Last Updated on February 8, 2024 by Alex Roig
Exploring the best outdoor strains for cannabis cultivation is crucial for achieving a successful harvest. This guide offers insights into the best outdoor cannabis seeds that thrive in outdoor environments, tailored for gardeners and enthusiasts alike.
From climate adaptability to yield potential, discover the strains that promise a rich and rewarding outdoor growing experience.
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
- Match strains with your climate for optimal growth.
- Choose pest-resistant strains for easier maintenance.
- Align yield expectations with the local growing season.
- Select strains by THC or CBD content for desired effects.
- Opt for Sativas in warmth and Indicas in cooler conditions.
- Use hybrids for versatility in various environmental conditions.
The Impact of Climate on Cannabis Growth
Outdoor cannabis cultivation is heavily influenced by environmental factors. The climate dictates not only the growth cycle but also the health and yield of the plants.
Understanding your local weather patterns, temperature ranges, and seasonal changes is essential in choosing a strain that will thrive in your specific conditions.
Adapting your cultivation techniques to suit your climate can greatly enhance the growth and yield of your cannabis plants.
Here are some key impacts of climate on outdoor cannabis growth:
- Temperature Variations: Extreme temperatures can stress cannabis plants, affecting their growth and potency.
- Sunlight Exposure: The amount and intensity of sunlight received influences the flowering cycle of cannabis plants.
- Rainfall and Humidity: Too much rain can lead to mold, while low humidity may require increased watering.
- Wind and Storms: Strong winds can damage plants and increase water evaporation.
- Season Length: The growing season’s length determines the suitability of certain cannabis strains.
- Soil Quality: Climate affects soil conditions, impacting plant health and growth.
Advantages of Growing Cannabis Outdoors
The advantages of growing cannabis outdoors are significant, offering a set of benefits that indoor cultivation can struggle to match.
The natural environment provides the plants with the full spectrum of sunlight, which is essential for optimal photosynthesis and is challenging to replicate artificially.
This natural light can lead to stronger, healthier plants and, often, a more significant yield. Outdoor cultivation allows the plants to grow in their natural rhythm with the seasons, which can enhance their growth cycle and potency.
Growing outdoors also tends to be less resource-intensive than indoor cultivation, reducing the need for artificial lighting, ventilation systems, and temperature control.
This not only makes it more cost-effective but also more environmentally friendly.
Read this article if you want to learn the best strains to grow for a small indoor grow.
Top Strains for Outdoor Cultivation
Selecting the right strains for outdoor cannabis cultivation is crucial for success. Ideal strains are climate-resistant, pest-tolerant, and match local flowering seasons, ensuring a bountiful and resilient harvest.
Related Article: A guide on the differences between Indica and Sativa.
Sativa Strains: Ideal for Warm Climates
Sativa strains, with their tall stature and long flowering periods, are perfectly suited to the warm embrace of tropical climates.
These plants flourish under the sun, leveraging the extended daylight to develop their potent and aromatic profiles.
Ideal for growers in warmer regions, Sativas offer a vibrant and energetic harvest, reflecting the lively essence of their equatorial roots.
Here are some sativa strains that are perfect for growing outdoors.
Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze, with its high THC content and lively, energetic effects, stands out as a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.
This sativa-dominant hybrid delivers a potent cerebral high, marked by creativity and euphoria. Its complex aroma of citrus and earth, paired with a zesty lemon flavor, makes it as enjoyable to the senses as it is uplifting to the spirit.
Perfect for those looking to enhance their day with a burst of energy and creativity, Amnesia Haze is a true gem in the cannabis world.
- Height: 30-50 inches
- THC Level: 20-25%
- Flavor: Citrus, lemon, earthy, with a hint of sweetness
- Smell: Freshly zesty lemon with a spicy undertone
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks
- Yield: High. Approx. 25 ounces per plant outdoors
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. Requires some experience due to sensitivity to pests and mold.
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from magnesium and a higher phosphorus ratio during the flowering stage.
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze, renowned for its uplifting effects and robust growth in warm climates, is a sativa-dominant classic that energizes the mind while soothing the body.
Thriving under the sun, this strain combines spicy, earthy flavors with a sweet backdrop, making it a favorite for those seeking a creative buzz and a strong, resilient garden performer.
