Cannabis cultivation on balcony & terrace – growth, flowering, harvest & drying (Part 2)

The Vegetation Phase – Strong Growth in Early Summer

During the vegetation phase, your cannabis plant grows vigorously in height and width. It develops:

• large fan leaves
• stable side shoots
• a strong root system

The more hours of sunlight your plant receives (ideal: 6–8 hours of direct sun daily), the stronger it develops.

Nutrients in the Growth Phase

Now your plant mainly needs:

• Nitrogen (N) for leaf growth
• Phosphorus (P) for root formation
• Potassium (K) for stability

Be careful not to over-fertilize. Yellow leaf tips are often the first warning sign.

Training & Pruning (optional)

If you grow on a balcony or terrace, space is often limited. Methods such as:

• Topping (cutting the tip for bushier growth)
• LST – Low Stress Training (gently tying down shoots)

help you keep the plant compact while promoting more bud sites.

The Flowering Phase – When Your Plant Starts Cannabinoid Production

When Does Flowering Begin?

Outdoors, flowering usually starts from July/August when the days get shorter. Your plant reacts to the changed light ratio.

How Do I Recognize Female Flowers?

With feminized hemp strains like:

• Lemon Haze
• Blue Dream
• Wedding Cake

small white hairs (pistils) form at the nodes – these are the female flower sites.

Nutrient Changes During Flowering

Now your plant needs:

• less nitrogen
• more phosphorus & potassium

A special hemp flowering fertilizer supports the development of dense, resinous buds.

Smell & Discretion

During flowering, the terpene profile intensifies. Companion plants like lavender or mint (from part 1) help to naturally embed the aroma.

The Right Harvest Time – Quality Matters

Observe Trichomes Instead of Counting the Calendar

The optimal harvest time depends on the maturity of the trichomes:

• Clear → too early
• Milky → high THC content, energetic effect
• Amber/purple → mature, physical effect

You can easily check the resin glands with a magnifying glass. But it also works with the naked eye.

Typical Harvest Period for Outdoor Cannabis (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)

• End of September to mid-October
• Harvest before heavy continuous rain or frost

Harvest Steps

1. Cut the plant at the stem
2. Remove large fan leaves
3. Divide into individual branches

Now begins the most important quality factor: the proper drying.

Proper Cannabis Drying – The Key to Quality

The Perfect Environment

• Temperature: 18–21°C
• Humidity: 50–60%
• Dark room
• Good air circulation, but no fan directly on the buds

Hang the branches upside down. Drying takes about 10–14 days.

When Are the Buds Dry?

If small twigs crack slightly when bent, they are ready for the so-called “curing.”

Curing – Maturation for Aroma & Effect

Curing is the controlled post-ripening of your buds:

1. Fill dried buds into airtight jars (max. 75% full)
2. Place a hygrometer in the jar (ideal: 58–62% humidity)
3. Ventilate daily for 10–15 minutes during the first 2 weeks

After 4–8 weeks, the full terpene profile develops – the taste becomes rounder, the smoking experience smoother.

Avoid Common Mistakes in Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation

• Harvesting too late → risk of mold
• Drying too fast → harsh taste
• Too high humidity → bud rot
• Over-fertilization during flowering

Patience is your most important ally in cannabis cultivation.

Monthly Schedule: Outdoor Cannabis on Balcony & Terrace (June–October)

June – Full Vegetation Phase

• Strong growth of leaves and side shoots
• First training measures (topping, LST)
• Nitrogen-focused fertilization
• Regular pest checks
• Water in the morning or evening during heat

Goal in June: Build a strong, stable, and bushy plant.

July – Transition to Pre-Flowering

• First pre-flowers appear at the nodes
• Slowly prepare fertilization for flowering phase
• Support plant if necessary (bamboo sticks, trellis)
• Keep an eye on heavy rain

Important: Now it is decided how many flower sites your plant will form.

August – Main Flowering Phase

• Buds visibly densify
• More phosphorus & potassium, less nitrogen
• Ensure air circulation (mold prevention!)
• Thin out lower, shaded leaves if necessary

Warning: High humidity can promote bud rot.

September – Ripening Phase

• Regularly check trichomes
• Reduce watering if necessary
• No strong fertilization anymore
• Protect from continuous rain

Tip: Many growers start flushing with clear water 1–2 weeks before harvest.

October – Harvest & Drying

• Harvest before frost or continuous rain
• Remove large leaves
• Slowly dry for 10–14 days
• Then start curing in jars

Goal in October: Ensure maximum quality through gentle post-treatment.

Conclusion: Successful Outdoor Harvest with Planning

Cultivating cannabis on balconies and terraces is easily possible without a garden. If you:

• ensure enough sun
• adjust nutrients
• choose the right harvest time
• dry and cure carefully

nothing stands in the way of a high-quality harvest. In the next article, we will go deeper into pest prevention, mold avoidance, and yield optimization. Stay tuned and join us through your first (or next) successful cannabis year.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Growth, Flowering & Harvest

When Does Cannabis Flower Outdoors in Germany, Austria, Switzerland?

Usually between end of July and mid-August, depending on the strain and weather. Flowering starts when the days become significantly shorter.

How Long Does the Flowering Phase Last Outdoors?

Depending on genetics, about 7 to 10 weeks. Sativa-dominant strains often need a bit longer than Indica-heavy plants.

How Do I Recognize the Perfect Harvest Time?

By the trichomes:

• Clear = too early
• Milky = THC maximum
• Amber = more physical effect

A small magnifying glass makes checking much easier.

How Do I Prevent Mold During Flowering?

• Good air circulation
• No permanently wet foliage
• Don't let the plant grow too densely
• Use cover or protected location during heavy rain

Mold is the biggest outdoor risk especially in September.

How Long Does Cannabis Need to Dry?

Usually 10–14 days at 18–21°C and 50–60% humidity.
Drying too fast worsens aroma and effect.

Why Is Curing So Important?

During curing, remaining chlorophyll breaks down.
The result:

• Smoother taste
• More intense terpene profile
• Better storage stability

Optimal duration: at least 4 weeks, preferably 6–8 weeks.

How Much Yield Is Realistic on the Balcony?

It strongly depends on:

• Pot size
• Hours of sun
• Genetics
• Care

Realistically, 30–150 grams per plant, more under ideal conditions.