Growing cannabis in cold climates can be tough.
But some strains are built for the cold and thrive in these challenging conditions. Here, we'll explore the top 10 strains perfect for those colder regions.
Best Cannabis Strains For Cold Climate (Our Picks)
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is a renowned Indica-rich strain with a storied history, boasting resilient growth capabilities and captivating effects.
Growing Northern Lights in Cold Climates
One of the standout features of Northern Lights is its ability to flourish even in cold climates.
Thanks to its hardy genetics, this strain proves to be a superb choice for growers in chillier, damp regions like the Netherlands or UK.
Despite the challenges posed by such environments, Northern Lights adapts and thrives. Its dense yet non-clumping buds ensure that mildew doesn't become an issue, making it an ideal candidate for humid conditions.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
As it dries, the buds of Northern Lights, release a rich aroma reminiscent of honey-musk with hints of wild juniper and Afghani undertones.
This flavorful profile translates into a taste that mirrors its aroma, making every puff a delightful experience. On the effects front, Northern Lights promises a profound Indica experience.
Expect a deeply relaxing, almost sedative feeling that's best suited for unwinding after a long day.
While its calming effects can lull you into a peaceful state, remember to stay hydrated as dry eyes and mouth are common side effects.
2. Blue Cheese Autoflower
Blue Cheese Autoflower is a medium-sized cannabis strain renowned for its ease of cultivation, mouth-watering taste, and swift flowering period, making it a favorite among both novice and seasoned growers.
Blue Cheese Auto in Cold Climates
Thanks to its robust Skunk heritage, Blue Cheese Autoflower thrives in colder, temperate conditions, showcasing its resilience and adaptability.
When nights before the harvest get chillier, this strain can even flaunt beautiful purple hues, though many plants might already have been reaped outdoors.
Whether you're in a Mediterranean climate or even considering a guerrilla grow, Blue Cheese Auto stands out as a strain that can withstand the challenges of colder climates.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Blue Cheese Auto offers a surprisingly fruity taste, it never lets enthusiasts down with the unmistakable classic aftertaste synonymous with Blue Cheese.
This flavor experience is elevated further by its intense and fruity aroma, tinged with hints of berries and cheese, which fascinate the senses.
Blue Cheese Autoflower also provides an uplifting effect that is both potent and enduring. It's the ideal strain to kick back with after a tiring day.
3. White Widow
White Widow is a timeless classic with a reputation that precedes its name, gracing many Dutch coffee shops and well-loved by cannabis enthusiasts globally.
Growing White Widow in Cold Climates
White Widow is no stranger to cold climates. These seeds prove to be low maintenance, making them perfect for both new and seasoned growers.
Indoor growth generally sees White Widow reaching a height of around 1 meter, but it's when you move outdoors in Northern European settings that it shows resilience.
Even in such cold environments, expect your White Widow to flourish, reaching heights between 120 to 140 cm. And if you're anxious about your maiden cultivation, consider the White Widow autoflower seeds for a hassle-free harvest.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
White Widow brings forward a distinctive blend of flavors and aromas. Its taste, sharp yet earthy, lingers with a touch of spiciness and woodiness.
Complementing its flavor is a sweet and sour scent that is both potent and inviting. Beyond its delightful taste and smell, White Widow offers an exhilarating high.
It's known to boost creativity, promote relaxation, and is perfect for a chill evening with friends. However, indulge in moderation as higher doses might have you couch-locked or feeling drowsy.
On the medicinal side, this strain is reported to aid with chronic pain and insomnia.
4. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a rich, flavorful Indica strain known for its distinctive purple buds and potent effects.
Growing Purple Kush in Cold Climates
Purple Kush is renowned for its resilience, especially in cooler climates. Its high fungal resistance makes it a favorable choice for novice growers or those dealing with less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Although Purple Kush thrives with ample sunlight, it manages to grow even in regions with reduced light exposure.
Its preference for low humidity and temperatures ranging between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius indicates its adaptability to chillier environments. For those looking to harvest outdoors, late September to early October is optimal.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Purple Kush users are often greeted with a sweet and earthy scent, punctuated by fruity undertones. The taste is reminiscent of spicy grape, but there's a hint of sweet fruitiness when the smoke touches the taste buds.
In terms of effects, Purple Kush is all about relaxation. With its 100% Indica genetics and a high THC content that can reach up to 27%, users can expect a profound full-body stone.
This potent effect, often described as couch-lock, is both euphoric and long-lasting. At lower dosages, it's paired with slightly hazy mental sensations, but be cautious of higher doses as they can introduce psychedelic experiences.
5. Super Skunk Autoflower
Super Skunk Auto is a renowned strain that combines old-school genetics with modern autoflowering capabilities.
Growing Super Skunk Auto in Cold Climates
Thanks to its hardy genetics and quick growth cycle, Super Skunk Auto is a good fit for growers in cold climates. From seed to harvest in about 12 weeks, it provides the advantage of quick turnovers before the cold sets in.
While it thrives best in sunny conditions, its autoflowering nature means it isn't dependent on long daylight hours, making it adaptable to shorter summer days typical in colder regions.
Its manageable height and resilience mean even a novice grower can achieve successful yields in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Super Skunk Auto boasts a delightful aroma, reminiscent of zesty fruits like lemon and tangerine. These fruity hints are deep and invigorating, perfectly complemented by an earthy and cheesy aftertaste.
Smoking this strain results in a thick, pleasant cloud of smoke that's bound to impress enthusiasts. In terms of effects, Super Skunk Auto strikes a balance that many seek.
Users can expect an initial euphoric rush, enhancing sociability, followed by a deeply relaxing body stone. It's a great choice for those looking to wind down, relax their muscles, or get some restful sleep.
