While there are certain strains that tend to flower earlier in September or later in November, it is estimated that 80 - 85% of cannabis varietals are ready to harvest during the traditional October cycle. We can look to three key reasons why:
- Environmental Factors Croptober falls at the end of the outdoor growing season when the days become shorter, and temperatures drop. Like other agricultural crops, cannabis plants are influenced by environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity. Outdoor cannabis plants rely on the changing seasons, with shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures in the fall signaling the plant to finish its flowering phase and prepare for harvest. For many regions, October is the optimal time to harvest cannabis plants since this aligns with the natural growth cycle of the plant and the approach of cooler, less humid weather, which reduces the risk of mold and other environmental issues.
- Light Cycles & Cultivation Practices Cannabis plants are highly photosensitive. As the days shorten in the fall, plants naturally shift into the flowering phase. Croptober is typically the month when cannabis flowers are at their peak for cannabinoid and terpene production.? Combined with optimal potency and quality aligned, it’s the ideal time for harvesting.
- Growing Patterns Cannabis requires a specific growing cycle including both vegetative and flowering stages. Depending on many factors like the strain and growing conditions, outdoor cannabis plants are generally planted in the spring, vegetate during the summer months, and enter the flowering stage leading up to Croptober. The growing cycle of cannabis is similar to how other crops go through planting, growth, and harvest phases.
