas by force-flowering your outdoor plants. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process, so you can gain more control over your outdoor grow.


When Does Cannabis Flower Outdoors?

Photoperiod cannabis plants start to flower at the end of summer (following the summer solstice), once the days get shorter and the nights grow longer. Latitude obviously has a big impact on when weed flowers, as it correlates to the number of daylight hours in a particular region.

In general, however, cannabis plants will start flowering after the June solstice (June 20th or 21st, depending on the year) in the Northern Hemisphere and after the December solstice (December 20th or 21st) in the Southern Hemisphere. Keep in mind that the switch to bloom is a lot more gradual outdoors, as daylight hours decrease by a matter of minutes every day.

How Long Does the Flowering Stage Last?

How long a plant takes to flower outdoors varies depending on its genetics and its environment. In general, however, cannabis plants can be harvest-ready between September and November in the Northern Hemisphere and March–May in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why Would You Want to Force-Flower Cannabis?

When we think of outdoor growing, we tend to believe we have almost no control over the light cycle of our cannabis. But that doesn’t have to be the case. While there’s a certain beauty to letting nature run its course, sometimes a bit of human intervention can make the difference between an average harvest and a great one.

Benefits of Force-Flowering Outdoor Cannabis Plants

Here’s why you might want to consider forcing your outdoor plants to flower:

1. Avoid Frost

Areas far north or south of the equator tend to have long, harsh winters that set in a lot earlier than in other areas of the globe. If you’re growing outdoors in northern Europe or southern Argentina, for example, you may want to force your plants to flower a little early to avoid early winter frosts or rain destroying your harvest.

2. Limit Size

If you live along the equator, on the other hand, you may want to force-flower your outdoor plants to keep them from growing too large. Due to the long, consistent hours of sunlight these areas get all throughout the year, photoperiod strains growing close to the equator can take a long time to start flowering and, given enough space, can grow massive.

3. Perpetual Harvests

You don’t need to be living in Tierra del Fuego or Oslo to be intrigued by the idea of force-flowering your outdoor plants. In fact, a lot of outdoor growers opt to force their plants into bloom to produce multiple harvests throughout the year. Some experienced growers even produce perpetual harvests approximately every two weeks throughout the growing season.

How to Force Cannabis Flowering Outdoors

When Can You Force-Flower Cannabis Outdoors?

If you live in a cool, temperate climate zone (like the UK, northern Europe, or far south in South America), you may face cold, damp autumns and early winters that overlap with the end of your plants’ bloom phase. To stop these conditions from jeopardising the quality and size of your harvest, we recommend forcing your outdoor plants to flower prematurely during mid-June or early July in the Northern Hemisphere and mid-January or early February in the Southern Hemisphere.

In the UK, for example, outdoor cannabis plants naturally won’t start flowering until September (approximately). In order to avoid the harsh rains and winds of autumn, we recommend outdoor growers in the UK force their plants into bloom as early as mid-June or early July. Given the cold spring in the region, you’ll likely also want to start your plants off indoors.

If you live close to the equator or in the tropics, on the other hand, you may be able to grow outdoors all year round. Given these conditions, you can essentially force your plants to flower whenever you like (local weather permitting, of course).

How to Force Cannabis Flowering Outdoors

The principle behind force-flowering outdoor plants is simple; just reduce the amount of light your plants get. How you choose to do this, however, depends on the number of plants you’re growing and the weather in your area.

If you’re growing a handful of plants on a balcony or terrace and don’t have extreme temperatures and harsh rains to worry about, a simple wooden or PVC frame fitted with a light-proof tarp might be all you need; simply pop your plants under the tarp at night and give them a full 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness to force them into bloom.

Alternatively, you could also move your plants into a garage, cellar, or shed at night; just remember that the area needs to be 100% light-proof for the plants to start flowering properly.

If you’re growing a lot of plants, you probably don’t want to lug them around every day. In this case, you may want to consider an automated tarp or roof above them. You can then use a timer to ensure your plants go undercover at the same time every day, without having to move them inside individually.

If the weather in your area isn’t so favourable during early autumn, you may want to invest in a small indoor grow tent complete with a light and fan. Once you’re happy with how your plants have vegged outdoors, bring them into the tent to finish them off without having to worry about the cold, rain, or wind.

Force-Flowering: Factors to Consider When Covering Your Plants

While force-flowering is pretty simple, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure the process goes down smoothly.

🌬️ Air Circulation

When you move your plants undercover, one of the first things you’ll want to think about is air circulation. Stale, stagnant air can drive up the temperature and relative humidity around your plants, creating a breeding ground for pests, fungi, and bacterial pathogens. Whether you’re keeping them under a DIY frame with a tarp or in an indoor grow tent, make sure you have clean, fresh air circulating around the space to keep your plants healthy.

