The Best Strains to Grow Outdoors

As the skies begin to clear and the temperatures begin to rise, many people are looking for fun and rewarding outdoor activities for the summer months. For some marijuana enthusiasts, that means giving growing their own cannabis plants outside a try.

The benefits to growing marijuana outdoors range from not having to buy weed for a while to the satisfaction of getting stoned through your own hard work and ingenuity – like hand crafting your own bong, but better.

If you’re a novice looking to find out how green your thumb actually is, below are some of the best outdoor strains to try growing this summer.

While there are many strains that produce excellent flower when grown outdoors in the summer months, these are some of our picks for the best outdoor strains to start with! Plus, many of the strains listed are great for beginners, too. So, find one you like and get started on your outdoor growing adventure!

White Widow

This frosty cola of White Widow is finishing up its bloom and exposing its amber pistols photo credit

There’s a lot that can be said for White Widow’s appearance and potency, especially for those who still remember the legends of this strain coming out of Amsterdam. The fact that this Northern European strain is also one of the best outdoor strains for summer may come as a surprise for many, especially how easily it takes to hot, dry regions.

While the combination of harsh sunlight and high winds that can dry out plants usually means putting in extra effort into your grow, White Widow is your easy button. The gooey coating of resin that gives White Widow its legendary frosty appearance also serves as an excellent defense mechanism against insects and fungi. Combine that with this sativa-dominant hybrid’s remarkable tolerance for high temperatures, even enduring those random heat waves, and you have yourself the ideal summer strain to grow.

Once harvested, the euphoria and energy White Widow gives you will result in plenty of creativity and conversation, perfect for those lazy, hot summer nights on the porch.

Durban Poison

Durban Poison boasts beautiful hues of dark purple and neon green. photo credit

A pure sativa landrace strain originating in South Africa, Durban Poison is a great strain to grow outdoors and can be grown almost any time of the year so long as the weather is decent during harvest time. This strain is known to grow very tall outdoors and is perfect for any sativa lover.

Besides being one of the best outdoor strains, Durban Poison is also one of the best daytime strains to enjoy during summer due to its clear, functional effects and energetic high. Be sure to give it a try if you’re going on an activity like a hike or bike ride!

Super Silver Haze

Super Silver Haze is a relatively easy strain to grow for beginners growing outdoors.

If you’re looking for a heavier sativa with White Widow’s outdoor ruggedness and ease, Super Silver Haze is one of the best outdoor strains for summer growing. For the relatively little effort you have to put in once the seeds are in the ground, Super Silver Haze will spread its roots and quickly produce high-quality, high-volume yields even throughout the hottest days.

It is the lovechild of such notable strains as Northern Lights, Haze, and Skunk. Super Silver Haze produces a fragrant, skunky, and spicy bud that both lifts the spirits and relaxes the body. This strain is perfect to smoke in early September when it’s time to harvest and you’ll need a little inspiration while you trim. Just be certain to give each plant plenty of space to make room for those big yields.

Grape Ape

Grape Ape does well in areas with direct sun, heat, and humidity. photo credit

A cross between Skunk #1 and Afghani, Grape Ape is a popular strain both for its upbeat body high as well as its distinctive grape flavor. Although it’s one of the best outdoor strains, Grape Ape does need a little tenderness. The plant thrives in sheltered outdoor spots, so look for a patch of soil where there’s still plenty of sunlight, heat and humidity.

Give your Grape Ape plants what they want, maintain them regularly and each plant can return a yield of about 750 grams. The deep purple leaves and dense, compact buds offer a carefree, floaty relaxation for those summer days when you’ve got a towel, some swim trunks and nowhere to be but by the water.

LSD

LSD can grow multiple thick colas if topped correctly. photo credit

A favorite among novice growers, LSD makes the list of best outdoor strains due to its natural resistance to common cannabis pests and fungi. Even better, LSD is a low-maintenance strain that flourishes in the summer heat. Similar to Grape Ape, LSD grows best in sheltered outdoor areas, so be sure to plant your seeds in a shielded spot with plenty of warmth and sunshine.

Then, sit back (within reason) and let nature take care of the rest. LSD plants will usually flower in about 9 -10 weeks. A cross between Mazar and Skunk #1 out of Amsterdam, LSD appropriately delivers a vivid, almost psychedelic experience with a powerful body buzz and cerebral high. This is the perfect strain for summer music concerts or just sitting inside with a couple beers and a sci-fi movie on the screen.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream stretching its lengthy, sativa leaves to soak up the outdoor sunlight. photo credit

Blue Dream has been a staple of outdoor cannabis crops for quite some time, boasting big yields and a relatively low-effort growth process. One of the best outdoor strains for novice growers, Blue Dream does well in many summer climates and will take all the sunlight that you can give it.

Although typically grown in hydro to maximize yields, growing Blue Dream outdoors in soil can really bring out the smooth, blueberry flavor this strain is known for. With extremely uplifting and cerebral effects, Blue Dream is a great strain for creative types looking to work on their next summer project. Bring your guitar or art supplies to the park with a joint of this one and make something new in that summer sunshine.

OG Kush

This OG Kush nugget is dusted with trichomes and smells of earthy pine, sour lemon with woody undertones.

One of the most famous strains in America (and best outdoor strains), the origins of OG Kush are rather unknown – although many believe it came out of Florida. OG Kush quickly gained a reputation amongst growers for its potent high and mellow, calming effects.

OG Kush thrives in warmer climates and is one of the simpler strains for novices to grow. Reaching up to 9 feet when grown outdoors, the buds give off a distinct earthy pine and sour lemon scent with woody undertones. Despite growing so tall, OG Kush still has plenty of energy to produce flower and It’s known to yield up to 1100 grams of bud per plant. OG Kush has a reputation as one of the “stonier” strains, so be sure to save it for the end of the day when you’re just getting back home and ready to sleep off your weekend.

While all of these strains are great to start on for the outdoor grower, always do your research and don’t be afraid if there are some losses in your crops at first. As your thumb gets greener, keep reading and trying. There’s plenty of strains out there and who knows what kind of flower garden you’ll have to draw from next summer. Happy growing!

What Are the Easiest Strains to Grow Outdoors?

LSD, OG Kush, Blue Dream, White Widow, and Super Silver Haze are all pretty low-effort, high-reward outdoor strains for newcomers.

What Outdoor Strain Yields the Most?

White Widow yields a lot of resinous buds, Grape Ape can produce plenty of nugs, and Super Silver Haze is no slouch either.

Does Indica or Sativa Grow Better Outside?

It really depends on the strain and your local climate. A Sativa like Super Silver Haze can thrive outdoors in the summer heat, but so can an indica like OG Kush.

Can You Grow Any Strain Outdoors?

Under the right conditions and care, it’s possible. However, many strains require the controlled conditions of a greenhouse to survive, thrive, and produce resinous buds. That’s why it’s important to pick hardier strains when you’re growing outdoors.

What do you think are the best outdoor strains? What are your favorites to grow outdoors and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!