Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia's diverse climate, ranging from tropical and subtropical in the north to temperate and cooler in the southern regions, offers opportunities to grow various cannabis strains outdoors. While the herb is largely illegal in Australia, the federal government has legalized cannabis cultivation for research and medical use, and some states have passed bills permitting the possession and cultivation of small amounts for personal use. Australians with the appropriate permits can benefit from the country's ample sunshine and fresh air to cultivate cannabis outdoors. The ideal conditions for growing cannabis outdoors in Australia include sufficient sunlight (at least 6-8 hours daily), mild temperatures (21-30°C during the day and not below 15°C at night), moderate rainfall, and protection from strong winds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Mild with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-30°C) and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15°C) |
| Sunlight | At least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; 12 hours for healthy vegetative growth |
| Rainfall | Moderate amount of water; natural rainfall is beneficial |
| Wind | Strong winds can damage plants; consider windbreaks or natural protection |
| Humidity | High humidity can cause mold and mildew; choose resistant strains and provide ventilation |
| Growing Season | Spring (September to November) is ideal for germination and seedling transplantation; Summer (December to February) is good for growth; Autumn (March to May) is good for flowering and maturing |
| Location | Choose a location with suitable climate and growing conditions for the specific strain |
| Legal Status | Cannabis cultivation is legal for medical and research purposes with a license or permit from the Office of Drug Control (ODC) |
| Challenges | Pests, temperature extremes, and legal considerations vary by region |
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What You'll Learn
Know the local laws and regulations surrounding cannabis cultivation
Australia's federal government legalised cannabis cultivation for research and medical use in 2016. However, the laws related to cannabis cultivation vary across the country. For example, in the state of New South Wales (NSW), it is illegal to grow, cultivate, or harvest cannabis for personal use under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW). The Australian Capital Territory (ACT), on the other hand, permits the possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use. In the ACT, individuals aged 18 or older can possess up to 50 grams of dried cannabis or 150 grams of wet cannabis, cultivate up to two cannabis plants per person with a household limit of four plants, and consume cannabis at home for personal use. However, it is prohibited to sell, share, or give cannabis as a gift, allow anyone under 18 to access cannabis, or drive under the influence of cannabis.
It is important to note that cultivating cannabis without a permit or for non-medical purposes can result in legal consequences. The penalties for growing cannabis for personal use can range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the quantity of plants and the specific state laws. For example, cultivating more than five cannabis plants can result in a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine or 2 years imprisonment, while cultivating a trafficable quantity can lead to a $75,000 fine or 15 years imprisonment.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that an individual knowingly took part in the cultivation, supply, or possession of a prohibited plant to be found guilty of a cannabis-related offence. There are also possible defences available for those charged with cultivating prohibited plants, such as maintaining innocence or arguing that the plants did not have a root system and, therefore, do not fall under the scope of the Controlled Substances Act 1984.
Given the varying laws and potential legal consequences, it is crucial to understand the specific regulations in your region before considering growing cannabis outdoors in Australia.
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Choose the right time of year to grow
Australia's climate varies significantly depending on the region, so the best time of year to grow cannabis outdoors depends on your specific location. Most regions receive adequate sunlight for outdoor cannabis cultivation, but you should choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Cannabis prefers a mild climate with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-30°C) and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15°C). Many parts of Australia have suitable temperatures for cannabis cultivation, especially during spring and summer.
Spring (September to November) is an ideal time to start growing cannabis in many parts of Australia. With increasing daylight hours and milder temperatures, this is when you should consider germinating your seeds or transplanting seedlings. Around the full moon in September, days start to lengthen beyond 12 hours, which is the minimum amount of sunlight required for healthy vegetative growth. The urges of spring produce rapid early vegetative growth in infant plants. As the weather warms and the sun intensifies, plants respond with vigorous growth, and daily increases in volume can be observed.
Summer (December to February) is a good time for cannabis cultivation in regions with hot and dry summers, such as much of central and northern Australia. However, in some areas, especially those with extreme heat, you may need to provide extra shade, water, and protection from the harsh sun to prevent stress and heat-related problems.
Autumn (March to May) is a good time for flowering and maturing cannabis plants. In the early part of autumn, you can expect to see the beginning of the flowering stage, where the plant mostly stops growing and puts most of its energy into forming buds. When the bigger fan leaves start to wilt and turn yellow, and the trichomes turn from milky to amber, it's time to harvest.
It's important to choose a cannabis strain suitable for your climate, as the specific strains suitable for different areas of Australia will depend on the local climate and growing conditions. For example, in tropical and subtropical northern Australia, high humidity can increase the risk of mould and mildew, so it's important to choose strains that are resistant to these issues and provide proper ventilation to help control humidity.
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Select a location with the right amount of sunlight, temperature, and rainfall
Australia's climate varies significantly depending on the region, so the best climatic conditions for growing cannabis outdoors will depend on your specific location. Here are some guidelines for selecting a location with the ideal combination of sunlight, temperature, and rainfall for growing cannabis outdoors in Australia.
Sunlight: Cannabis requires ample sunlight for robust growth. Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In the southern regions of Australia, the days start to lengthen beyond 12 hours around the full moon in September, which is the minimum amount of sunlight required for healthy vegetative growth. Keep in mind that the sun's intensity can vary across the country, and strong sunlight can be an issue for some strains.
Temperature: Cannabis thrives in a mild climate with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-30°C) and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15°C). Many parts of Australia offer suitable temperatures for cannabis cultivation, especially during spring and summer. In regions with hot and dry summers, such as central and northern Australia, cannabis can flourish but may require extra shade, water, and protection from the harsh sun. Spring, with its increasing daylight hours and milder temperatures, is an ideal time to start growing.
