Characterized by its colder temperatures, shorter summers, and long, frosty winters, Northern Ontario requires strains that are resilient enough to thrive in its distinct climate.
This article delves into the top 10 cannabis strains that not only survive but flourish amidst the frosty whispers and sun-lit days of this region.
Whether you're a seasoned grower or just starting out, these strains are bound to elevate your Northern Ontario growing game
Best Strains To Grow in Northern Ontario (Our Picks)
1. Northern Lights Autoflower
Originating from a blend of Afghan Indica, Thai Sativa, and Ruderalis, Northern Lights is an iconic strain known for its robust characteristics and soothing effects.
Growing Northern Lights Autoflower in Northern Ontario
Northern Lights Autoflower is not just adaptable but thrives in various climates. Its resilience, coupled with the ruderalis genetics, makes it an ideal choice for Northern Ontario.
The strain can withstand the temperate conditions of the region, ensuring a good yield even in less-than-ideal weather. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned grower, this strain promises a satisfying experience and bountiful harvest.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Northern Lights captivates the senses with its sweet and spicy aroma highlighted by a subtle citrus hint. When it comes to taste, expect a mellow skunk flavor intertwined with hints of lemon, earth, and pine.
More than just a treat for the senses, Northern Lights is a balm for the soul. It soothes pain and stress, leaving users feeling relaxed, euphoric, and a tad dreamy. Its side effects are minimal, though having water around might be a good idea to counteract potential dry mouth and eyes.
2. White Widow
Coming from Amsterdam in the late 90s, White Widow is a cross between a Brazilian sativa mother and a South Indian father, making it a global favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.
Growing White Widow in Northern Ontario
White Widow is a go-to strain for Northern Ontario growers, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience under your belt. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an excellent choice for the varying conditions of the region.
While it thrives in warmer climates, growing up to 2 meters, it's equally adept in Northern European climates. For those in Northern Ontario, planting around May/June and harvesting in early autumn is ideal.
And if you're looking for a guaranteed harvest without much fuss, White Widow autoflower seeds come highly recommended.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
The smell of White Widow is distinctly sweet and sour, hinting at the unique flavor profile it offers. When smoked, it delivers an earthy taste with a touch of woodiness and a slightly spicy aftertaste.
The experience is a quick, robust high that ignites creativity and offers deep relaxation. However, moderation is key, as overindulgence might have you anchored to your couch or drifting off to sleep.
Most users only encounter minor side effects, such as dry mouth, but it's always good to have a drink on hand just in case.
3. Critical Autoflower
A blend of the iconic Critical and Lowryder strains, Critical Autoflower combines the best of both worlds, offering growers and consumers an unmatched experience.
Growing Critical Autoflower in Northern Ontario
Critical Autoflower stands out as a top choice for growers in Northern Ontario. Given its automatic flowering mechanism, it doesn't hinge heavily on light conditions, making it ideal for the fluctuating daylight hours in the north.
Additionally, its resilience and low maintenance nature make it a favorite, especially for beginners. Its compact size, with heights of 55 to 65 cm indoors, ensures that space isn't an issue.
Whether grown indoors or outdoors, Critical Autoflower adapts, thriving even in the sometimes-challenging Northern Ontario climate.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Breathe in and the first thing you'll notice is Critical Autoflower's captivating lemony fruit aroma. This scent gives way to a delightful taste profile: sweet with lingering woody notes that stay with you.
But it's more than just a treat for your taste buds. With a high that's dominantly physical, you can expect deep muscle relaxation, making it a popular choice for those seeking relief from chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and stress.
And for those looking to simply unwind? A small dose can bring about a light euphoria, while larger amounts promise profound peace and relaxation. As with most strains, be prepared for the occasional dry eyes and cottonmouth, but rest assured that the smooth experience Critical Autoflower offers is well worth it.
4. Super Skunk Autoflower
Stemming from a specially selected Afghan hash plant, which also birthed the original Skunk genetics, Super Skunk Autoflower has secured its place in the records of cannabis legends.
Growing Super Skunk Autoflower in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario's unpredictable weather can be challenging for some strains, but not for Super Skunk Autoflower. Its ability to thrive in varied conditions makes it an ideal choice for this region.
