If you want to grow cannabis outdoors, timing is everything . If you plant your seeds too early, frost can kill them. If you wait too long, the growth phase will be too short and the yield will be low. But not every cannabis variety grows to the same rhythm - photoperiod plants and autoflowers have different sowing requirements.
So when should you sow your cannabis seeds? And is it better to plant them directly outdoors or start them indoors? Here you will get all the answers for the perfect outdoor grow.
When is the best time to sow cannabis seeds outdoors?
The optimal time for sowing depends largely on the climate. In general:
- Temperate climates (Germany, Switzerland, Austria): mid-April to early June
- Warmer regions (Southern Europe): Already possible from March or early April
- Colder areas (Scandinavia, Alpine regions): Better to wait until the end of May or beginning of June
Photoperiod vs. Autoflowering Plants
Cannabis comes in two main types: photoperiod plants and autoflowers . And both have different requirements when it comes to sowing.
Photoperiod varieties (regular or feminized)
These plants depend on the length of daylight and only start flowering when the days get shorter – usually from the end of August or September.
Sowing recommendation for photoperiod plants:
- Mid-April to early June so that the plants have enough time for the vegetation phase
- The earlier you plant them, the bigger and more productive they will be
- Ideal for regions with long summers
autoflowering strains
Autoflowers have one key advantage: they are not dependent on the length of daylight . Instead, they start flowering automatically after 3-4 weeks - no matter when you plant them.
Sowing recommendation for autoflowers:
- Possible from May to July – the later you plant it, the smaller the plant remains
- Perfect for shorter summers or as a second harvest after photoperiod plants
- Multiple passes per season possible, as they are ready for harvest after 8–12 weeks
➡ Rule of thumb: Plant photoperiod plants early (April-May), autoflowers flexible until July.
Pre-germinate or plant directly outdoors?
Now that you know when to sow your seeds, the next question remains: should you pre-germinate them indoors or plant them directly outdoors?
Indoor pre-germination – safe start, faster growth
The best method for most growers is to pre-germinate the seeds indoors 4-6 weeks in advance . This gives the plants a head start on growth and makes them more stable when they are planted outdoors.
Why indoor pre-germination makes sense:
✅ Protection from frost and bad weather
✅ Faster root formation and stronger plants
✅ Fewer losses due to pests and animals
👉 Best time for pre-germination: March to early May , so that the plants can be planted outdoors from mid-May.
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