Growing cannabis in hot and humid conditions can be difficult. Tropical and subtropical environments require specialist strains to cope with the moisture and sweltering temperatures. Luckily, we’ve selected 10 excellent options for growing success. Whether you're in sweltering Central America, Hawaii, or even South Florida or the Spanish coast, these strains are designed specifically to cope with your enviable outdoor environment. These heat-tolerant strains can get you through the toughest summers and provide you with a supply that'll see you through the winter.
> Quick jump to: Top 10 Best Strains For Hot, Humid Climates
Challenges of growing strains outdoors in a hot, humid climate
If you live in a hot climate, many strains may not be able to cope with the sweltering summer conditions. Cannabis generally flourishes at temperatures well under 30ºC, thriving in around the mid to early 20s. Too hot and your plant can undergo what's known as heat stress. This general condition can cause a whole range of stultifying mishaps, from root rot to dead leaves. If a plant undergoes some form of heat stress, it won’t be able to grow sufficiently. The earliest stages may see super-slow seedling growth or leaves that grow withered and pale from the beginning. Getting your plant just past the seedling stage can be difficult in these dangerously hot conditions. Things to look out for include spotted leaves and burnt exteriors that brown or wilt, and foxtail buds during the flowering stage with extra pistil coverage (that are white rather than colorful).
Just as heat can be devastating for plants, humidity is dangerous too. The primary issue with increased air moisture is the promotion of mold, mildew, and pests. Many strains require low room humidity percentages, particularly during the flowering phase, to promote healthy and potent bud production. Too much moisture and you risk damaging your plant at its most crucial stage! What’s more, as your plant takes in more water from the environment, it draws in less from the nutrient-rich soil. The transpiration process slows down, leading to a wide variety of damaging issues. Plants will wilt, stunt, and suffer if they are not designed to withstand these high humidity levels.
Luckily, there are plenty of strains that have adapted to higher temperatures and humid environments. Most of these are Sativa-dominant strains, but there are a whole host of hybrids that are perfect too. Sativa strains originated in East Asia and have a strong tradition of cultivation across South East Asia and Central and South America. As such, they are naturally resilient to tropical and subtropical conditions. It’s in their DNA. There are even specific tropical Sativa varieties that flourished across Central Africa and Latin America. Indicas, by contrast, originate in mountainous Central Asia and require dry conditions to flourish. So, if you live in a hot and humid climate and are in search of the perfect outdoor strain, here are the top 10 options.
Top 10 Best Strains For Hot, Humid Climates
- Blue Dream fem
- Haze auto
- Acapulco Gold fem
- Tangie fem
- Super Silver Haze fem
- Sour Diesel fem
- Berner’s Cookies fem
- Cinderella 99 fem
- Ghost Train Haze fem
- Jack Widow fem
1. Blue Dream fem
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant strain that’s highly sought for its balanced, cerebral high. Originating in California, it’s a strain that flourishes in the SoCal sunshine and will likewise transport you to the Golden State’s 70s heyday.
Growing
Blue Dream is an easy strain to cultivate, even in hot and fairly humid environments. It’s suited to both indoor or outdoor growing areas, but conditions need to be warm, sunny, and consistent. What’s more, this plant can grow considerably tall, topping up to 300 cm! Provide it with ample space and high-quality nutrients, particularly nitrogen, for the greatest growing success. Pests can be an issue in humid outdoor climates, but you can apply a range of anti-fungi sprays or make use of anti-pest companion plants. You can also apply a range of training and pruning techniques, like ScrOG, to promote even growth and fresh air circulation.
Smell, taste and effect
Blue Dream is fruity and sweet with recognizable notes of blueberry, grape, and citrus. These juicy flavors are balanced by danker earth-like notes and woodsy sandalwood aromas. Its significant THC levels offer a long-lasting cerebral high that's beloved among morning consumers. Spark conversation or creative inspiration with its mood-enhancing effects. These qualities make Blue Dream a favorite among patients treating symptoms of chronic pain, depression, and insomnia.
2. Haze auto
Haze is a Sativa classic with deep Californian roots. Many of the top albums of the 1960s probably owe their genius to the inspiration of Haze. It copes with humidity and heat with ease and has spawned numerous world-renowned strains.
Growing
Standard Haze has a notoriously long growing time, so these auto seeds make your life so much easier. Perfect for newcomers to get started with Sativas, Haze auto is resilient to many pests and problems that humidity brings. What's more, while you can grow this fine plant outdoors, it's fairly compact for indoor cultivation too. We recommend applying some training techniques during vegetation, like SOG or ScrOG, to boost its yield potential. Haze auto produces more leaves than its standard counterpart that can easily be trimmed or pruned. Still, inspect your leaves for any sign of heat or humidity damage daily, so you can implement changes to your setup, as required.
Smell, taste and effect
Haze has a distinct and spicy aroma that's layered by sharp citrus and moist earth flavors. A mainstay of the 1960s, it produces a high that couldn't be more different from its name. There's very little haziness; instead, Haze delivers a cerebral and high-energy high that's creative and stimulating. Its energizing effects are recommended in the treatment of fatigue and anxiety disorders, particularly if you find yourself exhausted in the afternoon.
