Starting seeds fully outdoors

[Eleaf]

Will be growing some auto flowers in Colorado this season, about 40 degrees N. Growing autoflower because we've got a hemp field growing, so I am hoping they will finish flowering before the hemp photoperiods and starts pollinating.

Am planning on germinating the seeds and then immediately planting outdoors in canvas bags at end of May.
About 14- 15 hours of max daylight during that time.
Is it necessary to place a light (such as high watt cfl) over the plants during veg to encourage larger growth? Or, will completely outdoor light grown near solstice be sufficient? Also, will a nightly low of about 50 F stunt the growth of autoflowers?
I chose all short 60-70 days seed to finish strains.

Thanks

 

[tobe]

Hi Eleaf
Iam in for the show... I like to see shots of the hemp field if its possibel.
good luck for your grow.
cu tobe

 

[Woolly]

Will you be in the 50s at night the whole grow ? The first 4-5 weeks are critical for putting on veg growth and if your temps are 70s in the day and 50s at night you'll get growth but will be smaller and more compact. The autos will also more than likely take another week or two to finish.

 

[getrad]

You can start them in a sunny window. Thats what I do. Don't forget to harden the plants of before putting out. When sun is out, maybe open the window or place them on a balcony. A couple of hours the first day and then gradually increase the time outside.Put them out when you see that growth have accelerated and the plants are at least 20cm high, in my experience having plants that are a bit bigger will not be as slowed down by the transplant.

I also am of the idea that small seedlings can take more or less direct sunlight but the soil needs to have enough water in it and the soil temperature can't be too high. You can plant seeds or sprouts outside but you need to make sure the soil is not drying out. If you have hot sunny weather you might need to water every day and that can be a problem.

 

[trailanimal]

In the greenhouse too high of soil temp can rot seeds. I use nursery cloth to protect seedlings if it is too hot.

 

[Eleaf]

Sounds good. So seems like I might not need to add a light and or heater/mini hoop house to extend the light/heat into the night?
Yes I'll probably start them inside but quickly acclimate them to full sun