Welcome to "Unlock the Secrets of Growing Seeds Cannabis in Texas: An Outdoor Guide for New Growers". Whether you're a complete novice or have some gardening experience, this guide is designed to provide you with the base needed to cultivate high-quality cannabis in the Lone Star State. Cultivating cannabis legally for the last 8 years, 4 of which have been here in Texas, we were honored to be granted one of the first Hemp Licenses through the Texas Department of Agriculture back in 2020. That license has been renewed every year since. Unique references from other States, time-periods and cultivators may be tied-in for data purposes.
Before going further, I must state that the intent of this article is to help legally operating cultivators, or those planning on cultivating legally. Although the word "Cannabis" is used, for obvious reasons, it means "legally cultivated hemp".
That being said, let's "Unlock the Secrets of Growing Cannabis Seeds in Texas: An Outdoor Guide for New Growers"!
Why Grow Cannabis in Texas?
First off - it's home. Many of us Texans either had to leave the State to pursue our dreams, or grow illegally. It's a harsh world when you have to leave your family, friends, hobbies, and lifestyle behind, all for the pursuit of cannabis. That being said, you grow here because your life is here.
According to Artificial Intelligence:
Growing cannabis in Texas presents a unique set of advantages and challenges, making it an exciting venture for both new and experienced growers. Here's why Texas is an excellent place to cultivate cannabis:
1. Favorable Climate Conditions
Texas boasts a diverse range of climate zones, from the humid subtropical regions in the east to the arid deserts in the west. This diversity allows for a variety of cannabis strains to be cultivated successfully. The long growing season and abundant sunshine in many parts of Texas create ideal conditions for outdoor growing, leading to robust plants and high yields.
2. Potential for High Yields
The expansive land and favorable climate in Texas mean that growers have the potential to achieve substantial yields. With the right techniques and strain selection, you can maximize your harvest and produce high-quality cannabis. The state's fertile soils, when properly managed, can support healthy plant growth and enhance the potency and flavor of your cannabis.
3. Emerging Market Opportunities
As the cannabis industry continues to grow nationwide, Texas is poised to become a significant player. Although the legal landscape is still evolving, the potential for future legalization and regulation presents exciting opportunities for early adopters. By honing your growing skills now, you'll be well-positioned to capitalize on the expanding market and potentially enter the commercial cannabis sector.
4. Community and Support
The cannabis growing community in Texas is vibrant and supportive. Numerous local forums, clubs, and online groups are dedicated to sharing knowledge, tips, and resources. By engaging with this community, you can gain valuable insights, troubleshoot issues, and connect with fellow growers who share your passion.
5. Personal Satisfaction and Self-Sufficiency
Growing your own cannabis can be a deeply rewarding experience. It allows you to take control of the quality and purity of the product you consume, ensuring it meets your standards. Additionally, cultivating cannabis can lead to a greater sense of self-sufficiency and accomplishment, knowing that you've successfully nurtured a plant from seed to harvest.
In this guide, we'll delve into the specifics of growing cannabis in Texas, covering everything from selecting the right seeds and understanding the local climate to managing pests and maximizing your yield. Let's embark on this journey together and unlock the secrets of successful cannabis cultivation in Texas!
Understanding Texas Weather
Climate Overview
Texas is known for its vast and varied climate zones, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for cannabis cultivation. Understanding these climate nuances is essential for selecting the right cultivars and employing effective growing techniques. Below is a basic list of zones and the issues growers may face if they live in the surrounding areas.
1. Climate Zones of Texas
The Coast/East Texas (Houston, Galveston, Corpus Christi)
High Heat, High Humidity - Heat Stress, Mold/Powdery Mildew Issues, Early Crop Loss from Coastal Storms, Terpene Retention Issues
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio*, Fredericksburg)
High Heat, Moderate-High Humidity - Heat Stress, Mold/Powdery Mildew Issues, Early Crop Loss from Inland Storms, Terpene Retention Issues
West Texas (Odessa, El Paso, Big Bend National Park)
High Heat, Moderate-Low Humidity - Heat Stress, Water Loss, Water Conservation Issues, Terpene Retention Issues
North Texas (Dallas, Ft. Worth, Lubbock)
High Heat, Moderate Humidity - Heat Stress, Early Crop Loss from Inland Storms, Tornados, Snow, Terpene Retention Issues
South Texas (San Antonio*, Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo)
High Heat, Moderate Humidity - Heat Stress, Water Loss, Water Conservation Issues, Terpene Retention Issues
As you can see, it's hot, humid, with some possibility of crop loss from Nature...welcome to growing cannabis in Texas! Ok, let's break down each issue (briefly), then provide a solution. There are other solutions out there, some more advanced than others, but here are some basic ones!
