Hey guys im a fairly new grower and my question is if i let my seedling grow to a certain height in natural sunlight durring its veg stage can i take it out of that environment and bring it inside under a cfl or led and force it into flowering or would the sudden change in light harm my lovely ladies? Also i heard just putting a trashcan or box around your plant for 12h could fake your plant into thinking it is dark but id just like to get it big and bring it inside if thats possible? Any advice guys?
It's possible but they might go into shock. The suns light is much more Intense than artificial light and may stunt it's growth a little if you do that.
I've taken outdoor plants in and indoor plants out countless times. It won't stunt anything. In nature plants sprout in rainy and cold spring, grow through 100+ degree summers, then finish in the cold fall. They are made to be versatile. Just give the plant a happy place to live and the right hours of light to flower and it will love you back.
What your asking actually works better in reverse most of the year.. Veg inside under 16-8 18-6 20-4 or a straight 24-0 lighting and plant outside when big enough.. For us lucky enough to live someplace it doesn't frost or freeze we can use the outside as our flower room all year long.. The other half of your question is called Light Deprivation and is best done with a plant on a cart and roll it inside a dark garage in the late afternoons to keep in flower.. Read all the threads you can and understand the photoperiod nature of the plant we grow and you can manipulate it to fit you own developing grow style..