📅 Schedule

Next, you’ll want to stick to a tight schedule. Photoperiod strains are very sensitive to light cycle changes, and a small slip-up when you’re trying to force them to flower can revert them back to veg or trigger hermaphroditism. For the best results, create a consistent flowering schedule with plenty of reminders to ensure your plants go under and come out of cover at the same times every day.

🕶️ Light-Proof!

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the structure housing your plants during their bloom phase is 100% light-proof. Light leaks during the flowering cycle can cause your plants a lot of stress and interrupt their flowering cycle. Wherever you’re keeping your plants, make sure there is absolutely no light exposure during the dark hours.

Covered and forcing bloom? The Pro Guide gives pro tips on airflow, plant structure, and support to ensure healthy outdoor flowering.

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Don’t Want to Force-Flower? Try Fast-Flowering or Auto Strains

Rather than having to force-flower your outdoor plants every season, we recommend looking into strains with flowering times suited to your local climate.

Our fast-flowering strains, for example, are specially bred to flower in as little as 40 days. Our experienced breeders have developed these strains especially for growers looking to get to harvest sooner or pump out multiple harvests per season.

Alternatively, autoflower strains are another great option, especially if you live in the tropics or close to the equator. Unlike feminized or regular strains, our autoflowering cannabis varieties are specially bred with ruderalis genetics and flower automatically based on their age, rather than changes in their light cycle. If you’re looking to pump out multiple harvests per year, our autos are the way to go.

Below are some of our favourite fast-flowering and autoflowering strains:

Candy Kush Express

A cross between Sweet Special and Royal Kush, Candy Kush Express is a well-balanced hybrid with great potency and delicious sweet citrus aromas. A direct descendant of an Afghan Kush, Candy Kush Express boasts a big, heavy stone that’ll leave you glued to the couch for hours. Finally, with a flowering time of only 7–9 weeks, few photo-feminized strains are this quick to reach harvest.

Candy Kush

Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)
23_genetic background_1 Sweet Special x O.G. Kush
33_Yield indoors_1 475 - 525 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 18%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 40% Indica 60%
34_yield outdoor_1 450 - 500 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 100 - 170 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early September
22_Effect_1 Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

Honey Cream

Honey Cream is the result of an exciting three-way cross between BlueBlack, Maple Leaf Indica, and White Rhino. This beautiful feminized plant grows vigorously straight out the gate, and quickly develops a sweet, almost caramel-like aroma. Its buds grow very thick and produce a relaxing stone that’s great for the end of the day. Thanks to its indica-heavy genetics, Honey Cream can be harvest-ready after just 6–7 weeks in bloom.

Honey Cream

Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)
23_genetic background_1 BlueBlack x Maple Leaf Indica x White Rhino
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 100 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 16%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 35% Indica 65%
34_yield outdoor_1 625 - 675 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 250 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Psychedelic

Buy Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)

Royal Dwarf

Royal Dwarf is one of our most prized autos. Short and stout, this plant only grows 40–60cm tall, making it ideal for stealthy growers. But don’t let its size fool you; Royal Dwarf produces thick, dense buds of moderate potency with big, sweet citrus overtones. Best of all, it can go from seed to harvest in just 8–9 weeks and produces up to 80g/plant.

Royal Dwarf

Royal Dwarf
23_genetic background_1 Skunk x Ruderalis
33_Yield indoors_1 150 - 200 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 40 - 70 cm
25_flowering time_1 6 - 7 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 13%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 10% Indica 60% Ruderalis 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 30 - 80 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 50 - 90 cm
27_harvest period_1 9 - 10 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Creative, Motivating

Buy Royal Dwarf

Sweet ZZ Auto

With up to 18% THC, Sweet ZZ Auto delivers all the potency of a photoperiod strain in a small, discreet, and super fast package. It packs a big citrus aroma and a long-lasting stone. Harvest-ready in about 10–11 weeks and capable of producing up to 160g/plant, Sweet ZZ Auto puts an end to the bad rap surrounding autoflowers for good.

Sweet ZZ Auto

Sweet ZZ Auto
23_genetic background_1 Sweet ZZ x Diesel Auto
33_Yield indoors_1 350 - 400 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 70 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 6 - 7 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 18%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 35% Indica 60% Ruderalis 5%
34_yield outdoor_1 90 - 175 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 100 - 120 cm
27_harvest period_1 9 - 11 weeks after sprouting
22_Effect_1 Stoned

Buy Sweet ZZ Auto

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: