For a lot of growers, when it comes to growing cannabis at home, the yield is the most critical aspect. There are other things to consider, such as the potency of your buds. However, there are few things more satisfying than seeing a thriving weed garden. This is especially the case after putting months of hard work into the project.
Full-spectrum nutrients, powerful lights, and perfect humidity all contribute towards better yields. However, the genetic potential of each plant also determines the size of the harvest. Some varieties are small and provide less productive canopies of green. Luckily, breeders have developed highly productive strains that can create bountiful buds.
1. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is widely considered one of the best overall strains in the United States. The seeds that would become Blue Dream were first planted in the soil of the surf town of Santa Cruz. This 60 percent sativa-dominant hybrid was also one of the centers of the medical marijuana community.
It is a cross of Super Silver Haze and a Blueberry indica with a potentially high THC content; strains range from 17-24 percent. Its 2 percent CBD level helps boost its potential medicinal qualities.
One of the main reasons for its popularity is the enormous yields associated with the plant. Whether you grow Blue Dream indoors or outside, you can earn a remarkable 21 ounces per plant. Its flowering time is 9-10 weeks. For outdoor growers, Blue Dream is ready for harvest in October.
Blue Dream has attained legendary status for the full-body relaxation it offers. Although it is strong, this is a strain that gently introduces euphoria. This makes it a good option for newbies. However, you can rely on this strain to provide you with a little energy boost in the morning.
The sweet berry scent and taste combination is a joyful experience. Blue Dream is popular among creative individuals. In the medical field, this cannabis strain is the go-to option for those in need of an effective painkiller who do not want exposure to opioids. If you suffer from inflammation, migraines, or menstrual cramps, Blue Dream is worth a try. Individuals with PTSD or depression also use it.
2. White Widow
White Widow is a 60 percent indica-dominant hybrid that was a massive hit in the Amsterdam coffee-shop scene 30 years ago. It is one of the most famous European imports ever to hit American shores.
Dutch breeders created it by crossing a South American sativa with a South Indian indica. It has a THC content of 18-25 percent. When you grow it correctly, you will see glorious, fat, sticky buds coated in gorgeous crystallized resin. If you grow White Widow indoors, it can yield up to 18 ounces per square meter, with a flowering time of 8-9 weeks. Outdoor growers benefit from an even larger yield of up to 21 ounces per plant.
This easy-growing strain thrives in warmer climates but is rugged enough to grow in cooler conditions. When growing outdoors, expect White Widow to be ready for harvest in late October.
There is no question that White Widow is a potent strain, but its effects come on slowly. The result is a smooth and enjoyable high, which paves the way for relaxation. It provides a cerebral high so that you can continue your day’s work without interruption. White Widow is also among the finest social smokes on the market. You can enjoy euphoria and energy without succumbing to couch-lock.
Although it looks as if it has been dipped in sugar, White Widow offers an earthy taste rather than a sweet one. It is yet another medicinal favorite and eases the symptoms of mood disorders such as PTSD, PMS, anxiety, and depression. You can also use White Widow to alleviate your stress levels and fight against fatigue.
3. Northern Lights
Northern Lights, formerly known as CI #5 F1, is an award-winning Indica dominant strain. It only reaches heights of between 39-51 inches tall, making it fairly average in size but still yields up to 16 ounces per square meter.
It is almost entirely Indica, at 90-95 percent, and has a high THC level with an average of 18 percent. Its yield is considered average to high, but when grown well (in a sunny, Mediterranean-like climate or an indoor one that is similar) then it can do really well.
The taste of consuming a Northern Lights product is often described as sweet, spicy, or even bitter. It has a medium amount of CBD and is often consumed to help treat symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, migraines, hypertension, PMS, radiculopathy, and even PTSD.
The plant is heavy in resin and dark green in color, and the high is relaxed, euphoric, comfortable, and sometimes lazy. It has strong appetite-inducing effects that are used to help those suffering from such eating disorders as anorexia.
4. Sour Diesel
The Sour Diesel strain (sometimes called Sour D) is sativa dominant, at 60 percent, with approximately 20-25 percent THC. It also has a medium amount of CBD. This strain of cannabis can reach 71 inches in height, and its flowering period is a lengthy 68 days. Expect its yield to be extremely high at 23 ounces per square meter.
Some growers suggest it is a cross between Mass Super Skunk and 91 Chemdog, while others claim that it is a cross between Mexican sativa and a Chemdog phenotype.
Sour Diesel has round, medium-sized buds with leaves that appear yellowish-green. Red hairs called pistils, structures that operate to catch pollen from male plants, contrast with the densely-packed leaves. When properly cured, the flowers are somewhat sticky. The visibility of trichomes is not as immediately obvious as it is on more resinous strains like White Widow.
