By Max Sargent


Figuring out where to cultivate your cannabis crop is one of the very first steps in getting a grow started. Then, once you’ve decided, you’ve got to find the strains that will make the very most of your chosen environment. If you're looking to really boost your yield potential, certain varieties are better suited to this job.

Here we list our top 10 highest-yielding outdoor cannabis strains. All of these strains thrive in hot southern climates, and some will churn out perfectly respectable harvests even in cooler northern regions.

Why Grow Cannabis Outdoors?

For the most part, when we think of growing cannabis in the modern era, we think of foil-lined rooms with huge lights and fans. However, in many cases, the very best results are achievable when we grow weed as nature intended: outdoors.

There are many benefits to growing indoors, such as control over pretty much every variable. But it’s also expensive, very involved, and no lights can compare to the power and spectrum of the sun in the summer.

So for those living in a suitable climate with enough space, growing outdoors is a fantastic option. Not only is sunlight free and the best light source available, but plants grown outdoors can become huge, resulting in outrageously big yields. Plus, the natural cadence of the seasons will dictate the plants’ movement from one stage to another. All you need to do is keep them happy.

Top 10 High-Yielding Strains to Grow Outdoors

Now, on to the 10 best strains to grow outdoors. Note that these strains are all photoperiod-dependent, meaning they rely on a reduction in light exposure to move from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage. As such, these cultivars are able to take full advantage of space and sunlight outdoors, bringing in the largest possible yields.

Though not listed here, it’s worth noting that the short life cycles of autoflowering plants can be utilised outdoors to fit up to three harvests into a single growing season. However, if you’re growing outdoors with few limitations, we feel that photoperiod strains will help you achieve the best results.

Green Gelato

First up is Green Gelato. This hybrid brings together Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint x Girl Scout Cookies. With strains like this nestled in its nuclei, you can be certain it will result in a robust, flavourful plant. Bearing up to 27% THC, it’s about as strong as they come. And with ample sunlight, it’s very possible to achieve max potency.

Combine this strength with yields of up to 800g/plant, and you’re onto a winner. In fact, Green Gelato won the Soft Secrets award for “Best New European Strain for 2019”. It’s a suitable strain for growing in latitudes with slightly shorter summers, so you don’t need to live on the southern tip of Spain to cultivate Green Gelato. It should be ready to harvest some time around the beginning of October, and then you can smoke your way through autumn.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Green Gelato
23_genetic background_1 Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 700 gr/m²
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 27%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 45% Indica 55%
34_yield outdoor_1 800 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 150 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Green Gelato

Shogun

Shogun is the progeny of two legendary cannabis strains: Amnesia Haze and Gorilla Glue #4. With genetics like that, there’s little need to say much else. However, it’s too good not to. The THC content of Shogun can reach up to 25%, with a medium CBD content and mostly sativa genetics. All of these work in orchestra to create an uplifting, clear, and energetic high. And it’s got classic flavours of pine, citrus, and earth to match!

Being sativa-dominant, it has a fairly long life cycle, taking till the end of October to reach maturity. Come this time, you can hope for up to 750g/plant from a plant reaching almost 200cm in height. Given the long flowering period, it’s a plant better suited to climates with longer summers.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Shogun
23_genetic background_1 Amnesia Haze x Gorilla Glue 4
33_Yield indoors_1 550 - 600 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 – 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 25%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 750 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 150 - 190 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Clear, Laughter, Uplifting

Buy Shogun

Amnesia Haze

This list wouldn’t be complete without a pure cannabis classic on it. It’s likely you’ve heard of Amnesia Haze, or at least Haze strains more generally. And with good reason. These sativa-dominant classics set the bar high, and have provided their genetics to innumerable strains ever since.

Amnesia Haze has powerful and long-lasting effects that are mostly cerebral, but with a moderate physical stone too. At 22% THC, it’s potent without being too strong. Back in the day, it was one of the strongest strains available. It completes flowering in late October, making it more suited to areas blessed with long, warm summers. Come the end of this period, it can yield up to 700g/plant of citrusy, peppery bud.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Amnesia Haze
23_genetic background_1 Original Amnesia Haze
33_Yield indoors_1 600 - 650 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 10 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 22%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 70% Indica 30%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 700 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 175 - 210 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

Buy Amnesia Haze

Royal Moby

Royal Moby is a hybrid, but displays distinctly sativa characteristics. This strain is the offspring of Haze and White Widow. A THC level of 21% and sativa-led effects result in a very clear-headed and balanced high, suitable for both day and night.

But this strain really shines when you let it go outdoors. Capable of reaching 3m, it is an absolute monster, and has yields to match. It’s possible to harvest up to 1000g/plant of blueberry and lemon-scented bud from Royal Moby, as long as you have the space. Ready around the end of October, it’s got a longer life cycle than most, but one that’s well worth a little patience. This is one of the highest-yielding strains you can get your hands on.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Royal Moby
23_genetic background_1 Haze x White Widow
33_Yield indoors_1 550 - 600 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 21%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 65% Indica 35%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 700 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 200 - 300 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Balanced, Clear, Stoned

Buy Royal Moby

Purple Queen

So far, this list has been sativa-heavy, so here’s a stunning indica strain for those who like things a little more chill. By searching out the best and most elusive purple phenotypes from the Hindu Kush mountains, our breeders have created a purple delight!

