Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Alex Roig
Selecting the best cannabis strains for a small indoor grow is essential for any cannabis enthusiast looking to maximize their yield in a limited space.
The importance of choosing the right strain when you grow indoors cannot be overstated, as it ensures that the plants don’t outgrow their confined environment, leading to better management and healthier growth.
This guide will highlight the top strains to grow indoors that are perfectly suited for growing cannabis indoors, offering a balance of size, yield, and quality to make the most of your compact cultivation area.
We’ll guide you through various stages, from seed germination to harvesting, helping you improve your growing process for a healthier crop and more fruitful harvest.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right strain is crucial for small indoor growing success.
- Northern Lights and Blue Dream excel in indoor environments.
- Effective growing techniques enhance yield and health.
- Each strain requires specific nutrient and environment management.
- Sustainable growing practices are beneficial.
- Understanding individual strain needs is key to cultivation.
Weed Strains Suitable for Indoor Growing
Not all cannabis strains are ideal for indoor growing. The suitability depends on a strain’s growth pattern, size, and environmental needs.
When selecting indoor cannabis strains, it’s important to consider strains that naturally exhibit compact growth, shorter flowering times, and resilience to mold and pests.
While many weed strains are bred for these conditions, making them good choices for indoor growers, others, particularly taller cannabis plants, may not adapt as well due to space and care requirements.
Related Article: Indoor vs outdoor marijuana.
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a quintessential strain known for its powerful and serene high, often leading to a state of deep relaxation. It’s a predominantly Indica variety with roots tracing back to Afghan and Thai landrace strains.
This legendary strain has gained notoriety worldwide for its resilient growth and easy indoor growing, making it a go-to choice for both novice and experienced indoor cannabis growers.
The strain’s impressive trichome production and the dreamy, euphoric effects have cemented its status as one of the most iconic cannabis strains in the world.
Growing Tips
This strain thrives in a stable, controlled indoor growing environment. Utilize a hydroponic setup for faster growth and bigger yields. Implement Low Stress Training (LST) to encourage horizontal growth, making the most of your space.
- Height: 30-50 inches
- THC Level: 16-21%
- Flavor: Piney, earthy, with a hint of sweetness
- Smell: Distinctly spicy and sweet
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
- Yield: High. Approx. 15 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Easy
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers a balanced diet, slightly higher in nitrogen during vegetative growth.
- Other Information: Northern Lights is known for its resilience and is a favorite among first-time growers. Its soothing effects are perfect for evening relaxation.
2. Blue Dream
Blue Dream, a sativa-dominant hybrid, is celebrated for its gentle cerebral invigoration and full-body relaxation.
Originating in California, this strain has achieved legendary status among West Coast strains. It’s a harmonious blend of Blueberry indica with the sativa Haze, balancing full-body relaxation with gentle cerebral stimulation.
Blue Dream’s popularity lies in its ability to offer a mild and manageable high, perfect for easing into a calm and creative state without overwhelming sedation.
Growing Tips
Ensure good air circulation and humidity control as Blue Dream can be prone to mold. It responds well to the Sea of Green (SOG) method, allowing for maximum use of space and light.
- Height: Tall, but manageable indoors
- THC Level: 17-24%
- Flavor: Berry, fruity, herbal
- Smell: Sweet berry with earthy undertones
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest time): 9-10 weeks
- Yield: Very high/21 Ounces
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Requires a nutrient-rich diet, especially during the flowering stage
- Other Information: Blue Dream is popular for its balanced high and is a great daytime strain. It’s known for its uplifting and creative effects.
- Characteristics: Easy to grow, known for euphoric and creative effects.
3. White Widow
White Widow, a balanced hybrid first bred in the Netherlands, is famous for its potent resin production and balanced high.
A cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a resin-heavy South Indian indica, this strain has graced every Dutch coffee shop menu since its birth in the 1990s.
Its buds are white with crystal resin, warning of the potent effects to come. White Widow stimulates a powerful burst of euphoria and energy, sparking conversation and creativity.
Growing Tips
White Widow benefits from moderate feeding and regular pruning to encourage airflow and light penetration. It’s resilient, so it can handle more aggressive training techniques like topping.
- Height: 2-4 feet
- THC Level: 18-25%
- Flavor: Woody, earthy, spicy
- Smell: Pungent, earthy, floral
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 8-9 weeks
- Yield: High/18 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Easy
- Specific Nutrients: Balanced NPK during flowering stage
- Other Information: White Widow is famous for its resinous buds and is a classic strain beloved for its powerful euphoric effects.
- Characteristics: Well-balanced hybrid, easy to grow.
4. Gorilla Glue 4
Gorilla Glue 4, also known as GG4, is a potent hybrid strain that delivers heavy-handed euphoria and relaxation.
