Introduction
The majority of the UK population seem to believe that cannabis does not grow naturally in the wild in the United Kingdom. While it is true that you will not find it growing in abundance in the wild like you would in countries such as Albania and Indonesia. The UK may not have the optimal climate for outdoor cannabis grows however with a little bit of knowledge and a few tricks then it is definitely possible.
Picking The Correct Strain
First of all I would recommend using autoflower strains if you are going to be planting outside as they tend to be smaller which in turn makes them a lot easier to plant discretely. They also need a lot less time before they are ready to harvest as they will automatically start flowering, they will not need a set amount of sunlight per day which is vital as sunshine is not always guaranteed in the UK.
Knowing When / Where To Plant
You can never say for sure when the best time to plant your crop would be as some years we have a heatwave in April while the next we will have snow which is a real crop killer. If the weather is favorable and starts getting warmer around April then you would have the potential to harvest two different autoflower crops which will make up for the lost yield from choosing the autoflowers.
Picking a spot is always the hardest bit, try to find somewhere that people just dont walk. A good example would be a wooded area right next to the motorway, just make sure you go off the beaten path and find a well sheltered spot.
Choosing A Discreet Location
Once you germinate your seeds you need to make sure you have already located a place to grow them, a sunny clearing is perfect as long as it is away from any prying eyes. A good spot that people had success with is the side of motorways, hardly any people will be walking there. People finding your crop is normally not a huge issue but it will be in great danger from the local wildlife, you can protect your plants by placing some chicken wire around each plant to ensure no predators munch on them.
After the seedling has been transplanted to your chosen location you will have to decide how you are going to provide the plant with the nutrients it requires over its growth period. If you do not want to to risk going to your plant once a week then I would recommend using slow release organic fertilizers such as worm castings and bat guano. If you are not worried about visiting your plants then just pop down once a week and feed them some of your preferred nutrients but be careful that no one follows you.
With all of this done you can go about your summer confident that your plants will be growing and will be ready to provide you with a bountiful harvest in around 60-90 days.
🌦️ Why the UK Climate Makes Outdoor Growing Difficult
The UK’s climate presents several natural challenges. Long periods of rain, high humidity, and short summers can all impact plant health. Damp conditions increase the risk of mold and rot, while inconsistent sunlight can slow development.
Unlike warmer countries with long dry seasons, growers in the UK are always at the mercy of unpredictable weather patterns.
🐛 Pests, Wildlife, and Natural Threats
Outdoor plants face threats that indoor plants never have to deal with. Insects, slugs, deer, rabbits, and other wildlife can damage or destroy plants quickly. Heavy winds and storms can also break stems or uproot plants entirely.
Nature is rarely gentle, and outdoor cultivation always carries the risk of losing plants to environmental factors beyond your control.
❓ FAQ Section
Does cannabis grow naturally in the UK?
Not in the wild at scale, but the climate can support growth during warmer months.
Why is outdoor growing harder in the UK than warmer countries?
Short summers, high humidity, and unpredictable weather make it more difficult.
What are the biggest natural threats to outdoor plants in the UK?
Mold, pests, wildlife, and heavy rain.
Is growing cannabis in the UK legal?
No. Cultivation is illegal and can carry serious penalties.
Check out our full UK cannabis guide for 2026:
Everything You Need To Know About Cannabis In The United Kingdom 2026