Does Si Dos Grow Outdoors?
Yes, Si Dos (also known as Dosidos) can grow outdoors, but it takes a bit of care to get the best results. This indica-dominant hybrid prefers a warm, sunny climate and grows well in soil or large containers. With proper training and a long growing season, outdoor growers can harvest dense, resin-covered buds that rival indoor yields.
What Is Si Dos?
Si Dos is a popular cross between OGKB and Girl Scout Cookies. It has a strong, relaxing effect and a sweet, earthy aroma with notes of diesel and mint. The plant itself is bushy with broad leaves and produces dense, frosty buds. It finishes flowering in about 8 to 10 weeks indoors, but outdoors the timing shifts with the seasons.
Because it was originally bred indoors by breeders like Archive Seed Bank, many growers assume Si Dos only works under lights. That's not true. With the right environment, outdoor plants can become monsters.
Can You Grow Si Dos Outdoors Successfully?
Absolutely. Si Dos is moderately easy to grow outdoors once you understand its needs. It tolerates temperature swings better than some pure sativas but does best in a Mediterranean-like climate. The plant has good natural resistance to mold compared to other Girl Scout Cookies crosses, but it's not bulletproof. Regular checks and good airflow are key.
Most outdoor growers report yields of 400 to 600 grams per plant in optimal conditions. With extra care, some have pushed past 700 grams. The buds are heavy and dense, so supporting branches with stakes or trellis netting is wise.
What Climate Does Si Dos Need Outside?
Si Dos loves warm days between 70–85°F (21–29°C). It can handle brief cooler nights but doesn't like frost. If you live in a region with short summers or high humidity, you can still grow it by choosing a sheltered spot or using a greenhouse. The strain flowers as the days get shorter, so it typically finishes in mid to late October in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Best climate: Mediterranean, temperate, or warm continental
- Humidity: Keep below 60% during flowering to avoid bud rot
- Rain protection: Use a clear cover or greenhouse if fall rains are heavy
- Daylight hours: Needs about 14–16 hours of sun in veg, then decreasing light to trigger flower
How Tall Does Si Dos Get Outdoors?
In the ground, Si Dos can stretch to 4 to 5 feet (1.2–1.5 meters) tall. In large containers, it stays closer to 3–4 feet. The plant grows bushy with strong side branches. If you want to control height, use topping or training early in the vegetative stage. A trellis net helps spread the canopy and increase light penetration. Consider using a heavy-duty trellis net to support the branches when buds get heavy.
What Is the Outdoor Yield of Si Dos?
Outdoor yields depend on plant health, container size, and sunlight. Here's a simple breakdown based on common growing methods:
| Growing Method | Average Yield per Plant | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| In-ground garden bed | 500–700 grams | Deep soil, full sun, good drainage |
| Large container (15–20 gallons) | 300–500 grams | Rich soil, regular watering, stable temps |
| Small container (5–7 gallons) | 150–250 grams | Roots restricted, more attention needed |
If you grow in the ground, you can let the plant get big. Container plants are easier to move for sunlight or weather protection but produce less.
When Should You Harvest Si Dos Outdoors?
Harvest time depends on your local frost date and the day length. Si Dos flowers for about 9 to 11 weeks after the first signs of flowering outdoors. Most outdoor growers harvest in early to mid-October. Check the trichomes with a jeweler's loupe – look for mostly milky white with a few amber trichomes. That gives the best balance of potency and flavor.
If rain or cold threatens, you can harvest a week early. The buds will still be good, just a bit less heavy. A 60x–100x jeweler's loupe is a must-have tool for checking trichome ripeness.
What Are Common Problems Growing Si Dos Outdoors?
Even though Si Dos is moderately resilient, outdoor growers can face a few issues:
- Bud rot (botrytis): Dense buds trap moisture – keep air moving and remove wet leaves
- Powdery mildew: Appears in high humidity – treat early with neem oil or sulfur sprays
- Pests: Spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars love the thick foliage. Inspect weekly
- Nutrient burn: Si Dos is a moderate feeder – easier to underfeed than overfeed
- Wind damage: Use stakes or a cage to keep heavy branches from snapping
One tip: avoid watering the leaves in late flowering. Water at the base only to keep humidity low around the buds.
How to Train Si Dos for Outdoor Growth?
Training makes a big difference. Si Dos responds well to low-stress training (LST) and topping. Perform topping after the plant has 4–6 nodes. This creates multiple main colas instead of one big top. For outdoor plants, you can also use a screen of green (SCROG) method by stretching a net above the plant and weaving branches through it.
Prune the lower third of the plant – those small buds won't get enough light and can attract pests. A good pair of sharp pruning shears makes clean cuts and reduces stress.
What Nutrients Does Si Dos Need Outside?
Si Dos needs a balanced nutrient schedule. In the vegetative stage, use a fertilizer higher in nitrogen (like 10-5-5). In flowering, switch to a bloom formula higher in phosphorus and potassium (like 5-10-10). Organic growers can use compost teas, bat guano, and bone meal.
The plant also likes calcium and magnesium – many grow fans add a supplement (Cal-Mag) once a week. Monitor the pH of your water and soil. Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 for best nutrient uptake. A digital pH meter helps you stay on track.
Outdoor Si Dos Growing Checklist
Here's a simple checklist to go through before and during the growing season:
- Location: Full sun (at least 6–8 hours direct light)
- Container or ground: Choose based on space and mobility needs
- Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter (add perlite if needed)
- Watering: Deep water every 2–3 days in hot weather; let soil dry slightly between
- Training: Top once after 4 nodes, then LST to open canopy
- Support: Install stakes or netting before flowering starts
- Feeding: Veg: high-N, Flower: high-P-K; add Cal-Mag weekly
- Pest control: Inspect leaves weekly; spray neem oil only in veg
- Weather protection: Have a cover or greenhouse ready for heavy rain/frost
- Harvest timing: Check trichomes with loupe around week 9–11 of flower
Keep this checklist handy, and you'll be ready for a successful outdoor Si Dos grow.