Growing cannabis outside is a dream for growers in a subtropical zone, where long sunny days, just enough rain and steady warm temperatures ensure quick growth. Temperate climates, however, present a bit more of a challenge. These climate zones rarely experience extremes of temperatures, never becoming extremely cold nor overly hot. Temperate areas include large parts of Europe and North America as well as the southern regions of Africa, South America and Australia. Unlike subtropical zones where temperatures do not change greatly in different seasons, temperate climate zones experience cold winters and warmer summers. Wind, heavy rain and cool temperatures occur frequently and growers should bear this in mind when selecting the best varieties of weed to grow.
Top 5 best outdoor strains for a temperate climate
Luckily, many strains of cannabis have been developed to cope with less than ideal conditions. To help you select the best variety for your location, here’s a list of the best strains for a temperate climate which are hardy and resistant strains.
1. Somango XXL
Thanks to its large yields, ease of cultivation and a relatively short period of flowering of between 56 and 70 days, Somango XXL is a popular choice for both novice and commercial growers. The Indica dominant strain (25% Sativa, 75% Indica) is the result of a cross between Super Skunk and Critical 47 and is ideal for indoor and outdoor cultivation. As its name suggests, the smell and taste of this strain are sweet, exotic and fruity, redolent of a ripe mango.
Growing Somango XXL
Somango XXL plants develop large side shoots and thick buds and will produce good yields grown by either the Sea of Green or SCROG methods. During the flowering period, wide, dark green leaves appear. The female plants develop thick buds covered with a generous layer of resin which turns a beautiful purple shade as the plant matures. You can expect yields of up to 675 per m2 indoors and 800 per m2 in 8 to 10 weeks after planting.
Because of its genetic heritage, the Somango XXL will grow larger than average so is ideal for multi-branching. If grown indoors, pruning or a growth inhibitor may be necessary to restrict the height of the plants.
Effects
With about 18% THC, Somango XXL produces an uplifting buzz with a creative and calming effect. This Indica dominant strain produces a cerebral, euphoric high and narcotic effects that linger for a long time. Somango XXL feminized seeds are also widely grown for cultivating medicinal cannabis, for example as an aid to relaxation or as stress relief.
2. White Widow
One of the most famous cannabis strains in the world, White Widow was first hybridized in the Netherlands in the 1990s by crossing Brazilian Sativa landrace and a South Indian Indica. This well-balanced strain is named for its buds thick with crystalline white resin, giving a hint of the powerful effects you can expect. White Widow has an invigorating, piney taste with a hint of a citrus finish on the exhale.
Growing White Widow
White Widow is easy to grow, requires little maintenance and is ideal for both SOG and SCROG cultivation. After 9 weeks of growth, each plant produces an average yield of 550 to 650 grams. When the Screen of Green method is applied, yields can be as high as 550 g per m2. The time to flowering is usually about 9 - 10 weeks but in warm locations, it can be as quick as 8 weeks.
White Widow feminized seeds are very suitable for growing outdoors in a temperate climate but the warmer the temperature, the better the yield. Indoors, they will not grow much taller than 1 metre, making them ideal for beginners and expert growers alike.
Effects
The Sativa dominant White Widow offers a powerful, almost psychedelic high. The euphoric feeling immediately stimulates creativity and conversation while relaxing your body. And with a high dose, a couch lock might be experienced. Users also take White Widow medicinally to help with anxiety, insomnia and depression.
3. Critical
Easy to grow in a temperate climate and offering a good balance of taste and strength, Critical feminized seeds are one of the best-loved cannabis strains. With a THC: CBD ratio of 1: 1, the Critical strain offers very good yields and a mild effect, making it ideal for medicinal cannabis users who are seeking to grow their own supply.
Critical offers a complex bouquet of lemon, orange, vanilla and herbs that is never sickly or cloying, winning over the most discerning consumers.
Growing Critical
Thanks to their high resistance to mould, the Critical CBD strain is very easy to grow. Indoors, the plants stay compact and grow to around 80- 110 cm in height with large, weighty buds. They will flower in around 7 - 8 weeks. When growing outside, the plants will reach up to 3 metres and can be harvested in the autumn.
Indoors you can expect a yield of 400-500g per m2 while outdoor growers can achieve as much as 600 - 700 g per m2. Despite its predominantly Indica properties, Critical CBD grows like a Sativa so it can be grown with either SOG and SCROG methods.
Effects
Critical CBD weed is very suitable for medicinal use such as the relief of depression or chronic pain. Thanks to THC combined with a high CBD content, it activates a powerful relaxing effect together with a gentle high.
4. Blue Cheese auto
Blue Cheese auto is a popular purple weed strain which is easy to grow in a temperate climate. A cross between the Cheese, the Blueberry and a Ruderalis strain which adds the auto-flowering gene, Blue cheese auto is quick to flower and produces a high-quality yield. Berry and spice notes predominate in the sweet, fruity taste which is complemented by a musky, creamy cheese flavour.
Growing Blue Cheese autoflower
Because Blue Cheese is an auto-flowering strain, growers can successfully cultivate it either indoors or outside. Auto-flowers have a relatively short growth cycle when compared to photoperiod strains and thanks to its high levels of mould resistance, Blue cheese auto is a good choice for beginners. Bear in mind, however, that the plants have a powerful and penetrating smell in both the pre flower and flowering phases.
The time to flowering is fairly lengthy for an autoflower strain at around 12 -13 weeks but it’s possible to achieve two harvests per year. Blue Cheese auto is a fairly compact variety, reaching around 70-80 cm on average. This makes it a good choice where discretion is required. Each plant should yield up to 120 g.
Effects
Blue Cheese Auto is not too strong, but very pleasant. Thanks to its average THC and low CBD, this strain provides a rich, fragrant smoke without any hint of dryness. Its high THC and resin content also make it appealing to hash enthusiasts. Smokers enjoy a cerebral, refreshing high and a sense of calmness, making it a good choice for winding down after a long day.
5. Gorilla Glue auto
The triple award-winning Gorilla Glue auto is one of the most potent strains of cannabis available. Thanks to its rich resin production, THC content can be as high as 26%. It’s also easy to grow and suitable for cultivating indoors or outside. With a piney scent and a pleasant, sweet and fruity taste with undernotes of petrol, you’re unlikely to forget Gorilla glue in a hurry.
The genetic heritage of Gorilla Glue is 50% Indica, 40% Sativa and !0% Ruderalis. The strain was hybridized from Sour Dubb, Chem’s Sister, Chocolate Diesel and a Ruderalis strain that produces auto-flowering. It thrives on both sunny and temperate climates but can also be cultivated in areas with high rainfall as it has good fungal resistance.
Growing Gorilla Glue auto
Gorilla Glue auto can be grown both indoors and outside and is very quick to flower. Large, firm buds appear as early as week 2, covered with a lavish quality of THC resin - not surprising considering the plant’s parentage. Germination to harvesting is only 8 - 10 weeks, very quick even for an auto flower strain.
The compact Gorilla Glue plants grow to a maximum height of around 1m and produce a very good yield: between 400- 600 g for an indoor crop, while outdoor cultivation will yield from 50 - 300 g per Gorilla Glue plant.
Effects
The non-autoflower variety of Gorilla Glue may have a slightly higher THC content than Gorilla Glue auto but the differences in their effects are barely noticeable. Gorilla Glue auto guarantees deep relaxation as well as soothing and uplifting effects. But be warned: this is a powerful strain and if too much is consumed, the effects can lead to thoughts and feelings of paranoia. Treat this lady with respect!