Certain strains perform better when grown outdoors. It could be because they’re more suited to a certain climate, or that the plants (and yields) are simply too massive to fit into a grow room or tent.

In what follows, we share a list of the 10 best strains to grow outdoors under the nourishing rays of the sun. Perhaps you’re familiar with some of them, but all have distinct traits that make them stand out from the crowd. Note that some of these strains can be grown successfully indoors, but they truly thrive in Mother Nature’s embrace.

1. Fast Bud Outdoor

The name itself suggests that this strain is made for outdoor cultivation. A 90% sativa specimen deriving from Early Pearl x Mexican Sativa x Californian Sativa, Fast Bud Outdoor is a breeze to grow—and fast indeed. Though she races to harvest in mid–late September, she spends her vegetative stage amassing significant size, maxing out at 250cm in height. Thankfully, her yields are just as massive! With proper care, you can look forward to hauling in up to 650g/plant.

Fast Bud Outdoor is enjoyed by herb lovers for her unique peppery and floral flavour and her uplifting, buzzy high. If you need an extra boost during social settings or while performing tasks at home, Fast Bud Outdoor is a superb candidate.

2. Purple Haze

Aromatic and high-yielding, with a cerebral kick: that’s how many would encapsulate Purple Haze. This is a strain that ticks pretty much all the boxes for outdoor cannabis growers. Surging up to 2m in height, this mix of Haze and Purple Thai showcases dazzling aesthetics and impressive yields to boot! All you need to do throughout the grow cycle is provide the appropriate care and nutrition, and you’ll be rewarded with plump, resinous buds that are a sight to behold.

If exposed to cooler nighttime temperatures in the weeks leading up to harvest, Purple Haze can display lovely violet hues. When it comes to her high, users can look forward to a creative, uplifting effect accented by a lavender-grape flavour that goes down a treat.

3. Washing Machine

With its ability to spin your world around (in the best way possible), Washing Machine easily lives up to its name. As a unique cross of UK Cheese and Bubba Kush, she is potent enough to cause a shake-up that even the most seasoned herb lover may be taken aback by. Outdoor growers rejoice; you only need to wait until early October for this award-winning indica-dominant hybrid to complete her flowering stage.

Once harvest time comes around, you can look forward to great yields of chunky, purple-green flowers reeking of sweet earth and liquorice. After taking a few hits, a physically relaxing and mentally uplifting stone quickly takes hold.

4. Gelato

Space is necessary if you intend to cultivate your very own stash of the popular Gelato strain. For the outdoor grower, expect plants to reach up to 2m in height. But rest assured, this cross of Wedding Cake x Gelato x Gelato 33 is capable of delivering respectable yields of massively potent buds—about 400g/plant worth outdoors.

Gelato easily adapts to most climates, but really prefers a warm and humid environment. In ideal conditions, buds will exhibit up to 26% THC. Despite her indica-dominant nature, Gelato delivers a rush of euphoria and a cerebral high that lingers for quite some time before turning into a physically relaxing stone. You’ll feel your worries slowly melt away as tastes of earth, mint, lemon, and vanilla tease the taste buds.

5. Money Maker

Money Maker is primed to deliver spectacular yields when grown outdoors. Just consider her name! This combination of Original Master Kush, Hindu Kush, and Skunk wastes no time maturing up to 1kg/plant of uber-potent buds. All that’s needed is the right mix of nutrients and plant care to achieve optimal results. However, given her heavy yields, note that some structural support may be necessary.

Growers can look forward to a late September or early October harvest with Money Maker. Thanks to the strain’s high calyx-to-leaf ratio, trimming is made easy and rewarding. This 70% indica is preferred by many for her soothing, blissful high. Add to that her spicy, nutty, and fruity taste with a hint of garlic, and Money Maker really stands out—in the best possible ways!

