The 15 Best Cannabis Strains to Grow Outdoors

You don’t really need to be an expert to know that cannabis can be grown in two different ways: outdoors and indoors. While growing weed outdoors is the way it has been done for thousands of years, indoor gardening has been picking up over the past few decades and an increasing number of growers are taking it up because it gives them a much greater level of control, as well as a higher privacy than growing weed outdoors. Nonetheless, with laws relaxing and taboos no longer being as strong as they once were, growers are getting back to the natural way of growing weed – growing it outdoors.

In this article, while we shall expound upon the difference between indoor vs outdoor growing of weed, our primary focus here is on the outdoor weed. We have a list of some of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors that we have curated after a detailed study and after consulting multiple growers. This is the most definitive list of such cannabis strains that you can find on the internet which gives you a complete and detailed view about everything that you need to know about these strains and where to buy them from!

Over the course of this article, we take a detailed look at outdoor growing – what the problems are, what its benefits are, and a look at why people are getting back to this old-fashioned growing method. Before we conclude, we take a look at how to choose the best strain for yourself – a quick guide that everyone really needs to read so that they know they are picking just the right strain. We also provide answers to a number of frequently asked questions collated together for your ease! Let us begin by first understanding the primary difference between the two most popular forms of growing weed:

Growing Weed Indoors vs Outdoors: What is the Difference?

Let us first talk about the latter: growing weed outdoors has been done for thousands of years. It has been a part of many ancient cultures as well as religious rituals. Growers who like to grow their weed outdoors do so because it allows them the all-natural vibe. There’s the natural sunlight which provides the light to the plants for the process of photosynthesis, then there’s natural groundwater and rainwater that helps the plants get the right kind of water, and the soil in every place is different and rich in different nutrients, which further adds a signature taste or characteristic to the plants. There’s enough ventilation when you grow weed outdoors and these are the basics that any plants need! 

Growing outdoors also means that nature’s cycles determine the blooming of the buds. When sunlight hours start reducing in the winter, the plants start blooming. Modern day outdoor growers have it a little better as they can provide a cover to their plants from excess rain, control the nutrients by mixing them up with water, and take better care of their plants by protecting them from insects and pests which are common in an outdoors setup. The biggest problem that growers tend to face with growing weed outdoors is that it can attract unwanted attention, especially in places where it is illegal to grow weed. The last two decades, however, have seen a drastic shift in marijuana policies across the US (as well as the world) which has led to quite a lot of people beginning to grow weed outdoors.

Indoor growing took off for two reasons – first the aforementioned taboo, but more importantly, it gives you a far greater amount of control over the factors of growth. When you grow weed indoors, you are no longer dependent upon nature for light, water or air! You can use grow lights to recreate the natural sunlight and you can provide lights year-round, for however long you want to and you can reduce the lighting manually to trigger flowering when you think your plants are ready! Similarly, you can provide just the right water, the right nutrients – and even control factors like humidity and temperature. All of this put together makes indoor growing significantly beneficial compared to growing outdoors.

However, there are multiple reasons as to why people are making a shift to outdoor growing. The most important such reason is that growing outdoors is the best option for growers who want to grow large-scale marijuana. This is because there’s always a space limitation indoors – and then because you have to artificially recreate all the natural factors, it consumes quite a bit of electricity and can grow into quite an expensive affair if you choose to do so on that scale indoors! While small to mid-scale growers might find it affordable, the cost of growing weed shoots high for large scale growers. This is why most such growers prefer growing weed outdoors – under natural conditions, and often in greenhouses where natural conditions and artificial conditions meet halfway. 

