Have you thought about doing any low stress training, or maybe topping it? Those would both keep it a small bush and increase yield. Just a thought.
Anyway. Like previously mentioned, you can flip your plant into flower whenever you want. When I do a indoor cycle, I let them grow for a few months, depending on the cultivar. Then, I flip them.
When I grow outside, I start the seeds at the beginning of January(most of the time) and then put them outside after the last frost of spring. It all boils down to personal preference.
Good luck!