When looking for the best outdoor marijuana strains, there are a multitude of factors to take into account– both in terms of the growing process and the result. Thankfully, we went through the trouble of scouring some of the most popular (and powerful) strains to figure out which ones you should grow outdoors.
What to Consider with Outdoor Marijuana Strains
Hardiness
This is probably one of the most important factors when looking for outdoor cannabis strains since you cannot control the environment as strictly as indoor grows. Even keeping the crop in a greenhouse does not guarantee its safety, but plenty of strains come equipped with their own defenses against potential threats.
For example, we all know that trichomes are vital for getting potent yields, but their evolutionary function is to protect the plant from herbivorous insects. However, it is also important to consider strains that naturally resist disease, molds, and fungi by tolerating lower levels of humidity better than others.
Potency & Effect
This is a tricky subject as numerous urban myths proliferate regarding the potency and effect of outdoor cannabis strains. For a long time, people generally believed that outdoor strains produced fewer cannabinoids than indoor strains because outdoor grow operations rarely could control the process as effectively as indoor ones.
However, thanks to advances in cultivation made following medical decriminalization, we now know this to be false. On the contrary, outdoor cannabis strains perform far better than indoor strains when producing cannabinoids due in a large part because natural sunlight is better for the plant than grow lights.
Yield
Whether you grow for personal or commercial purposes, everyone wants the biggest yield they can get, but this does not necessarily need to be the driving factor. Of course, the yield is more important for commercial growers who will be able to generate more profit than personal growers who may not need the excess.
This is another one of the areas where outdoor growing tends to be superior to indoor growing with outdoor plants yielding more than indoor ones. It is worth noting, however, that many indoor strains cultivated over time can produce comparable yields to outdoor crops of the same strain– though this tends not to hold across strains.
Taste, Smell, and Appearance
To a certain extent, these qualities are not the most important for the ostensible purpose of growing, but they still matter to many growers and consumers alike. Thankfully, much like potency and effect, cannabis produces more terpenes, the chemical which gives cannabis its distinctive aroma, when exposed to sunlight.
That said, not all aesthetic qualities of outdoor cannabis benefit from sunlight due to the propensity of outdoor grows producing larger buds. While this may seem nice on the surface, it also has the additional effect of darkening the buds and limiting the density of trichomes which cannot cover the larger outdoor buds the way they do indoor buds.
Flowering Time
This is arguably one of the few areas where indoor strains tend to outperform outdoor operations due to the amount of control you have over the plants’ environment. This is not to suggest that you cannot control the flowering cycle of outdoor operations, but it takes a bit more effort and is not always as reliable.
That said, the only way to truly control an outdoor strain’s flowering time is by controlling the amount of sunlight it receives. To do this, you will need to set up a makeshift greenhouse that you can construct when needed and disassemble when you do not, then block out the plant’s access to sunlight.
Best Outdoor Weed Seeds in Australia
White Widow
This strain likely needs little to no introduction as White Widow is one of the most popular and well-known strains in the world. While its current popularity may have waned over the years since its origin in the 1990s, there is no getting around the fact that it still retains an almost mythical aura.
Part of this reputation almost certainly comes from the fact that this strain won the High Times’ Cannabis Cup in 1995. That said, White Widow is nowhere near one of the more potent strains on our list, but it more than makes up for this fact by being exceptionally easy to grow compared to more temperamental strains.
It also helps that White Widow produces a solid yield of 21 oz/plant when grown outdoors, though it takes a bit longer to get there and is one of the later harvesting strains on our list. Still, the heady, energetic high afforded by White Widow remains one of the most beloved.
Properties
- Genetics – Brazilian Sativa x South Indian Hybrid
- Blend – 60% Indica, 40% Sativa
- Yield – 21 oz/plant
- Height – Medium
- Flowering Time – 9 weeks
- Harvest Time – Late October
- Potency – 19% THC
- Effect – Energetic and Euphoric
Trainwreck
Trainwreck might be one of the most recognized strains in the world, though a big part of this likely comes down to the fact that it has been around longer than most strains too. Well before decriminalization, Trainwreck was one of the few “designer” strains to gain traction with the public.
Granted, the fact that Trainwreck developed in a much earlier stage of cultivation limits it in some ways as it is not one of the more potent strains on our list. That said, as several other “old school” strains, Trainwreck offers an exceptional yield of 25 oz/plant which will be hard to top.
It is worth noting that modern Trainwreck differs a bit from its forebearers as it sports a far more balanced blend of Indica and Sativa than the original strain. This works out well, though, as the earlier strains often brought a heavily relaxed effect that would leave you glued to the couch for hours.
