Cannabis Propagation

In Hawaii we want plants that have a short flowering cycle, preferably 7-8 weeks. Part of the reason for the need for plants that flower quickly is that insects are an issue on the Islands, so getting the plants done in less time allow the bugs less chance to establish themselves.

Cannabis plants are photo-sensitive. The cycles (vegetative and flowering) are controlled with the length of the daily light cycle. These plants evolved to the detect the onset of winter by sensing the declining daily light cycle which triggers the flowering phase and the ability for the plants to create seeds that can survive the winter months to sprout again in the spring, thus perpetuating the genetic viability of the species.

Being located about 1400 miles north of the equator does mean that you can grow year round in Hawaii, however, the summer light cycle, which peaks at 13 hr 26min (June 21st), is enough to influence the growing characteristics for most plants. These changes will be far more evident in varieties with prolonged flowering cycles. Plants that flower quickly, on the other hand, will escape with minimal bud elongation; instead, tend to just produce more weight in the summer months due to the increased intensity of the sun.

The first clue the plant will give to allude to the length of its flowering cycle is the amount of time it takes to switch growth phases.

This can most easily be identified by the cessation of vertical growth and the production of flowers. You'll want this process to be less than 2 weeks, ideally 7-10 days.

Alternately, you can go with two or more varieties; like a summer and a winter strain. This will, however, exponentially impact the complexity and effort one has to put in on the management end. If growing for the first time, or are generally fresh to the art, I would highly recommend that you settle for one variety that flowers quickly.