There are many factors to consider when attempting to grow a strong and healthy crop of cannabis. Temperature, nutrients, air, water and location all come into play. Of course, growing plants within an indoor grow tent assures that the cultivator has almost complete control over the environment. There are rarely pests, temperatures are warm and lights are frequent and bright. However, some growers are fortunate enough to have large areas of outdoor space to utilise. Growing outdoors certainly comes along with challenges, yet plants have far more room to grow; bigger plants with more impressive yields are usually the result.

Where in the world an outdoor crop is being cultivated can dramatically increase the challenges involved with the operation. One of the main considerations here is climate. It may seem hard, if not impossible, to grow weed outside in colder temperatures. Luckily, there are strains that are adapted to such chilly conditions, meaning growers with gardens in colder regions of the world can still use their space to crop successfully. Here are a few strains to check out if you are looking for hardy genetics that can handle the cold.

LSD By Barney's Farm

LSD is a durable strain that really can take some abuse. It seems to have the ability to grow just about anywhere, even with little care and attention. These traits make LSD a strain that can tackle colder climates head on. LSD has made a name for itself over time, winning a High Time Cannabis Cup in 2008. It is an indica-dominant hybrid, featuring 70 percent indica genetics and 30 percent sativa. This hardcore strain is the result of crossbreeding parent strains Original Skunk 1 and Afghan Indica. LSD has earned its trippy name due to the borderline psychedelic high that it initiates, largely thanks to the high THC content of 24 percent found within the flowers.

The flowering time of LSD is between 65 and 70 days. This means that the plant is likely to be in the ground for some time. However, its resilient nature will ensure that it can indeed cope with a long exposure to the cold. When grown outdoors, LSD is known to reach heights of between 50 and 100cm. This small stature makes it a good choice as a stealthy crop than can be safely cultivated outside the sight of any scouting eyes. This strain will be ready to harvest around the end of September.

LSD offers a relaxing, happy and euphoric high when smoked. It incites creative inspiration and encourages a generally uplifted state. When blazing a bong loaded with this strain - sweet, earthy and delicious citrus tastes can be expected.

SUPER SKUNK By Sensi Seeds

Super Skunk is an award-winning strain that is capable of dealing with harsh and chilly outdoor conditions. It won awards at the High Times Cannabis Cup in both 1990 and 1992, along with prizes at the HighLife Cup in 2015. The strain is an indica-dominant hybrid that features 80 percent indica genetics and 20 percent sativa. It results from crossbreeding parent strains Skunk 1 and Afghani Hashplant.

The task of growing Super Skunk outdoors in a cold climate will be a rewarding procedure. Not only will growers have defied conditions that many strains could not handle, but the yields will be large and the potency, strong. Although this strain remains a stealthy size when grown outside, it sure provides a lot of flowers. Super Skunk has a rather short flowering time of between 45 and 50 days. This means growers won’t have to wait an unnecessarily long time until they can enjoy a well-deserved smoke.

VANILLA ICE By Zambeza Seeds

Vanilla Ice develops nice, fan-like leaves that work to maximise the amount of light absorbed. The name of this strain accurately describes its ability to work well in cold and harsh conditions; although “ice” actually stands for “indica crystal extreme” due to the frosty buds that plants produce. This indica-dominant hybrid will put on a fine display of resilience when cultivated outdoors in colder climates. The stain is the result of crossbreeding legendary parents Northern Light, Skunk, Shiva and Afghani.

Vanilla Ice has a flowering time of 8 to 9 weeks, meaning growers won’t have to wait too long before they can sample their cold-proof crop. The height of this strain remains small when grown outdoors, which is good news for growers who like to keep things on the down low.

OG KUSH By Dinafem

OG Kush is a high-performing strain that is more than capable of dealing with dipping temperatures. The strain is hardy, easy to grow and offers monster yields. OG Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid resulting from parent strains Lemon Thai, Pakistani and Chemdawg.

OG Kush has a flowering time of around 55 days and grows to the rather massive height of 300cm when cultivated outdoors. This size isn’t exactly easy to conceal, yet the yields are more than rewarding. The THC content provided by the flowers is high, contributing to powerful psychedelic effects. OG Kush offers relaxing and happy sensations when smoked, creating an uplifting, yet sleepy state. Smoking a blunt or bowl full of this strain comes along with the pleasant flavors of earth, pine and wood.

BLUE CHEESE AUTOMATIC By Royal Queen Seeds

Blue Cheese Automatic is another rugged strain that is capable of battling through cold climates in order to provide impressive yields. This strain is an autoflowering variety, meaning some of its genetics are derived from Cannabis ruderalis. This subspecies of the Cannabis genus evolved in northern regions of the world, which is why it is no surprise that this strain can thrive in colder temperatures. Autoflowering plants are often viewed as easier to grow because cultivators do not need to change the light cycle to force plants into the flowering phase.

Blue Cheese Automatic consists of 40 percent indica genetics, 35 percent sativa genetics and 25 percent ruderalis genetics. The strain is the result of crossbreeding parent strains Blueberry, Cheese and ruderalis. The growth cycle is very short, totalling 10 weeks. This means it offers almost instant gratification compared to other strains. When grown outdoors, Blue Cheese Automatic remains a small and manageable plant between 60 and 110cm in height. The THC content of the flowers are moderate at 16 percent. The strain offers an uplifting and creative high, accompanied by sweet and spicy flavours.

			Written by: Luke S. Luke S. is a journalist based in the United Kingdom, specialising in health, alternative medicine, herbs and psychedelic healing. He has written for outlets such as Reset.me, Medical Daily and The Mind Unleashed, covering these and other areas.
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