Maine's unique climate, marked by cold winters and short summers, presents a distinct challenge for cannabis growers.
Yet, certain strains excel in these conditions.
Here's our top 10 picks that flourish outdoors in the Pine Tree State.
Best Strains To Grow in Maine Outdoors (Our Picks)
1. OG Kush
Hailing from California, OG Kush boasts roots that trace back to a blend of Chemdawg, Pakistani Kush, and Lemon Thai.
Growing OG Kush in Maine Outdoors
OG Kush thrives outdoors, especially when given ample space to stretch its limbs, potentially growing over 2 meters in height. While it does emit a strong aroma during its flowering phase, this can be managed with some strategic placement and monitoring.
Maine's unique climate might pose a challenge due to its cooler temperatures, but with vigilance and regular checks for mildew and pests, OG Kush can yield up to 550 grams per plant.
It's crucial to watch out for any sudden temperature drops or unexpected frosts that might affect the plant, but the end results, with proper care, can be quite rewarding.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
OG Kush offers an aromatic blend of woody and earthy notes, complemented by a sharp citrusy hint of lemon and the deep scent of pine oil.
This strain's flavors echo its smell, blending earthy undertones with a piney freshness and a subtle hint of petroleum. When consumed, OG Kush delivers a high that embodies the best of both Sativa and Indica.
It starts with a burst of euphoria and upliftment, transitioning into a serene relaxation. However, moderation is key.
Going overboard might lead to dryness in the mouth and eyes or even feelings of paranoia for some. Always keep a drink nearby and savor OG Kush in small doses for the best experience.
2. Gorilla Glue Autoflower
Originating from a potent mix of Gorilla Glue #4 x Critical Diesel Auto, Gorilla Glue autoflower emerges as a 'heavy-hitter' that promises an unmatched relaxation.
Growing Gorilla Glue Autoflower in Maine Outdoors
Gorilla Glue autoflower proves to be a top pick for growers in Maine, given its robust resistance to fungus. Even in areas with intermittent rain, this strain flourishes without a hitch.
Its ability to endure different weather conditions combined with a swift growing cycle means that Maine growers can enjoy multiple yields in a season.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
With a distinctive woody and pine-like aroma, Gorilla Glue autoflower entices those who appreciate a blend of fresh sandalwood with hints of wild cherries and berries.
The flavor profile complements its scent, offering a taste that's rich in earthy pines, subtly highlighted by coffee and chocolate undertones. Gorilla Glue autoflower delivers a powerful, calming effect.
It uplifts the mood, ensuring a euphoric and relaxed state, ideal for those casual hangouts and laid-back evenings. However, new users should tread lightly as its high THC content can occasionally lead to minor side effects like dryness and mild anxiety.
3. White Widow
Hailing from Amsterdam, White Widow is a cross between a pure Brazilian sativa mother and a South Indian father, quickly establishing its fame since the late 90s.
Growing White Widow in Maine Outdoors
White Widow proves to be a robust choice for the diverse Maine climate. While it's traditionally suitable for Northern European conditions, Maine's summers can offer the warmth this plant craves.
Given the right conditions during the warmer months, it can reach impressive heights and deliver substantial yields.
If you're planting in Maine, consider sowing your seeds around May or June, allowing the plant to fully benefit from the summer sun, and plan for an early autumn harvest.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
White Widow showcases a unique blend of flavors and aromas. Its sharp presence is counterbalanced by a sweet and sour scent that's reminiscent of earthy undertones.
When smoked, one can detect herbal notes with a slightly spicy aftertaste and hints of wood, creating an organic taste experience. Expect a rapid and potent high that sparks creativity while also providing relaxation.
However, be cautious with your intake, as higher doses can lead to a deep relaxation that edges towards sleepiness. For those using cannabis for therapeutic reasons, it's worth noting that many find relief from chronic pain or insomnia with White Widow.
