Weather Wonders: Unraveling Weather Boosts & Mutations in Garden Horizons

Weather in Garden Horizons is far more than just a visual effect; it’s a dynamic force that can dramatically impact your farm’s productivity and your path to rare mutations. Understanding its intricate mechanics is key to becoming a master gardener.

1. Growth Acceleration: The Early Game Advantage

Certain weather conditions provide significant boosts to your plants’ growth speed. This is particularly beneficial in the early stages of a plant’s life cycle.

• Rain: During rainy weather, your plants receive a +25% growth speed bonus. Seeds will sprout and reach their Unripe stage faster.
• Thunderstorm: Even more potent, a thunderstorm grants a massive +50% growth speed bonus.

Important Note on Growth Boosts

These weather-based growth accelerations only apply to the initial growth phase — from seed to the Unripe stage. Once a plant has reached its Unripe stage, weather conditions will no longer speed up its progression to Ripened or Lush.

2. Mutation Generation: The Late Game Jackpot

While growth boosts are limited to the early stages, weather plays an even more critical role in mutation generation, and this effect persists throughout a plant’s entire life cycle, even after it has reached the Lush stage.

How Mutations Work with Weather

Rare weather events, such as Starfall (Meteor Shower), have the potential to trigger unique mutations on your plants. These mutations can dramatically increase a plant’s value (e.g., Starstruck mutation offers a 6.5x value multiplier!).

The Ultimate AFK Strategy: Lush First, Mutate Later

Grow your plants to the Lush stage first, then wait for rare weather events to trigger mutations. A Lush Cabbage hit by a Starfall event could become a Starstruck Lush Cabbage, yielding an astronomical payout.

3. Maximizing Your Weather Advantage

• Active Growth Phase: During rain or thunderstorms, prioritize planting new seeds.
• AFK Mutation Hunting: Once your high-value plants reach the Lush stage, ensure you stay online during rare weather events.
• Strategic Placement: Consider placing your most valuable plants where they are frequently exposed to weather effects.

By mastering the nuances of weather in Garden Horizons, you can turn environmental conditions into a powerful ally!