Nevertheless, breaking open buds reveals trichomes coating the insides of the dense flowers. The buds have an overpowering smell that, true to this strain’s name, is very similar to gasoline. The odor also has some hints of orange.
The high from Sour Diesel comes on users quickly in the form of a warm and pleasant head rush. An uplift in mood may be noticeable as well. Although Sour Diesel stimulates synaptic activity in the brain, the character of this head high is more spacey than intensely cerebral. Users may feel chatty if surrounded by others or somewhat introspective if enjoying the strain alone.
For many, this soaring high is partially anchored by a slight feeling of physical relaxation. That said, a body high that leads to full-on couchlock is rare. The sense of euphoria that comes with this variety may be helpful in treating some symptoms of mild stress, anxiety, or depression. Its tendency to lead to associative thinking may provoke a bit of creative inspiration. Fans of the strain also describe relief from troublesome aches and pains.
5. Cheese Quake
Cheese Quake is in the middle of the pack on the market in regards to potency, with around 18 percent THC. Its CBD content of up to 1.5 percent also counteracts the psychoactive effects somewhat. As such, it is not a strain that will get you stoned. It is a 60 percent indica-dominant strain that is a cross of Querkle and UK Cheese.
Cheese Quake is a popular strain amongst growers because of its 8-9-week flowering time. It is not unusual for plants to reach 6 feet tall and it can produce around 16 ounces of weed per square meter planted indoors. For outdoor growers, a yield of up to 18 ounces per plant is common. It is also said to grow exceptionally well in a climate akin to that of Colorado.
Cheese Quake affects both the body and mind. It begins with a fantastic mental buzz that lasts for a few minutes. Next, your body begins to relax as the strain’s indica properties become noticeable.
You will feel significantly less stressed, and the cerebral high should bring about a feeling of joy. If you need to focus, use a small amount. This is also a good strain for socializing because of its modest strength. If you consume a lot, however, your mind may become foggy.
The scent of cheese is matched by the delightful savory taste, which has the merest hint of sweet grape. Cheese Quake is one of the best-tasting strains around. This strain does an excellent job of relaxing the muscles. Users say it helps when seeking relief from conditions such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. In larger doses, you can also use Cheese Quake to battle insomnia.
6. Purple Trainwreck
Also known as Granddaddy Wreck, this strain is a cross of Trainwreck and Granddaddy Purple. It is potent with a THC content of up to 25 percent. As it is a balanced 50/50 hybrid, it provides users with the best of all weed highs.
If you decide to grow Purple Trainwreck indoors, please note that it becomes exceptionally tall. Therefore, you will need a large grow room. It has a relatively long flowering time of up to 11 weeks.
Nonetheless, the 18 ounces of quality bud you get per square meter makes it worth the wait. Purple Trainwreck is even more generous when you cultivate it outdoors. It is ready to harvest in mid-October and can produce a remarkable 25 ounces per plant.
With “Trainwreck” in the name, you would expect a hard-hitting strain, and it does not disappoint. For recreational users, Purple Trainwreck is versatile. The uplifting mood is suitable for day-time use as a passenger on a road trip, or for a cerebral, creative mood doing an art project. The indica side of the strain works for friends hanging in the hot tub, watching a movie, meditating, or drifting off to sleep.
People have reported an immediate mental effect that moved very quickly into a lethargic, stoned state. Others say that Purple Trainwreck has targeted pain relief, not just a general dissipation of pain, but a specific body part or area that felt better.
A balanced hybrid for the medical and recreational user, Purple Trainwreck has the ability to satisfy both. The strain works in the mind and the body to produce both joy and calm, pain relief, and eventually peaceful sleep. You should experience an herbal taste coupled with hints of berry and grape. As it is a balanced hybrid, Purple Trainwreck is suitable for patients in need of mental or physical stimulation.
7. Super Silver Haze
Known for being the king of all Sativas in the 1990s, Super Silver Haze has taken home many awards from various Cannabis Cups throughout the years. Carefully bred by two well-known breeders, Shantibaba and Neville, the development of this stain began while Shantibaba was at Greenhouse seeds in the very early 90s. They have continued to cultivate Super Silver Haze at the Mr. Nice Seedbank ever since.
Another from the “Haze” cannabis group, Super Silver Haze is a tall plant that has an extremely high yield.
Super Silver Haze grows best in a hydroponics setup but is still very capable of growing in soil or outside. The Greenhouse seeds version can take longer, up to 11 weeks to grow, than the required 8-10 weeks for the seeds offered at Mr. Nice.