22% THC and indica genetics makes for a happy and gentle high. This is certainly one for the evenings, or days when you’re in the mood to get happily stoned. Purple Queen has a shorter life cycle than some of the other strains on this list, and can be ready near the beginning of October. This, plus its resilient indica genetics, makes it a suitable choice for those growing in cooler climates with shorter summers.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Purple Queen
23_genetic background_1 Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 22%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 25% Indica 75%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 700 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 175 - 210 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Euphoric

Buy Purple Queen

Lemon Shining Silver Haze

Lemon Shining Silver Haze offers a slightly gentler ride than some of the previous strains. A huge THC content can be great, but there’s certainly a time and a place for something a little more chill. This strain has around 18% THC, which is still potent enough to floor you if you overdo it, but also leaves space to keep things a little more manageable. In addition, the clear and balanced effects make it a fantastic choice for inconspicuous daytime smoking.

Moreover, it’s a great choice for cultivators a little further north. It should be ready to harvest near the end of September, making it suitable for all but the shortest of summers. And you don’t need to sacrifice yield for this speed either. Up to 700g/plant is achievable in good conditions, which should be enough to keep even the greediest stoners happy!

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Lemon Shining Silver Haze
23_genetic background_1 Lemon Skunk x Shining Silver Haze
33_Yield indoors_1 600 - 650 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 21%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 700 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 130 - 170 cm
27_harvest period_1 Middle of October
22_Effect_1 Balanced, Clear, Stoned

Buy Lemon Shining Silver Haze

HulkBerry

HulkBerry is a genius piece of breeding that brings together O.G. Kush with Strawberry Diesel. Bred specifically for strength and potent cerebral highs, HulkBerry delivers. A THC level of 27% or more should satisfy even hardened smokers, as should the delicious mix of citrus, diesel, and pepper flavours.

Ready near the end of September, it’s a high-powered strain suited to both northern and southern climates. So if you want an outrageously potent strain, and you need it before the cold weather arrives, HulkBerry might just be the one. Maxing out at around 220cm and delivering up to 700g/plant of delicious, super-strength bud, it’s a plant with a lot to offer!

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

HulkBerry
23_genetic background_1 OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel
33_Yield indoors_1 400 - 450 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 27%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 65% Indica 35%
34_yield outdoor_1 650 - 700 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Clear, Uplifting

Buy HulkBerry

Honey Cream

This indica-heavy strain has surprisingly pronounced effects given its moderate potency. With 16% THC, you might think it’s too weak to be on this list, but it’s not so. The effects of Honey Cream can best be described as pseudo-psychedelic. Unique, and with delicious flavours of candy and earth, it’s an enigma that any serious cultivator should be keen to try.

It’s robust and faster than many of the strains on this list, making it a good candidate for those with shorter summers. It should be ready come the beginning of October, so it can take to most climates. In terms of yield, it’s not the most bountiful on the list, but should still satisfy the vast majority of growers. Expect up to 675g/plant from Honey Cream.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)
23_genetic background_1 BlueBlack x Maple Leaf Indica x White Rhino
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 100 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 16%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 35% Indica 65%
34_yield outdoor_1 625 - 675 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 250 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Psychedelic

Buy Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)

Skunk XL

Skunk XL is like the classic Skunk, just bigger and better. Like the original, it’s a perfect balance of 50% indica and 50% sativa genetics, making for a balanced, clear stone that should help you chill out. Combined with a comfortable 17% THC, it’s got all the hallmarks of a classic strain, suited to true stoners!

Skunk XL will be ready at some point during October, meaning those with shorter summers may be able to harvest early, and those with longer summers can let it mature a little longer if they so desire! Either way, you’re in for a treat. Yields of 675g/plant are achievable, with the plant reaching no more than 200cm.

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Skunk XL
23_genetic background_1 Skunk 1 x Afghan
33_Yield indoors_1 600 - 650 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 17%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 625 - 675 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Balanced, Clear, Stoned

Buy Skunk XL

Shining Silver Haze

Haze x (Skunk x Northern Light): that’s a lot of classics. The result is a very strong strain with heavy effects—perhaps not suited to the daytime or parties, but more to evenings in, with little to do but get high. The flavours are absolutely classic, with notes of citrus, fruit, pine, and earth.

It’s a late bloomer, and won’t be ready to harvest until late October. So if growing outdoors, Silver Shining Haze is better suited to warmer, more southerly regions where the summers stretch on indefinitely. A cold snap and darkness will not be appreciated by this beauty!

Top 10 High-Yielding Outdoor Cannabis Strains

Shining Silver Haze
23_genetic background_1 Haze x (Skunk x Northern Light)
33_Yield indoors_1 600 - 650 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 9 - 11 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 21%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 75% Indica 25%
34_yield outdoor_1 600 - 650 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late October
22_Effect_1 Heavy

Buy Shining Silver Haze

Achieve the Outdoor Grow of Your Dreams With These Heavy Yielders

This list proves it’s possible to achieve high yields outdoors with both indicas and sativas, in both southern and northern climates. However, it’s important to start with genetics that are bred to produce massive harvests, as is true with the above 10 strains. With a little care and patience, you’ll be raking in grams upon grams of bud in no time!

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