Best Strains to Grow in the Northeast
Sunshine is essential for flourishing cannabis strains, but the Northeast’s cool temperature can be a challenge. You have to choose strains that thrive in cooler climates, like Blueberry, Northern Lights, and White Widow.
We’ve seen countless growers struggle with mismatched strains and climates. That’s why we recommend considering your climate when selecting a strain. With the right pairing, you have a high chance of being successful!
To get you started, we have provided practical tips on how to pick the best strains to grow in the Northeast. This guide also gives recommendations on the strains that we consider best.
Key Takeaways
- The Northeast being very humid and having cooler temperatures, requires cannabis strains that are resistant to mold and mildew
- Landrace strains are naturally hardy and resistant to pests and diseases. Hence, they can do well almost anywhere, including the Northeast. However, it is important to note that "landrace" is a general term, and not all landrace strains are suitable for the Northeast. For instance, mountainous landrace strains, such as Durban Poison, have shown good results in similar cool, mountainous areas.
- Strains that flower within a short duration, mostly indicas, are specially suited for parts of the Northeast that have short summers, such as New Hampshire.
- High-yielding strains that are good for the outdoors are ideal for the Northeast. However, it's important to note that high yields often mean dense buds, which can be risky for mold and mildew, especially in the region's humid climate.
Climate Considerations For the Northeast Of America
Cannabis usually takes 3–4 months to mature. If you live in the Northeast, you want to prepare your seeds around springtime and plant them outdoors after the summer solstice to ensure the days are long enough to keep plants in a vegetative state before they start flowering. The real action should take place somewhere in August, when the plants enter the flowering stage and the silvery resin-coated buds begin to appear.
During the flowering stage, cannabis plants require 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light. If you are growing weed indoors, then you can easily manipulate the “length of day.”. But if you are growing cannabis plants outdoors in the Northeast, you have no choice but to obey the laws of Mother Nature.
Once the flowering stage begins, it is a race against time. If your plants enter the flowering stage in mid-August and the strain matures in 60 days, you will be looking to harvest around mid-October.
You want to give those trichomes plenty of time in the sunshine to maximize potency, right? But simultaneously, you want to ensure that the cold winter’s chill doesn't catch up with you. The ideal time to harvest your plants in the Northeast is mid-September to the beginning of October.
When growing cannabis in the Northeast, it is important to go for mold- and frost-resistant strains that are resilient, mature quickly, and can adapt to climate changes. It is also important to go for high-yielder strains to ensure a good reward for all your labor.
The table below details the average temperatures, precipitation and daylight for each month in the Northeast. By understanding these factors, you can be strategic when growing your strains:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Precipitation (in) | Daylight Hours | Considerations for Cultivation |
| March | 40-45 | 21-26 | 4 | 10.5 hours | Seed selection and planning |
| April | 51-56 | 30-37 | 4 | 12.5 hours | Germination indoors is possible |
| May | 60-69 | 40-45 | 4 | 14.5 hours | Seedlings can be moved outdoors in a protected area |
| June | 70-79 | 50-60 | 4 | 15.5 hours | Planting outdoors in prepared beds |
| July | 80-89 | 60-69 | 4 | 16 hours | Vegetative growth stage |
| August | 80-90 | 60-69 | 4 | 14.5 hours | Flowering stage begins (ideally) - Monitor for mold/mildew |
| September | 70-79 | 50-60 | 3 | 12.5 hours | Harvest window (depending on strain maturity) |
| October | 60-69 | 40-49 | 3 | 10.5 hours | Harvest window closes - Risk of frost damage increases |
| November | 50-59 | 30-39 | 3 | 9 hours | Curing and drying harvested cannabis |
Here are some factors that influence cannabis cultivation:
Temperature
Cannabis strains require a moderate amount of temperature to thrive. The ideal should be something between 65 F to 80F. At this temperature, the plants can maximize growth and potency.