6. Durban Poison

Those who love uplifting sativas are quite familiar with what Durban Poison brings to the table. She is known to induce a cheerful mood that lasts for a while, making her a top choice for daytime tokers. What’s not usually highlighted is her yield potential. Outdoors, this mould-resistant pure sativa reaches up to 3–4m in height and delivers XXL yields come late September.

Given her height, Durban Poison can definitely attract attention. If you’re living in a place where cannabis cultivation is not embraced, you may want to find a way to conceal her imposing presence. Regarding her taste and effect, Durban Poison treats users to spicy liquorice-like flavours and an uplifting high powered by 14% THC.

7. Turing Autoflowering

Durability and resistance to the elements are traits that outdoor growers, in particular, welcome in a strain. Turing Autoflowering offers exactly that, adapting to various climates with ease. Though her autoflowering nature limits her production to some degree, outdoor yields of up to 200g/plant are actually quite impressive for an auto. These returns are partly due to the plant’s impressive stature, which reaches around 150cm. Best of all? You can harvest these plants in just 8–9 weeks from germination!

Turing Autoflowering harnesses Afghan genetics, producing a phytochemical profile featuring 16% THC, 3% CBD, and musky, earthy terpenes. This culminates in a notable but not overwhelming stone that’s perfect for days off and casual get-togethers.

8. HulkBerry

You can’t go wrong breeding the legendary OG Kush with a powerhouse like Strawberry Diesel. From this pairing comes an equally potent sativa-dominant hybrid in the form of HulkBerry. And when we say potent, we’re talking about THC levels peaking at 27%. Outdoors, HulkBerry thrives under the summer sun. Climbing up to 2m in height, plants are capable of returning impressive harvests of up to 700g/plant in late September or early October. As harvest time draws closer and closer, you’ll see each nug amass a thick coating of resin, making her a delight for the eyes and nose.

As for her effect, users can expect a euphoric surge of energy that lasts for the duration of the high. This uplifting state is only made more delightful by complex flavour notes of petrol, herbs, and citrus.

9. Gold Rush Outdoor

For those living in regions with colder climates, Gold Rush Outdoor is the perfect strain. This sativa-dominant cultivar is known for her resin-packed buds and purple hues. When grown outdoors (as her befitting name suggests), she’ll be ready to harvest sometime in September, before the inclement weather really sets in. In the yield department, Gold Rush Outdoor won’t shortchange you. When grown under ideal circumstances, she can produce up to 450g/plant. She will certainly make an impression in your backyard when she reaches a maximum height of 2m.

Gold Rush Outdoor’s high offers the best of both worlds. You will feel a distinct body high, but not without an uplifting kick that stimulates the senses. All of this comes with a sweet, earthy flavour that makes for a tasty and tranquil experience.

10. Sugar Black Rose Auto

We end this list with an indica-dominant cultivar favoured by many for her delectable taste and stimulating yet relaxing high. Sugar Black Rose Auto is a cross between Critical Mass and ‘98 Black Domina Auto, which should give you an idea of what to expect. Sugar Black Rose Auto delivers moderate yields of up to 100g/plant outdoors, but the quality of the buds is what's most impressive. Plants reach up to 1m in height, making them well-suited for clandestine or guerrilla grows. All it takes is 9–10 weeks from germination to harvest her fruity, orange-scented buds.

At 18% THC, Sugar Black Rose is primarily known for her cerebrally stimulating buzz that tapers into a relaxing body high.

Enjoy the Perks of Growing Cannabis Outdoors

Outdoor cannabis cultivation comes with unique advantages and disadvantages. Nature’s elements are the outdoor weed grower’s biggest supporter and most formidable threat. However, a successful outdoor grow can produce exceptional yields at a low cost, making it the ideal method for many.

If you’re looking to start or continue growing marijuana outdoors, consider one or more of the strains mentioned above to enjoy large yields, divine flavours, potent highs, and unique aesthetics—all without needing to purchase grow lights!