Issue | Problem | Solution |
High Heat | Causes stress, excessive transpiration, terpene evaporation, decreased flower density | Add shade cloth - it can be pulled over hoops, greenhouses, or even strung up and ran on lines or cables like a shower curtain using grommets. |
Excessive Humidity | Allows for the perfect environment for mold and powdery mildew to grow | Reduce planting density for better airflow, spread branches out for better airflow, defoliate large leaves for better airflow. Delay or initiate flowering so the cycle finishes during low-humidity timeframes. |
Water Loss | Excess heat causes plants to transpire more water, as well as evaporating water from the soil itself | Cover your soil with straw. It's reflective, helps retain moisture, keeps soil cool in hot months, warm during cold months, and biodegradable. |
Terpene Retention | Caused by excessive heat and the low volatility of mono-terpenes | Initiate flower in late-July to August, avoiding finishing times that are excessively hot. Searching for varieties with terpene profiles that can withstand high heat can also help. |
Water Conservation | Water evaporates from high heat, or runs off soil due to soil dryness | Adding organic matter can aide in water retention and absorption by as much as 20,000 gallons per acre with a 1% increase. Adding drip irrigation helps deliver water exactly where you want, at rates that prevent, if not eliminate runoff all together. Adding consistency can also help prevent channeling, or the creation of cracks where water runs off through. |
Nature, Storms, Tornados | Crop loss comes from hail, winds, airborne debris, falling branches | If you can grow in a greenhouse, great. If not, make sure you get crop insurance. If you aren't growing enough for crop insurance, a quick built hoop house can help some, but may get blown away if not weighted down. That shade cloth from earlier seems to be more durable than plastic, doesn't rip as easily, and can hold up to branches and hail. Otherwise, making sure your plants are trellised, or caged up is your best preventative bet for salvaging any potential losses. Leaves can grow back, but not all branch breaks can heal. |
2. Seasonal Considerations
Understanding the seasonal variations in Texas is vital for planning your cannabis growing schedule:
Spring (March to May): Spring in Texas is generally mild, however, late frosts can occur, so be prepared to protect young plants. Typically, plants can be moved outdoor from a greenhouse or indoor environment around March-April, although planting seeds (indoor) around January-February can help boost end-of-season yields. Don't do this if you're limited on space, as plants can easily outgrow their areas.
Summer (June to August): Summers will be extremely hot, so it's important to ensure adequate watering and shade to protect plants from heat stress. Humid regions may require vigilant pest and mold control. In my opinion, this is when "growers grow". Long days in the 100s, long nights in the 90s-80s, any foliar feeding or pest prevention sprays will have to be done in the early mornings, as that's the coolest time of day. This is your last chance to set your plants up for greatness.
Fall (September to November): Fall offers cooler temperatures and is a prime time for flowering and harvesting. This season can be ideal for outdoor growing, as plants can mature without the extreme heat of summer. A 3 month symphony of emotions, this is when you see all your hard work begin to pay off. Also when you run the risk of major pest infestations if you aren't on your shit.
Winter (December to February): Winters are generally mild in Texas, but central and northern parts of the state can experience cold snaps much earlier/later. In my opinion, there are some opportunities to grow longer flowering plants into these late months, but only if you can protect them for at LEAST 1 freeze. In Central Texas, we may catch one freeze in December, then it's 80 degrees two days later. If you can get past the one freeze, you may also be able to take advantage of cooler temperatures sustaining highly volatile terpene profiles.
Importance of Selecting the Right Cannabis Strains in Texas
Given the climatic diversity in Texas, choosing the right cannabis cultivar is critical. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Climate Adaptability
Select varieties that are well-suited to your specific climate zone. For example, something that thrives in humid conditions are ideal for east Texas, while drought-resistant varieties are better for arid regions.
2. Flowering Time
Consider the flowering time of different varietals. Fast-flowering plants can be beneficial in regions with shorter growing seasons or unpredictable weather patterns. Autoflowers can be extremely useful as well, although cost per acre will be higher.
3. Resilience
Choose something known for its resilience to common pests and diseases in your area. This will help ensure a healthy crop and reduce the need for extensive pest management. Same goes with terps. Find something that doesn't volatize so easily.
Understanding the climate and making appropriate adjustments will significantly enhance your chances of a successful cannabis crop in Texas. By selecting the right seeds or cultivars, and tailoring your growing techniques to the local environment, you can unlock the full potential of your cannabis garden.
