Looking for some of the easiest cannabis strains to grow? Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a forgiving strain to run in your new garden, you can’t go wrong with any of the strains we’ve outlined below. Before we dive into that though, let’s discuss what exactly makes a strain easy to grow and what you need to consider before you jump in. Here’s everything you need to know about the easiest strains to grow.
What makes a strain easy to grow?
Growing cannabis isn’t as easy as it’s cracked up to be. There are so many different factors involving everything from the strain you pick to the way your garden is set up that will determine how your crop turns out. However, some strains are still easier than others to cultivate. As a beginner, you should take two main factors into consideration: how you’re growing, and what you’re growing.
Strains are considered easy to grow when they’re sturdy and resilient. Some strains are more suited to specific climates while others will grow practically anywhere. An easy strain to grow is typically one with older genetics that have evolved to become naturally resistant to pests, mold and diseases over time. These sturdy strains are typically more forgiving to suboptimal environments and care requirements, making them easier for beginners to have a good harvest even on their first try. You’ll also want to consider the size of the strain you choose. Beginner strains are typically smaller and more manageable than larger strains.
However, a lot of different factors come into play when you consider how you’re growing. Easy strains are comfortable both indoors and outdoors whether you have size constraints or not. They also tend to do well in most climates. Check out our indoor and outdoor grow guides for more information on ideal strains based on your environment and growing medium.
Other considerations for your first grow
When you’re getting ready to take the first plunge into growing, there are a lot of factors that will ultimately determine what makes a strain easy for you. Even if you have an ideal growing environment and choose a resilient strain that stays at a smaller size, you should also consider things like turnaround time, yields, odor and overall cost.
First and foremost, you should consider the cost of your first strain. It’s not always smart for beginners to invest lots of money into expensive seeds. While some expensive exotic strains are easy to grow, starting with more affordable seeds makes for a more casual growing experience with less pressure on yourself. Cheap seeds doesn’t mean bad genetics, either. Cheaper seeds typically mean more common strains that still offer high yields and great buds.
If you’re growing outdoors, you’ll have a much shorter growing season than the perpetual nature of an indoor grow. With that in mind, you’ll want to consider strains that flower more quickly than others so you can either rush it and pull two harvests out of one season or make the most out of your shorter northern growing season without running a risk of losing your crop to the elements. The speed that your plants are ready for harvest will be important if you’re trying to pull as much weed as possible both indoors and outdoors.
You should also consider odor. If you’re growing indoors, you’ll usually use a carbon filter and worry less about the smell. However, a pungent odor outdoors can bring pollinators and pests as well as unwanted prying eyes into your garden while your crop flowers. There are many easy low-odor strains to grow, but you should always keep odor in mind when you have to be wary of neighbors or unwanted visitors.
Lastly, you should consider your yields. You’ll get the biggest bang for your buck going for high-yielding strains, though some high-yielders are more difficult to grow. Many high yielders reach large sizes that can be difficult for beginners to care for. However, even though nutrients, water, and lighting bring out a plant’s best traits, genetics still play a role. Go for a strain that yields high at a moderate size.
The 5 easiest strains to grow
Once you’ve considered all of the factors above, you can start looking for strains to add to your garden. Below is a list of the easiest cannabis strains to go, based on their genetics, sturdiness, yield, size and climate requirements. Regardless of whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, you’ll see great results from these beginner strains.
1. Blue Dream (hybrid)
The easiest strain to grow is by far Blue Dream. Blue Dream has been around for a very long time, so it has a natural resistance to many cannabis-related diseases and certain types of molds. The strain is pretty hardy against suboptimal temperatures and conditions, too. Blue Dream can be grown both indoors and outdoors as it stays a relatively manageable size and yields 3-6 ounces per square foot. Best of all, Blue Dream is a fantastic anytime-smoke for its inspiring, upbeat effects and its soothing body buzz. You’re guaranteed to love its sweet blueberry flavor, too.
2. Mango Kush (hybrid)
Mango Kush is always in demand thanks to its extreme mango and pine flavor. This balanced hybrid is a great daytime strain for its upbeat and giggly effects that wash away stress and leave you feeling relaxed. More importantly, the strain is one of the easiest strains to grow thanks to its manageable size. It yields up to 6 ounces per square foot and has a natural resistance to mold and certain diseases. Mango Kush is also one of the fastest-growing strains on this list.
3. Dutch Treat (hybrid)
Dutch Treat is a classic strain known for its sweet fruity flavor and euphoric, relaxed effects. It’s one of the top choices for beginners since it stays on the small side and yields anywhere from 3-6 oz per square foot. Dutch Treat is an ever-impressive strain that makes for a great anytime smoke. Best of all, it too has natural disease resistance and sturdy genetics that grow well both indoors and outdoors in suboptimal conditions.
4. Granddaddy Purple (indica)
Grandaddy Purple, also known as GDP, is an uber-potent grape-flavored indica-dominant strain that’s perfect for beginners. It promotes strong and soothing full-body effects alongside an upbeat and giggly mental effect that is great for soothing stress and helping you get some rest. Granddaddy Purple is a great choice for both indoor and outdoor grows as it’s genetics are quite sturdy and forgiving. Like the others, GDP is also naturally resistant to many diseases and molds. Grandaddy Purple is an exceptionally high yielder checking in under 30”, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor grows.
5. Durban Poison (sativa)
Durban Poison is another one of the easiest cannabis strains to grow, but unlike the others, Durban Poison is a very tall sativa. Keep that in mind if you have space constraints in your indoor grow. Either way, the strain is hardy and grows beautifully both indoors and outdoors. Like the other strains on this list, Durban Poison is also a very sturdy strain that is quite forgiving against the mistakes of newbie growers. It offers upbeat, energizing effects and an earthy, sweet flavor along with moderate yields of 1-3 ounces per square foot.
Other easy strains to grow for beginners
If you’re limited to one type of grow or just looking for something more potent or high yielding for making solventless hash, check out some of these other options. All of the strains mentioned below are good choices for beginners and still pretty easy strains to grow.
- Easy potent strains to grow: Wedding Cake, Gorilla Glue #4, Girl Scout Cookies, Bruce Banner and Kosher Kush
- Easy high-yielding strains to grow: Super Silver Haze, Strawberry Kush, Critical Kush, Purple Trainwreck and Super Skunk
- Easy strains to grow indoors: Blackberry, Blue Cheese, Cinex, Easy Bud and Green Crack
- Easy strains to grow outdoors: Hulk Berry, Durban Poison, OG Kush, Godfather OG and Cinderella 99