10 Best Strains To Grow Outdoors (2023 Update)

From plentiful light to an abundance of space, there are many reasons to grow your Cannabis outdoors.

Most beginner growers want to grow outside because they hear it results in the largest yields possible. While true, not all strains are suitable for outdoor growing!

Only plants with hardy genetics and that will survive your local climate will make their way to harvest.

This is a list of the 10 best strains to grow outdoors.

Free Cannabis Seeds? Check out my list of the best seed bank promotions – Including FREE Seeds, discount codes, and giveaways!

1. Amnesia Haze

Amnesia Haze
THC ContentUp to 21%
CBD ContentInsignificant amount
Aroma/FlavorsLemon, Zesty, Sweet
Plant TypeHybrid (80% Sativa/20% Indica)
DifficultyModerate
ClimateIndoors, Mediterranean
Plant size90-120cm
Flowers70-84 days
YieldsUp to 750g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsEnergetic, Happy, Euphoric, Creativity-Boosting

Named for the cloud-like feeling rather than any forgetful properties it bestows, Amnesia Haze is a potent and delicious Sativa-heavy hybrid.

Winner of both Cannabis and Sativa cubs, it’s known for a cheery and heady high that is perfect for creativity or a day out with friends!

Amnesia Haze is a heavy yielder, and when growing outdoors it can take a little bit longer to bloom than most.

Though slightly trickier to grow than others on our list, Amnesia Haze will reward growers with a 21% THC content and is an excellent choice for an outdoor grow!

2. OG Kush

OG Kush
THC ContentUp to 19%
CBD ContentInsignificant amount
Aroma/FlavorsEarthy, Pine, Herbal, Citrus, Spicey
Plant TypeHybrid (75% Indica/25% Sativa)
DifficultyModerate
ClimateIndoors, Mediterranean, Continental
Plant size50-93cm
Flowers56-63 days
YieldsUp to 500g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsRelaxing, Euphoric, Stress-Relieving

If you live in a warmer climate and are looking for an Indica-dominant strain, OG Kush is an excellent choice for your outdoor grow.

Strong relaxing effects are mixed with a smile-inducing euphoria, making it a favorite of recreational and medicinal patients alike!

OG Kush can be susceptible to mildew and bugs, so make sure that you read up on how to avoid these problems and treat them should they arise.

A powerful pain and stress reliever it’s also known for inducing the munchies, don’t worry – you’ll have 50-60 days of flowering time to decide what snacks to buy!

An ever-popular strain it’s a great choice for your outdoor grow – a good amount of sunshine and some TLC are all that’s required!

3. White Widow

White Widow
THC ContentUp to 19%
CBD ContentInsignificant amounts
Aroma/FlavorsEarthy, Flowery, Woody, Herbal
Plant TypeHybrid (60% Indica/40% Sativa)
DifficultyEasy
ClimateIndoors and cool or sunny climate
Plant size100-200cm
Flowers50 – 60 days
YieldsUp to 650g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsMood-Boosting, Euphoric, Creativity-Boosting, Pain Relief

Growers love White Widow due to resin-heavy buds that produce a heady high.

Grown outdoors White Widow produces even more flower, and responds very well to Sea of Green (SOG) and Screen of Green (ScrOG) growing methods.

It’s also a great strain for beginners, because it’s forgiving and hardy!

Balanced genetics provide powerful euphoric and creativity-boosting effects, and reported benefits include relief from anxiety, depression, stress and chronic pain.

With low care requirements and a legendary high, White Widow is one of our top choices for outdoor growing!

4. Super Skunk

Super Skunk
THC ContentUp to 20%
CBD ContentInsignificant amounts
Aroma/FlavorsSweet, Fruity, Skunky (Aroma)
Plant TypeHybrid (80% Indica/20% Sativa)
DifficultyVery Easy
ClimateIndoors and cool or sunny climate
Plant size100-200cm
Flowers58-67 days
YieldsUp to 600g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsStress Relieving, Relaxing, Increased Sociability

If there’s one strain on our list that almost guarantees a successful outdoor grow, Super Skunk is the one.

Though it prefers a lot of sun like most varieties, it is called a ‘super strain’ because it will prosper in most growing conditions.

Prized for relaxing and stress-relieving effects, it’s also a very sociable high – great for sharing with a loved one or friend!

Whether this is one of your first grows or you’re just looking for a ‘sure thing’, we highly recommend giving Super Skunk a try.

5. Northern Soul

Northern Soul
Aroma/FlavorsEarthy, Woody, Sweet
Plant TypeHybrid (80% Indica/20% Sativa)
DifficultyEasy
ClimateGreenhouse, Indoors, Outdoors
Plant size80-150cm
Flowers63-70 days
YieldsUp to 1000g/m2
GeneticsSkunk #1 x Northern Lights
EffectsMood-Boosting, Relaxing

A cross between Northern Lights and Skunk #1, Northern Soul is THE heaviest yielder on our list!

It thrives outdoors and will do well in most environments; due to a later flowering time however it may need to be harvested before full maturity in colder climates.

It’s also a beautiful plant, growing extremely large leaves that are often purple in color!

The Indica genetics are prominent in this strain, providing pain relief and a calming effect.

Another easy-grower, if you’re looking for a classic stoned high and the potential for amazing yields, then Northern Soul is the strain for you!