Perfect for daytime use, Super Silver Haze leaves users feeling euphoric and invigorated, ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
- Height: 4-6 feet (indoors can be shorter)
- THC Level: 18-23%
- Flavor: Earthy, citrus, and sweet
- Smell: Pungent, skunky with a hint of spice
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 9-11 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 19 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 14 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. It requires some experience due to its need for specific light and humidity conditions.
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from a well-balanced nutrient regime, with extra magnesium during flowering.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel, a swift and invigorating strain, stands out for its fast-acting, energizing effects that perfectly complement a sunny environment.
Known for its pungent diesel aroma paired with a hint of citrus, this strain delivers an exhilarating mental buzz that sharpens focus while easing stress.
Its popularity lies in its ability to uplift and energize, making it ideal for daytime use. Sour Diesel’s resilience and rapid growth in sunny climates make it a favored choice for cultivators seeking robust, high-yielding plants.
- Height: 4-5 feet
- THC Level: 19-25%
- Flavor: Diesel, earthy, with a hint of lemon
- Smell: Pungent diesel with citrus notes
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 10-12 weeksYield: High. Indoors: up to 16 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 24 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. It requires some attention to manage its height and aroma.
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers nitrogen-rich nutrients during the vegetative stage and phosphorus during flowering.
Durban Poison
Durban Poison is pure sativa strain that shines in its natural ability to provide a clear, energizing high, perfect for daytime tasks. Originating from South Africa, this strain is cherished for its sweet, earthy aroma and hints of pine.
It thrives in sunny environments, growing tall and fast with generous yields. Durban Poison’s uplifting effects are not just cerebral but also boost creativity and productivity, making it a favorite among those with a busy lifestyle.
- Height: 5-7 feet
- THC Level: 15-20%
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy, pine
- Smell: Earthy with sweet and pine notes
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 13 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 16 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Easy. It is a robust strain that adapts well to various growing conditions.
- Specific Nutrients: Requires a standard nutrient regimen but responds well to added nitrogen in the vegetative stage.
Green Crack
Green Crack, with its sharp energy and focus, ignites a vibrant buzz that’s perfect for daytime use. This strain boasts a tangy, fruity flavor reminiscent of mango, making it a delightful treat.
Green Crack thrives in sunny environments, displaying vigorous growth and resilience. Its ability to deliver a fatigue-fighting boost while enhancing mood and concentration has made it immensely popular among those seeking a mental lift without the crash.
- Height: 3-4 feet
- THC Level: 15-20%
- Flavor: Citrus, sweet, with a mango twist
- Smell: Fruity, tropical
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 18 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 20 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Easy. It’s adaptable to both indoor and outdoor cultivation with minimal fuss.
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers light feeding with an emphasis on nitrogen in the vegetative stage and potassium during the flowering phase.
Indica Strains: Perfect for Cooler Climates
Indica strains excel in cooler climates with their compact growth and quick flowering times. Ideal for short growing seasons, these dense, bushy plants are perfect for maximizing yields in limited spaces, offering a soothing, relaxing high that matches the calm of cooler days.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a quintessential strain for those seeking resilience and tranquility, making it a perfect match for cooler climates.
Its relaxing effects and ease of growth have made it a favorite among both novices and seasoned growers.
With its sweet, earthy aroma and quick flowering time, Northern Lights stands out as a low-maintenance strain that doesn’t skimp on quality.
- Height: 4-5 feet
- THC Level: 16-21%
- Flavor: Piney, earthy, with a hint of sweetness
- Yield: High. Approx. 15 ounces per square meter
- Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Ease of Growth: Easy
Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is an indica-dominant strain known for its unique aroma and flavor profile, combining sweet blueberry and savory cheese.
This strain is highly resistant to cooler temperatures and molds, making it an excellent choice for outdoor cultivation.
Blue Cheese flowers relatively quickly and produces dense, resinous buds that offer a relaxing and sedative effect.
- Height: 3-4 feet (ideal for outdoor stealth)
- THC Level: 15-20%
- Flavor: Unique blend of blueberry and cheese
- Smell: Cheese with a sweet blueberry undertone
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 18 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 19 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Easy to moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Enjoys a balanced nutrient mix with extra potassium during flowering to enhance bud quality.
Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple (GDP) is a famous indica that thrives in cooler outdoor environments, known for its striking purple hues and fruity, berry aroma.
GDP is a robust grower that produces high yields of potent flowers. Its effects are deeply relaxing, often leading to a couch-lock experience, making it ideal for evening use.
- Height: 3-4 feet
- THC Level: 17-24%
- Flavor: Sweet, grape, and berry
- Smell: Fruity with earthy undertones
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 8-11 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 17 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 14 ounces per plant.
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. Requires some care to achieve the best coloration and flavor.
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from a slightly increased phosphorus intake during flowering to support its vibrant purple coloring and dense bud structure.
Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush is a classic indica strain with a reputation for its stress-relieving and sleep-inducing effects. It is well-suited for outdoor cultivation in cooler climates due to its sturdy structure and resistance to pests and diseases.
Bubba Kush has a sweet, earthy flavor with hints of chocolate and coffee, producing compact buds rich in THC.
- Height: 2-4 feet (compact and bushy)
- THC Level: 18-22%
- Flavor: Sweet, with notes of chocolate and coffee
- Smell: Earthy and sweet, with a hint of coffee
- Mold Resistance: Moderate to high
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks
- Yield: Moderate. Indoors: up to 15 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 17 ounces per plant.
- Ease of Growth: Easy. It’s a resilient strain that adapts well to various growing conditions.
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers a rich, organic soil mix and benefits from additional magnesium to support its dense bud production and deep flavors.
Critical Mass
Critical Mass is a powerhouse with its high yield potential and short flowering time, making it an excellent choice for temperate climates.
This cannabis strain is beloved for its massive buds that may require support due to their weight. It delivers a relaxing, sedative effect with a sweet, earthy aroma, perfect for winding down.
- Height: 3-4 feet
- THC Level: 19-22%
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy, with a hint of citrus
- Yield: Very high. Up to 22 ounces per square meter
- Flowering Time: 6-8 weeks
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Ease of Growth: Easy
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from phosphorus-rich nutrients during flowering to support its heavy, dense buds.
Hybrid Strains: Best of Both Worlds
Hybrids combine the characteristics of both Sativa and Indica strains. They can be tailored to suit a wide range of climates and preferences.
Hybrid Strains: Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid outdoor cannabis strains offer the best of both worlds, combining Sativa’s energy with Indica’s relaxation. Tailored to suit various climates and preferences, hybrids provide a balanced experience, appealing to a broad spectrum of cannabis users.
Their adaptability makes them ideal for growers seeking versatility and consumers looking for a nuanced effect, whether it’s for upliftment, calm, or a blend of both.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
This popular hybrid is renowned for its sweet, earthy aroma and potent effects that offer a blend of euphoria and full-body relaxation.
GSC is versatile in its growth, adapting well to both indoor and outdoor environments, and is known for its high THC content and dense, resinous buds.
- Height: 3-5 feet
- THC Level: 19-28%
- Flavor: Sweet, earthy, mint
- Smell: Earthy, sweet, with a hint of mint
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 9-10 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 10 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 10-12 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. It requires some experience due to its sensitivity to mold and pests.
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from a balanced nutrient regimen with a slight increase in phosphorus during the flowering stage.
Sour Diesel
A hybrid known for its high CBD content and low THC levels, making it ideal for medicinal users seeking relief without intense psychoactive effects.
Sour Tsunami has a distinctive diesel aroma with sweet undertones and is adaptable to various climates, showing resilience especially in cooler temperatures.
- Height: 4-5 feet
- THC Level: 19-25%
- Flavor: Diesel, earthy, with a hint of lemon
- Smell: Pungent diesel with citrus notes
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 16 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 24 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate. It requires some attention to manage its height and aroma.
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers nitrogen-rich nutrients during the vegetative stage and phosphorus during flowering.
AK-47
The AK-47 strain is renowned for its straightforward cultivation and robust yields across diverse climates. This hybrid offers a balanced high, blending cerebral stimulation with physical relaxation.
Its adaptability and short flowering period make it a favorite for outdoor growers, delivering rich, spicy-sweet aromas and a strong, satisfying effect.
