Flowering Temperature Sensitivity

Flowering temperature sensitivity refers to the variable expression of terpene profiles and secondary metabolites in cannabis plants in response to ambient temperatures during the flowering phase. While all cannabis cultivars respond to temperature fluctuations, some genetics demonstrate more pronounced shifts in volatile compound production—both quantitatively and qualitatively—across temperature ranges typically between 15–28°C. This trait is relevant to both indoor cultivation standardization and outdoor phenotype variation, as cooler flowering conditions often correlate with reported increases in certain monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, while warmer conditions may favor different volatile profiles. Temperature sensitivity during flowering is frequently observed across multiple strain families, though the specific terpene shifts vary by genetic background and breeding lineage. Underst

Breeders working with temperature-sensitive lines must standardize flowering conditions to achieve repeatable terpene profiles for consistent seed production and pheno-hunting. Selecting for temperature stability—or conversely, for desirable terpene expressions under specific conditions—is an important consideration in developing cultivars suited to particular climates or indoor specifications.