Properties
- Genetics – Mexican Sativa x Thai Sativa x Afghani Indica
- Blend – 35% Indica, 65% Sativa
- Yield – 25 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 9 weeks
- Harvest Time – Late October
- Potency – 14% to 21% THC
- Effect – Happy and Euphoric
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is one of the “newer” strains on our list when compared to some of the classics, though the older strains often needed to be more versatile. Regardless, this strain might be one of the more ideal for general purposes as it checks pretty much every box for both growing and use.
For starters, the Gorilla Glue strain is easily one of the more potent we recommend for outdoor growing with a potency averaging around 26% THC. Even better, this strain backs up its excellent potency by offering solid yields of 21 oz/plant– one of the few on our list to do so.
Keep in mind that despite its even split between 50% Indica and 50% Sativa, Gorilla Glue produces one of the “heavier” highs that can sap your energy. Still, with one of the shorter flowering times and a harvest time that tends to come sooner than others, this is a great outdoor strain.
Properties
- Genetics – Chem’s Sister x Chocolate Diesel x Sour Dubb
- Blend – 50% Indica, 50% Sativa
- Yield – 21 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 8 weeks
- Harvest Time – Mid-October
- Potency – 26% THC
- Effect – Happy and Relaxed
OG Kush
While we may have dipped our toe in the new breed, we are going to take it back to the old school with the OG Kush strain. While its definite origins remain unknown, we do know that it comes from a cross between Chemdawg and some form of Hindu Kush with Old World Paki being a strong contender.
One of the more unusual qualities of this strain is its blend as it is the most strongly Indica strain on our list at 75% Indica and 25% Sativa. Of course, like many of the other “old school” strains, OG Kush is not one of the more potent, though it provides a smooth, relaxing high.
This strain might be better off for personal growers as its yield of 16 oz/plant is fairly low, especially for outdoor growing– though it performs equally as well indoors. However, OG Kush might find a saving grace in the fact that it flowers quicker than most at 8 weeks and harvests earlier too.
Properties
- Genetics – Chemdawg x Old World Paki Kush
- Blend – 75% Indica, 25% Sativa
- Yield – 16 oz/plant
- Height – Short
- Flowering Time – 8 weeks
- Harvest Time – Early October
- Potency – 19% THC
- Effect – Happy and Relaxed
Super Silver Haze
We stay on the old school train to bring the Super Silver Haze strain which is another strain that made a name for itself in the 1990s by winning multiple awards at the Cannabis Cup. While not the most lopsided blend, this strain is heavily Sativa at 90% with only a touch of 10% Indica.
From the “specs” of this strain, it might seem like an odd choice for our list, but we included it because it can handle harsh environments better than pretty much all other contenders. Not only does Super Silver Haze handle hotter temperatures better than most, but it is also one of the more disease-resistant strains.
That said, this strain is likely better-suited for personal growers as it has the smallest yield on our list at only 15 oz/plant. It is also one of the less potent, takes a bit longer to flower than others, and you do not harvest it especially early either with its harvest time coming around mid-October.
Properties
- Genetics – Northern Lights x Haze x Skunk #1
- Blend – 10% Indica, 90% Sativa
- Yield – 15 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 9 to 11 weeks
- Harvest Time – Mid-October
- Potency – 18% THC
- Effect – Happy and Euphoric
LSD
No, we are not talking about the infamous psychedelic drug, though you may be forgiven for mistaking the effects of this strain for that. The LSD strain is noted for one of the “headier” highs on our list and can often leave people feeling mentally foggy, though it is often accompanied by happy and euphoric feelings as well.
Though LSD originally started as a slightly higher Indica blend, it now boasts a bit more Sativa in the blend than Indica. That said, you can still see the origins of this strain’s genetics through its height which continues to be shorter than most of the other entries on our list but densely compact.
Arguably one of the best qualities of the LSD strain for outdoor growers is the fact that it harvests in mid-September, earlier than any of the other options. It also does not hurt that this strain boasts one of the higher potencies as well at 24% THC, though that balances out the slightly lower yield.
Properties
- Genetics – Mazar I Sharif x Skunk #1
- Blend – 45% Indica, 55% Sativa
- Yield – 18 oz/plant
- Height – Short
- Flowering Time – 9 to 10 weeks
- Harvest Time – Mid-September
- Potency – 24% THC
- Effect – Happy and Euphoric
Blue Dream
Blue Dream takes two of the most popular classic strains (Blueberry and Haze) and blends them together, getting the best from each. If you are looking for a “best all-around” outdoor weed strain, this might be the winner as it checks all of the boxes without dominating any of them.