- Height: 4-6 feet
- THC Level: 13-20%
- Flavor: Earthy, sweet, floral
- Smell: Skunky, earthy, with floral notes
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 14 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 14 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Easy. It’s a hardy cannabis strain that can tolerate fluctuations in environmental conditions.
- Specific Nutrients: Prefers a nutrient-rich soil with added nitrogen in the vegetative stage and a boost in potassium during the flowering phase.
Pineapple Haze
Pineapple Haze combines the tropical aroma of pineapples with the cerebral elevation of a classic Haze, resulting in a strain that energizes the mind while delighting the senses with its fruity flavor.
This sativa-dominant hybrid is known for its long-lasting, energetic buzz, making it ideal for creative endeavors or social gatherings.
Thriving in sunny environments, Pineapple Haze’s generous yields and resilience make it a top choice for outdoor cultivation among enthusiasts seeking a blend of productivity and pleasure.
- Height: 5-6 feet
- THC Level: 17-24%
- Flavor: Fruity, tropical, with a hint of pine
- Smell: Sweet pineapples
- Mold Resistance: Moderate
- Growth Speed: Fast
- Flowering Time: 10-12 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 19 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 21 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate, requiring some experience to handle its size and optimize its yield.
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from a balanced nutrient regimen with a slight emphasis on phosphorus during the flowering stage to support its dense bud development.
Jack Herer
This strain is a tribute to the legendary cannabis activist, blending a cerebral elevation with a blissful, clear-headed buzz.
This strain is renowned for its potential to spark creativity and provide energy, making it ideal for daytime use.
Thriving under the sun, Jack Herer prefers sunny climates where its resinous buds can reach their full potential.
With a spicy, pine-scented aroma and a quick flowering time, this cannabis strain is a favorite among those who appreciate a mindful high that encourages productivity.
- Height: 4-6 feet
- THC Level: 18-23%
- Flavor: Earthy, pine, spicy
- Smell: Pine, with a hint of spice
- Mold Resistance: High
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Flowering Time: 8-10 weeks
- Yield: High. Indoors: up to 18 ounces per square meter; Outdoors: up to 20 ounces per plant
- Ease of Growth: Moderate
- Specific Nutrients: Benefits from increased nitrogen in the vegetative stage and a boost in phosphorus and potassium during flowering.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Strain
Resistance to Pests and Diseases
Outdoor cannabis plants are exposed to a broader range of pests and diseases compared to indoor plants. Choosing a cannabis strain with natural resistance can save a lot of effort and resources in pest and disease management.
Choosing the best outdoor cannabis strains with natural pest and disease resistance is essential for outdoor cannabis growers.
These strains reduce reliance on chemicals, lower cultivation costs, and support sustainable farming by effectively combating common outdoor threats like mold and mites.
This approach leads to healthier outdoor plants, better yields, and aligns with eco-friendly growing practices.
Yield and Harvest Time
The potential yield and harvest time are critical factors for outdoor growers. Some strains offer higher yields but may require a longer growing period, while others might be quick to harvest but offer less bounty.
For outdoor cultivation, balancing yield with harvest time is crucial, considering local climate and seasonal shifts. Selecting strains that match the growing season ensures optimal growth and potency, avoiding environmental stress impacts.
THC and CBD Content
The cannabinoid profile, particularly THC and CBD levels, is a crucial consideration for many outdoor growers.
Strains with high THC levels are often sought after for their potent effects, while high CBD strains are popular for their therapeutic properties.
This strategic approach allows growers that grow outdoors to maximize their harvests by choosing strains that are best suited to their specific environmental conditions.
It helps in preventing crop loss due to unforeseen weather challenges, ensuring a successful and rewarding cultivation cycle.
Conclusion
The success of outdoor cannabis cultivation heavily depends on selecting the right strain that aligns with your local climate, offers resistance to pests and diseases, and meets your yield and cannabinoid content expectations.
Whether you lean towards the energetic buzz of Sativas, the soothing calm of Indicas, or the balanced experience of hybrids, understanding the unique requirements and benefits of each strain can greatly enhance your gardening journey.
By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure a rewarding and fruitful harvest that matches your cultivation goals.
Engage With Us
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What has been your experience with outdoor cannabis cultivation? Do you have a favorite strain that thrives in your garden?
Share your stories and tips in the comments below to join the conversation and help fellow enthusiasts grow their green thumb!
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