Can Cannabis Grow on 9 Hours of Sunlight?
Cannabis is a photoperiodic plant that responds to the amount of sunlight it receives. This article explores the viability of growing cannabis with only 9 hours of sunlight per day, and the potential impact on plant health and yield.
Understanding Photoperiod and Cannabis Growth
Cannabis plants, like many other plants, thrive in a specific light cycle. A photoperiod is the amount of continuous light and dark periods in a 24-hour day. To achieve optimal growth, cannabis plants require a minimum of 14 hours of light daily, with 16 hours being ideal. Altering this light cycle can significantly impact the plant's growth phase and yield.
Can Cannabis Grow on Only 9 Hours of Sunlight?
Yes, cannabis can grow on 9 hours of sunlight if the days continue to get shorter and the plant is allowed to rely on the natural photoperiod to signal the start of flowering. However, this is not optimal. Shorter light periods can prematurely trigger flowering, stunting vegetative growth and resulting in weaker plants with less robust bud development.
Key Considerations for Growing with Limited Light
1. Vegetative Phase: Cannabis plants need a substantial amount of light in the vegetative phase to build leaves, stems, and roots. 9 hours of light may be too short to support healthy vegetative growth, leading to smaller and weaker plants.
2. Flowering Phase: Once a cannabis plant starts flowering, it requires a longer period of darkness (night time) to promote bud development. A flowering plant exposed to less than 9 hours of light may enter a premature flowering stage, resulting in poor-quality buds and reduced yields.
What About Greenhouses and Supplimentary Lighting?
An alternative to growing with only 9 hours of sunlight is using a greenhouse and adding supplemental lighting. By extending the light period, growers can ensure their plants receive the necessary hours of light to thrive, thus promoting healthy vegetative growth and robust bud development.
Greenhouse vs. Supplemental Lighting
1. Greenhouse: Greenhouses can provide a controlled environment with adjustable light cycles and temperature. This allows growers to extend the light period and maintain optimal growing conditions throughout the year.
2. Supplemental Lighting: Using supplemental lighting, such as LED or HPS lamps, can extend the light period beyond natural sunlight. This method is particularly useful for indoor growing or during darker seasons when natural sunlight is insufficient.
Conclusion
In summary, while 9 hours of sunlight can technically support cannabis growth, it is not the ideal condition for optimal yield and plant health. For maximum results, it is recommended to provide at least 14 hours of light daily, with 16 hours being even better. If you find this challenging, investing in a greenhouse or supplemental lighting can significantly improve the growth and yield of your cannabis plants.