As the days grow longer, the urge to sow seeds takes hold of gardeners everywhere, including myself. For many in the cannabis industry, this year may mark the first time they’re “legally” allowed to grow outdoors. Indoor cannabis cultivation has long been the norm, driven by the need to evade law enforcement and minimize theft. But today, we are witnessing a shift—from basement and garage grows to backyard cannabis gardens.
Unlike other plant seeds, cannabis seed packets often lack the vital information needed for gardeners to succeed in diverse climates. With seed prices ranging from $30 to $200 per pack, this can be a steep investment, especially if your outdoor garden doesn’t yield as expected. That’s where BLAZE comes in. Botanical Latitude and Zone Evaluation, is a first-of-its-kind citizen science project that unites outdoor growers from around the world to help pinpoint optimal growing conditions for cannabis.
As the founder of Queen of the Sun Grown, my mission is to transform the way we view gardening. Through holistic education, I emphasize the intricate connections between flora, fauna, and fungi. I take great pride in empowering individuals to become producers, particularly when it comes to sun-grown cannabis. Growing outdoors doesn’t just connect you to nature—it deepens your appreciation for sustainable, natural methods, aligning perfectly with the core values of Queen of the Sun Grown. We believe in nurturing both the earth and our community.
Introducing BLAZE for Climate-Smart Cannabis Cultivation
Despite the excitement, many potential growers hesitate due to uncertainty about how specific cannabis strains will perform in their local climate. Unlike most other plants, cannabis seed packets lack detailed guidance on cultivation based on local conditions like seed germination timing or hardiness zones. This gap in information can lead new growers to select strains ill-suited for their environment.
To address this, I’m excited to introduce BLAZE, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative designed to gather real-world data from sun grown cannabis gardens across various climates.
Map of 2024 BLAZE Participants
The Importance of Understanding Local Growing Conditions
One of the key elements of BLAZE is tracking how strains flower based on the latitude of your garden. By gathering real-world data, we can:
- Determine flowering times specific to different latitudes.
- Help you identify which strains are best for your local conditions.
Picture this: You input a strain name and receive cultivation tips tailored to your zip code. Instead of selecting a Sour Diesel strain, which takes over 84 days to flower and may not thrive in a Northern 6a Hardiness Zone, you could opt for a Blueberry Muffin strain, which finishes in just 45 days. BLAZE aims to provide this kind of tailored information and build a supportive community of growers who share insights and contribute to the advancement of cannabis cultivation science.
As part of this project, citizen scientists will track data from seed germination through harvest, covering the transplant, vegetative, and flowering stages. By analyzing this data, we’ll better understand how strains flower at different latitudes, which is critical for determining what can be grown in specific regions. For example, in Northern California, my seed plants usually begin flowering around July 25, but in Northern Washington, that date is pushed back to the second or third week of August.
Last year, I had the opportunity to interview Jeff Lowenfell, author of the “Teaming with” series, who explained how growing cannabis in Alaska is limited to autoflowers due to the region’s “light problem.” Cannabis is a photoperiod plant, requiring a longer dark period to trigger flowering. In areas like Alaska, which receive almost continuous daylight in summer, growing photoperiod cannabis can be nearly impossible without light deprivation. Some strains are more sensitive to light cycles than others, and this data is rarely available for outdoor growers. That’s a gap BLAZE is determined to fill.
Support BLAZE: Grow, Share Data, and Shape the Future of Cannabis Cultivation
This year, Seedsman Seedbank is generously donating a portion of all seed proceeds to fund the BLAZE initiative, managed by the Queen of the Sun Grown community. If you’d like to get involved, simply order your seeds and participate in monthly surveys throughout the growing season. This year’s strains are Purple Oreoz and Strawberry Banana Grape.
By providing two distinct strains—one with sativa-dominant traits and the other with indica characteristics—BLAZE will track how flowering times vary between plants typically associated with different latitudes. These strains are highly resinous and mold-resistant, making them excellent choices for both novice and experienced growers.
Cultivating Connection: The Power of Growing Cannabis Outdoors
Growing cannabis outdoors is more than just a gardening activity—it’s a chance to connect with nature. It encourages sustainable practices, like composting kitchen scraps and cannabis foliage to create nutrient-rich soil.
In today’s uncertain world, learning to grow your own food and medicine is more important than ever. Gardening empowers us to become more self-sufficient, reducing our reliance on outside inputs like electricity, potting mixes, and bottled nutrients. Sun grown cannabis is also known for producing a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes, thanks to the natural diversity of the growing environment.
The natural ecosystem’s rich diversity directly impacts the variety of compounds produced by plants. Plants communicate in complex ways—through hormones, scents, and electrical impulses—that interact with other plants, animals, and microorganisms. For instance, the presence of chitin, a substance found in insect exoskeletons and fungi, triggers a plant’s Jasmonic Acid levels, which signals the plant to increase its production of secondary metabolites like terpenes and cannabinoids. This enhances the flavor, aroma, and medicinal properties of cannabis.
The interactions within a natural ecosystem are far more intricate than what can be replicated in controlled laboratory settings. These dynamic exchanges have been evolving for thousands of years, which is why I am such a passionate advocate for sun grown cannabis. I not only teach others about it, but I also encourage consumers to try cultivating their own cannabis, connecting with the earth, and learning from the natural world around them.
BLAZE: A Community-Driven Future for Outdoor Cannabis
The BLAZE initiative is more than just a research project—it’s a movement to revolutionize outdoor cannabis cultivation through collective knowledge. By participating, you’re not only refining your own gardening skills but also contributing valuable data that will shape the future of sun grown cannabis.
Whether you’re a seasoned cultivator or planting your first seed, your insights matter. Together, we can bridge the knowledge gap, build a sustainable future, and ensure that every grower—regardless of location—has the tools they need to succeed. Join BLAZE, share your experiences, and become part of a thriving community dedicated to advancing cannabis cultivation.
If you would like to participate in BLAZE 2025 follow these steps:
Alexandria Irons, founder of Queen of the Sun Grown, is a beacon of knowledge in the realms of organic gardening and cannabis cultivation. Based in Eastern Washington, Alexandria combines a robust background in natural science with a deep passion for gardening, teaching, and writing.
Holding certifications from UC Davis as a Master Gardener and Composter and a degree in Natural Science, Alexandria has honed her skills and knowledge to become an authority in sustainable agriculture practices. Her expertise extends beyond cannabis to encompass a wide range of food and medicinal crops, fueled by a ceaseless enthusiasm for the natural world.
Alexandria has successfully merged her love for the earth with a talent for writing, producing content that is not only informative but also deeply inspiring. She is committed to promoting sustainable and innovative cultivation methods, making a significant impact on the community of gardeners and cannabis cultivators alike.
You can find her work featured in SKUNK magazine, Seedsman Seedbank, and The Humboldt Seed Company blogs, and her patreon community where she hosts weekly classes, articles, recipes, and giveaways.