4. Blue Dream
Originating from California, Blue Dream has established itself as a favorite strain, blending the sweet flavors of Blueberry with the uplifting effects of Haze.
Growing Blue Dream in Maine Outdoors
Maine's climate complements Blue Dream's growth, especially given its mold resistance. When planted outdoors in Maine, Blue Dream can reach remarkable heights of up to 3 meters.
The strain's inherent resistance to mold, coupled with Maine's unique conditions, can make the cultivation experience smoother for growers, allowing the plant to flourish and yield up to a staggering 700 grams per plant.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Blue Dream boasts a delightful fruity aroma reminiscent of blueberries. As you inhale, your taste buds are met with a burst of blueberry, hints of lemon, and a touch of vanilla and mango, making it a favorite for those with a penchant for sweetness.
This strain also offers a well-rounded high. At first, users experience a cerebral uplift, a signature of its Sativa dominance. This then mellows down, courtesy of its Indica genetics, into a relaxing full-body sensation.
It's a balanced journey of relaxation and elevation without inducing anxiety or fatigue. For those struggling with pain, anxiety, or insomnia, Blue Dream provides relief, making it popular among both medicinal and recreational users.
5. Sour Diesel
Originating from the sunny west coast of California in the 1990s, Sour Diesel has made its mark in the cannabis world with its potent lineage and uplifting effects.
Growing Sour Diesel in Maine Outdoors
Maine's temperate climate can be ideal for cultivating Sour Diesel. With a flowering time of just over ten weeks, growers can expect to harvest this beauty by early October.
Considering the strain's potential to yield up to 600 grams per plant outdoors, Sour Diesel offers a generous return for your gardening efforts.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Dive nose-first into Sour Diesel, and you'll be met with an intense yet pleasant aroma. It might surprise the uninitiated with its strong diesel undertones, but those soon give way to soft, citrusy, and earthy hints that are truly inviting.
Your taste buds will appreciate the zesty lemon notes blended smoothly with its characteristic diesel taste. When consumed, the uplifting effects can enhance mood, boost energy, and spark creativity, making it perfect for daytime use.
With a THC content sitting at a respectable 20%, it's moderately potent but packs enough punch to keep even seasoned consumers engaged.
6. Northern Lights
Originating from the breeding genius of Nevil Schoenmakers and cherished for its Afghani Indica roots, Northern Lights has made a mark as one of the most iconic strains in the cannabis community.
Growing Northern Lights in Maine Outdoors
Northern Lights stands out as a prime choice for growers in the Pine Tree State. This strain thrives even in colder, wetter environments, owing to its hardy genetics.
Plus, it’s compact and bushy stature means it doesn't require much space, making it discreet for backyard growers. Despite the shorter summers in Maine, Northern Lights' quick 8-week flowering time ensures growers can reap a hefty harvest by mid-September.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
When dried properly, Northern Lights releases an intoxicating aroma reminiscent of honey-musk, with subtle hints of wild juniper and Afghani. Its flavor profile matches the scent, creating a delightful, unpretentious experience for the user.
In terms of effects, expect a strong Indica presence. It offers a calming, body-centric high that can induce relaxation and sometimes even a couch-lock, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
A word of caution: ensure you have some water on hand as this strain can cause dry mouth and eyes.
7. Purple Kush
Originating from a blend of Central Asian Indica species, Purple Afghani and Hindu Kush, Purple Kush finds its roots in Northern California's Bay Area.
Growing Purple Kush in Maine Outdoors
Purple Kush's resilience and high fungal resistance make it an excellent choice for outdoor cultivation in Maine. Even in Maine's cooler climates, this strain tends to flourish.
Given that Purple Kush craves plenty of sunlight, the long summer days in Maine are perfect for its growth. Just ensure it gets ample sunlight and is situated in a dry environment.
The preference for temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius makes it apt for the Maine summer. Harvesting around late September to early October ensures the best yield.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Purple Kush blends a sweet, earthy aroma with a fruity undertone. When savored, this strain surprises the taste buds with a spicy grape flavor, complemented by subtle sweet undertones.