The trade-off is reportedly higher yields of up to 28 ounces per plant indoor or 52 ounces outside, compared to harvests from Mr. Nice seeds of 16 ounces indoor and 18 ounces outdoor per plant. This strain is not recommended for those just starting a grow for the first time. Super Silver Haze can do well with the SCROG and LST methods of growing.
A strain that can make users want to get on their feet, it lacks focus but can be very profound and thought-provoking. Motivating as it can be, Super Silver Haze shifts gears during the second half of its long-lasting high and begins to soothe the body. Users may experience a brightening of colors and sharpening of sounds.
For most users, the strain can be an effective daytime medication for fatigue, mood disorders, nausea, and migraines. Some users may find the bodily effects heavier than others but it may alleviate chronic aches and pains. Super Silver Haze has a high level of THC at 18 percent.
Although it seems to have some indications of an indica, it is actually 80-90 percent sativa. Super Silver Haze is best grown indoors. Smoking it will leave you with a sweet, piney, fruity, pungent flavor.
Super Silver Haze is the cousin to the Silver Haze strain, which grows extremely tall. Super Silver Haze is therefore considered superior by many, given the fact that it does not get so tall (max 87 inches) but still maintains its high yields.
8. Green Gelato
Green Gelato produces small, compact buds. However, it pumps them out in massive quantities. This highly productive strain features 55 percent indica-dominant genetics. Despite that indica-dominance, Green Gelato still produces yields that far exceed some pure sativa varieties.
Breeders at Royal Queen Seeds developed this strain with yield in mind. It is a combination of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbet.
Green Gelato consistently delivers impressive results, both indoors and outdoors. Indoor plants reach a medium height of 32-48 inches and do well even in small grow tents. Prepare to harvest a rewarding yield of up to 25 ounces per square meter after a flowering time of 8-10 weeks.
Outdoor plants can reach up to 78 inches when grown in large containers and raised beds. These tall plants are capable of producing up to 28 ounces per plant. Green Gelato responds well to pruning and training. Topping, LST, and the ScrOG method are all highly recommended methods for max yield.
Green Gelato’s aesthetic buds boast shades of dark green, deep purple, and orange. These resinous blossoms feature a massive THC content of 27 percent. Those who use Green Gelato will be lifted and put down, away from the troubles of their chronic conditions or their stressful days. The high THC content hits you with an initial boost of energy. After you start coming down, you will drift into pure relaxation.
The flavor of Green Gelato draws users to the strain even though its nuances are difficult to describe. It pops with flavors that hit deeper on your palette as you smoke, coming mostly from the strain’s ancestry, which includes a lot of dank kush. Earthy, nutty, sweet, creamy, and minty all come to bear on the aroma and taste of Green Gelato. The exhale even has a layer of spicy tropical citrus.
Those who suffer from chronic symptoms of insomnia, pain, or fatigue should consider Green Gelato.
9. Critical Kush
Critical Kush is an indica strain that delivers powerful, full-body relaxation and soothing mental effects. It is the brainchild of Barney’s Farm, the Amsterdam-based growers who have given us such powerful strains as LSD and Liberty Haze. Critical Kush is a cross between Afghani-descended Critical Mass and OG Kush.
It is strongly indica-dominant at 90 percent and with a high THC content of between 16-29 percent. The 1 percent CBD does little to curb the strain’s powerful effects.
For such a high-yielding cannabis strain, Critical Kush is easy to grow. If you grow outdoors, make sure you live in a warm and temperate climate. During a healthy harvest outdoors, you could end up with 23 ounces of bud per plant.
Best of all, Critical Kush has an early harvest; it is usually ready near the end of September. For indoor growers, the strain has a flowering time of 9-10 weeks. It can produce up to 21 ounces of bud per square meter. This is a “hungry” strain, so make sure it is well fed with appropriate nutrients.
When properly cured, flowers of Critical Kush emit a dank, earthy odor. There are some aromatic hints of citrus which becomes even more evident when grinding the flower. Overall, the impression is dank and kushy.
When combusted, Critical Kush may burn with a harsh and acrid smoke that can sting the eyes and sinuses. On the exhale, this thick smoke tastes like pine with a slightly spicy kick. Critical Kush can be a very pungent smoke, and those looking to keep their consumption discreet should take any necessary precautions.
Critical Kush offers a true creeper of a high, therefore smokers should wait a while after their first toke before boosting dosage. As much as 15 minutes after sampling this strain, users begin to feel a tingle of relaxation spread through the limbs and core. Smokers also report a decreased heart rate and a lessening of muscular tension.