15 Best Cannabis Strains to Grow Outdoors

Image	Product	Features	Price
	Super Skunk Feminized Seeds	Contains about 20% THC content Indica dominant strain (80:20) Body High	Check Price
	Sour Diesel Feminized Strain	Contains about 20% THC content More Sativa than Indica (Dominant 60:40) Energizes those who consume it	Check Price
	Gorilla Glue Autoflower Seeds	‘Earthy’ and pine-like aroma Contains 50/50 split of Indica and Sativa strains Very high THC concentration – upto 26%	Check Price
	Purple Haze Feminized Strain Seeds	High yield – 19 ounces per 3×3 area 20% THC content Easy to grow for beginners	Check Price
	Gold Leaf Feminized Seeds	Grows about 7ft tall Indica dominant strain, about 21% THC content Gives high yields	Check Price
	Zkittlez Feminized Strain Seeds for Growing Outdoors	23% THC content Helps stoners relax and rest Indica dominant strain	Check Price
	Girl Scout Cookies Extreme Autoflower	Indica dominant strain Contains 21% THC content Autoflowering strain: great for beginners	Check Price
	California Dream Feminized Seeds	High THC Content – upto 24% High yields – 21 oz per 3x3ft Helps with stress, anxiety and depression	Check Price
	Purple Kush Feminized	Contains 100% indica strain Gives very intense body high 22% THC content	Check Price
	Fire OG Feminized Seeds	20% THC content Indica dominant strain Uplifting effect on mood	Check Price
	NYC Diesel Feminized Seeds	Sativa dominant strain in 60:40 ratio Contains about 21% THC Very tall plants	Check Price
	LSD Strain Seeds Feminized	Very strong ‘hit’, 24% THC Winner of the Cannabis Cup and Sativa Cup awards Easy to grow – beginner friendly strain	Check Price
	Amnesia Haze Feminized Seeds	Carries 21% THC content Gives a strong mind high and makes you feel creative Best grown in sunny places with temperatures between 72-80F	Check Price
	Blackberry Kush Feminized Seeds	Fruity taste and sweet smell About 20% THC content Does not grow very tall, easy to manage	Check Price
	Bruce Banner Feminized	Sativa dominant strain 25% THC content Cannabis Cup winner	Check Price

Here’s a closer look at ten of the best strains that you can make use of, if you want to grow weed outdoors. We have provided a detailed review of these strains, as well as provided you with the links to directly buy them online. All these seeds have a pretty high germination rate and are high-quality products curated by professionals after understanding the plant genetics. Do go through them to understand which are the best strains that you can buy to grow weed outdoors:

1. Super Skunk Feminized Seeds – Best Outdoor Strain

The first name on our list is that of the Super Skunk seeds. These are one of the best outdoor strains of cannabis for growers who are just starting out, as well as for growers who are experienced. This is for those growers who love the smell of weed, as it is one of the strongest smelling strains out there – with the aroma lingering around for quite a while! This is a indica dominant strain which carries 80% of the indica strain, and hence it gives you a very strong body high. 

The THC content here is about 20% which is good enough for most growers as it gives a decent ‘hit’. You also get about 18 to 21 oz of yield when you grow this weed in a 3×3 area. This strain is a cross between Skunk#1 and Afghani Indica plants. This comes in packs of 5 and 20. One pro tip for growers who plan on growing this strain is that you might want to crank up your humidity levels a little bit when you are growing this weed. There are almost no traces of CBD in this one so this is purely for recreational smoking.

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2. Sour Diesel Feminized Strain

While the super skunk seeds above this were indica dominant, these are the exact opposite as Sour Diesel contains a large portion of the sativa strain, which makes it quite an energizing product! Smoking this weed gives you a mind high where you feel energized and creative. One thing that growers need to know about these seeds is that they give birth to a plant that loves sunlight! The tyour plants to extend the sunlit hours while growing outdoors. 

While the one above this was meant for beginners, you need some amount of experience to grow this plant as it is a little high maintenance strain and it requires quite a bit of attention from the grower. Sour Diesel is one of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors and it carries about 20% THC content which is great to give you a strong high. The strain gets its name ‘Diesel’ from the fact that it has a strong diesel-like smell associated to it. Interestingly, Super Skunk forms one of its parents plants which are crossed to make this strain. Growing this plant in a 3×3 area gives you a yield of about 16 ounces, which is not bad at all!

