Few questions about flowering times

I am wondering a few things, mainly do outdoor plants need 12/12 light to flower? they would start to flower next month if this is the case. that may be to late. Also how am I able to tell when they are about to flower/week one of flower?

I have attached a photo of what I think could be pistols/ early signs of flowering.

All help is greatly appreciated! Have a great week.

http://imgur.com/3852n0t

http://imgur.com/7fF3fFI

12/12 is not necessary outdoors. It can be plant specific when they turn as I have 1 that is about a month in and 1 beside it (same strain from seed) that is just starting to flower.

Unless you are willing/able to do light dep, no need to worry. Wont do much good. Nature will do its thing.

A good rule of thumb is when the days get shorter than 13 1/2 hours. But there are many strains that will flower sooner than that. Use Weather Underground to figure out how long your days are. {just type in city or zip where it says search location}

https://www.wunderground.com/us/ca/stockton/zmw:95201.1.99999