Selecting the Right Cannabis Seeds for Texas - Texas Approved Varieties
Choosing the right cannabis seeds is one of the most critical steps in ensuring a successful grow. The right cultivar can make all the difference in adapting to Texas' unique climate and achieving high yields. Unfortunately, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has limited what can be cultivated as hemp to the Texas Approved Varieties. Although the TDA hasn't formally updated the Texas Approved Varieties List in PDF format since 5/10/2023, by going through the Licensing eApply section and clicking Lot Crop Permit Application from the dropdown menu at the bottom of the page, you can scroll down mid-way and input "1" into the Producer Location field. This should open up a hidden section, which can be scrolled through until you reach another dropdown menu titled "Variety".
The Variety Menu contains an updated list of Texas Approved Varieties for your Lot Crop
Permit, which is needed for each cultivar you decide to grow.
Cultivar Selection
Normally, we would have a long conversation about a ton of things that could contribute to this topic, and I'm sorry if you were looking for some of that insight, specifically related to terpene profiles, cannabinoid ratios, correlating effects, nutrient usage, volatility in the market, bag appeal, etc., but the reality is modern cannabis was not bred for Texas, and that's where OUR conversation should really start.
As a farmer, regardless of what the customer wants, we need to, at bare minimum, get a product to market. Now, the market may not want our tomatoes because they aren't pretty, but that doesn't mean we can't sell them a mean spaghetti sauce. And for that sauce to be bottled, we still need to harvest the 'maters.
For the Texas outdoor grower, given the vast differences in our environments, yet similar heat concerns, try focusing on early-Spring, late-Fall, and early-Winter harvests for softer, citrus, and fruity-nosed-phenotypes, while leaving the earthy, less volatile sesquiterpene-rich stuff for hotter periods. How you accomplish that is another topic for another time, but taking advantage of our longer growing seasons at both ends of the spectrum could be a way to produce marketable Texas-grown terpene profiles to the seasoned customer.
As of this article's publish date, TexanHemp.com currently carries three (3) of the more modern Texas Approved Varieties: Legendary Platinum OG, Blue Meringue, and Sapphire Kush. All three varieties are Feminized Cannabis Seeds.
Feminized Seeds vs. Regular Seeds
Feminized is usually a little more expensive, but typically increases your chances of having female-only plants.
Regular seeds are usually cheaper than fems, but males can be just as valuable, if not more than females in breeding circles. For instance, while our Sapphire Kush by High Alpine Genetics is feminized and sold at $6 a seed, our JOMO the Hutt by Farmhouse Studio Genetics is regular, having both male and female possibilities, and sold at just over $20 a seed.
The difference in price comes down to the breeder, work involved, and end result.
Now we can't bring up Feminized Cannabis Seeds without discussing hermaphrodites.
Hermaphrodites, or "herms", are typically plants that can't handle the stresses of the unique situation they were born into. Although some of the world's best selling cannabis strains tend to herm a bit, they can completely pollinate a crop if not discovered or removed. When I say "herm a bit", I mean some tend to show hermaphroditic characteristics more than others. For instance, some may show "full blown balls", or pollen sacks, while other female flowers may just have a tiny exposed banana-like organ sticking out of the bud, known as a "nanner". Hermaphrodites won't always show up in Feminized Cannabis Seeds, but it does come with the territory.
So in short, if it ain't the males, it's the herms, so pick your poison.
Autoflowers vs Photoperiod
Autoflowers have been making huge leaps in quality, lately. With a finished product in-hand anywhere from 75-120 days seed to harvest, it's quickly becoming a much more viable option for farmers. Densely planted at rates as high as 12,000 plants per acre, yields can be improved up to 4000lbs per acre, opposed to a relative standard of 1200lbs per acre @ 1200 plants per acre using full-term, Photoperiod varieties.
As you may have guessed, being an Autoflower crop, you can indeed replant and reap another 4000lbs off the same acre. While these numbers may not be achievable by every grower on every plot of land using every autoflower variety, it is possible given the right environment.
The downside would be the upfront cost of buying 12,000 Feminized Autoflower Seeds at, let's say, approximately $1 a seed ($12,000).
As for Photoperiod, or plants that need a reduction in sunlight to begin the flowering cycle, the biggest perk is they can be cloned (unlike autoflowers). Clones can be great for indoor and greenhouse operations, but also keeping your "keeper" for future use in breeding projects or nurseries. Photoperiod genetics are also a bit more advanced in terms of flavors, terpenes, and marketability. Most autoflowers are called by their Photoperiod name + "Auto" attached (OG Kush Auto, Tangie Auto, Cookies Auto). The "Auto" addition isn't typically looked as an improvement to said genetic, for whatever that's worth.