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3. Gorilla Glue Autoflower Seeds

Gorilla Glue or the ‘GG’ seeds are one of the most popular and loved strains of weed not just in the US but all over the world! These are autoflowering seeds, which makes it even better for growers who have a limited growing experience and aren’t sure how sunlight triggers flowering. This is a perfectly balanced mix of 50/50 combination of Indica and Sativa genetics – giving you a mind high as well as a body high. One of the best things about this plant is that it carries about 26% THC levels which are among the highest you can find! This strain comes in packs of 5, 10 and 20 seeds.

These GG seeds take about 8 to 10 weeks to flower and have a very earthy, pine-like smell which most growers really appreciate. It is a great mood uplifter and usually makes the stoners quite happy and relaxed. One thing that you must know about it is that it offers very low yields – almost upto 6 ounces per 3×3 area. However, that is one compromise you might have to make when it comes to this strain. Given the high THC concentration and the ease of growth, most growers are attracted towards it and it is easily one of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors. 

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4. Purple Haze Feminized Strain Seeds

You know the name! You know the song! It’s all in your eyes, it’s all in your mind. You kiss the skies. Alright lets not get carried away. Purple Haze is one of the best outdoor strains of marijuana out there and we aren’t even going to put that fact up for a debate. A sativa dominant strain carrying about 70% sativa genetics and 30% indica, this plant offers a high yield – going as much as 19 ounces per 3×3 ft area of growth, which is incredible and the highest so far on this list. The taste that you get here is also quite a delight as it tastes very berry-like and has a fruity tinge to it. 

When you consume the purple haze weed, you get a high that is relaxing, but gives you quite the creative click too! The THC levels here are 20% which means it is good enough but not something that will knock you out. It is an average-sized plant as well – making it ideal for growing it and managing it with comfort. You don’t even need to be an expert to grow this plant. You can purchase these seeds in packages of 5, 10, and 20 seeds. 

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5. Gold Leaf Feminized Seeds

A very popular strain of weed loved by growers all over the world, Gold Leaf is an indica dominant plant which contains Indica-Sativa in a 60-40 split, featuring the best of both worlds. This gives you a relaxing high but you also feel quite creative while you’re on it. One of the biggest benefits that growers see in this Gold Leaf strain of plants is the fact that you get a massive 23 ounces per 3×3 area yield on it. The difficulty in growing it is moderate, so beginners might want to think before starting off with it – but the returns you get on growing it are too tempting! 

The THC concentration is also pretty neat as you get 21% THC in it. The taste of the buds can vary between being spicy and being sweet but it’s got an earthy tinge to it, especially when you grow it outdoors. These plants tend to grow about 7ft tall and leave a good aftertaste once you are done smoking them up. This is one of the best options for those growers who are looking for an outdoorsy kind of a strain of marijuana. 

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6. Zkittlez Feminized Strain Seeds for Growing Outdoors

Another Indica-dominant strain, which carries a 70-30 split in the Indica-Sativa ratio, Zkittlez is a very attractive plant to grow as it has very colorful buds growing out of it. The THC levels that you get here are about 23% which are good enough to give you a strong punch once you smoke them! This is one of the best strains for those growers who just want to unwind after a really long day at work and want to relax. This gives more of a body-high than a mind-high, which is also great for stoners who just want to go to sleep after a tiring day. This strain is great for outdoor growing, but suits the needs of indoor growers as well. It requires almost no experience to grow and is great for beginners.

Another great thing about this strain is that it leaves a very fruity taste in your mouth and has a nice smell to it, making it great for those stoners who find the traditional pungent smell a turn-off. The yield that you get on this Zkittlez strain is about 16 to 20 oz per 3×3 area. A small pro-tip for growers here is to grow it in places which have a hot and humid climate as it performs the best over there. 

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7. Girl Scout Cookies Extreme Autoflower – Best Autoflowering Outdoor Cannabis Strain

A very popular name which almost needs no introduction! Girl scout cookies are an outdoor cannabis strain which are heavily favored towards the Indica strain than the Sativa strain in an 80:20 ratio. The THC content in these strains is that of 21% which gives the stoners quite a punch when they smoke it up. Another thing of note here is that these are autoflowering seeds and perhaps the best outdoor autoflowering strains of cannabis on our list. It suits indoor as well as outdoor growers and is best for those who are just starting off with growing weed. These seeds come in packages of 5, 10 and 20. 