6. Bubba Kush
Bubba Kush, a revered Indica-dominant strain, has its roots firmly planted in the cannabis culture of the 1990s and continues to be a favorite among aficionados worldwide.
Growing Bubba Kush in Cold Climates
Bubba Kush is known for its dense and compact stature, making it ideal for those looking to grow in smaller spaces or areas with height restrictions.
Its dominant Indica genetics give it a sturdy and resilient nature, which makes it forgiving of minor mistakes - perfect for beginners.
In addition, its ability to display vibrant purplish hues during the final stages of flowering can be accentuated by dropping temperatures.
This feature makes Bubba Kush not only visually appealing in colder climates but also a practical choice. Growers in these regions can expect a harvest time around early to mid-October.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Bubba Kush emits an alluring aroma reminiscent of chocolate and coffee, all while carrying that signature Kush undertone.
Beyond just the smell, when smoked or vaped, this strain presents complex and subtle flavors that make it a delight for the taste buds. In terms of its effects, Bubba Kush doesn't disappoint.
With a THC content hovering around 20%, it delivers a potent, long-lasting high that is both calming and slightly euphoric. Perfect for those looking to relax and unwind after a long day.
7. Blackberry Kush
Blackberry Kush is a fruity, Indica-dominant hybrid that has garnered popularity due to its delightful flavor and therapeutic properties.
Growing Blackberry Kush in Cold Climates
Blackberry Kush's hardy genetics, primarily stemming from its potent Afghani ancestor, make it suitable for growing in colder climates.
The mold-resistant nature of this strain makes it a favorite among growers facing damp and cool conditions, which are common in colder climates.
It's crucial, however, to note that while Blackberry Kush is resistant to molds, regular pruning is essential to prevent fungi and spider mites.
This hardiness combined with its stunning purple and plum hues make it a standout choice for growers in colder regions.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
When it comes to flavor, expect a burst of sweet berries, followed by a subtle earthy undertone.
This strain's aroma envelops you with the scent of ripe summer berries paired with a unique earthy sweetness and strong fuel-like notes.
Beyond its taste and aroma, Blackberry Kush offers users an intense mental buzz. Soon after consumption, a feeling of euphoria, happiness, and peace fills the mind.
Given its Indica dominance, it's a perfect strain for unwinding after a long day. The profound relaxation it offers helps ease tension in the body, eventually leading to a deep, peaceful sleep.
Medical users appreciate Blackberry Kush for its benefits in treating chronic pain, muscle spasms, and mood disorders, thanks to its rich Myrcene content.
8. Harlequin
Harlequin stands out as an energetic, CBD-rich cannabis strain with a myriad of medicinal properties.
Growing Harlequin in Cold Climates
Harlequin cannabis seeds are particularly resilient. Its sturdy nature and mold resistance make it an excellent choice for those who are dealing with colder climates.
Furthermore, Harlequin boasts a quick flowering time, which means cultivators in colder regions can expect a fruitful harvest before the chilly embrace of winter sets in.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Harlequin's aroma is a pleasing blend of earthy and herbal, punctuated by hints of pepper, citrus, and oak. When smoked, one can expect a spicy taste with subtle undertones of pine.
Consumers cherish this strain for the uplifting and energizing effects it imparts. It is especially valued for its potential to elevate mood, making it a choice for those combatting depression.
Moreover, with a high CBD content, Harlequin offers relief from pain and anxiety.
The strain also possesses an added benefit for those with a diminished appetite, making it a favorite among patients recovering from treatments like chemotherapy.
9. Cinderella 99
Cinderella 99, often known as Cindy 99, is a Sativa-dominant strain that carries a legacy from the legendary Jack Herer and impresses with its distinct aroma and potent effects.
Growing Cinderella 99 in Cold Climates
Despite Cinderella 99's preference for warm Mediterranean climates, growers in cooler climates need not despair.
If you're situated in a temperate region with notable shifts in temperature, opting for a greenhouse can help provide the stability Cinderella 99 craves.
Ensuring this strain is sheltered from the cold and given a consistent growing environment can lead to successful harvests even in less-than-ideal climates.
Its robust nature also means that, with the right care, it can withstand the challenges posed by colder weather, particularly if growers are proactive in their approach.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Cinderella 99 boasts a delightful aroma filled with juicy citrus and rich tropical undertones, rounded off by subtle hints of earth and pine.
When smoked, these flavors transition into an exquisite blend of tropical fruit, citrus, and delicate floral notes that linger pleasantly.
Beyond its taste and smell, Cinderella 99 promises a creeping high, setting in about 15 minutes post-consumption.
Users can expect an uplifting and euphoric experience, paired with a sense of deep relaxation, courtesy of its Indica genetics.
10. Snow White
Snow White is a balanced Indica/Sativa hybrid known for its striking trichome-rich appearance and potent effects.
Growing Snow White in Cold Climates
One of the standout features of Snow White is its adaptability to cooler climates.
Despite its challenge in resisting mold and fungus, with appropriate care in watering and humidity management, this strain can flourish even in cooler summers.
This resilience makes it a favorable choice for growers in regions with less than optimal temperatures during the growing season.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
With a predominantly sweet taste reminiscent of cotton candy, Snow White is also complemented by a noticeable citrus aftertaste, but without an overpowering kick.
The aroma mirrors its taste, presenting a fruity-fresh scent that can captivate the senses. When it comes to its effects, Snow White boasts a robust THC content nearing 20 percent.
This results in a physically soothing sensation that may edge some users into a "couch-lock" state. Some users also report a rush of focused creativity and euphoria.
However, it's crucial to approach Snow White with caution due to its potency; starting with a smaller dose is advisable to avoid potential side effects like anxiety.