Photoperiod plants also allow you to grow them as large or small as you'd like. Additional lighting can keep crops from flowering during harsh summers, or prolong vegetative growth to make up for lost yield if other plants died. Photoperiod plants can also be revegged.
A reveg or revegging (re-vegging) is the process of reverting a flowered plant back into vegetative growth using high-lighting schedules (18-24hrs), coupled with the re-addition of vegetative nutrients (high Nitrogen).
Revegging is extremely helpful if you want to keep a plant that's beyond the point of cloning. It also helps save space when doing phenohunts of larger populations, where keeping clones of every seedling can become exhaustive in energy, square footage and financial resources.
Given your resources and business model, choosing between an autoflower and a photoperiod can be a very real part of your overall strategy. Take your time - maybe choose both? Interplanting with autoflowers can be a great way to maximize unused aisles.
Soil and Nutrient Requirements
Soil Types in Texas
Texas features a variety of soil types, each with its own characteristics and suitability for cannabis cultivation. Understanding these types will help you amend and prepare your soil for optimal growth.
1. Sandy Soil
Characteristics: Sandy soil drains quickly and doesn't retain nutrients well. It's common in coastal regions and parts of west Texas.
Amendments: Improve sandy soil by adding organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or coconut coir to enhance moisture retention and nutrient availability. Adding clay can also help increase the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.
2. Clay Soil
Characteristics: Clay soil retains water and nutrients well but can become compacted, limiting root growth. It's prevalent in central Texas.
Amendments: To improve clay soil, incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to enhance drainage and aeration. Adding gypsum can help break up compacted clay and improve soil structure.
3. Loamy Soil
Characteristics: Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay, providing good drainage, nutrient retention, and aeration. It's ideal for cannabis cultivation and is found in various parts of Texas.
Amendments: Maintain loamy soil by regularly adding organic matter to keep it fertile and well-structured. Compost and mulch can help retain moisture and provide a steady supply of nutrients.
4. Silt Soil
Characteristics: Silt soil has fine particles that retain moisture and nutrients well but can become compacted. It's less common but can be found in some river valleys and floodplains in Texas.
Amendments: Improve silt soil by adding organic matter to enhance drainage and prevent compaction. Mixing in sand can also help improve soil structure and aeration.
Nutrient Needs
Cannabis plants require a range of nutrients to thrive. These are divided into macronutrients and micronutrients, each playing a vital role in plant health and development.
1. Macronutrients
Nitrogen (N): Essential for vegetative growth, nitrogen promotes healthy leaf and stem development.
Some Sources: Alfalfa, fish, blood, manures.
Phosphorus (P): Important for root development, flowering, and overall plant health.
Some Sources: Rock phosphate, fish, fruits.
Potassium (K): Supports overall plant functions, including water uptake, enzyme activation, and resistance to diseases.
Some Sources: Wood ash, kelp meal, potash, fruits, alfalfa.
2. Micronutrients
Calcium (Ca): Crucial for cell wall structure and overall plant strength. Also considered a Macronutrient in some circles.
Some Sources: Dolomite lime, gypsum, calcium nitrate, egg shells, oyster shell.
Magnesium (Mg): Vital for photosynthesis as it is a central component of chlorophyll.
Some Sources: Epsom salts, dolomite lime, and magnesium sulfate.
Sulfur (S): Important for protein synthesis and enzyme function.
Some Sources: Gypsum, Epsom Salts, elemental sulfur, and sulfate fertilizers.
Trace Elements: Includes iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). These are required in smaller quantities but are essential for various physiological functions.
Some Sources: Trace mineral fertilizers (SEA-90), kelp, compost, and organic matter.
Creating the Ideal Soil Mix
For cannabis cultivation, creating a balanced soil mix is key to ensuring plants receive the nutrients they need. If planting in the field or inground, get a soil test. A soil test will give you a great baseline to start from. It'll show you what's in your soil, what you might need, and potentially how to allocate your resources.
One resource I've used, personally, is TPS Lab in Edinburg, TX. In 2020 and 2021, I used their services to test my own soils for nutrient levels, heavy metals, and organic matter. They also made a variety of recommendations based on those results. Below is a sample of what you might expect when exploring their offerings, or that of another company. To see a full variety of their soil tests, CLICK HERE.
If you're going small, amending old, native, or spent soil, on a budget, or don't feel like going through the hassle of testing, here's my quick recommendations:
Compost - your source of some nutrients, but mostly used for bacteria and fungi. Can be based on a variety of inputs like fish or veggie scraps. Oly Mountain Fish Compost is my goto. Add 0.5 - 1 Cup per 1 - 1.5 Cubic Feet of Soil. A bag of soil from the store is about 1 - 1.5 cubic feet, for reference.
