Sativa plants tend to grow very tall, which can be a problem for indoor growers or those with limited space. Fortunately, short-growing sativa strains are available that offer the energizing effects of sativa and the compact size of indica plants.
In this article, we will explore 10 short-growing sativa strains that are perfect for small spaces.
1. Lowryder (16 inch–24 inch)
The Lowryder Autoflower strain is a top autoflowering choice for both beginners and pros, reaching just 16 inch indoors and 24 inch outdoors. Ideal for tight grow spaces or discreet outdoor setups, she's resilient against cold, rain, and mold.
Indoors, expect solid yields of 0.4 oz per square feet in 7-8 weeks under 18-24 hours of light, while outdoors, she can produce about 3.2 oz per plant. Despite her petite size, Lowryder delivers a balanced, relaxing, yet uplifting effect, making her a favorite among all types of growers.
2. Jack Herer (35 inch–71 inch)
The Jack Herer strain is a renowned balanced strain known for high yields. It grows relatively short, reaching 35 inch–51 inch indoors and 51 inch–71 inch outdoors. Despite its modest height, it produces large buds that need support.
This hungry plant thrives with ample nutrients. Indoors,, it flowers in 60-70 days and yields up to 2 oz per square feet. Outdoors, in warm, dry climates,, it can produce up to 24.7 oz per plant.
Jack Herer stays discreet with little odor pre-harvest. It provides balanced recreational and medical effects. The complex flavor is earthy and skunky with sweet, fruity undertones.
3. Super Lemon Haze Autoflower (20 inch–59 inch)
Super Lemon Haze Auto seeds are a compact, citrusy delight. It is perfect for limited spaces, reaching 20 inch–39 inch indoors and 39 inch–59 inch outdoors.
Tough and mold-resistant, this autoflowering strain races from seed to harvest in just under 10 weeks, with an 8-9 week flowering time. Feminized for all-female plants, it delivers impressive yields—up to 1.6 oz per square feet indoors and 3.5 oz per plant outdoors.
4. Tangerine Dream Autoflower (28 inch–51 inch)
The Tangerine Dream Auto strain is a compact, easy-to-grow strain with a mellow buzz. It can grow 28 inch–39 inch indoors and 39 inch–51 inch outdoors. Ideal for small, discreet spaces, it is disease-resistant and flowers quickly in just 7-8 weeks.
Expect yields of 1–1.3 oz per square feet indoors and 2.8–3.5 oz per plant outdoors. Her sweet citrus aroma may need a filter, but she's otherwise low-maintenance. Tangerine Dream Auto is a great choice for a resilient auto that’s potent, mellow, and manageable in size.
5. Diesel Autoflower (16 inch–43 inch)
Diesel Autoflower is a potent, resilient strain with a fuel-like aroma. It grows short, 16 inch–28 inch indoors and 24 inch–43 inch outdoors, ideal for small spaces. This hardy auto thrives in warm and cold climates.
Indoors, it produces well-spaced branches. During flowering, the buds smell increasingly diesel-like. SOG and ScrOG techniques maximize yields. The fast growth allows 2+ harvests per season outdoors.
Autoflower seeds are feminized, avoiding pollination from males. Despite its small size, Diesel Auto offers high yields and an easy growing experience.
6. Amnesia Autoflower (16 inch–43 inch)
Amnesia Auto is a perfect choice for new growers, blending classic Haze and Afghani profiles in a compact, resilient plant. Staying under 47 inch indoors and 51 inch outdoors, she fits well in small spaces.
This hardy auto flowers in just 6-7 weeks, handling cooler temps and beginner mistakes with ease. Yields are impressive—up to 5.3 oz per plant outdoors and 1.6–2 oz per square feet indoors with SOG. For an easy, high-yielding strain with a fast finish, Amnesia Auto is a solid pick.
7. Sour Diesel Autoflower (30 inch–63 inch)
Sour Diesel Autoflower is a standout with its unique diesel taste and a robust THC level at 23%. Compact for indoor growth (30 inch–39 inch), it can stretch to 63 inch outside.
Its quick 8-9 week flowering allows for dual yearly harvests. Expect a healthy yield of around 1.3 oz per square feet indoors and 6 oz per plant outdoors.
It's notable for its potent diesel aroma mixed with citrus and herbs, ideal for boosting mood and energy. Caution is advised due to its high THC content.
8. Pineapple Express Autoflower (31 inch–43 inch)
Pineapple Express Autoflower is an indica-dominant strain known for its fast growth and deep pineapple flavors. It grows a bushy, Christmas tree-like structure reaching 31 inch–43 inch tall, suitable for small spaces.
This beginner-friendly auto flowers fast in 49-56 days for quick harvests. The ruderalis genetics allow multiple outdoor harvests per season. Yields are up to 2 oz per square feet indoors and 5.3 oz per plant outdoors.
The fast flowering time and manageable size make Pineapple Express Auto an easy, high-yielding strain for novice growers.
9. Northern Lights Autoflower (28 inch–67 inch)
Northern Lights Autoflower seeds are a beginner-friendly, high-yielding strain known for its relaxing, euphoric high. It grows to 28 inch–47 inch indoors and up to 67 inch outdoors, producing abundant buds.
With a quick 11-13 week life cycle, it thrives indoors, especially using Sea of Green. It can yield up to 1.6 oz per square feet, and outdoors, it can produce around 5.3 oz per plant.
Its Skunky flavor mixes lemon, earthy, and pine notes, delivering calming effects without overstimulation. Compact, productive, and mellow, Northern Lights Auto is perfect for new growers.
10. White Widow Autoflower (28 inch–71 inch)
The White Widow Autoflower strain brings the classic strain in an easy-to-grow, autoflowering form, reaching up to 47 inch indoors and 71 inch outdoors—ideal for compact setups.
Flowering starts in 2-4 weeks, with a quick 56-63 day cycle, and as a feminized strain, there's no need to remove males. Indoors, SCROG or SOG techniques boost yields to 1.5 oz per square feet, while outdoor plants yield around 2.8 oz each.
Though yields are modest, quality is excellent, offering balanced effects that make White Widow Auto ideal for both beginners and experienced growers.
