How to Grow Cannabis Outdoors in Virginia: A Complete Guide
Growing cannabis outdoors in Virginia can be rewarding, but the state’s unique climate, legal landscape, and seasonal patterns mean growers must plan carefully. Whether you’re cultivating for personal use under Virginia’s home grow laws or simply researching, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
Is It Legal to Grow Cannabis Outdoors in Virginia?
As of 2021, Virginia law allows adults 21 and older to grow up to four cannabis plants per household for personal use. However, there are restrictions:
- Plants must be out of public view.
- Each plant must have a tag with the owner’s name, driver’s license number, and notation “For Personal Use.”
- Selling homegrown cannabis is still illegal.
Always check the most recent updates, since cannabis laws in Virginia are evolving.
Virginia’s Climate and Outdoor Cannabis Growing
Virginia falls into USDA Hardiness Zones 6–8, which means it has hot, humid summers and mild to moderately cold winters. This climate creates both advantages and challenges for outdoor cannabis cultivation:
Pros
- Long growing season (April–October)
- Rich, loamy soil in many regions
- Ample rainfall (40+ inches annually)
Challenges
- High humidity can cause mold and bud rot
- Hurricane season may bring heavy storms in late summer
- Early frost risks in western and northern Virginia
Best Cannabis Strains for Virginia
When choosing cannabis strains for outdoor cultivation in Virginia, look for varieties that resist mold and pests and that finish flowering before mid-October. Some recommended outdoor strains include:
- Blue Dream – vigorous growth and mold resistance
- Northern Lights – hardy, fast-finishing indica
- Durban Poison – sativa with natural pest resistance
- White Widow – balanced hybrid, good for humid climates
Autoflower strains can also be a smart option since they finish in as little as 70–90 days, reducing risk of frost damage.
Step-by-Step Outdoor Growing Guide
1. Germination & Seedling Stage
- Start seeds indoors around mid-March to early April.
- Transplant outdoors after the last frost date (usually mid-April in central Virginia).
2. Site Selection
- Choose a location with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Ensure good airflow to reduce humidity and mold risk.
- Plant in well-drained soil with compost or organic amendments.
3. Vegetative Growth (April–July)
- Cannabis thrives under long summer days.
- Feed with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during this stage.
- Train plants using topping, LST, or trellising to encourage bushy growth.
4. Flowering Stage (July–October)
- Outdoor plants naturally begin flowering as days shorten.
- Switch to a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer.
- Watch for pests (caterpillars, aphids, spider mites) and fungal issues.
5. Harvest (September–October)
- Most photoperiod strains in Virginia are ready for harvest by late September to mid-October.
- Harvest when trichomes turn milky white with some amber.
- Dry in a dark, ventilated space at 60–70°F with 50–60% humidity.
Outdoor Cannabis Growing Tips for Virginia
- Use raised beds to avoid root rot during heavy rains.
- Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- Plant companion crops like basil, marigold, or clover to deter pests.
- Check for mold daily during late flowering when humidity peaks.
- Stake or cage plants to protect them from hurricane-season winds.