Composted manures - easily sourced at stores or farms. Typically Chicken and Bovine (cattle/dairy cow) based. You can find well-balanced sources with ratios similar to 3-2-3, 4-2-3, 4-2-2, etc. About 1 Cup per 1 - 1.5 Cubic Feet of Soil will be sufficient. This will be a major source of your nutrients, as well bacteria and fungi.
Kelp - typically having a 0-0-1 makeup, low in most nutrients except potassium, it contains high quantities of trace minerals, micronutrients, and naturally occurring growth hormones like cytokines and auxins. While less is more when combined with humic acids (5 parts Humic to 2 parts Kelp), just using 1/4 to 1/2 Cup per 1 Cubic Foot of Soil should be plenty to start.
Gypsum - your cheap and readily available source for Calcium and Sulfur. Helping to breakup clay soils, it's typically found in a micronized powder that's mostly water soluble. Depending on your water being hard or not (heavy calcium), you can play with adding anywhere from 1/9 to 1/3 Cup per 1 Cubic Foot of Soil.
Notable Swaps
Alfalfa for Manure and Kelp (3-1-2 with growth hormones - needs to be composted)
Oyster and Egg Shell for Gypsum - found at feed stores with no sulfur, which can be useful if getting Sulfur from other sources (Epsom Salts or Potassium Sulfate)
Worm Castings for Compost - another microbial source
Notable "Texas" Mentions
Horse Manure - higher in potassium than preferred, but available everywhere. Make sure you supplement with Nitrogen and Phosphorus sources.
Oak Leaves - although never used outside of a naturally occurring mulch source, they have a nutrient makeup of 0.8-0.35-0.15. Considering most fallen leaves are nutrient sources for trees in Spring, it's possible they could find a place on your farm as a partial input.
Hackberries - thought of as a "trash tree" throughout most of Texas, the Native Americans in surrounding states were found to use the berries as a minor food source. Thought to have a 1.5-0.38-Unknown NPK value, with approximately 18% Carbohydrates, High Iron and Vitamin C, the berries could find use in an emergency-type situation, or even a Native-Texan craft cultivation operation.
Nutrient Schedules
Establishing a nutrient schedule ensures your cannabis plants receive the right nutrients at the right times. If using amended soil, you're probably using just water until you see growth stall or deficiencies begin to show, at which point you'd begin supplementing with whatever nutrients are lacking based on the crop's maturity. In general, however, here's a basic outline:
1. Seedling Stage:
Minimal nutrients required.
Use a light mix of compost tea or a diluted fertilizer.
2. Vegetative Stage:
Focus on nitrogen-rich fertilizers to support vigorous growth.
Feed every 1-2 weeks, depending on soil fertility and plant response.
3. Flowering Stage:
Shift to phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizers to support bud development.
Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive vegetative growth.
Feed every 1-2 weeks, adjusting based on plant needs and soil tests.
4. Late Flowering Stage:
Continue with phosphorus and potassium while reducing overall nutrient levels.
Use plain water 1-2 weeks before harvest to allow plants to use what's leftover.
Understanding and managing soil and nutrient requirements are fundamental to successful cannabis cultivation. By selecting the appropriate soil type, amending it as necessary, and following a structured nutrient schedule, you can create an optimal growing environment for your cannabis plants in Texas.
Water and Irrigation
Proper watering and irrigation practices are essential for the healthy growth and high yield of cannabis plants. Texas' diverse climate means that water management needs can vary significantly across the state. Here’s how to ensure your plants get the right amount of water at the right times.
Watering Basics
Understanding the fundamentals of watering cannabis plants is crucial for preventing issues such as overwatering or underwatering.
1. Importance of Proper Watering
Root Health: Consistent and appropriate watering promotes strong root development and prevents root rot caused by overwatering or drought stress caused by underwatering.
Nutrient Uptake: Water is essential for nutrient absorption. Proper watering ensures that nutrients are dissolved and available for uptake by the plant roots.
Plant Growth: Adequate watering supports overall plant health, leading to vigorous growth and high yields.
2. Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
Overwatering:
Wilting despite wet soil
Yellowing leaves
Leaves may droop with "hard petioles"
Root rot
Mold and mildew growth
Underwatering:
Wilting with dry soil
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Slow growth
Drooping leaves with "soft petioles"
Irrigation Systems
Choosing the right irrigation system can significantly improve water efficiency and plant health. Here are some common options suitable for Texas growers:
1. Drip Irrigation
Advantages: Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste and minimizing the risk of mold and mildew on leaves.
Setup: Install drip lines or emitters around the base of each plant. Use a timer to regulate watering frequency and duration.