The effects of this strain give a profound relaxation that envelops the body. Its 100% Indica genetics, coupled with a high THC content reaching up to 27%, guarantees a lasting full body stone and the renowned couch lock sensation.
Users can also anticipate subtle hazy mental effects at lower doses, but be cautious: a higher dose can usher in psychedelic sensations.
After indulging, it's common to feel a surge in appetite and experience dry mouth, so it's advisable to have some snacks and water on hand.
8. Harlequin
Originating from a blend of Colombian Gold, Thai Sativa, Nepali Indica, and Swiss Sativa, Harlequin stands out as a premier high-CBD, low-THC strain, celebrated for its therapeutic properties.
Growing Harlequin in Maine Outdoors
Maine's temperate climate makes it a fitting location for Harlequin. With its sturdy and mold-resistant qualities, Harlequin can thrive in Maine's outdoor setting.
Given its fast flowering time, growers in Maine can harvest Harlequin early in the fall, ensuring the plants are safe from early winter frosts. And considering how tall this strain grows - up to 2.5 meters - Maine's spacious outdoors is ideal for its full growth potential.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Harlequin carries a distinctive aroma that balances earthy and herbal notes with undertones of pepper, citrus, and oak. When smoked, its flavor leans towards spicy with hints of pine, delivering a simple yet satisfying experience.
But it's not just the smell and taste that make Harlequin noteworthy. Its high CBD content, coupled with its low THC, ensures relaxation without intense psychoactive effects.
9. Green Crack
Originating from a cross between a 1989 SSSC Skunk #1 and an Isolated Afghani Cut, Green Crack is a renowned Sativa-dominant hybrid that has carved its place in the cannabis world.
Growing Green Crack in Maine Outdoors
Green Crack's sturdy and robust nature makes it resistant to varying weather conditions. Growing vigorously, this strain can shoot up to impressive heights of 3.5 meters when given the space to flourish outdoors.
In the favorable Maine summer, with its long daylight hours, Green Crack can yield an abundant harvest, ranging from 800 to a whopping 1200 grams per plant.
Its resilience combined with its potential for high yields makes Green Crack an excellent choice for Maine outdoor growers.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
One of Green Crack's standout features is its sweet and fruity scent that's hard to forget. When consumed, it offers a delightful taste of earthy tones combined with hints of citrus, tropical fruit, exotic wood, and frankincense.
Green Crack is also known for delivering an energizing and uplifting high that's perfect for social settings or a productive day.
While it relaxes the body, the cerebral buzz it provides is lively, making it a go-to choice for those looking to treat conditions like pain or anxiety without feeling stuck.
10. Girl Scout Cookies Autoflower
Originating from sunny California and popularized by the likes of Wiz Khalifa and Berner, Girl Scout Cookies Autoflower has quickly become a cannabis enthusiast's favorite.
Growing GSC Autoflower in Maine Outdoors
Although this strain originally thrives in warmer climates like California or the Mediterranean, it prospers in regions like Maine as long as there's adequate sunlight.
Its high resistance to mold and mildew is a bonus for the humid climate, while its sturdy and pliant branches mean it can withstand the occasional gusty day. Expect a steady growth height outdoors, ranging from 60 to 100 cm, and an impressive yield of about 150 grams per plant.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Girl Scout Cookies Autoflower doesn't hide behind its name. At the first puff, you're greeted with a taste that reminds you of freshly baked cookies, carrying hints of sweetness, earthiness, and a subtle spicy kick.
Its aroma combines brown sugar and earthy tones, making you think of a chocolate treat with slight mint undertones. But be warned; this strain packs a punch.
With a high THC level averaging 22%, it offers a predominantly cerebral high that sharpens the senses. While it eases the body into relaxation, it also ignites creativity, so keep your sketchbook or guitar close.
Just remember to have some snacks ready, as you might find yourself with a sudden craving.