3. Acapulco Gold fem
This ancient shamanic strain originates in Mexico, where it has been used in rituals and rites. With strong genetics that are adept at surviving sweltering subtropical summers, it's both ridiculously potent and extremely euphoric.
Growing
While legendary for its yields and effects, Acapulco Gold requires experienced hands to grow. Its Mexican origins make it particularly resistant to humidity and mold, but you’ll need plenty of space for success. She can easily reach 200 cm in height and benefits from open growing spaces to promote natural airflow beneath the canopy. If you’re growing indoors, ScrOG techniques are recommended to keep her at a manageable height. She responds very well to pruning techniques that promote greater access to light and prefers high-quality, organic nutrients.
Smell, taste and effect
Acapulco Gold possesses remarkable flavors of earth, citrus, and caramel. Its earthy, burnt sugar-like aromas quickly fill the air. Its high is potent and long-lasting, delivering a typical cerebral sensation that's ideal for daytime consumption. Its energizing and motivating effects make it particularly useful in the treatment of fatigue and muscle spasms.
4. Tangie fem
This flavorful update on the much-loved Tangerine Dream is loaded with moreish fruity notes. Tall and glittering with sticky orange trichomes, it has won countless awards for its cerebrally-charged effects.
Growing
Tangie is an easy-to-grow Sativa strain that’s suited to indoor and outdoor environments. Like many others of its ilk, you’ll need to apply good training and trimming skills to keep her more compact. She thrives in wide-open outdoor spaces, where you can expect impressive yields of up to 750 grams per square meter. While her resistance to mold and mildew is solid, you should still keep an eye out for any white spots or heat damage every day.
Smell, taste and effect
Tangie is loaded with sweet and citrusy flavors of ripe tangerine and orange. This is all complemented by a subtle skunkiness and slightly spicy notes. The high from Tangie is exceptional, delivering a potent cerebral buzz that lingers long after you've smoked it. These euphoric yet relaxing qualities are ideal in the treatment of both day-to-day stresses and fatigue. As such, it also makes a fine midday energy boost.
5. Super Silver Haze fem
Super Silver Haze is a legendary Sativa-dominant strain with numerous accolades and awards to her name. Not only does she provide an exceptional high, but this strain has also parented many extraordinary varieties.
Growing
Super Silver Haze is a beautiful and tall plant that's recommended for growers with some experience. While she can be grown indoors, outdoors, and in greenhouses, she thrives in wide-open areas where warmth and sunlight are in abundance. She has a high genetic resistance to fungus and mold, and so copes fairly well in humid subtropical environments. Still, she benefits from some pruning and trimming to free up branch space and increase natural airflow. Training techniques like ScrOG are particularly useful at promoting the strain’s sticky buds and higher yields. Tend to her well, and you can expect whopping heights of 220 cm.
Smell, taste and effect
Super Silver Haze is renowned for its sweet and sticky flavors. Its Skunk origins are apparent too in its herbaceous and diesel-like aromas. It's a potent strain that boasts a cerebrally-charged and long-lasting high that affects the whole body. In terms of medicinal use, this strain is a go-to for patients treating stress, fatigue, and nausea.
6. Sour Diesel fem
Widely regarded as among the most pungent strains out there, Sour Diesel is a must for fans of skunky, petrol-like aromas. It packs quite a punch, too, with its potent and energizing Sativa high that’s balanced by relaxing Indica characteristics.
Growing
Sour Diesel is suited for beginners, but some experience does help in producing its signature high-THC buds. One of the biggest issues you'll face is height. This monster can grow up to 300 cm with ease. As such, outdoor environments are best to allow this strong strain to produce its huge yields. Its high natural resilience to mold and mildew is also useful for those in hotter, humid climates. Still, you can take a few precautionary steps to help make your plant more resistant to tropical heat. Silica supplements and kelp-fortified nutrients are a great way to aid Sour Diesel outdoors. You can manage your Sour Diesel by potting them, so you can move them during heatwaves.
Smell, taste and effect
Sour Diesel’s aromas are exactly as they sound - funky, pungent, and sour. Its petrol-like flavors are balanced by earthy and spicy notes. Sour Diesel is beloved for its energizing and quick-acting effects. Dreamy, relaxing, cerebral, and stimulating, it’s a long-lasting high that’s been enticing enthusiasts since the 1990s. Medical consumers can utilize Sour Diesel to relieve symptoms of stress, pain, and fatigue.
7. Berner’s Cookies fem
Berner's Cookies, or Berner Cookies, is a delightfully potent variation of the much-loved Girl Scout Cookies. Named after the rapper and cannabis advocate, Berner, it’s renowned for its sweet, vanilla, and Kush-like aromas.