Its relatively short growth cycle of 12 weeks allows it to beat early frosts, and its manageable height, ranging between 90 cm to 130 cm, ensures it can easily be shielded from harsh weather elements. Whether you're a novice or an experienced grower, expect generous yields that can reach up to 100 grams per plant outdoors, a testimony to its hardy nature.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
What sets Super Skunk Autoflower apart is its unique aromatic profile. When smoked, expect to be hit with a delightful burst of lemon and tangerine, all underpinned by a distinct earthy and cheesy aftertaste.
But don’t be fooled by its fruity taste; its effects are subtle. An initial wave of euphoria that boosts sociability is quickly followed by a deeply relaxing body stone, making it an excellent choice for unwinding or seeking a restful sleep.
As with many strains, ensure you have a bottle of water handy to counter the occasional dry mouth and eyes.
5. Blue Cheese Autoflower
Formed from a harmonious blend of Blueberry Kush and Blue Cheese with a sprinkle of Ruderalis genetics, Blue Cheese Autoflower presents itself as a gardener's dream and a connoisseur's delight.
Growing Blue Cheese Autoflower in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario, known for its colder and temperate climate, seems like a challenge for many cannabis growers. However, Blue Cheese Autoflower is a warrior in these conditions.
Its ability to thrive in colder climates, coupled with its resilience from the Skunk lineage, makes it a top pick for this region. Add to this its autoflowering genes, and growers no longer need to stress about lighting schedules or lengthy flowering periods.
With potential for multiple harvests in one season and a relatively short life cycle, this strain is a win for novice and experienced growers alike in Northern Ontario.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Smell and taste are where Blue Cheese Autoflower truly shines. It lures you in with its pronounced fruity aroma but then takes a delightful twist with its signature cheesy aftertaste. This dual personality is not just in its aroma but its effects as well.
While the high THC content promises a potent kick, it's not just about intensity. As you unwind after a taxing day, you'll find yourself immersed in a wave of relaxation, erasing stress and wrapping you in a cocoon of happiness.
Just remember to have a water bottle nearby; while Blue Cheese Autoflower might bring joy to your mind, it might leave your mouth a bit parched.
6. Jack Herer
Jack Herer is a tribute to the renowned activist and author, boasting a blend of Haze, Shiva Skunk, and Northern Lights #5 genetics.
Growing Jack Herer in Northern Ontario
Jack Herer feminized seeds are renowned for their adaptability and yield. While Jack Herer thrives in warmer climates, if you're considering growing in cooler regions like Northern Ontario, using a greenhouse might be the best bet.
Notably, this strain doesn't produce a strong odor until post-harvest, making it a discreet option for growers. Even in less-than-ideal conditions, with proper care, Jack Herer can produce impressive yields, making it a top pick for those in Northern Ontario.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Jack Herer offers a delightful aroma and taste profile. It uniquely blends typical Indica aromas with the sweet undertones of Sativa, often exuding fruity, lemony notes complemented by earthy and skunky undertones. Some might even catch hints reminiscent of sandalwood or pine forests.
As for its effects, Jack Herer strikes a balance between a robust body stone and an uplifting cerebral high. While potent, it won't pin you to the couch, making it an ideal choice for daytime use to elevate the mood or relax.
Plus, despite its modest CBD content, many users find relief from ailments like stress, anxiety, and migraines. A word of caution: it's common for users to feel a bit dehydrated after partaking, so keep some water nearby!
7. Cinderella 99
Made from the breeding genius of Brothers Grimm's Mr. Soul, Cinderella 99 is a potent Sativa-dominant hybrid with ties to the legendary Jack Herer strain.
Growing Cinderella 99 in Northern Ontario
Cinderella 99 is a favorite among hobby growers, and Northern Ontario's climate can be surprisingly friendly to this strain. While it thrives best in warm and dry climates, considering Northern Ontario's temperature swings, a greenhouse can be the perfect environment.
Indoors or out, this strain is manageable, with a propensity to yield generously. New growers and seasoned farmers alike can appreciate its resilience, especially when nurtured with quality soil and organic nutrients.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Cinderella 99 is nothing short of a sensory delight. With aromatic hints of juicy citrus and tropical aromas, it attracts your senses to dive deeper. When tasted, layers of tropical fruit, citrus, and floral notes dance on the palate, leaving an impression that lingers.
Beyond its flavor, Cinderella 99 offers a creeping high, taking about 15 minutes to set in. What follows is a blend of euphoria and energy, making it perfect for a relaxing evening.