Humidity
Humidity is a key factor in the growth of cannabis. During the flowering stage the plants will require low levels of humidity to prevent mold and mildew. During the early flowering stage the humidity should range between 40%-50%. In the late flowering stage, the humidity should drop to 30%-40%.
Growing Duration
Given the fluctuations in temperature and humidity over a given growing period, plants that take a shorter duration to mature are more favorable. A majority of indica strains, which typically flower within 7-9 weeks, will meet this criteria. With these factors in mind, let us review strains that will do well in the Northeast's climate.
Top Strains for the Northeast
Blueberry is an indica-dominant hybrid strain that is a three-way cross between an Afghani strain, Purple Thai strain, and Thai strain. It has up to 20% THC and 0.5% CBD, making it an ideal strain for both medical and recreational users.
Like most indicas, it has a short flowering period of about 8–10 weeks from pop to crop. It is mold-resistant, easy to grow even for beginners, and gives good yields. Blueberry is considered a surefire strain for growing in the Northeast because of how resilient it is outdoors.
Here is a table showing the characteristics of Blueberry:
| Strain | Blueberry |
| Type | Indica dominant hybrid |
| Genetics | Three-way cross between an Afghani strain, Purple Thai, and Thai strains |
| THC Content | 16-24% |
| CBD Content | 0.5% |
| Flowering Period | Approximately 8-10 weeks from pop to crop |
| Growth Characteristics | Mold-resistant, easy to grow (beginner-friendly), good yields |
| Ideal growing region | Resilient outdoors, particularly in the Northeast |
Why is Blueberry Suitable for the Northeast?
- Mold and mildew resistant
- Resilient in the outdoors
- Easy to cultivate
- Gives high yields
Northern Lights is an indica-dominant strain that is a cross between {Thai x Afghani} x Ruderalis. It features 18% THC and 0.6% CBD. With its ruderalis genetics, this strain is highly resistant to pests and diseases and can thrive in different climatic conditions. It also has a high resistance to mold and bud rot. Northern Lights matures within 6–8 weeks and gives high yields.
Here is a table showing the characteristics of the Northern Lights:
| Strain Name | Northern Lights |
| Type | Pure Indica |
| Genetics | {Thai x Afghani} x Ruderalis |
| THC Content | 30–35% THC |
| CBD Content | 0.6% |
| Growth Characteristics | Highly resistant to pests and diseases, thrives in different climatic conditions, and has high resistance to mold and bud rot |
| Flowering Period | Approximately 7-8 weeks |
| Yields | High Yields |
Why are Northern Lights Suitable for the Northeast?
- Highly adaptable to different climatic conditions
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Mold resistant
- High yields
Blueberry, Northern Lights, and White Widow are ideal strains to cultivate in the Northeast. Each strain has unique characteristics that enable the strain to flourish in states such as New York, New Hampshire, Maryland and Massachusetts. However, there are numerous other strains that you can successfully grow in the Northeast. In the table below, we have compared the four different strains and pointed out traits that might make them ideal for cultivation in the Northeast.
| Strain Name | Blueberry | Northern Lights | White Widow |
| Type | Indica Dominant Hybrid | Indica Dominant Hybrid | Balanced Hybrid |
| Genetics | Three-way cross between an Afghani strain, Purple Thai, and Thai strains | Cross between {Thai x Afghani} x Ruderalis | Cross between a sativa strain from Brazil and an indica strain from South India |
| THC Content | Up to 20% | 18% | 16% |
| CBD Content | 0.5% | 0.6% | 0.5% |
| Growth Characteristics | Mold-resistant, easy to grow (beginner-friendly), good yields | Highly resistant to pests and diseases, thrives in different climatic conditions, and has high resistance to mold and bud rot | Versatile and highly adaptable to different climatic conditions |
| Flowering Period | Approximately 8–10 weeks | Approximately 8–10 weeks | Approximately 10 weeks |
| Yields | High yields | High yields | Moderate yields |
Growing Tips for the Northeast
The strains mentioned above are ideal for the region's climate. However, the list does not end there. There are hundreds of strains that you can try in this area; they just need to match the specifications mentioned above. However, having the ideal strain is not enough. You should also ensure that you are growing your cannabis in optimal conditions. Here are some factors that will help you make the most of your favorite cannabis plants.
