shade does count somewhat to the dark cycle. plants in a semi shade area will start to flower and mature faster than ones that arent. im glad you got something out of them. the most potent best tasting plant i had this time turned hermi. it yeilded about half of what the other one did.(im not saying hermis are more potent, just this one was) i just continued to pluck off the male parts, at least it wasnt a total waste. i think i will grow out some of the seeds in a secluded area since the plant was really pollinated by a male first and then again by it self later. just for my own curiosity.