It’s a multiple award-winning strain, known for its incredibly sticky buds that are challenging to break apart without a grinder.
Originating from Chocolate Diesel, Sour Dubb, and Chem’s Sister, this strain provides a high that can be felt in both the mind and body, offering relaxation along with a sense of euphoria and creativity.
Growing Tips
This strain requires careful monitoring for nutrient levels and pH balance. It’s a heavy feeder, especially during flowering. Consider using a Screen of Green (ScrOG) setup to manage its height and spread.
- Height: 70-90 inches
- THC Level: Up to 30%
- Flavor: Pine, diesel, chocolate
- Smell: Pungent, earthy, sour
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 8-9 weeks
- Yield: High/2.0
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Responds well to higher phosphorus levels in flowering
- Other Information: Gorilla Glue 4 is known for its extremely sticky buds and powerful effects, making it popular among experienced users.
- Characteristics: Highly potent with sticky buds.
5. OG Kush
OG Kush is a legendary strain with a name that has recognition even outside of the cannabis world. Despite its fame, its exact origins remain a mystery.
Believed to have come from parent weed strains Chemdawg and Hindu Kush, this strain has given rise to a myriad of West Coast strains.
OG Kush is cherished for its ability to crush stress under the weight of its heavy euphoria and has an aroma of earthy pine and sour lemon with woody undertones.
Growing Tips
This strain can be nutrient-sensitive, so start with a mild feeding regimen and adjust as needed. this indoor weed responds well to LST and topping to control height and increase lateral growth.
- Height: Short
- THC Level: 19-26%
- Flavor: Earthy, pine, woody
- Smell: Earthy, herbal, woody
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 8 weeks
- Yield: Moderate to high/Approx 16 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Requires consistent feeding with a balanced nutrient solution
- Other Information: OG Kush is a legendary strain known for its stress-relieving and euphoric effects. It’s a staple in the cannabis community.
- Characteristics: Dense, heavy buds.
6. Strawberry Kush
Strawberry Kush is a mostly indica strain that captures the fruity, sweet flavors of its Strawberry parent and the relaxing effects of the OG Kush. This strain is known for its strong and pleasing aroma reminiscent of fresh strawberries.
It’s a popular choice among those who prefer a milder high without the overwhelming effects, offering a gentle relaxation coupled with a subtle cerebral uplift.
Growing Tips
Ensure consistent, moderate feeding, focusing on phosphorus during the flowering stage. Use LST to maximize light exposure to all the buds.
- Height: Short
- THC Level: 18-23%
- Flavor: Sweet, strawberry, earthy
- Smell: Fruity, sweet, earthy
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): Approximately 8 weeks
- Yield: High/16-23 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Easy to moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers nitrogen in the vegetative stage and a balanced feed during flowering
- Other Information: Strawberry Kush is beloved for its sweet flavor and relaxing effects, making it a great evening strain.
- Characteristics: Potent, beginner-friendly.
7. Bruce Banner
Named after the alter-ego of the comic book superhero the Hulk, Bruce Banner is known for its incredibly high THC content. This powerful hybrid strain has a balance of both sativa and indica effects, offering a euphoric rush of energy followed by a relaxing calm.
Created by blending OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel, Bruce Banner is a dynamic strain with typical effects that include a mind-expanding euphoria followed by a full-body relaxation.
Growing Tips
Prefers slightly acidic soil and consistent moisture levels. Use topping early in the vegetative stage to create multiple colas and increase yield.
- Height: Average
- THC Level: 24-29%
- Flavor: Berry, diesel, sweet
- Smell: Pungent, floral, earthy
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 8-10 weeks
- Yield: High/14-19 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Balanced nutrients with a slight emphasis on potassium during flowering
- Other Information: Bruce Banner is known for its powerful effects, hence the name. It’s a great choice for those seeking a strong, euphoric high.
- Characteristics: Potent, easy to grow.
8. Zkittlez
Zkittlez, an indica-dominant mix of Grape Ape and Grapefruit, is as much a delight to the palate as it is to the mind. This strain is known for its burst of fruity flavors and aromas that resemble its namesake candy.
The effects of Zkittlez are surprisingly uplifting, leaving consumers focused, alert, and happy while relaxing the body to help unwind any time of day.
Growing Tips
These cannabis plants need regular pruning to manage its bushy growth. Pay attention to humidity levels, as its dense buds can attract mold.
- Height: Average
- THC Level: 19-22%
- Flavor: Sweet, berry, grape
- Smell: Fruity, tropical, grape-like
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 8 weeks
- Yield: Moderate/Approx 12-13 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Easy
- Specific Nutrients: Balanced feeding with a slight increase in phosphorus during flowering
- Other Information: Zkittlez is appreciated for its unique flavor and aroma, offering a relaxing and happy high, perfect for unwinding.