Best For: All regions, especially areas with limited water resources or those experiencing high temperatures. See HERE to retouch on drip irrigation and soil-types. Great for crop steering (advanced cultivation techniques).
2. Soaker Hoses
Advantages: Soaker hoses provide even water distribution along their length, ensuring consistent soil moisture levels.
Setup: Lay the soaker hose along rows or around the base of plants. Cover with mulch to reduce evaporation.
Best For: Garden beds and rows of plants, particularly in semi-arid and arid regions.
3. Sprinkler Systems
Advantages: Sprinkler systems cover larger areas and can be automated for convenience. Replicates rainfall, consistently washing plants from airborne contaminations.
Setup: Place sprinklers at strategic points to ensure even coverage. Adjust the spray pattern and duration to avoid waterlogging.
Best For: Larger outdoor gardens in regions with lower humidity to prevent fungal issues.
4. Hand Watering
Advantages: Allows for precise control over water application and monitoring of plant health.
Setup: Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle. Water plants thoroughly at the base.
Best For: Small gardens or individual plants, especially for new growers who want to monitor their plants closely.
Water Quality
The quality of water used for irrigation can significantly impact cannabis growth. First and foremost, get your water tested! TPS Lab also tests water, if you didn't know. Here are some other key considerations:
1. pH Level
Ideal Range: Cannabis plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.9 to 6.2.
Testing: Regularly test the pH of your water using pH test kits or meters. Adjust if needed.
May not be necessary if using microbes, although it can speed up the efficiency in which nutrients become available.
2. Mineral Content
Hard Water: High mineral content (calcium and magnesium) can lead to nutrient imbalances. May need to reduce supplementation of them and/or correlating nutrients.
Reverse Osmosis Water: Best if using salt-based fertilizers for complete control over inputs. Not recommended if using Hard Water as your water source, as the waste water and filter change costs can be less than feasible.
3. Contaminants
Chlorine and Chloramine: Common in tap water and can harm beneficial soil microbes.
Heavy Metals and Toxins: Ensure water is free from harmful substances - get your water tested!
4. Water Source
Rivers, Lakes, Ponds: Living water sources can have concentrated levels of nutrients once evaporation begins to occur in the warmer months. High levels of Phosphorus from fish carcasses and excrement, along with other unknowns, can end up locking out other nutrients your plant needs if watered in earlier than necessary. It's important to take this into consideration and have multiple tests done throughout the year to determine potential nutrient concentrations.
Watering Schedule
Establishing a consistent watering schedule helps ensure your plants receive the right amount of water at each growth stage. While irrigation strategies can be broken down into Generative and Vegetative growth patterns for crop steering techniques, here is a basic outline on how to water and why:
1. Seedling Stage
Frequency: Light watering every few days to keep soil moist but not saturated. Can use a sprayer or spray bottle as needed.
Amount: Small amounts to avoid drowning delicate roots.
2. Vegetative Stage
Frequency: Water every 2-5 days, adjusting based on soil moisture levels and climate conditions.
Amount: Ensure deep watering to encourage deep root growth. Watering just on the outside of the plant's perimeter will help drive root growth and plant width while the roots search outward for moisture. Think about standing under a tree when it rains, versus just on the outside of it.
3. Flowering Stage
Frequency: Water every 2-3 days, with increased frequency during hot weather.
Amount: Deep watering to support bud development and prevent stress. Some drybacks are ok as long as they are monitored to prevent leaftip burn.
4. Late Flowering Stage
Frequency: Reduce watering slightly to avoid mold and mildew during bud maturation.
Amount: Water just enough to maintain soil moisture without oversaturating.
Mulching and Water Retention
Using mulch can significantly improve water retention and reduce evaporation, especially in Texas' hot and dry conditions:
1. Benefits of Mulching
Moisture Retention: Helps keep soil moist for longer periods.
Temperature Regulation: Insulates soil, protecting roots from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Weed Control: Suppresses weed growth, reducing competition for water and nutrients.
Safe Zone: Create a layer for microbes, fungi and worms to proliferate in a shaded environment.
2. Types of Mulch
Organic Mulch: Straw, wood chips, and compost are excellent options that also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Inorganic Mulch: Landscape fabric, and plastic mulch can effectively retain moisture but don't contribute to soil fertility. Paper mulch breaks down at the end of a season and can add food for the worms, but isn't considered "organic" due to the source of the paper.
TexanHemp.com's Choice: Straw - lightweight, absorbs moisture, breathable, reflects light, breaks down seasonally, aesthetically pleasing. The "fines" work great for adding "mini-mulch" to flats of seeds or small pots, also!
