North Carolina has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
This provides a reasonably long growing season that is workable for a wide range of cannabis strains.
In this article, we look at some of the best strains to grow outdoors in "The Tar Heal" State.
1. Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake is a standout in North Carolina’s warm late-season temps. This Indica-dominant strain can stretch up to 6 feet tall and pump out big, chunky buds. With feminized seeds, you won’t have to worry about pesky males ruining the fun.
It’s also naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and bugs, making it perfect for NC’s humid climate. With some TLC, you can expect over a pound of top-notch buds per plant!
2. Gorilla Glue #4
Gorilla Glue flowers fast, finishing up in 8-9 weeks. That means even folks growing on their patio or balcony can chop down a fat harvest before summer's over.
The moderate temps in NC allow Gorilla Glue to thrive indoors and outdoors. Using a SCROG setup can maximize your yield. Indoor yields can reach 600g per m², while outdoor plants typically produce up to 750g each!
3. Girl Scout Cookies
This versatile strain thrives indoors and outdoors in NC's climate.
Girl Scout Cookies grow long, winding branches quickly, turning beautiful hues of deep blue or purple by the end of flowering. Outdoor plants with plenty of sunshine, water, and nutrients can produce over half a pound each!
The yield is impressive, and GSC's dense, resinous buds pack a super potent punch. The combination of quantity and quality makes this a top choice for NC gardens.
4. Blue Dream
Blue Dream is a true powerhouse in North Carolina’s warm summers. Outdoors, she can stretch over 6 feet tall and pump out more than 700g per plant! Even indoors, you’re looking at a solid 650g per m².
With her ability to adapt, Blue Dream is a reliable choice for NC growers. Expect huge, crystal-coated colas that’ll make you dream about harvest time long before it arrives.
5. Green Crack
Green Crack is suitable for homes in the southeastern US. It thrives in the ample sunshine and humidity, stretching up to 10 feet tall in the right hands!
This resilient beauty can handle the occasional heavy rains and humidity in NC.
Green Crack's natural mold resistance gives growers one less thing to stress over. Its flowering time, which finishes by September, also perfectly matches NC's climate.
6. Jack Herer
Jack Herer thrives in NC’s hot, sunny weather, growing taller than LeBron James if given the right space. For those looking to keep it low-key, a greenhouse might be your best bet.
Whether you're a seasoned grower or a newbie, Jack’s natural resilience makes it a solid choice. Indoors, you can pull up to 600g per m², while outdoor plants can hit up to 700g each. With a little love and attention, Jack will reward you with some serious harvests.
7. Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel thrives in North Carolina’s hot, dry summers and can grow up to 10 feet tall with the right care. She’s a forgiving plant, perfect for both beginners and pros, though keeping the grow space clean is key to avoiding mildew.
With a fast flowering time and the potential for huge yields, Sour D is a great pick for those who want a speedy harvest. Plus, using techniques like SCROG can help you maximize your space and boost your yield.
8. Pineapple Express
Pineapple Express loves North Carolina’s moderate temps and fertile soil, thriving in the 70°F sweet spot. She adapts well to smaller spaces, and once flowering kicks in, she’ll explode in size.
These bushy plants grow fast, with some serious stinky colas that’ll need good ventilation. In just 55 days, you’ll be harvesting a solid yield—up to 550g per m² indoors and a massive 800g per plant outdoors.
Whether you're growing inside, outside, or in a greenhouse, Pineapple Express is a winner!
9. Northern Lights X Big Bud Auto
Northern Lights x Big Bud Auto is built for NC's hot, humid summers. This auto-flower's natural resistance to mold is clutch for dealing with the humidity late in the season.
As an auto-strain, it adapts perfectly to NC's relatively short growing seasons. You can harvest fat, ripe buds in just 11-13 weeks!
Outdoors, expect up to 100g per plant. But indoor yields shine, with up to 600g per m² possible. SCROG or SOG setups can maximize your space and yields since these plants stay compact.
10. Chemdawg
Chemdawg is a tough, Sativa-leaning strain that can handle whatever NC’s weather throws at it. Whether you grow it indoors, in a greenhouse, or outdoors, this resilient plant resists bugs, mold, and mildew, making it a solid pick for the humid climate.
Indoors, you can expect up to 500g per m² after just 9 weeks, while outdoor plants can produce up to 600g each. With a little care, Chemdawg rewards you with some seriously big, frosty buds.
