Cannabis biology: temperature limits for growth

Contents

• Optimal conditions for growth and photosynthesis
• Temperature limits and stress factors
• Ideal climate and the impact of temperature on crops

Optimal conditions for growth and photosynthesis

Temperature plays a key role in cannabis biology, determining the rate of metabolic processes and the efficiency of photosynthesis.

• The optimal temperature for cannabis is between 20 and 28 °C. It is under these conditions that the plant demonstrates stable growth and forms a healthy leaf and root structure.
• At a temperature of around 24–26 °C, peak activity is achieved — this is the temperature at which cannabis photosynthesizes, when the leaves absorb the maximum amount of light energy and convert it into organic substances.
• It is important to consider the difference between growing cannabis indoors and outdoors. In closed systems, temperature control systems can be used to grow cannabis, maintaining an ideal microclimate. Outdoors, plants are subject to seasonal fluctuations, and it is especially important to consider the risk of hypothermia.
• Young plants are the most sensitive: the best temperature for cannabis seedlings is 22–25 °C. Deviations from this range slow down growth, and stress can manifest itself in the form of weak shoots.

Interestingly, in extreme conditions, the phenomenon of “cannabis in the cold” is possible. With short-term exposure to low temperatures, the plant can adapt by strengthening its defense mechanisms. However, prolonged exposure to cold leads to a slowdown in biochemical processes and a decrease in yield.

Temperature limits and stress factors

Each cannabis plant has its own temperature tolerance limits. Going beyond the optimal range causes stress and reduces yield. To better understand how this manifests itself, let's look at the main points in a numbered list:

Cannabis heat stress

• At temperatures above 30 °C, the leaves begin to curl, burns appear, and photosynthetic activity decreases.
• Symptoms include slow growth and loss of turgor (the elasticity of cells and tissues resulting from the pressure of cell sap on cell walls).

Cold tolerance of cannabis

• When the temperature drops below 15 °C, growth slows down, and at 10 °C, development may stop.
• The plant can survive a short cold snap, but prolonged cold leads to tissue damage.

Temperature range during the flowering stage of cannabis

• The optimum is 20–26 °C.
• Overheating during this period reduces the density and quality of the buds, while overcooling slows down bud formation.

It is also worth considering the lighting factor: how the color of the lamp affects growth and flowering. The light spectrum interacts directly with the temperature regime. For example, lamps with a cool white spectrum stimulate vegetative growth, while a warm spectrum enhances flowering processes. Combined with the right temperature, this allows you to achieve maximum crop quality.

Ideal climate and the impact of temperature on crops

To get the maximum yield, it is important to consider the balance between temperature and humidity. Growing cannabis outdoors requires special attention to seasonal fluctuations: in spring and autumn, plants can suffer from hypothermia, and in summer, from overheating. Indoors, the climate can be regulated using control systems, which allows you to maintain stable conditions.

Therefore, proper temperature management is a key factor in determining the biology of cannabis and its growth. In outdoor conditions, it is important to consider the climate of the region, and indoors, use temperature control systems for growing cannabis to minimize stress and improve crop quality.

Attention! Errors Seeds does not encourage you to grow cannabis and does not assist in any way with this activity. Growing cannabis is prohibited by Ukrainian law. This article is for scientific and informational purposes only.