Proper water and irrigation management are essential for successful cannabis cultivation in Texas. By choosing the right irrigation system, maintaining water quality, and establishing a consistent watering schedule, you can ensure your cannabis plants thrive and produce high yields. Mulching and other water retention techniques can further enhance your efforts, making your garden more resilient to Texas' diverse climate conditions.
Managing Texas-Specific Pests and Diseases
Growing cannabis in Texas presents unique challenges due to the state's diverse climate and variety of pests and diseases. Effective management strategies are essential to protect your plants and ensure a healthy, bountiful harvest. Here's how to identify, prevent, and treat common pests and diseases specific to Texas.
Common Pests in Texas
1. Aphids
Identification: Small, pear-shaped insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink. They cluster on the underside of leaves and stems.
Damage: Aphids suck sap from plants, causing leaves to yellow, curl, and drop. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth. Ants tend to "farm and protect" aphids for their honeydew, leading to biological defenses against predator insects if present alongside each other.
Prevention and Treatment:
Regular sprays using essential oil-based products like Lost Coast Plant Therapy or Athena IPM are great for early prevention of a variety of pests, and are commercially available.
Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. Attracting local wasp and hornet populations can also help long-term, as they're natural predators for many pests, plus they're super mobile!
Regularly inspect plants and remove affected areas. Worst case, you can always blast them with streams of water for mechanical, non-chemical weaponry.
2. Spider Mites
Identification: Tiny, spider-like pests that are often red or brown. They create fine webs all over plants. Sometimes, a fine mist of water can help identify webbing, as water droplets will collect on the individual strings and shimmer like Christmas lights.
Damage: Spider mites suck sap from leaves, causing stippling, yellowing, and eventually leaf drop. They'll also cover buds in webbing, like fog on a nasty morning.
Prevention and Treatment:
Maintain high humidity levels, as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Keep dust down and prevent animals (dogs) from touching plants.
Regular sprays using essential oil-based products like Lost Coast Plant Therapy or Athena IPM are great for early prevention of a variety of pests, and are commercially available. Wettable Sulfur can also be used IN VEG ONLY, as long as temperatures stay below 80 degrees AND NO OIL-BASED PRODUCTS are used for two weeks following the application, or until the sulfur is washed off.
Once plants are cleaned, further prevention into flower can be accomplished using a variety of predator mites bred to fight off spider mite infestations.
3. Whiteflies
Identification: Small, white, moth-like insects that fly up when disturbed. They often congregate on the undersides of leaves.
Damage: Whiteflies suck plant juices, leading to leaf yellowing and wilting. They also produce honeydew, which can cause sooty mold.
Prevention and Treatment:
Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult whiteflies.
Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Introduce natural predators like Encarsia formosa wasps.
4. Caterpillars
Identification: Larvae of moths and butterflies, caterpillars vary in color and size but are often green or brown and segmented.
Damage: Caterpillars chew on leaves, stems, and buds, causing significant damage. They'll shit in your buds, leading to mold growth and crop loss. Caterpillars can be the biggest concern to Texas farmers if you have Oak trees nearby.
Prevention and Treatment:
Handpick caterpillars off plants when spotted. By far the best method if you couldn't prevent them.
Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial insecticide, if temperatures and intense UV allow it. BT toxins can breakdown under sustained heat and light intensity of Texas Summers and early Fall - typically the time period you'll find caterpillars affecting your crop.
Encourage birds and other natural predators to visit your garden, although they aren't as effective as you'd prefer.
Mechanical Prevention - insect netting. Prevent the moths and butterflies from landing on your plants, which prevents eggs from being laid under your leaves, preventing the actual infestation of caterpillars.
A method I used in the past was to delay flowering until August 1st, allowing for an incongruency between flower maturity and caterpillar maturity to be achieved, reducing caterpillar-caused-crop-loss by 80-95%. If you take anything from this article about growing cannabis outdoors in Texas, it should be this bullet point. While the exact date may differ from your region in Texas, the idea should be the same.
5. Grasshoppers
Identification: Large, green or brown insects with strong hind legs for jumping.
Damage: Grasshoppers chew on leaves, stems, and buds, leading to extensive foliage loss.
Prevention and Treatment:
Use row covers to protect young plants.
Early usage of fungal sprays like Beauveria bassiana from Arbico Organics can be super useful, although can suffer from the same Texas-detriment that BT suffers from (reduced efficacy based on high sustained heat and UV intensity).
Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects.
Plant something more delicious - if you can't fight them, feed them! Give them something more tasty than your crop.
Common Diseases in Texas
1. Powdery Mildew
Identification: White, powdery fungal growth on leaves, stems, and buds.
Damage: Causes leaf distortion, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. Severe infections can stunt plant growth and reduce yields.