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Plant at the Right Time
The climate in the region can fluctuate significantly, especially towards the end of summer. If you want to plant outdoors, ensure that you do so right after the last frost in spring, usually around late May. You should also plan to harvest before the first frost in the fall, typically by late September or early October.
Here’s the timeline:
- March - April → Select and purchase your cannabis seeds. Start indoors under controlled lighting conditions.
- Late April - May → The exact timing depends on the last frost date in your locality. During this period, you should harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions to prepare them for transplanting.
- 2-3 weeks after the last frost → Prepare your outdoor planting.
- Late September - Early October → Harvest before the next frost arrives.
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Choose Between Indoor vs. Outdoor Growing
While outdoor growing is very possible, the northeast’s climate often makes indoor growing more reliable. Indoor setups allow for better control over temperature, humidity, and light. This controlled environment reduces the risk of damage by pests, disease, and weather conditions, ensuring optimal plant health.
However, many strains can successfully finish outdoors by mid-September, and autoflowering strains, which typically have shorter flowering times, are particularly well-suited for outdoor cultivation in this region. Some recommended autoflowering strains include Auto AK-47, which is known for its quick maturation and resilience in outdoor conditions.
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Soil and Nutrient Recommendations
Make sure that you use well-draining soil with a balanced mix of nutrients. Go a step further to use organic compost and perlite, a lightweight, volcanic mineral that improves soil aeration and drainage to enhance soil structure and nutrient availability. Regularly test your soil’s pH and nutrient level to maintain an optimal growing environment.
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Consider Pest and Disease Management
Regularly inspect your plants from top to bottom for signs of pests or disease and focus on creating a healthy growing environment. Even when growing pest-resistant strains, it is advisable to use organic pesticides and fungicides to protect your crop. Proper ventilation and spacing can help prevent mold and mildew. Additionally, building a structure or greenhouse can provide extra protection for your plants against pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions.
Why Choose Us at HomegrownCannabis.com
At Homegrowncannabis.com, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality cannabis seeds tailored for different growing environments. Our team consists of experienced growers dedicated to helping you achieve the best results.
Here are a few reasons why you should trust us.
Seeds Quality
We offer a wide range of strains that have been carefully selected and tested for their suitability to various climates, including the Northeast. Each seed is guaranteed to be viable and of high quality, ensuring successful growth and robust plants.
Purchasing Process
Buying from us is easy and secure. We offer detailed strain information to help you make an informed choice. Our customer service team is available to assist with any questions, and we provide a satisfaction guarantee on all our seeds.
FAQ Section
What are the legal requirements for growing cannabis in the Northeast?
As of May 2024, cannabis is legal in 38 of 50 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. This means that in 24 states, adults above 21 years are allowed to cultivate cannabis. Make sure to check your local regulations regarding the number of plants allowed, licensing requirements, and any other legal stipulations.
How can I maximize yield and potency?
To maximize yield and potency you need to ensure your plants receive adequate light, nutrients, and water. You should also prune regularly to promote airflow and light penetration. Consider using training techniques like topping or Low-Stress Training (LST) to increase yield and potency.
Conclusion
Selecting the right cannabis strains and following best practices are key to a successful harvest in the Northeast. You will also love the taste of this one. If you are just afraid of the humid temperatures, then you should settle for blueberry; this strain is very resistant to mold and mildew.
Northern Lights will work well if you’re afraid of pests or fluctuations in the weather. And lastly, go for White Widow, which is your go-to strain if you are attempting outdoor cultivation in the Northeast for the first time; this strain is very forgiving.
At Homegrowncannabis.com, we are committed to providing the highest quality seeds and exceptional customer service. Visit our website today to explore our selection of cannabis seeds tailored for Northeast growers.
Happy growing!
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