Bunch of 1st Grow Questions

Ok so I got some seeds from a friend and wanted to try growing. So I germinated and found some potting soil in my shed before putting em in pots.

They have been "growing" for about 2-3 months outdoors but I have seen very little progress. As of now 3 plants have survived(had four but it was a male). I have done alot of research but here are the things I dont get.

Why are they so small? I measured em and their heights are 8' 10' and 6'.

Some of the plants have started budding. I thought they only do that when flowering?

Once I figure out how to use my camera I will upload pics. Thanks(I live in Florida btw and have not used nutrients b4 today).

They determine when to flower based on the amount of light they get everyday. If they only get direct light for part of the day where they are, they may be convinced it's the proper season to flower.
I can't really answer the size question without knowing the strains.
Depending on how far into flowering they are you can stop it, but it will stress the plants.

AlphaFish said:

Why are they so small? I measured em and their heights are 8' 10' and
6'

Click to expand...

8' 10' 6' ....that tells me they are 8 feet, 10 feet , 6 feet, whats the problem? If you meant 8" 10" 6" than id say thats a problem, in that case maybe they are not getting sunlight, like in the woods? Or they are in bad soil. When I was a teenager I planted some seeds in a very wooded area, when the nice weather came it became a very shaded area and these never got above 1 foot, tiny spindly plants, never even bothered to check on them again. The flowering part confuses me as it is may. Maybe its a strain thats very touchy and needs very long days, like a tropical sativa.