Although mental effects are subtle, Critical Kush does have some effect on the senses, with many reporting visual or auditory distortion. Other than that, smokers should not expect an intense cerebral experience; on the contrary, this bud is more likely to leave users feeling very mellow and euphoric because it is predominantly indica.
As a medical strain, you can use it to handle the symptoms of painful conditions such as muscle spasms, back pain, and joint aches. It is also a good choice for curbing insomnia.
10. Amnesia Haze
Amnesia Haze has a somewhat misleading name: it is a sativa-dominant hybrid that, despite its potency, will not leave you with a severely impaired memory. Composed from a cross of staple strain Haze and several different worldwide landraces, including Thai, Hawaiian, and Afghani, Amnesia Haze may actually drive inspiration rather than forgetfulness.
Haze genetics came to life in California back in the 1960s. After they reached the European cannabis mecca, Holland, breeders tinkered with these legendary strains. Eventually, Amnesia Haze emerged as a promising hybrid. It features 70 percent sativa genetics at about 20-25 percent THC. The Afghani indica in its genetics makes for a well-balanced, albeit somewhat cerebral high.
Indoor plants peak at 55 inches tall, although training techniques, such as LST can keep them closer to the ground, at around 32 inches. Under good quality lights and with a solid feeding regimen, plants will produce up to 23 ounces per square meter after a flowering time of 10-11 weeks. Outdoor plants can tower at the height of 83 inches and produce a huge yield of 25 ounces per plant, ready to crop during late October.
The unique size of the strain buds is matched by a unique scent and taste. The flowers immediately present a lemony tang that is mellowed out by some earthiness. Notes of wood, especially cedar, are evident in the buds. Breaking open the buds gives off a faint spicy scent, which may be familiar to fans of other strains in the Haze family.
It is a smooth strain to smoke. The taste, both immediately and when exhaled, is again typical of Haze strains, with a spicy and citrusy flavor. This can be a pungent strain, and the smell of smoke may linger.
11. Shogun
Shogun is another Royal Queen Seeds creation. This mighty sativa will plunge you into crystal clear cognition, rational and philosophical thinking, and unrivaled motivation. Shogun ticks all of the boxes of a truly great cannabis variety.
Breeders developed this strain using two legendary cannabis varieties, Amnesia Haze and Gorilla Glue 4. Both of these strains are prized for their powerful effects and huge output. Shogun inherited all of their sought-after traits and emerged with 70 percent sativa genetics.
It grows tall, with a vast canopy loaded with glistening flowers. Indoor plants peak at 55 inches and are suited to large grow tents with strong lighting. With its basic needs met, Shogun can easily produce 21 ounces per square meter after a flowering time of 9-11 weeks. Grown outdoors, it will surge to a height of 75 inches and pump out up to 26 ounces per plant by the end of October.
The dark green, frosty flower produces 25 percent THC, medium levels of CBD, and earthy and piney terpenes. Enjoy the stimulating and motivating high throughout the day to accomplish all of your goals with ease. It is not only great for recreational users but also appeals to some medical users looking to combat pain and boost their mood.
12. Skunk XL
This intriguing spin on Skunk genetics combines the sensations of the original strain with enhanced yields. The legendary Skunk was first developed in the 1970s by famed breeder Sam the Skunkman, who utilized an international blend of landrace genetics, Acapulco Gold, Colombian Gold, and Afghan. It did not take long for ambitious breeders to use these new genetics as the foundation for many soon-to-be-famous hybrids, firmly placing the word “Skunk” in the cannabis lexicon.
The breeders at Royal Queen Seeds crossed the Skunk genetics with Afghan genetics to ramp up the productivity of this quintessential sativa. The offspring emerged with a perfectly even split of 50/50 sativa and indica genetics.
Despite having large yields, the Skunk XL plant maintains a relatively small size. Indoor plants reach 24-40 inches tall and can be grown in small grow tents and boxes for convenience. They will produce an impressive 23 ounces per square meter after a brief flowering time of 7-8 weeks. Outdoor specimens grow to taller heights of 62-80 inches and also produce up to 23 ounces per square meter by harvest in October.
Skunk XL’s balanced genetic profile exerts a high that relaxes the body while brightening up the mind. THC levels of 17 percent and medium quantities of CBD keep things mellow and easy to handle. Potent flavors of sweetness and earthiness make every hit a treat.
These traits make Skunk XL ideal for medical users who want to treat their symptoms without being knocked out for the day. Use this strain to help combat depression and stress, or simply indulge in a toke or two to calm a nagging headache or cramps.