Growing
Berner's Cookies is a typical Sativa strain with a not-so-simple effect. Some experience with Sativas is recommended for the best results. Perfect for outdoor and greenhouse growing, just be wary that it grows fairly tall and is not suited for compact indoor areas unless trained. While Berner’s Cookies possesses a high resistance to mold that's beneficial for those in hot and humid climates, it’s recommended that you take precautions to avoid heat stress. It’s renowned for its long and slender profile, which unveils fluffy buds during flowering. Separate pots are recommended to maneuver your plant in and out of the sunshine, depending on how hot your summers are.
Smell, taste and effect
This strain boasts a divine aroma and flavor profile that's sweet like Cookies with layers of spice and earth. The high is euphoric and sociable, but it creeps up on you over time. Its uplifting and creative effects are particularly useful for daytime consumers. In terms of medicinal uses, Berner's Cookies is favored in the treatment of fatigue, depression, and chronic pain.
8. Cinderella 99 fem
Cinderella 99, or simply C99, is a Sativa-dominant strain that's potent and fruity. Renowned for its exceptional yields, it’s related to a much-loved strain of Jack Herer, sourced from an Amsterdam coffee shop.
Growing
Cinderella 99 is surprisingly easy to cultivate and is a fine first-time option for beginners looking to get into Sativas. While you can grow her in just about any environment, warm outdoor areas are ideal if you want her to reach heights of 200 cm. She's particularly responsive to training and cropping methods, making her a favorite among experimental growers, too. No magic is needed for great success, however, simply feed with organic nutrients and use silica supplements if it regularly exceeds 26 °C. While resistant to mold and pests, you can take several extra steps in humid climates. These include lightly defoliating branches and avoiding overwatering.
Smell, taste and effect
Cinderella 99 possesses sweet and citrus flavors alongside typical skunk notes. Enjoy a juicy, spicy mouthfeel of pineapple and grape. Her effects are energizing and uplifting, allowing you to remain extremely productive as long as you watch your dose. The cerebral effects are balanced by a slightly relaxing body high. As a result, it's recommended in the easing of stress and anxiety. Patients also use Cinderella 99 to combat chronic fatigue and joint pain.
9. Ghost Train Haze fem
This dynamic Sativa strain is a super-potent option that regularly tops "strongest weeds of the world" lists. A true master creation, it owes its fine potency and flavors to its parents - Ghost OG and Neville's Wreck.
Growing
Ghost Train Haze is of moderate difficulty to grow. While there are no immediate issues that growers should be aware of, some prior Sativa knowledge will go a long way in cultivating super-potent buds. You’ll want to grow this outdoors in warm environments, allowing this strain to easily spurt to 225 cm. You’ll have to take some precautions in more humid climates, as she thrives in more dry SoCal-like conditions. Plant her in a large pot with silica supplements to cool the roots and avoid overwatering her if it gets too moist. Trimming the lower leaves or applying ScrOG techniques is a fine way to promote airflow to counter excess humidity.
Smell, taste and effect
Ghost Train Haze is a pungent and room-filling smoke that delivers herbaceous and sour aromas of citrus and wet forest. Known for her incredible potency, you'll have to be careful if you have a low THC tolerance. Otherwise, expect an energizing cerebral blast that can inspire and concentrate the mind. Its exceptional THC levels make it a favorite among medicinal consumers looking to knock out chronic pain or alleviate symptoms associated with terminal conditions.
10. Jack Widow fem
With famed parents White Widow and Jack Herer, Jack Widow was always guaranteed to excel. This Sativa-dominant strain draws on its nostalgic origins to produce an exceptionally cerebral high that's balanced with old-school skunky flavors.
Growing
Jack Widow is a Sativa strain that benefits from outdoor growing gardens or greenhouses. While fairly simple to maintain, some experience is recommended. That’s because she doesn’t have the highest natural resilience to mold and pests. While tolerant of heat, you’ll have to be more careful with humidity. Luckily, you can combat moisture-related problems easily by simply providing access to natural flowing air. Trim the branches or utilize ScrOG-like training methods to encourage fresh air circulation. Keep her potted so that you can move her around easily if any other issues arise. Remove windbreaks and try to keep your Jack Widow’s profile uncluttered by preventing leaves from touching one another.
Smell, taste and effect
Jack Widow has an old-school flavor profile that will transport you back to the Dutch coffee shops of the 1990s. Expect dank and earthy base flavors with top notes of citrus, pine, and Haze. Jack Widow's high THC content delivers a potent and long-lasting Sativa high that's energizing. This gently moves into a more relaxing state. As such, medicinal consumers draw upon Jack Widow to help alleviate chronic conditions, including pain and muscle spasms.
Buy the best seeds to grow in Hot, Humid climates at Weedseedsexpress
After looking at the best strains to grow in hot and humid climates, you can now get those seeds delivered straight to your door. While we recommend the above Sativa-dominant options in tropical and subtropical outdoor conditions, don’t forget that you can also grow indoors. Pick up the highest quality seeds today at Weedseedsexpress, from easy-grow autoflowers to rare treasures like Acapulco Gold. Every order at Weedseedsexpress comes with guarantees on delivery and germination, so you don’t have to worry about damaged or defective seeds. Get started growing wherever you are, from the humblest cupboard tent to a ripe and rich tropical garden.