If you live in the northern hemisphere, especially in cooler places with shorter summers and harsher weather, growing cannabis outside can feel like you're going against nature. The good news? Indica cannabis strains are perfect for northern climates because they do well where their sativa cousins might not. Indicas naturally finish flowering faster, can handle colder weather, and are less likely to get pests and mold, which makes them a great choice for growers in the north. Are you ready to make your garden a great place for indica plants? These are the best strains for growing outdoors in the north, chosen by experienced growers who know what grows best in your area.
Best Indica Strains List for Cooler Climates
1. Northern Lights
Northern Lights is probably the most well-known indica strain in cannabis history, and for good reason. This strain comes from the Pacific Northwest and is known for being able to grow in colder climates and for being very resistant to mold and pests.
"Northern Lights is as reliable as it gets for northern outdoor grows," says veteran grower Mike Barrett. "Even if your climate throws curveballs, Northern Lights still shines."
These plants will be short and bushy, about 4 feet tall, which makes them great for gardens that need to be hidden. Northern Lights flowers for 7 to 8 weeks, so you can harvest before the frost comes. The strain gives you a body high that makes you feel deeply relaxed, which is great after a long day of gardening.
2. Blueberry
DJ Short, a famous breeder, made Blueberry. Its Afghan indica genetics make it do well in cooler climates. It has bright colors, from deep greens to rich purples and blues, especially when the temperature drops at night late in flowering.
Barrett says, "Blueberry loves cool nights." "Those drops in temperature bring out beautiful colors and improve its terpene profile."
Blueberry usually blooms in 8 to 9 weeks, making small, dense buds that smell sweet and fruity and have strong relaxing effects. It's a treat to have in the garden and then later.
3. Afghani
Afghani comes from the rough Hindu Kush mountains, so it is genetically used to cold nights and tough conditions. This pure indica strain has strong genetics that make it naturally tough and able to withstand mold, mildew, and pests that are common in wetter northern climates.
Afghani stays short and bushy, usually reaching a height of 3 to 4 feet. This makes it great for stealth grows. It grows quickly, usually flowering in 7 to 8 weeks. The thick, resinous buds have a strong earthy, hashy smell and make you feel very relaxed.
Anna Reed, an expert grower, says, "Afghani never lets you down." "It's the first thing I tell new and experienced growers to do."
4. Hindu Kush
Hindu Kush is another famous mountain strain that comes from the tough areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It has naturally learned how to do well in less-than-ideal outdoor conditions. Hindu Kush is very tough and stays small, usually not growing taller than 4 feet.
The strain flowers quickly, usually in 7 to 8 weeks, so northern growers can harvest before the frosts of late season. Hindu Kush is known for its thick, resin-coated buds that help with pain and relaxation in the body.
Reed says, "You can't go wrong with Hindu Kush in the north." "It's as tough as nails."
5. Purple Kush
Purple Kush is a beautiful indica that comes from crossing Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani. It is known for its beautiful colors and ability to thrive in cooler climates. During the late flowering stage, when the temperatures drop, the plant's famous purple colors become even more vibrant. This makes the plant look better and increases the production of terpenes.
Purple Kush usually blooms in 7 to 8 weeks, making thick buds that smell sweet and like grapes. It's great for farmers who want to find a balance between beauty and strong healing effects.
Barrett says, "Purple Kush is a gardener's dream in the north." "It perfectly combines beauty, strength, and potency."
6. Godfather OG
Godfather OG is known as "The Don of all OGs." Its strong genetics help it grow well even in cooler, wetter conditions. This indica-dominant strain is very resistant to common outdoor pests and diseases and is known for having very high THC levels.
Godfather OG is mostly short and bushy, usually not taller than 5 feet, and it flowers quickly, in about 7 to 8 weeks. The strain makes big, dense buds that smell strong and earthy and have strong sedative effects.
7. Future #1
Future #1 is a modern powerhouse that was made to have high THC levels and be very strong in cooler climates. It grows quickly and is very resistant to mold, which makes it a great choice for northern growers.
Future #1 grows quickly, usually in 7 to 8 weeks, giving you plenty of time to harvest before the first frost. This strain makes thick, tasty buds that have strong effects on the brain, making it great for relaxing at night.
8. Sirius Black
Sirius Black is known for its dark purple, almost black color that gets even darker when the weather is cooler. This indica strain does very well outside in northern climates, showing great resistance to common garden problems.
Sirius Black blooms for about 8 weeks and makes thick, resinous buds that smell like fruit and have very relaxing effects. This makes it a great choice for northern growers who want both beauty and strength.
9. Cherry Pie
Cherry Pie is a great mix of Granddaddy Purple and Durban Poison. It has strong genetics that make it great for growing outdoors in the north. It does very well in cooler climates and is known for being resistant to mold and pests.
Cherry Pie blooms in 8 to 9 weeks, making thick, colorful buds that smell like sweet cherries and have effects that are both relaxing and uplifting. This makes it great for after work.
How to Get the Most Out of Outdoor Indica Grows
- Start Indoors: To give your plants a head start, start them growing indoors under lights and then move them outside when the weather is stable.
- Pick sunny, sheltered spots so your plants get plenty of light and are safe from strong winds.
- Check for moisture: Check for moisture buildup often to stop mold and mildew from growing.
- Carefully Give Nutrients: Indicas need nutrients, but giving them too much can stress them out and draw pests. Stick to a schedule for feeding that is balanced.
- Think about mulching: Mulching helps keep the soil warm and moist, which gives it extra protection against changing temperatures.
In Conclusion
It doesn't have to be hard to grow indica cannabis outside in northern climates. You can grow strong, hardy plants that can handle colder weather and shorter summers if you choose the right strains, like Northern Lights, Blueberry, Afghani, Hindu Kush, Purple Kush, Godfather OG, Future #1, Sirius Black, and Cherry Pie. If you take care of your outdoor garden and plan ahead, it will give you a lot of strong, fragrant, and colorful indica buds. Have a good time growing!