A great example of this is Blue Dream’s excellent combination of potency which averages around 21% THC and yield which provides a healthy 21 oz/plant. It also does not hurt that the 60% Sativa and 40% Indica blend mix the effects better than most with a relaxing and euphoric high while also boasting one of the higher CBD contents.
While not especially fast-growing, the Blue Dream strain harvests a touch earlier than most in October– though it still takes a bit to flower. This strain handles both heat and humidity fairly well, but you should make sure to look for red spider mites.
Properties
- Genetics – Blueberry Indica x Super Silver Haze
- Blend – 40% Indica, 60% Sativa
- Yield – 21 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 9 to 10 weeks
- Harvest Time – October
- Potency – 21% THC
- Effect – Relaxing and Euphoric
Durban Poison
This strain is easily the most lopsided blend on our list and is 100% Sativa as its lineage traces back to South African Sativa with no mixing or hybridizing. The fact that this is a pure Sativa strain makes Durban Poison one of the best strains for daytime use as you will not feel weighed down by the high.
On the contrary, this is one of the more energetic strains that also offers a solid boost to your mood and spirits. What is even more surprising given the effect is that you retain this feeling for hours thanks to Durban Poison’s solid potency of 20% THC– though not everything is ideal.
For commercial growers, this strain might feel a bit sparse considering it only yields around 16 oz/plant and might be better reserved for personal growers. That said, Durban Poison harvests earlier than most, between late September and early October, and boasts some of the best natural pest and mold resistance.
Properties
- Genetics – Pure South African Sativa
- Blend – 100% Sativa
- Yield – 16 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 9 weeks
- Harvest Time – Late September to Early October
- Potency – 20% THC
- Effect – Energetic and Happy
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel is well-known not only among consumers but producers as well thanks to a great combination of qualities that make it perfect for both groups. Famed for its extremely pungent aroma, Sour Diesel is a fairly Sativa-dominant strain with a 70% Sativa and 30% Indica blend.
This makes Sour Diesel another great daytime strain with the high providing some energy but offering more of a happy boost to your spirits and euphoric experience. While reasonably potent, Sour Diesel is not one of the stronger strains on our list but it does pay off better than most for commercial growers.
This comes down to Sour Diesel’s yield which is only met by the Trainwreck strain at 25 oz/plant and part of why this strain earned the moniker “Top Cash Crop Strain.” On the other hand, Sour Diesel takes a bit longer to flower than most and has one of the latest harvest times in Early November.
Properties
- Genetics – Chemdawg 91 x Super Skunk
- Blend – 30% Indica, 70% Sativa
- Yield – 25 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 9 to 10 weeks
- Harvest Time – Early November
- Potency – 20% THC
- Effect – Happy and Euphoric
Green Crack
Green Crack has been around for a while but it did not hit its popularity peak until none other than Snoop Dogg gave it its name, having been called simply “Cush” prior. For the most part, Green Crack is an outdoor grower’s dream with only powdery mildew to worry about.
On average, Green Crack lives up to its name and boasts one of the higher levels of potency on our list with 22% THC. The 60% Sativa and 40% Indica blend leans far heavier to the Sativa end of the spectrum in terms of effect, making this an energetic and happy high that allows you to go about your day unimpeded.
In terms of yield, Green Crack is decent at 20 oz/plant, though that is closer to the median than anything else. However, this strain might more than make up for an average yield with outdoor growers with one of the shorter potential flowering times of 7 to 9 weeks and an earlier harvest time between late September and early October.
Properties
- Genetics – Skunk #1 x Sweet Leaf Indica
- Blend – 40% Indica, 60% Sativa
- Yield – 20 oz/plant
- Height – Tall
- Flowering Time – 7 to 9 weeks
- Harvest Time – Late September to Early October
- Potency – 22% THC
- Effect – Energetic and Happy
Conclusion
As we can see, the best outdoor cannabis strains come in a variety of different blends, though Sativa-dominant strains tend to work a bit better thanks to their taller height. Still, whether you are a commercial grower looking for high yields or a personal grower looking for something special, our list is sure to sport the best outdoor weed strain for whatever you need.
When looking for the best outdoor marijuana strains, there are a multitude of factors to take into account– both in terms of the growing process and the result. Thankfully, we went through the trouble of scouring some of the most popular (and powerful) strains to figure out which ones you should grow outdoors.
