Last Updated February 20th, 2023: As one of the few states that allows home growing in addition to commercially grown cannabis, Michigan is becoming a powerhouse for indoor and outdoor crops. But, with the northern states’ naturally cooler climate, you’ll need to take a few things into consideration when growing outside. One factor that can help successful outdoor growth in Michigan, is choosing a strain that’s best suited for the regions temperatures and environment.
5 Best Michigan Outdoor Strains – Quick Glance:
Michigan Strain Comparison Table
| Strain | THC % | Indica/Sativa | Yield | Flowering Time |
| Super Skunk | 14% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| Blue Cheese | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
| White Widow | 19% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 10-14 Weeks |
| Durban Poison | 20% | Sativa | 19 Oz Per Plant | 9 Weeks |
| Northern Lights | 18% | Indica | 5-15 Oz Per Plant | 7-10 Weeks |
So, if you’re in the Mitten state or neighboring states with similar climates, here’s the top 5 Michigan outdoor strains that you can turn to for maximized yields, and quality crops.
1. Girl Scout Cookies Extreme
A beloved classic gets a modern twist, with the Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Extreme strain. This indica dominant hybrid is considered one of the best outdoor strains for Northeast regions and treats growers to higher than normal yields, too. Coming from a cross of two legends, Durban Poison x OG Kush, GSC Extreme proves to be more potent than without the extreme genetics. Upon harvesting, you’ll enjoy the strain’s highly therapeutic effects that are used to treat symptoms of depression, appetite loss, inflammation, stress, and pain.
With the natural power of the sun, you’ll watch as the beautiful buds grow heavy and dank on notorious flavors. Girl Scout Cookies Extreme gives whiffs of diesel, and spice, with a hint of earthiness. One reason why the strain is so ideal for outdoor growth, is its natural mold, fungal and pest resistance. Making it perfect for beginner or veteran growers, alike.
2. AK-47
You’ll definitely blast high yields with AK-47, one of the best outdoor strains for temperate climates like those found in Michigan. The AK-47 strain comes from a long-standing lineage that proves to be successful with ease, indoors, or outdoors. One thing to keep in mind, is the sativa dominant strain can reach great heights. So, if you’re attempting to conceal your crops from neighbors – topping, or a tall fence will be required.
Up-close, you’ll be blown away by AK-47’s massive buds that glisten with a crystal coating of trichomes. As for potency, AK-47 delivers mild levels of THC for a well-mannered buzz, that’s preferred for daytime use. The strain produces uplifting effects for the mood, and eases everyday stresses and anxiety, with a peaceful calm high. Do keep in mind, AK-47 is an overly pungent Michigan outdoor strain, if you have nosy or less than favorable neighbors. The strain bursts with scents of sour and sweet, earthy aromas.
3. White Widow
Some may ask, is there anything White Widow can’t do? The industry standby is also considered one of the best strains for hot humid climates, like the one Michigan boasts in its idyllic summers. The indica dominant hybrid benefits from outdoor growth overall, producing higher than average yields in ideal conditions. An award-winning strain, White Widow has deep roots from originating landrace strains, adding to its overall hardiness. Meaning, the strain can handle temperature drops, and is often recommended to beginner growers due to her ease in growth.
Perfect for a Michigan outdoor strain, White Widow has a small, compact size for increased discretion. Even though, its shimmering buds covered with frosty crystal trichomes, is a sight to see. After a relatively short flowering time, you’ll enjoy White Widow’s cerebral focused high that delivers the ultimate euphoria. With THC levels that average around 19%, the strain is well-known for well-balanced and mild effects, ideal for novice smokers or frequent veteran consumers.
4. Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue is a beast for most gardens, including its place as one of the best Michigan outdoor strains and most potent outdoor strain. Commonly known as GG, the genetic is infamous for producing extreme levels of THC up to 26%+. As an early finishing outdoor strain too, you’ll be enjoying the crop’s even-keeled almost equally hybrid effects, faster than most. While relatively easy to grow for beginners, you’ll want to time Gorilla Glue in Michigan appropriately to miss any times of frost, and top often to contain her great heights.
Growers and consumers become quite fond of Gorilla Glue’s pleasant and crave worthy aromas. The strain has a smooth yet rich scent of coffee, with hints of chocolate. Of course, upon combustion, the flavors transform into a sour taste, with a punch of strong diesel. Gorilla Glue’s classic essence translates for classic effects, too. The hybrid is a heavy hitter or a one-hit-and-quit for some, with deeply relaxing effects that’ll deliver the case of the munchies.
5. Granddaddy Purple
Last but not least, is another legend for our outdoor strain guide – Granddaddy Purp or GDP. So many growers take on Granddaddy Purp to experience the strain’s mind-blowing appearance, and extraordinary purple buds. What the strain also delivers is an ideal temperament for one of the most potent outdoor strains, reaching up to 23%+ THC. GDP is perfect for first-time or novice growers, especially if they prefer indica effects.
Granddaddy Purp is uniquely 100% indica, and is one of the best strains for hot humid climates, like the temps of Michigan’s summers. Overtime, the plant packs on weight and treats its growers to high yields, and alluring aromas. GDP is more than just a pretty face, as the crops produce a pleasurable sweet fruity scent, with hints of berries and grapes. Effect wise, the indica strain is preferred for nighttime use and is highly relaxing and relieving of stress, and pain.
Seed Banks That Ship To Michigan:
Now that cannabis is legal in Michigan, it’s gotten even easier to get cannabis seeds shipped right to your front door! Below are our top 3 seed banks that ship to Michigan. They all offer high-quality cannabis seeds with germination guarantees and competitive prices!
- ILovevGrowingMarijuana.com | (Our Review) – Free Shipping
- Crop King Seeds | (Our Review)- Many Payment Methods Accepted
- WeedSeedsExpress | (Our Review) – Great Strain Selection
Northern Climates for Maximized Yields
Northern climates can definitely be ideal for maximized yields, using the strains we recommended today and keeping a few tips in mind. When outdoor growing in Michigan, it’s key to time your crops just right to ensure you harvest before the cool night temps, that creep in near fall. If you’re worried about timing, the autoflowering versions of these strains will work, and deliver faster than normal flowering times.
Also, be aware that while nights can be cooler, days can be humid, so always pick a strain that can endure periods of high humidity or ones that even benefit from it. Regardless, the Michigan environment and climate is well-suited for growing cannabis outdoors during summer months. Outside this time, growers will have to construct a greenhouse system, with heat, and lighting, to grow successfully outdoors in the Mitten state’s cold, long winters. Just like any colder climate such as New England or Pacific Northwest, you do need to take a little bit more care.
So go on, use this outdoor strain guide to try your hand at growing outdoors Michiganders and enjoy the yields that come from its conditions.
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