Last Updated January 31st, 2023: If you enjoy cannabis, odds are you have considered trying to grow your own. I mean, we all love a good old science experiment. Especially if the result is something we can light up and smoke, am I right?
Quick Look At Our Best Outdoor Strains For Florida:
- White Widow
- Super Silver Haze
- Lambs Breath
- Sour Diesel
- Purple Haze
- Super Skunk
- Northern Lights
- Blue Cheese
- Durban Poison
| 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, let’s figure out how to navigate growing cannabis for ourselves. First and foremost, the most important thing for us to consider is the climate. As we already know, Florida has a hot and somewhat tropical environment. With that being said, it’s safe to assume, even though cannabis plants adapt to their environment well, that some strains will grow better than others. Today, we will look into 9 of the best strains to grow here in Florida (or anywhere along the Gulf Coast, for that matter) and how to be successful in growing them by yourself.
Growing Cannabis in Florida:
Two things impact the overall growth of any cannabis plant: genetics and environment. The plant’s genetic makeup, also called a genotype, acts as a blueprint for growth: it allows a wide range of physical possibilities, but it is up to the environment to induce these characteristics and bring them out. The physical appearance is referred to as a phenotype, which is defined as the traits that the environment pulls out from the plant’s genetic code. Everything from color, shape, smell, and resin production is affected by the environment.
Growers and scientists alike have found that Sativa dominant phenotype plants do better in a tropical environment.
For example- strains such as Sour Diesel that are Sativa phenotype dominant grow really well in the states along the Gulf Coast- Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama. When considering marijuana, It is wise to pick out a tropical strain to ensure the environment is fitting.
Sativa and Indica have physical differences growing. Indicas have adapted fatter leaves to gather as much sun as possible in colder, fewer sun areas and finish faster because the growing season is shorter. Sativas have thinner leaves adapted to catch rays of more intense sun, growing taller and taking much more time to ripen.
Here is a fun fact: cannabis plants adapt well! However, doing your best to control the temperature as much as possible is always recommended. Depending on your locations, you could consider building a light frame to add a shade cloth over the plants since the sun shines so bright in Florida. Most strains will grow well in Florida. High humidity and the intense sun is critical. Much of the growth itself comes down to personal preference. Flavors, effects, grow time, ease of growth. And of course, there are small tricks that can help increase growth—such as placing your plants in the shade while growing outdoors. Doing so is totally fine, but it should not be full shade. Since the sun moves around, find somewhere that has spotted shade. That way, as the sun moves, it will allow different areas of the plant to cool as the sunlight moves through the branches.
Here are the best 9 strains to try growing today!
White Widow
Among the most celebrated strains worldwide is White Widow, a hybrid first bred in the Netherlands by Green House Seeds. In fact, you can find White Widow at every Dutch coffee shop since the mid-’90s. White Widow has been around for a while now. Even so, because of its unique and wonderful high, it continues to tantalize, tempt, and daze cannabis connoisseurs worldwide. Its buds are white with crystal resin, foreshadowing the potent effects to come. White Widow boasts an all-consuming and robust kind of high that is hard to find in many other strains. Because this is an auto-flowering strain, it is easy to grow and usually completes flowering within eight weeks.
Growth Information
- Cultivation time: 8 weeks
- Overall yield: Moderate
- Climate: 70-80 Fahrenheit
- Environment: Indoor or Outdoor
- Difficulty level: Difficult
Super Silver Haze
Super Silver Haze was a 1st Place prize winner for High Times Cannabis Cup for three consecutive years from 1997-1999. Marijuana connoisseurs love this strain’s energetic and long-lasting body high! Super Silver Haze is a sticky strain that combats high stress and helps anyone suffering from lack of appetite or nausea.
The seeds come from Amsterdam’s Green House Seeds in the mid-90s by crossing Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. Many growers say this one of the best Sativa-dominant strains ever bred. When growing Super Silver Haze, low-stress training will help to control its growth and increase the yield. Additionally, if you remove the growth from the plant’s base, it will promote growth in the canopy.
Growth information
- Cultivation time: 10-11 weeks
- Overall Yield: Moderate
- Climate: 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Outdoor is ideal in Florida
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Lambs Breath
Also known as Lambs Bread, Lambs Breath is a wonderful Sativa dominant strain that induces uplifting effects after one smokes it. History shows that this strain originated in Jamaica and was one of Bob Marley’s favorites! Growers say that Lambs Breath has dense, bright green buds, which provide the perfect creative high. Since Lambs Breath is a pure sativa, these Jamaican seeds make it easy to not confuse with any other kind of seeds. Growing this strain is best for a more experienced grower. Due to its Sativa lineage, this plant tends to need a lot of space and room to branch out. However, one can easily grow this strain both outdoors and indoors.
Growth information
- Cultivation time: 9-10 weeks
- Overall Yield: High
- Climate: 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Indoor or outdoor
- Difficulty Level: Difficult
Sour Diesel
Do you live for a burning, thrilling, and hallucinogenic high? You will adore the Sativa dominant hybrid strain, Sour Diesel, seeds! Referred to around the globe as ‘Sour D,’ there’s no mixing up its mouth-watering and pungent diesel aroma.
