The Autumnal Equinox: Balance, Change, and Harvest

On Monday, September 22nd, 2025 at 11:19am PST, the sun will cross the celestial equator and day and night will fall into perfect balance. This celestial event, known as the autumnal equinox, marks the official arrival of fall in the northern hemisphere.

For many, it’s a time to embrace cooler weather, cozy nights, and the turning of leaves. But here at Tweedle Farms, the equinox is more than a seasonal shift; it’s a pivotal moment in the cannabis growth cycle.

What Is the Autumnal Equinox?

The equinox occurs twice each year—once in spring and once in fall—when the Earth’s tilt causes the sun to rise exactly in the east and set exactly in the west. On these days, we experience roughly equal hours of daylight and darkness.

After the autumnal equinox, the days gradually shorten until the winter solstice. In Oregon, that means losing about three minutes of daylight per day, a change that has profound effects on the cannabis plant.

Why Daylight Matters for Cannabis

Cannabis is a photoperiod-sensitive plant, which means its growth stages are triggered by changes in light. While young hemp plants thrive on long summer days, the shortening daylight after the equinox is nature’s cue to shift from vegetative growth to flowering.

• Before the equinox: Long days and abundant light encourage plants to grow taller, stretch their branches, and build strong leaves.

• After the equinox: As days shorten, cannabis plants sense the shift and redirect their energy into producing flowers, which, after harvest, become the CBD flower we all know and love.

This natural rhythm is why outdoor cannabis cultivation aligns so beautifully with the seasons. Farmers don’t have to flip a light switch; the sun does the work.

What Happens on the Farm

Here on the farm, the equinox is a signal that harvest is just around the corner. The plants begin to bulk up, stacking flowers along their stems, and the aromas in the fields intensify as terpenes reach their peak.

It’s also a time of close observation. Farmers monitor for:

• Bud development: Making sure flowers are maturing evenly.

• Resin production: Tracking the stickiness and trichome density, which indicate potency.

• Pest and mold prevention: Shorter days bring cooler nights and more moisture, so keeping plants healthy is key.

The equinox doesn’t just mark balance in the sky, it marks the beginning of a critical balancing act in cultivation, ensuring plants finish strong as harvest approaches.

A Season of Balance

For us, the autumnal equinox is both practical and symbolic. It’s the pivot point when summer’s growth turns toward fall’s abundance. The balance of day and night mirrors the balance we strive for in every crop: healthy plants, flavorful terpenes, and later, awesome hemp flower.

As the season shifts, so does the energy of the farm. The hum of summer growth gives way to the anticipation of harvest—a reminder that every cycle of light and dark brings new opportunities to nurture, learn, and grow.

Curious to experience the season for yourself? Soon, this year's crop will be on the site, and you'll be able to choose from CBD hemp flower, pre rolls, small buds, and more!