Cannabis Blog
Best Cannabis Seeds for Short Canadian Summers: Fast-Finishing Strains
In short: if your summer is short or your autumn comes early, choose a strain that finishes outdoors by late September or early October. The strains below are listed by Montreal Cannabis Seeds with a 45–50 day to 8-week flowering time and a late-September to early-October outdoor harvest window.
Why flowering time matters for Canadian outdoor grows
Photoperiod cannabis starts flowering when nights get longer, so the plant's finish date is set by the season, not by the calendar. In much of Canada, that means cold nights, damp air and the first frosts arrive while late strains are still ripening. A fast-finishing strain gives you a harvest before the weather turns, and it reduces the time buds sit in cool, humid conditions where mold can start.
Fast-finishing feminized strains with a September to early-October harvest window
All details below are taken from each strain's product page. Outdoor harvest dates are estimates and move with your latitude, planting date and weather.
| Strain | Flowering time | Outdoor harvest | Type | THC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec Gold 2.0 | 45–50 days | Last week of September | Balanced hybrid (50/50) | ~18–21% |
| Channel + | ~50 days | Late September | Balanced hybrid (50/50) | ~20% |
| Zkittlez | 6–8 weeks | Late September | Indica-dominant hybrid | ~17–21% |
| Zkittlez Fast Version | 6–8 weeks | Late September | Indica-dominant hybrid (60/40) | ~15–20% |
| Critical Magic | 6–8 weeks | Late September | Indica-dominant | ~24% |
| Hash Plant | 6–7 weeks | Early October | Indica-dominant hybrid | ~15–18% |
| Cinderella 99 (C99) | 7–8 weeks | Early October | Sativa-dominant | ~19–22% |
| Blueberry Kush × AK 47 | 8 weeks | Early October | Balanced hybrid (50/50) | ~21% |
| Strawberry | 8 weeks | Early October | Mostly Sativa | ~22% |
| CBD White Widow | 8 weeks | Early October | Hybrid (see product page) | See product page |
Easiest picks from this list
The product pages rate Hash Plant, Cinderella 99 and Blueberry Kush × AK 47 as easy to grow. Channel + is rated easy to moderate. Zkittlez and Strawberry are rated moderate.
Other ways to beat a short season
- Autoflowers: these flower with age instead of day length, so you can plant after the last frost and still harvest in the same season. Browse the autoflower seeds.
- Fast Version seeds: photoperiod-style plants bred to finish sooner. See the Fast Version collection.
- Start indoors: germinate and grow seedlings under light in spring, then move them outside once nights stay warm. Our germination guide explains the steps.
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot: a south-facing wall or fence adds warmth and shelter from wind. More tips in Mastering the Art of Growing Cannabis Outdoors.
- Watch for mold late in the season: see Top 5 Mold-Resistant Strains.
Frequently asked questions
Which cannabis seeds are best for short Canadian summers?
Choose feminized strains with a flowering time of about 45 days to 8 weeks and an outdoor harvest listed for late September or early October, such as Quebec Gold 2.0, Channel +, Zkittlez, Critical Magic or Hash Plant. Autoflowers are another option because they do not depend on day length.
When should I plant outdoors in Canada?
Plant outside after the last frost, when nights stay reliably warm. Starting seedlings indoors first gives plants a head start and lets them use more of the season.
Are these harvest dates guaranteed?
No. They are breeder estimates from the product pages. Latitude, planting date, weather and growing method all change the real finish date.
Do you ship cannabis seeds within Canada?
Yes. Montreal Cannabis Seeds ships across Canada, including Quebec, and to the United States in plain, unmarked packaging. Orders placed before 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time ship the same day. See shipping details.
What if my seeds do not germinate?
Eligible seeds are covered by an 80% germination guarantee for 90 days from purchase. Read the full guarantee.
Posted In:
Growing Cannabis