The girl scout cookies seeds carry almost an insignificant amount of THC content and aren’t really meant for medicinal growers. Another thing that might be a little off-putting for most growers is that you get a very low yield here – about 4 to 6 oz per 3x3ft area. However, the plant’s size itself is quite small and it is a low maintenance plant. This strain is also an appetite booster so people struggling with a loss of appetite can consume it to gain some of it back. It has got a lemony taste to it and has a nice smell as well. 

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8. California Dream Feminized Seeds

Yet another Indica dominant strain which carries Indica: Sativa in a 70:30 ratio. One of the best things about this strain of weed is that it carries a very strong, 24% THC content which is guaranteed to knock your socks off! This plant is good for indoor growth but reaches its full potential when you grow it outdoors – making it one of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors. It is perhaps the best name on our list for people who want to relax and get their minds off worrying thoughts and stress. You can buy these seeds in packages of 5, 10, and 20. 

These plants can grow quite tall so there’s something that growers might want to look out for. The yields are also pretty decent, as you get about 21 oz per 3x3ft area. These plants can easily grow up to a height of 8ft and even taller in some cases, especially in sunny, mediterranian climates. Growers tend to experience a heightening of their senses when they consume this weed. You get a very fruity punch of taste when you smoke this weed. This is also a great pack of seeds to help you grow plants that can deal with anxiety, depression, and fatigue-related problems. 

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9. Purple Kush Feminized – 100% Indica Outdoor Strain

One of the strongest Indica strains on our list – Purple Kush carries 100% indica strain and 0% sativa, making it one of the most relaxing plants here. It gives you an intense sense of relaxation and helps deal with a number of problems related to stress and anxiety. It even offers you a high THC content which can reach upto 22%, giving you quite a ‘hit’ when you smoke it up. The high that you experience is mostly body-high, which can be quite a relaxing experience for most stoners. It has got an earthy taste and a sweet smell to it.

This weed is also unique in terms of its looks as it carries a purple tint to it, as it is produced as a cross between the weed that grows on the Hindu Kush mountains and Purple Afghani weed. However, it is largely cultivated in the California region now. These plants grow the best when you are growing them in a place that is cool yet sunny, and most importantly – it has a good air circulation. Many hydroponic growers also prefer to grow this weed. You can get a maximum of about 9oz of weed per 3x3ft setup.  

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10. Fire OG Feminized Seeds – High THC Content Outdoor Strain

When it comes to the list of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors, Fire OG is something that HAS to be mentioned! This strain of weed is yet another indica-dominant strain (as are most outdoor cannabis plants), and it carries an indica-sativa genetic mix in the ratio of 70:30. You get about 17oz of yield per square meter of growing this plant. It grows to an average height which makes it pretty easy to maintain, and can take a little longer than most plants to flower as the average flowering period is that of 10 weeks! You get a very lemony and citric taste when you smoke this weed, which is something that most growers really love about it. 

Smoking this weed can have a very happy vibe – and it helps you uplift your mood and cheer up. You can buy this in packages of 5, 10, and 20 seeds. This carries a THC content of up to 20%, and can produce a yield measuring up to 17 ounces per square meter. A pro tip here to all our readers who plan on growing this strain is that you might just want to prune and top off the plant to get the best possible results. 

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11. NYC Diesel Feminized Seeds

After quite a while, here’s a Sativa dominant strain, but only by a very small margin (60:40 of Sativa: Indica). These are feminized seeds which produce a plant that can grow very tall – this is also a strain that only experienced growers must tackle as it requires quite a bit of maintenance over the months that it grows. Besides that, the flowering phase can take upto 10 weeks, which is a pretty long time period as well. You can get about 17 ounces per square meter in this plant. 

