10 top tips for growing cannabis in cold climates

Most growers are afraid of cold climates because cannabis plants don’t really like low temperatures, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get decent yields in these conditions. With good planning and the right cannabis seeds, growing marijuana in cold climates is not only possible but can even offer some surprising benefits.

Don’t be put off if you’re not lucky enough to live in an area that is naturally suited to outdoor cannabis cultivation: fighting the elements is entirely possible if done correctly. Growing marijuana in cold climates doesn’t require you to sacrifice on quality – in fact, there are several varieties that have been created specifically for growing in adverse conditions, and can produce excellent yields despite the low temperatures.

If you live in a location where you can experience the best and the worst of all four seasons, the only thing stopping you from growing marijuana is your willingness to be a little creative. So here are our 10 top tips to help you achieve just that:

1. Choose cold-resistant strains

Look for varieties that have evolved in cold regions, such as strains with ruderalis genetics, which are native to Siberia and other areas with extreme climates. Autoflowering strains are especially useful because they don’t depend on the photoperiod to flower, so they lead to fast harvests even in short summers, thereby avoiding the risks associated with the cold autumn weather. Fast strains, such as our Candy Cream Go Fast or Pure Skunk Go Fast, are also an innovative solution to deal with low temperatures, as they flower 1 or 2 weeks earlier than their conventional counterparts. In addition, some feminised strains are incredibly resistant to cold and can also flower quickly, which reduces the risk of frost damage. Always choose an indica lineage that produces plants with a compact and robust structure, as this is one of their main advantages in cold climates.

2. Learn to recognise the warning signs of your plant

It is essential to know the signs that indicate that a plant has difficulty in withstanding the cold. These may include edges of leaves that begin to curve, leaves that turn yellow earlier than usual, decelerated growth (or even growth that stops completely), lower leaves that fall without apparent cause, or petioles (i.e., the stalks that connect the leaves to the stem) that turn reddish or purple. Knowing that your plant is in trouble is a warning sign to correct the situation or to try to avoid it in the future.

3. Sow at the right time

The time of sowing is critical in cold climates – if you start too early, you run the risk that late frosts will damage your seedlings. Therefore, it is advisable to germinate the seeds indoors, where you can control the light and temperature, before transplanting them outdoors when the weather is more favourable. A good indicator is to wait until the night temperature no longer drops below 10°C. However, if weather conditions are unpredictable, consider staggering your crops by planting some seeds earlier than others, to help minimise risks and ensure that at least a portion of your grow thrives.

4. Use pots that can be moved

Mobile pots allow plants to be moved to more protected areas when temperatures drop dramatically or when there’s a risk of frost (especially in the early stages of growth, when plants are most vulnerable). During sunny days, you can move the pots to places where they receive maximum sunlight, before moving them to warmer spaces at night, such as a greenhouse or a garage with adequate ventilation. Choose fabric pots (such as ‘smart pots’), which offer excellent drainage and prevent the roots from becoming saturated with water. They also allow for better oxygenation of the roots, which can help compensate for stunted growth due to cold temperatures.

5. Create a favourable microclimate

One of the simplest and most economical ways to do this is by using plastic tunnels or mini greenhouses, which not only trap heat during the day but also protect the plants from heavy rain, light frost, and cold winds. To improve the efficiency of these structures, consider placing black painted water bottles inside – they absorb the sun’s heat during the day and then release it slowly at night. Another technique involves planting your grow near walls or structures that reflect sunlight and protect the plants from the wind.

6. Improve soil drainage

In cold climates, soils often retain more moisture due to a lack of evaporation, which can lead to root rot or root suffocation. Therefore, it is essential to prepare a substrate with good drainage capabilities – a mixture that includes perlite, vermiculite, or coco coir, which improve aeration and facilitate water evacuation. If you grow in soil, consider building raised beds, which help prevent waterlogging and also heat faster than conventional soil, so they’re more beneficial for the roots. Water only when the substrate is dry to the touch, avoiding watering during the coldest hours of the day so the roots don’t cool down excessively.

7. Control humidity to prevent mould

High humidity is a constant enemy in cold climates as it encourages the appearance of diseases such as grey mould (Botrytis) and powdery mildew. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure good air circulation around the plants to avoid it. You can achieve this with regular pruning and by using training techniques like Low Stress Training (LST), which helps to open up the structure of the plant to promote better airflow. Another strategy is to use preventive organic fungicides, such as sodium bicarbonate or neem oil solutions, applied in moderate doses. The choice of strain also plays a key role: look for plants with more aerated buds, as these are less likely to accumulate moisture.

8. Ensure a balanced supply of nutrients

Cold can affect the ability of the roots to absorb nutrients, which can lead to deficiencies, so use liquid fertilisers that are easily assimilated (especially those rich in phosphorus and potassium, which help strengthen the roots and improve resistance to environmental stress). The use of root stimulators is especially beneficial during the early stages of cultivation – not only does this promote a stronger root system but also helps the plants to absorb nutrients in adverse conditions. Also consider applying a compost tea rich in beneficial microorganisms to improve soil health and the plants’ ability to defend themselves against disease.

9. Control the substrate temperature

Keeping the substrate at the right temperature is key for the roots to continue functioning efficiently. A practical solution is to use thermal blankets or heating mats under the pots or beds. You can also place the pots on insulating surfaces, such as wooden blocks or foam, to reduce heat loss to the cold ground. Another effective technique consists in covering the substrate surface with organic mulch (such as straw, dry leaves, or tree bark), which acts as a natural insulator, trapping the heat accumulated during the day and preventing the soil from cooling too quickly at night.

10. Prolong the light during the day

In cold climates, days are usually shorter, especially during the autumn, which can limit the development of the plants at the flowering stage. An effective solution is to complement natural light with LED lighting, which consumes little energy, generates little heat, and offers specific spectra to promote growth. This is especially useful in climates where the intensity of the natural light may be limited. Even if you grow outdoors, moving plants to sunnier areas during the day can also make a huge difference.

As you can see, growing cannabis in cold climates requires planning and adaptability, but it’s not an impossible task. With the right combination of genetics, growing techniques, and environmental control, you can overcome the many challenges and get top quality yields. And remember that each climate has its own particularities, so don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your methods according to the conditions of your environment.