6. Strawberry Kush

Strawberry Kush
THC ContentUp to 18%
CBD ContentInsignificant amounts
Aroma/FlavorsStrawberry, Sweet, Berry
Plant TypeHybrid (50% Indica/50% Sativa)
DifficultyEasy
ClimateIndoors, Continental
Plant size100-150cm
Flowers50-55 days
YieldsUp to 550g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsRelaxing, Uplifting, Calming

Strawberry Kush is only available by cloning, but if you’re able to get your hands on one it’s an amazing choice for outdoor growing.

Unlike other strains, it doesn’t necessarily need a hot climate to thrive and since the flowering period is shorter you’ll be able to harvest before cold weather sets in.

Easy to grow, it is also known to respond very well to the Sea of Green (SOG) method of growing; it will grow much taller outdoors than it will inside!

With a potent mixture of calming Indica and uplifting Sativa, this beginner-friendly strain is another outdoor grower that’s sure to bring a delicious harvest.

7. Blueberry

Blueberry
THC ContentUp to 16%
CBD ContentInsignificant amount
Aroma/FlavorsBlueberry, Earthy, Sweet, Pine
Plant TypeHybrid (Indica 80%/Sativa 20%)
DifficultyModerate
ClimateIndoors, Steppe, Mediterranean
Plant size60-150cm
Flowers56-70 days
YieldsUp to 700g/m2
Genetics?x?
EffectsRelaxing, Euphoric, Sleepy

Named for – you guessed it – a notable flavor of blueberries, Blueberry is an Indica-dominant strain that produces a powerfully-euphoric high.

It’s also in high demand, and not just because it’s an Indica Cup winner – it has both a high yield and THC content!

This is one of those strains that thrives outdoors, but is not recommend for first-time growers as it can be quite temperamental and prefers a lot of sun.

Green-thumbed growers will be rewarded, however, with a multi-colored leaf display and crystal-coated buds in the final harvest!

It’s also one of the heavier-yielding strains on our list, growing short and wide to produce flowers that smell and taste amazing.

8. Critical Sour

critical sour
Aroma/FlavorsFruity, Earthy, Spicey
Plant TypeHybrid (80% Indica/20% Sativa)
DifficultyEasy
ClimateIndoors, Outdoors
Plant size100-250cm
Flowers56-63 Days
YieldsUp to 550g/m2
Genetics(Maroc x Grapefruit) x (Auto NL x Auto NL x Auto Critical)
EffectsRelaxing, Physical, Uplifting

Critical Sour is one of the few strains on our list that is actually intended for outdoor cultivation, and when grown correctly it can be absolutely enormous!

Famous for the instant body high and extremely relaxing properties, it’s also a strain that has a very subtle odor which makes it an ideal choice for outdoors.

Thick stems and a hardy nature also make it suitable for growing in various outdoor conditions, and new growers will be happy to hear it’s easy to grow too.

With earlier flowering times, low odor, and excellent yields Critical Sour is not a strain to miss!

9. Shaman Regular

Shaman Regular
THC Content13.7%
CBD ContentInsignificant amount
Aroma/FlavorsSweet, Woody
Plant TypeHybrid (85% Sativa/15% Indica)
DifficultyEasy
ClimateGreenhouse, Outdoors
Plant size90-200cm
Flowers49-56 days
YieldsUp to 700g/m2
GeneticsPurple #1 x Early Skunk
EffectsEuphoric, Heady, Followed by Calming

Fast acting and euphoric, Shaman Regular subsides into a calm and insightful state that will win over any Sativa skeptic.

It’s also a grower’s dream; hardy, resistant to mold and pests – it even flowers quickly and has much higher yields outdoors than when grown inside.

Many growers report not even needing special nutrients with this strain, planting it alongside other vegetables and flowers in the garden and tending as usual.

Despite having a slightly lower THC level (16%) than others on our list, powerful effects and its readiness to battle the elements make this an easy recommendation for top outdoor strains.

10. Early Skunk

Early Skunk
Aroma/FlavorsPungent, Musky, Skunky, Sweet
Plant TypeHybrid (70% Indica/30% Sativa)
DifficultyVery Easy
ClimateGreenhouse, Indoors, Outdoors
Plant size80-110cm
Flowers40-50 day
YieldsUp to 500g/m2
GeneticsEarly Skunk (Skunk #1 x Early Pearl) x Ruderalis
EffectsBody High, Mood-Boosting

Last on our list of top outdoor strains is Early Skunk, a strain that people living in cooler climates should take note of.

Hardy and resilient, this tough lady is grown as far north as Canada and Scandinavia!

It flowers early – well before the first signs of frost, and if you can push harvest out its buds will swell up even more as you get closer to the 50 day mark.

Known for a strong body high, it’s not overly intense nor is it an Indica that will put you to sleep.

At home in almost any environment, if you’ve ever lamented at how many strains require hot sun then Early Skunk just might be the one for you!

cannabis seeds cta 3

Final Thoughts

As we’ve learned, there are some strains that thrive outdoors but different genetics require different climates to do so!

Pick a strain that you think you’ll enjoy – there are plenty of classics here each with different effects!

With a bit of planning and using the tips in our list as a guide, you’re almost guaranteed a successful harvest – start with a hardier or early-flowering strain if you’re worried about temperatures in your area.

Happy growing!

Originally posted 2019-01-26 23:20:08.

James Alexander James Alexander
Hey, I'm James! The founder and head writer here at GreenBudGuru.com. I started this site to share my passion and knowledge of all things cannabis. I used to work as a budtender in central Amsterdam, and have over 7 years of growing experience.

Find me online:

1 thought on “10 Best Strains To Grow Outdoors (2023 Update)”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.