How Colder Temperatures Affect Cannabis Plant Growth

Plants don't like the cold...

As the temperatures continue to drop in Las Vegas, this is a great time to discuss the impact of cold temperatures on cannabis plants. Fortunately, in a greenhouse like ours we can regulate temperatures throughout the year, but that isn’t the case for outdoor growers. At the end of the day all growers must understand the effects of cold temperatures on their plants so they can best make adjustments to keep their grow rooms at optimal temperatures. Temperature is one of the crucial factors that can significantly impact a plant’s growth and development, including flower yields. Some of the way cold temperatures can stunt cannabis flower yields are:

-Slowed Metabolism: Cold temperatures can slow down the metabolic processes within the plant. This can affect nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and other essential biochemical reactions necessary for the plant's growth and development. As a result, the overall growth rate of the cannabis plant may be reduced, leading to smaller yields.

-Reduced Enzyme Activity: Many enzymes involved in the plant's metabolic processes function optimally within a specific temperature range. Cold temperatures can reduce enzyme activity, affecting various biochemical reactions critical for the synthesis of essential compounds needed for flower development.

-Water Uptake Issues: Cold temperatures can lead to issues with water uptake by the plant. When temperatures drop, water in the soil may freeze or become less available to the roots. This can lead to dehydration and hinder nutrient transport within the plant, negatively impacting flower development.

-Decreased Transpiration: Transpiration, the process by which plants release water vapor through their leaves, is crucial for nutrient transport and temperature regulation. Cold temperatures can reduce transpiration rates, limiting the movement of water and nutrients within the plant.

-Developmental Delays: Cold temperatures can cause developmental delays in cannabis plants, especially during the flowering stage. This can result in a longer flowering period, giving the plant less time to produce larger and more robust flowers.

It's important to note that cannabis plants have specific temperature preferences at different stages of their life cycle. While some strains may tolerate cooler temperatures better than others, consistently cold conditions can have detrimental effects on overall plant health and yield. Providing the optimal temperature range for cannabis cultivation is essential for maximizing flower production and quality. So, what is the optimal temperature for year-round growth? We aim for an optimal temperature of 72 degrees, but it’s much easier said than done.