It's worth noting that its high THC levels might cause bouts of anxiety for the uninitiated, but with some hydration on hand, most users find their experience with Cinderella 99 enjoyable and memorable.
8. Bubba Kush
Emerging from the city of Los Angeles in the 1990s, Bubba Kush has quickly ascended to legendary status among cannabis aficionados, thanks to a grower simply named "Bubba".
Growing Bubba Kush in Northern Ontario
Bubba Kush stands out as an ideal strain for Northern Ontario growers. Its Indica-dominant genetics make it a compact and bushy plant, easy for both novice and seasoned growers to handle.
Its forgiving nature, especially towards beginners' mistakes, ensures a hearty yield even in less than perfect conditions. With its short flowering phase of 8 to 9 weeks, growers in Northern Ontario can expect a timely harvest around early to mid-October.
Additionally, the plant's ability to display rich colors when subjected to cooler temperatures towards the end of the flowering period can be an added visual bonus in this region.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Bubba Kush offers a unique aromatic profile that's a delightful blend of chocolate, coffee, and the signature Kush. This translates to an equally enticing taste filled with complex yet subtle distinction.
As for its effects, expect a serene calm coupled with a touch of euphoria. Clocking in at around 20% THC, Bubba Kush ensures a long-lasting, relaxing physical stone, perfect for winding down after a long day.
While there are minimal side effects, it's worth noting some consumers may experience dry eyes or mouth - but these can be easily countered with proper hydration.
9. Harlequin
Harlequin, with roots in Colombian Gold, Thai Sativa, Nepali Indica, and Swiss Sativa, is a globally acclaimed CBD-rich strain recognized for its therapeutic potential.
Growing Harlequin in Northern Ontario
Northern Ontario's unique climate may raise eyebrows when it comes to cannabis cultivation, but Harlequin stands out as a perfect fit. With a quick flowering time of eight to nine weeks and resilience to mold, Harlequin is a great choice for the region.
Its sturdiness makes it adaptable to varying weather conditions, and early fall harvesting means growers can avoid the harsh Ontario winters. Plus, the potential for substantial yields up to 800 grams per plant outdoors makes this strain an attractive option for cultivators.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Harlequin offers a captivating aroma, earthy and herbal with hints of pepper, citrus, and oak. On tasting, its profile is spicy with underlying pine notes. Beyond its delightful flavor and scent, Harlequin shines for its effects.
Its high CBD content (10-15%) ensures uplifting and energizing outcomes. Users often report a boost in morning motivation, making it a preferred choice for those battling depression.
Moreover, its notable CBD levels aid in pain management, anxiety relief, and even appetite stimulation, especially beneficial for individuals undergoing treatments like chemotherapy. Despite its therapeutic qualities, Harlequin ensures users remain grounded due to its low THC content, making relaxation possible without heavy psychoactive effects.
10. Green Crack
A cross between a 1989 SSSC Skunk #1 and an Isolated Afghani Cut, Green Crack boasts a legendary status in the cannabis world, combining intense fruity flavors with an uplifting Sativa high.
Growing in Northern Ontario
Green Crack's robust and vigorous nature makes it an excellent choice for growers in Northern Ontario. Thanks to its rapid flowering cycle of just 8 to 9 weeks, growers won't have to wait too long before harvesting.
While it can flourish indoors, reaching heights up to 200 cm, it truly shines outdoors, especially in spacious areas. Here, Green Crack can grow into impressive sizes, often reaching a staggering 3.5 meters.
Its resilience and impressive yields, ranging from 800 up to 1200 grams per plant, make it particularly appealing for Northern Ontario growers, known for facing unpredictable weather conditions.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Green Crack is a treat for the senses. Its aroma is unmistakably sweet and fruity, with earthy undertones complemented by hints of citrus and tropical fruit. On the palate, these flavors meld beautifully, creating a delightful mix of earthy and fruity notes.
Beyond its enticing aroma and flavor, Green Crack stands out for its effects. Ideal for social settings, its high is energetic and uplifting, often leading to creative bouts and happy conversations.
While it offers a delightful cerebral buzz, it doesn't leave the body behind, offering a gentle relaxation that doesn't overpower. However, new users should be cautious, as in rare instances, it can lead to feelings of paranoia.