Made during the 1990s in California, this strain has a ton of history! This fast-acting strain delivers energizing and dreamy cerebral effects that have pushed Sour Diesel to its legendary status. Stress, pain, and depression disappear in long-lasting relief that makes Sour Diesel a top choice for both growing and smoking among medical patients worldwide. Being Sativa-dominant, this strain tends to grow slim and tall. It is known to stretch multiple times while flowering, making it difficult to manage. To grow successfully, you must be dedicated to pruning, training, and topping to keep this plant from getting out of control. All in all, experts highly recommend trying to grow this strain!
Growth information
- Cultivation time: 10-11 weeks
- Overall Yield: Moderate
- Climate: 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Outdoor growth is a better option since the plant spreads quickly
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Purple Haze
Purple Haze is a Sativa dominant strain made popular by Jimi Hendrix’s 1967 song, Purple Haze. This cannabis strain brings a meditative burst of ecstasy that keeps veterans coming back time and time again. Purple Haze is noted to have descended from two popular strains Purple Thai and Haze, which give a combination of both sweet and earthly flavors made with notes of sweet berries and rich spice. Purple Haze buds typically show vivid hues of light purple once grown, giving more meaning to its name. Known to be a hardy, resilient strain, Purple Haze is an excellent option for novice growers. Grow outside with healthy soil, or grow hydroponically- it’s up to you. That being said, you cannot go wrong with this purple weed!
Growth Information:
- Cultivation time: 9-10 weeks
- Overall Yield: High
- Climate: 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Indoor and Outdoor
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Super Skunk
Medical patients love the indica prominent strain Super Skunk for its relaxing effects. If potent skunky aroma fueled cannabis is what you like, this would be the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for you! Marijuana enthusiasts rave about how well Super Skunk combats chronic pain and chronic stress. Famous not only to users but to growers alike, Super Skunk is known to be one of the more straightforward strains to grow! Not only is this plant ideal to grow, but it generally reaches up to 20% THC, which makes these seeds nearly unparalleled. This plant can withstand many environmental conditions and strives in a tropical climate. This versatile strain can grow both indoors as well as outdoors with a heavy yield, but it does grow best outdoors. With these seeds, it is easy to yield up to 18 ounces in only 8-9 short weeks.
Growth Information:
- Cultivation time: 7-8 weeks
- Overall Yield: High
- Climate: 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Outdoor is ideal, but indoor also works
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Northern Lights
Arguably one of the most popular strains worldwide, Northern Lights is the perfect Indica strain. Celebrated for its resinous buds, fast flowering, and resilience while growing, this strain is a triple threat. Powerfully sweet and spicy aromas radiate from the beautiful crystal-coated buds, which occasionally reveal themselves in shades of purple. Northern Lights is noted to help with chronic pain, sleepiness, and depression. Mixed with Afghani and Thai Landrace strains, this plant is truly a rare beauty. Growers say that Northern Lights prefers warm seasons, making it ideal for growing in Florida. Keep steady airflow through the garden to prevent humidity buildup in the dense canopy.
Growth Information:
- Cultivation time: 6-7 weeks
- Overall Yield: High
- Climate: 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Indoor is ideal or hot outdoor weather
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Blue Cheese
Blue Cheese is an uplifting and relaxing Indica strain, known for its sweet and savory smells of berry and blue cheese. This is a great low odor strain for discrete grows because it has such a natural smell. This strain is a cross between Blueberry and Skunk #1, providing a genuinely euphoric high- connoisseurs worldwide recommend this strain above most others! This euphoric strain is known to help patients with muscle spasms, pain, and stress. This plant is resilient and can grow either outdoors or indoors! Blue Cheese is a vigorous grower and healthy plant that easily resists mold and infections, making it a good choice for novice growers. Since this plant proves to be easier to grow, it is simple to grow up to 18 ounces with these beautifully intensely flavored seeds per square meter!
Growth Information:
- Cultivation time: 7-8 weeks
- Overall Yield: Moderate
- Climate: 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Indoors or outdoors
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Durban Poison
This pure Sativa comes from Durban, the South African port city. It has gained popularity worldwide for its sweet smell and uplifting and lively effects. Connoisseurs say Durban Poison is the perfect strain to help you stay productive through a busy day. Growers and concentrate lovers will both enjoy the gigantic resin glands, which make this strain an excellent option for concentrate extraction. The buds are round and chunky, and trichomes cover the whole plant. Durban Poison seeds are noted to be easy to germinate and cultivate, and people living in warm, humid climates such as Florida may find success growing outdoors during the warmest months to be ideal. Growing Durban Poison outside in soil will allow this sativa to take off and extend toward the sky. Start small with this strain – it’s a powerful one!
Growth Information:
- Cultivation time: 8-10 weeks
- Overall Yield: Moderate
- Climate: 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Environment: Outdoors
- Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Final Thoughts on Cannabis Strains in Florida:
As we know, like with every plant, it is essential to know what environment you will be growing your cannabis in. So when growing, it is vital to understand which plants can strive under those conditions! The nine strains listed above are going to help you succeed in your botanist journey! Thankfully most strains will successfully grow in Florida, or anywhere along the gulf coast.
High humidity and the intense sun will help outdoor growth! Beyond that, choosing your best strain is all up to user preference. Are you looking for something relaxing or energizing? Something with a cheesy or skunk-like scent? We recommend you try it all and see which you love growing most!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best outdoor strains for Florida!
Other Climates to Consider:
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