The taste and smell that you get here are quite unique – almost a chocolaty flavor can be experienced with this strain – which makes it quite a popular name in the markets. Since this is a diesel strain, there’s a pungent smell that it leaves behind which tends to linger along for a long time. This is an award-winning strain with global recognition. It carries about 21% THC content in it and grows best outdoors when the climate is warm and dry. All said and done, one of the best cannabis strains to grow outdoors – especially for growers who have been into the growing biz for quite a while. 

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12. LSD Strain Seeds Feminized – Best Strain of Cannabis For Beginners

Almost a 50:50 split but slightly more sativa-dominant than indica, this strain features a 45-55 mix of the two. However, what really matters here is the high THC concentration, standing in at 24%, which is quite impressive. This is one of the simplest strains of marijuana that growers could opt for – making it quite easy even for beginners to grow with ease. This gives you a very intense mind as well as a body high – and is a strong ‘hit’ for those who want to smoke weed for recreational purposes. It provides about 17 ounces of yield per square meter, which is not bad at all! 

This weed has a citric, earthy smell to it – and provides the growers with a very euphoric high. The LSD strain is an award-winning kind of a plant, which has been granted the Cannabis Cup as well as the Sativa Cup awards over the past few years. The kind of high that you get from it is similar to a psychedelic hit that you’d get when you drop LSD. If you can grow it outdoors, you’ll be able to grow it in the best possible way. One tip that you might want to consider is to provide it a sheltered outdoor growth, yet one which allows sunshine – i.e. greenhouses. This plant also loves warmth. 

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13. Amnesia Haze Feminized Seeds

An overwhelmingly strong sativa strain, which contains 80% sativa and 20% indica genes, the Amnesia Haze seeds carry a very nice and lemony taste. The smell is quite attractive and it doesn’t feel like you’re smoking weed at all, as it has a very fresh, chirpy sort of a smell to it. The weed that grows from this plant carries 21% THC content – which is a decent amount and can give the stoners a very good ‘hit’. It contains almost no CBD content of any significance. However, you get very high yields when you grow it – upto 25 ounces per sq. meter which is very impressive. 

Just like the one above it, this strain has also won the Cannabis Cup and the Sativa Cup awards in the past and is preferred by those growers who want a very strong mind-high rather than having a sleepy-ol body high. This weed helps you feel creative and grows best when you grow it outdoors in a sunny region. The fall season is generally when these plants begin to flower and they are best grown outdoors between 72F to 80F, which is an ideal temperature for them. Lastly, these plants don’t grow too tall and are easy to maintain as well.

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14. Blackberry Kush Feminized Seeds

There’s something about purple weed that attracts people – and this is one of the best such examples! Blackberry Kush carries 80% Indica and 20% sativa and as the name suggests – carries a very strong blueberry like taste and smell, which is the key highlight here. The bud is purple in color and it is easy to grow largely because it does not grow too tall. You get about 17 ounces of yield per sq. meter when you grow this blackberry kush weed, and it carries a very earthy taste and smell to it.

This strain leaves quite a strong smell behind after you have smoked it – and even that is a very swede smelling aroma. One of the best use-cases of this weed is for people who go through nervous ailments as it helps them relax. Besides that, if you are someone who deals from anxiety, this is a great weed for you too. It carries up to 20% of THC content. This plant grows the best in temperatures ranging between 68 to 80F. This is a very calming strain, and it comes in packages of 5, 10, or 20 seeds. 

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15. Bruce Banner Feminized

As the name suggests, this strain is called ‘Bruce Banner’ as it has been named after the incredible Hulk. If you are wondering why, imagine that scene where the green giant picks up Loki and whams him on the ground multiple times, calling him a puny God. That is exactly the kind of hit that you would get upon smoking it up because it delivers a ‘hulk-like’ punch. This weed gets you REALLY high because of the 25% THC concentration and if you look at the genetic makeup, it is a Sativa dominant strain – giving you a very ‘happy high’. 

It takes about 8 weeks in the flowering phase, and generates a yield of about 19 oz per sq. meter. The aftertaste that it leaves behind is an earthy one, almost similar to the diesel strains of weed. It also has a pungent smell, and has also been a Cannabis Cup winner in the past. This strain of weed can grow quite tall which is why it is best suited for outdoor growers. Indeed, the right strain for stoners who just love having a good time!