- Characteristics: Easy to grow, sweet tropical scent.
9. Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake, also known as Pink Cookies, is a genetic wonder bred from Triangle Kush and Animal Mints. Known for its rich and tangy flavor profile with undertones of earthy pepper, this strain is as delectable as it sounds.
Wedding Cake delivers relaxing and euphoric effects that calm the body and mind, making it an ideal choice for social and creative activities while providing the therapeutic benefits of relaxation.
Growing Tips
It requires a bit more attention to feeding, with a preference for higher levels of potassium during flowering. Adequate spacing between plants is essential to prevent mold and mildew.
- Height: Short
- THC Level: 20-25%
- Flavor: Sweet, vanilla, earthy
- Smell: Rich, tangy, peppery
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 7-9 weeks
- Yield: High/Over a pound
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Requires consistent feeding, especially during the flowering phase
- Other Information: Wedding Cake is known for its sweet taste and powerful relaxing effects, making it a favorite for evening use.
- Characteristics: Easy to grow, dessert-like flavor.
10. Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is a pure indica strain named after the mountain range stretching 500 miles between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where it originated. Renowned for its heavy, sedative effects, this strain provides a calm and relaxing high, ideal for those seeking relief from pain and insomnia.
The aroma of Hindu Kush is typically a sweet and earthy scent, with a subtle sandalwood flavor.
Growing Tips
This pure indica prefers a drier climate, so be cautious with overwatering. It’s a robust strain that responds well to SOG or ScrOG methods.
- Height: Relatively short
- THC Level: 15-20%
- Flavor: Earthy, pine, sweet
- Smell: Woody, earthy, sweet
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Slow to moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 7-8 weeks
- Yield: Moderate/ Large, Resin covered buds
- Ease of Growth: Easy
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers a consistent nutrient schedule with a focus on micronutrients
- Other Information: Hindu Kush is a pure indica strain, famous for its relaxing and sedative effects. It’s great for stress relief and insomnia.
- Characteristics: Classic indica, easy to grow.
11. Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze, with its earthy flavors and uplifting effects, is a staple in the cannabis community. This sativa-dominant strain is a complex cross of strains from South Asia and Jamaica.
Known for its energetic and euphoric high, Amnesia Haze is a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts looking for an invigorating cerebral experience paired with a mild body relaxation.
Growing Tips
Requires a bit more care and attention, especially in terms of feeding and lighting. It benefits from longer vegetative growth to increase yields, so be patient with this strain.
- Height: 31.5 to 55.1 inches
- THC Level: 20-25%
- Flavor: Citrus, lemon, earthy
- Smell: Fresh, lemony, spicy
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Growth Time (Seed to Harvest): 10-12 weeks
- Yield: High/Approx 22 ounces
- Ease of Growth: Challenging
- Specific Nutrients: Requires a rich feeding regime, especially in magnesium and nitrogen
- Other Information: Amnesia Haze is known for its uplifting and energizing effects, making it a popular choice for daytime use.
- Characteristics: Productive, suits mild climates.
To learn more about the best soil for your marijuana plants read this article.
Growing Tips for Small Indoor Spaces
When growing weed indoors in small indoor grows, selecting appropriate equipment and supplies is key. A grow tent is vital for environmental control. High-quality LED lights ensure energy-efficient and effective lighting.
Proper ventilation maintains air circulation and temperature, crucial for plant health. Choosing containers with good drainage is important for root development and moisture management.
These elements together create an ideal growing environment in confined spaces.
Grow Cannabis Indoors Sustainably
Sustainable indoor cultivation focuses on energy efficiency, water conservation, and organic practices. Use energy-efficient LED lights to reduce power consumption and minimize heat output.
Implement water-saving techniques like drip irrigation and reuse runoff water responsibly. Choose organic, peat-free growing mediums and natural fertilizers to enrich the soil and avoid synthetic nutrients.
For pest control, opt for organic methods over chemical pesticides. Efficiently managing your indoor environment through proper insulation and automated systems can further reduce energy use, making growing indoors more sustainable.
Conclusion
Selecting the right cannabis strains for a small indoor grow is a crucial step for any enthusiast aiming to optimize their cultivation space and yield.
Strains like Northern Lights and Blue Dream stand out for their adaptability and manageable growth in confined spaces, while proper growing techniques, nutrient management, and sustainable practices further enhance the cultivation experience.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, understanding the specific needs of different strains remains a key element for successful indoor growing.
Engage With Us
Now, we’d love to hear from you: Which cannabis strains have you found to be particularly rewarding for small indoor grows, and what unique growing tips can you share from your experience?
Leave a comment below and join the discussion!
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