Rainfall: Cannabis needs a moderate amount of water, and outdoor plants can benefit from natural rainfall. Australia's diverse climate, ranging from tropical and subtropical in the north to temperate and cooler in the southern regions, can impact rainfall patterns. Consider the local climate and growing conditions when selecting a location to ensure adequate rainfall without excessive humidity, which can increase the risk of mould and mildew.
Additionally, when selecting a location, consider the wind conditions. Strong winds can damage cannabis plants, so choose a sheltered outdoor spot or consider using windbreaks. Australia's vast and varied landscape offers a range of microclimates that are ideal for growing cannabis, so local knowledge and sun and moon timetables can be valuable tools for planning your grow.
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Protect your plants from pests and the elements
Growing weed outdoors is less expensive and offers the opportunity for bigger plants and higher yields. However, it also comes with challenges, and you'll need to learn how to protect your plants from outside influences to ensure a successful harvest.
Protect your plants from pests:
One of the biggest challenges of growing weed outdoors is dealing with pests. Insects and other critters can infest your plants and cause serious damage. Some common pests include aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, fungus gnats, and the dreaded russet mite. To protect your plants from pests:
- Use insect netting to cover your plants and prevent insects from laying eggs.
- Companion planting with specific species can help protect your weed plants from pests. For example, planting tomatoes, corn, and sunflowers can help keep your weed plants hidden.
- Sterilize your soil by subjecting it to high heat through steam or solar sterilization to get rid of any pests and pathogens.
- Introduce beneficial predators such as ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and praying mantises, which will feed on the pests.
- Adjust the environment to make it less comfortable for the pests. For example, spider mites thrive in hot, dusty, and dry conditions, so increasing humidity can help stall them out.
Protect your plants from the elements:
In addition to pests, your outdoor weed plants are also susceptible to weather damage. Frost, rain, heat, and wind can all impact your plants. To protect them from the elements:
- Choose a good spot for your crops that offers protection from wind and extreme temperatures.
- Use a trellis to secure plants and prevent branches from breaking off during windy weather.
- Cover your plants with a canvas or plastic cover when strong storms are expected. Make sure to secure the covering with ropes or weights to prevent it from blowing away.
- Build a small greenhouse to provide additional protection from bad weather.
- Be attentive to the weather forecast and take necessary steps to protect your plants before bad weather arrives.
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Choose the right strain for your local climate
Australia's climate varies significantly depending on the region, so the best climatic conditions for growing cannabis outdoors will depend on your specific location. The country offers a range of climates and microclimates that are ideal for growing cannabis.
Cannabis requires plenty of sunlight for robust growth. Most regions in Australia receive adequate sunlight for outdoor cannabis cultivation, but the plant also needs darkness at night. Ideally, choose a location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The full moon of September is the vernal equinox, an important time for cannabis growers as days start to lengthen beyond 12 hours, which is the minimum amount of sunlight hours required for healthy vegetative growth.
Cannabis prefers a mild climate with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F (21-30°C) and nighttime temperatures not dropping below 60°F (15°C). Many parts of Australia have suitable temperatures for cannabis cultivation, especially during spring and summer. In regions with hot and dry summers, such as much of central and northern Australia, cannabis can thrive, but extra shade, water, and protection from the harsh sun may be needed to prevent stress and heat-related problems.
High humidity can increase the risk of mould and mildew, so it's important to choose strains that are resistant to these issues and provide proper ventilation to help control humidity. Australia's northern regions are tropical and subtropical, while the southern regions are temperate and cooler, so the specific strains suitable for different areas of Australia will depend on the local climate and growing conditions.
When choosing a strain, consider your personal preferences, how it will grow in your area, and the expected yield. Some strains that are suitable for outdoor growing in Australia include Super Skunk, Chocolope, Super Silver Haze, Amnesia Haze, Strawberry Kush, Sour Diesel, Northern Lights, and Gold Leaf.
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Frequently asked questions
Growing cannabis is illegal in Australia except for some pilot medical marijuana programmes. However, the federal government legalized cannabis cultivation for research and medical use in 2016. The Australian Capital Territory also passed a bill in 2019 that permits the possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis for personal use.
Cannabis requires plenty of sunlight, ideally with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It prefers a mild climate with daytime temperatures between 21-30°C and nighttime temperatures not below 15°C. Cannabis also needs a moderate amount of water, and natural rainfall can provide this. Strong winds can damage the plants, so consider using windbreaks or a sheltered spot. High humidity can cause mould and mildew, so choose a strain that is resistant to this and provide proper ventilation.
Spring (September to November) is an ideal time to start growing cannabis in Australia, with increasing daylight hours and milder temperatures. Summer (December to February) is also suitable, especially in regions with hot and dry summers such as central and northern Australia. However, extra shade, water, and protection from the sun may be needed.
Australian outdoor cultivators typically work with mostly-sativa varieties, which are slow-growing and have long, thin leaves, extended growing seasons, and sturdy stalks. Sativas are also resistant to wind, intense sun, and pests. However, non-native indica varieties such as Haze, Northern Lights, and Skunk have been adapted to outdoor growing conditions using greenhouses, shade cloths, and other techniques.
The most expensive item commonly used by outdoor cannabis cultivators is a greenhouse, although this is optional. Other optional equipment includes windbreaks, shade cloths, mist systems, and flower-forcing techniques. Before starting, it is important to get acquainted with local laws and analyse all the risks associated with cannabis growing.