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How to Choose the Right Strain For Yourself:

You can use this as a checklist of sorts to know whether the strain of weed you are choosing is the right fit for you. There are a number of factors that go into this decision and we have tried to list down as many of them as possible: 

• Taste and Smell – The taste and smell of the weed matters a lot! Most growers going for a specific strain tend to choose so because unique strains have unique tastes. You might want something that has a tinge of a blueberry, or a citric taste, or something that tastes sweeter than the average bud. Hence, it is important for the growers to know that they are getting the right kind of a bud for their needs.
  
• THC and CBD Content – THC and CBD content are important because it is these that determine the kind of ‘high’ that you are going to get in case of the former and the medicinal value of the plant in the case of the latter. Based on what your needs are – do you just want to get high or do you want to enjoy the medicinal properties, you need to go for either THC or CBD.
  
• Indica/Sativa Split – Different indica/sativa combinations can have different effects on you based on what the dominant strain is. The Indica strain is likely to get you more drowsy and give you a body high and help you sleep and relax while the Sativa strain is better for those who want to get active and/or wish to do something creative as it gives you a ‘mind high’.
• Your Experience – Different seeds take different levels of efforts to grow, there are some high maintenance plants and then there are some low maintenance plants. Depending on how long you’ve been growing weed, you might want to approach it in a different manner. Your experience tends to matter a lot here!
  
• Size of the Plant – Check how tall the plant grows before you buy the seeds. If you are growing on a limited space you might want to check out plants that grow shorter. Outdoor growers usually do not face a problem when it comes to the height of the plants.
  
• Autoflowering – Autoflowering plants are best suited for growers who do not want to depend upon the sun’s natural cycle for the plant to enter the flowering stage. These plants might not have the ideal THC content but are great for first-time growers or growers who are growing in places where the sunlight can’t be depended upon.
  
• Indoors vs Outdoors – You might want to choose an ideal strain based on where you are growing. The names featured in our list above are all the best outdoor cannabis strains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Weed Outdoors:

Growers tend to ask us a number of questions about growing weed outdoors. Here’s a collection of some FAQs put together for your benefit.

1. Is it legal to grow weed outdoors?

The legality of growing weed depends upon the place where you are living. There are no universal principles or laws about it. Always make sure that you have checked with your local authorities before you start growing weed. Furthermore, there might also be a limit on the number of plants that you are allowed to grow so watch out for that as well. Large scale growers almost always require some special permission or license before they can grow their weed. 

2. Where can I get the seeds to grow weed?

ILGM is one of the best such websites from where you can buy your seeds. They offer you the best quality seeds which will reach you on time and safely. It is a credible website trusted by millions of growers all over the world. Besides that, there are local seed banks from where you can buy your seeds as well!

3. How much THC content do my strains need to have?

This depends upon what kind of a high you like. Most growers aim for plants that have a very high THC Content (higher than 20%) but if you are someone who wants to enjoy a mild high, you might want to go for plants that have a milder THC content. It depends upon your personal tastes and preferences. 

4. Is there a guarantee that all my seeds will grow into plants?

There is no guarantee that all your seeds will grow into plants, but most seed banks do have a good accuracy rate – meaning at least 80% of your seeds do end up growing into fully grown plants. This is a risk that you have to take. You might end up with all of them growing up well or none of them, but you are more likely at the safer side of things than the having the latter happen to you. Nonetheless, there’s never any guarantee. Most good seed banks refund you or send you new seeds in case such a thing happens. 

Conclusion

We hope that by the time you reach this point in the article, you know which are the fifteen best options that are out there to grow weed outdoors. We have curated the most informationally accurate list of the best outdoor strains available on the internet! We have also provided a checklist of what all you need to consider before you choose your favorite strain, and we have also provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about growing this kind of weed. However, if there are any more questions that you might want answered, feel free to send us a mail or write to us in the comments section and we shall get back to you with all the answers soon! Till then….

…Happy Growing! 🙂