Best Outdoor Weed Strains

Growing Weed Indoors vs Outdoors: What is the Difference?

It seems odd. For centuries upon centuries, weed was cultivated in the great outdoors with little issue, but then only in the last one has the practice been deemed illicit.

Growers were forced to move their operations indoors where they were undercover from the law. In the process, they made great strides in simulating the natural environment.

They also developed many different strains of weed. Today, however, legislation is starting to move in the opposite direction and more people are finding they are free to once again grow their favored crop in natural sunlight and soil.

So what’s the difference between these two methods?

Indoor growing does have its advantages. Those who cultivate inside can control conditions like temperature, humidity, and aeration. And being able to grow year-round produces multiple harvests.

However, no matter how good the lighting, it cannot match the power of natural sunlight. Plants grown indoors cannot generally produce the same yields as outdoor grown plants.

And because indoor growing is hampered by space limitations, certain tall-growing cannabis plants are simply unsuitable.

Outdoor growing, on the other hand, is far less expensive and labor-intensive. You just need to plant in a sunny place with easy access to a water source.

As noted previously, plants grown outdoors have no limit on the size they can grow, which generally translates to much larger yields. On the other hand, in most areas, you can usually only get one harvest per year.

And while outdoor plants are susceptible to harsh weather conditions and certain pests, they can also take advantage of beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

Top 10 Outdoor Cannabis Strains for 2021

1. Godfather OG

A California native, feminized Godfather OG seeds are easy to grow and do well in both hot and cold climates. Thick-stemmed with strong branches, they yield about 450 grams per plant.

2. Grape Ape

Cartoon aficionados may remember Grape Ape as the friendly 40-foot purple gorilla that graced television screens in the mid-1970s. This indica strain, also known as Purple Ape, is recognizable for its purple tones and skunky, earthy flavor.

THC content is about 21 percent and the onset of a high comes on slowly. It’s a great choice for those who suffer from anxiety.

3. OG Kush

Original ganster? Ocean grown? or Overgrown.com? No one is quite certain what the OG stands for in the name, but this California native with largish nugget-sized buds gets plenty of high marks from everyone from the medical marijuana community to Snoop Dogg.

With a consistent 20 to 25 percent THC makeup, it’s known to be potent. It’s also quite aromatic.

4. Girl Scout Cookies autoflower

Want to feel euphoric, creative, or just plain happy? Then this is the girl for you. Tall, fast-growing, and beautiful to behold, Girl Scout Cookies is a great choice for beginner outdoor growers.

And because of its auto-flowering capabilities, it allows for multiple harvests in a single season.

5. Super Silver Haze

The high you’ll get from Super Silver Haze comes on fast and hard and lasts a good long time. The taste is described as spicy and herbal. THC content averages between 18 and 23 percent.

This sativa-dominant strain (80 percent sativa/20 percent indica) does best in a warm climate with low humidity and is most suited for expert growers.

6. Purple Haze

Listen up, beginners! If you’re new to growing outdoors, Purple Haze is a good strain to get started with. Named for the Jimi Hendrix song of the same name, this sweet and spicy sativa strain provides high octane cerebral stimulation while also being easy to grow.

How nice is that?

7. Gorilla Glue autoflower

Did you know you can combine two or more strains of weed together? This combo of Sour Dubb, Chocolate Diesel, and Chem’s Sister is one such example. It weighs a little more heavily on the indica side providing the user with a more relaxing and uplifting high.

8. White Widow

The feminized seeds from this Netherlands-born strain can grow to two meters outdoors, ready to harvest in as little as nine weeks. It’s a great choice for invoking creativity and conversation.

9. Pineapple Express

Have you ever wished you could escape to a tropical paradise? The fruity peach and citrus flavors of this indica-heavy strain will take you there–at least when you’re enjoying a high.

These tall-growing plants with a short flowering period net THC levels in the 19 percent range.

10. Zkittlez

Another indica-dominant strain, Zkittlez, not surprisingly gives off a candy-like aroma. This award-winning strain blankets its users in comforting thoughts and relaxing sensations.

It can net outdoor growers with 400 to 600g per plant.

How to Choose the Right Strain For Yourself?

Marijuana is a bit like enjoying a fine wine or craft beer. The best way to find what you like is simply to sample a wide variety. There are, however, a few key things to look out for.

Taste and Aroma

We’re sure you’re the generous type who loves to share your weed, but if you don’t like the taste or can’t stand the smell of a particular strain of weed, there’s no point in growing it. Your weed has to satisfy your discriminating palate first!

THC and CBD Content

Are you looking for a powerful high? Or do you prefer to get mellow? Choosing a strain with the right balance of these two cannabinoids is essential.

Your Level of Growing Experience

Not all strains of marijuana are simple to grow. If you’re a beginner, keep that in mind and start with one that has a reputation for ease. Auto-flowering strains are often a good choice in this case.

You can always build on your skills and work your way up to more challenging strains.

Indica or Sativa?

These two major strains tend to produce different mind and body experiences and knowing which kind of high you most enjoy will help guide your decisions about which strain you prefer to be dominant.

Size and Type of Plant

If you’re growing indoors and have limited space, you’ll want to avoid seeds that produce over large plants. Likewise, if natural sunlight cannot be readily counted on, an auto-flowering strain is often a better choice, even if you might have to compromise a bit on THC levels.

Indoors or Outdoors?

How you plan to grow your plants is also an important consideration. If outdoors is your preference, you’ll want to choose a strain that works well in your native environment. Hopefully, one on our list will inspire you!

How to Protect Your Cannabis Outdoors

Growing outdoors has its advantages, but protecting your plants from harsh weather and outdoor pests are two problems that can work against you.

Still, there’s a lot you can do to protect your crops. Insects can be a big problem, but one way to ward them off is by putting in companion plants like lavender and basil that are offputting to pests.

You can also bring in beneficial insects like ladybugs that help do the same job.

If rodents, rabbits, or even cats and dogs are destroying your crops, installing cages or fences that go down below the surface of the earth to protect the roots will go a long way to protect them.

And if rain, wind, cold, and other weather conditions are a major problem, you may want to construct a greenhouse to protect your plants from those harsher elements. There are many inexpensive options to be found online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Weed Outdoors

Have questions? We’ve got the answers!

1. Is it legal to grow weed outdoors?

Whether or not you can grow weed outdoors depends on the state you live in and the laws in place. Keep in mind also that the rules are constantly evolving.

For example, Connecticut legalized the possession and use of marijuana in July of 2021, but residents won’t be able to grow their own until July of 2023. And although it isn’t completely fleshed out, large growers will be expected to meet rigid standards and obtain the proper licensing while individual home growers will most likely be limited to the number of plants they can grow at home.

In short, if you want to grow your own marijuana, be sure to check with your state and local authorities first.

2. Where can I get the seeds to grow weed?

There are a number of online websites that offer a wide variety of high-quality seeds to choose from. Additionally, if you like the idea of supporting local businesses, you can often find local seed banks available.

3. How much THC content do my strains need to have?

That depends on the effects you’re looking for from your homegrown weed. If you’re looking for a powerful high, then a strain with a THC content greater than 20 percent would be a good choice.

If you prefer a milder high, then aim for content that’s a bit lower.

Conclusion

While this list is in no way comprehensive, if you are looking to grow au natural, we hope you’ll try at least a few of these outdoor recommendations.

After all, whether you’re a beginner or a full-fledged stoner, you’re never too old to try out new and different strains of weed. It’s a great way to discover new favorites, and if you combine a few, you might even come up with your own bestseller!