Prevention and Treatment:
Ensure good air circulation around plants.
Avoid overhead watering to keep foliage dry.
Typically allowed to flourish due to poor environment. If you can't fix the environment, you'll always have PM. Reduce humidity.
2. Root Rot
Identification: Caused by various fungi, root rot leads to brown, mushy roots and wilting plants.
Damage: Infected plants show yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and eventually die if untreated.
Prevention and Treatment:
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Use beneficial microbes like Trichoderma to protect roots.
Remove and discard infected plants and soil.
3. Botrytis (Gray Mold)
Identification: Gray, fuzzy mold on buds, leaves, and stems.
Damage: Causes bud rot, leading to decay and reduced yields. It spreads rapidly in humid conditions.
Prevention and Treatment:
Maintain low humidity and ensure good air circulation.
Remove and dispose of infected plant parts immediately.
Prevent caterpillars.
4. Fusarium Wilt
Identification: Caused by the Fusarium fungus, this disease leads to yellowing and wilting leaves, starting from the bottom of the plant.
Damage: Blocks water and nutrient flow, causing plant decline and death.
Prevention and Treatment:
Use resistant strains and rotate crops to prevent soil buildup.
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Remove and destroy infected plants to prevent spread.
5. Leaf Septoria
Identification: Small, round, yellow or brown spots on leaves, caused by the Septoria fungus.
Damage: Leads to premature leaf drop, reducing photosynthesis and plant vigor.
Prevention and Treatment:
Remove and destroy affected leaves.
Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Implementing an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy can effectively manage pests and diseases while minimizing chemical use. Here are key components:
1. Cultural Controls
Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Clean tools and equipment to avoid spreading pathogens.
Properly sanitize tools and equipment to avoid spreading pathogens.
Maintain garden hygiene by removing plant debris and weeds.
2. Biological Controls
Introduce beneficial insects as needed.
Use microbial treatments as needed.
3. Mechanical Controls
Handpick pests and remove infected plant parts.
Use physical barriers like insect netting, row covers, and sticky traps.
4. Chemical Controls
Use organic insecticides and fungicides as a last resort.
Apply treatments according to label instructions to avoid harming beneficial organisms.
Managing pests and diseases specific to Texas requires vigilance, preventative measures, and timely interventions. By understanding the common pests and diseases in your area, and employing an integrated management program, you can protect your cannabis plants and ensure a healthy, productive garden.
Harvesting Your Cannabis Crop in Texas
If you've made it this far, you already know you'll have to get your hemp crop tested before you can legally harvest and use your plants. Below are some sampling guidelines you may not have been aware of, as well as a list of labs registered with the State of Texas for Hemp Sampling.
TESTING LAB | CITY | STATE | PHONE | WEBSITE | |
ABRAXAS LABS LLC | TULSA | OK | (918) 917-4321 | ||
ABS LABS LLC | CARROLLTON | TX | (469) 568-2677 |
| |
ACS LABORATORY LLC | SUN CITY CENTER | FL | (813) 634-4529 | ||
ANALYTICAL FOOD LABORATORIES | GRAND PRAIRIE | TX | (972) 336-0033 | ||
ARMSTRONG FORENSIC LABORATORY, INC. | ARLINGTON | TX | (800) 644-4175 | ||
BLUEBONNET LABS | FARMERS BRANCH | TX | (214) 903-4405 | ||
CERTIFIED LABORATORIES CARROLLTON | CARROLLTON | TX | (214) 533-4190 | ||
ECL TESTING LLC | OAKWOOD | TX | (817) 357-6582 | ||
F.A.S.T. LABORATORIES | GREENBRIER | AR | (501) 679-2616 | ||
HIGHRES LABS | EDMOND | OK | (405) 330-5887 |
| |
NEW BLOOM LABS | CHATTANOOGA | TN | (844) 837-8223 | ||
PHARMLABS LLC | SAN DIEGO | CA | (925) 262-3883 | ||
PROVERDE LABORATORIES INC | MILFORD | MA | (617) 221-3356 | ||
SCISSORTAIL LABS | OKC | OK | (505) 620-4722 |
Growing Cannabis Seeds in Texas: The Final Sunset
Once it's all chopped, hung, dried, and bucked down, the processing and extractions begin. The work never stops, but the farming season is over.
Although there's so much more that could be touched on, especially post-harvest processing, I think this is a great place to end the first rendition of "Unlock the Secrets of Growing Cannabis Seeds in Texas: An Outdoor Guide for New Growers".
If you would like more information on certain topics, have some insight, or would like to challenge some ideas and philosophies, chime in in the comments!
Thank you for reading!
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