Best Weed Strains for Hobby Growers

For horticulturalists looking to hone new skills, there are fewer plants that deliver as many dynamic lessons as cannabis. This may be surprising to hear for most backyard gardeners, but for green thumbs with some knowledge of marijuana plants, you’ll already have some inklings surrounding their unique growth cycles and formats. And whilst there’s always plenty more to study, they say the best way to learn is to get your hands dirty – literally.

From autoflowering to photoperiod strains, incredible genetic diversity, and variations in genetic resilience from established to evolving strains, cannabis cultivation offers a wealth of experiences depending on your growing set-up and what seeds you start out with.

For hobby growers looking to experiment with cannabis cultivation, picking the right strains to kickstart your growing journey is very important. So how do you know what weed strains are most worth your time?
Below, we’ve outlined six of the most highly-recommended strains for hobby growers.

Originally bred as a Chem’s Sister x Sour Dubb x Chocolate Diesel cross, the Gorilla Glue strain (or GG4) delivers robust genetics that bounce back in the face of feeding and watering mistakes, making it an ideal starter strain for beginner growers.

The only potential downside to working with Gorilla Glue is the strain’s higher than average resin production (hence its name). The plant produces heavy, sticky buds which tend to be more dense and thus, more susceptible to mould growth in humid conditions. If you’re growing in a drier climate, however, Gorilla Glue can grow with minimal issues and within a rapid 11-13 week timeline from sprouting to harvesting.

With strong Afghani indica genetics, Northern Lights maintains a structural and environmental resilience that makes it suitable for beginner growers. At maturity, this strain is compact and bushy, standing anywhere between just 3-5 feet tall.

Alongside requiring less pruning and training, the compact shape of Northern Lights also facilitates a faster growth timeline of just 7-9 weeks, which may be ideal for hobby growers looking for a shorter term investment.

Keep in mind, however, that just because the Northern Lights strain is largely resilient, it doesn’t mean it’s not entirely unforgiving of neglect. Plants that are well-cared for will produce stronger harvests, whereas neglected plants may underproduce upon reaching maturity.

A product of Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani genetics, Purple Kush is another compact grower standing at just 2-3 feet tall and capable of flowering in just 7-9 weeks. Purple Kush tends to grow wider than it does taller, so pruning is a must to ensure airflow and direct light to lower bud sites.

Purple Kush is also known for its striking and attractive purple flowers, and for being one of the most popular purple strains overall. The plant’s purple phenotype expression produces visually appealing flowers and provides great contrast between juvenile and mature plants as they transition from green stems to purple blooms. For hobby growers that love to snap photos of their plants during their growth cycles, you’ll find plenty to love about documenting Purple Kush.

Well-suited to cooler climates, Purple Kush is a good choice for those starting their growing journey in autumn or midwinter. Just make sure you secure your seeds within 6 months before your ideal sowing season to maintain their potency.

The shorter growth timeline paired with the plant’s lower maintenance care requirements makes Purple Kush amongst the most popular strains for total beginners.

A cross of Skunk #1 and Afghani, Super Skunk was expressly bred at a time where outdoor performance was a priority objective. This in a nutshell is why Super Skunk arguably has the most robust genetics on this list – even if it doesn’t produce the most dynamic terpenes.

One thing that Super Skunk does have going for it outside of the strain’s resilience against pests, feeding inconsistencies, and temperature variations, is its very potent scent – hence its name. Whilst Super Skunk can be grown outdoors in a temperate climate, its pungent smell may be an affront to your neighbours. If grown in indoor conditions, growers will need a high-quality carbon filter to better support air circulation and humidity control.

One of the most widely known resilient cannabis strains, White Widow originated from a 60% Brazilian sativa and 40% South Indian indica split, producing a balanced hybrid that provides a very rewarding first grow experience for beginner growers.

White Widow also maintains a relatively compact size at maturity – and all with minimal training. Much like Purple Kush, White Window responds well to canopy management, with defoliation improving airflow through the inner nodes and diverting growing energy to the upper, light-heavy colas.

Cannabis fans may remember that White Widow’s global debut was actually at the 1995 High Times Cannabis Cup, where the strain won the overall prize, being praised for its thick white trichomes, exceptional resin production, perfectly balanced hybrid genetics, and exceptional potency. This is definitely a bucket-list strain for all hobby growers.

Another compact strain, Girl Scout Cookies delivers an indica-dominant plant that flowers relatively quickly (generally just 8 weeks from sprout to harvest). GSC is also well-suited for indoor growing conditions, making it a great first pick for anyone looking to use a grow tent.

Being susceptible to nutrient burn, GSC is also a great pick for growers who may be less than confident with monitoring nutrient levels. This is one plant where it’s better to underfeed rather than overfeed. GSC’s sensitivity to overfeeding is also a residual trait inherited from its OG Kush origins.

Good airflow is also a must for GSC, as the strain is susceptible to developing humidity-related mildew. Again, carbon filters are a must for supporting airflow here, but you may even opt to install some oscillating fans as well to keep your growing environment extra comfy.

All growers prefer different traits from their cannabis plants, so ultimately the right choice for your first grow will depend largely on your own preferences.

Even so, most pros would recommend that beginners look for strains with the following characteristics to ensure a rewarding first grow experience:

• Indica-dominant genes

• Strong genetic resilience

• Shorter flowering times

• Autoflowering (or photoperiod for those with an interest in experimenting with light control)

Of the strain profiles we’ve provided above, which strains appeal to you the most? Be sure to make a note of them and do your own independent research prior to sourcing seeds from your local reputable seed bank.