Sativa-dominant cannabis strains generally take longer to flower than indica-dominant strains . That being said , most sativa-dominant hybrids have a 65- to 80-day flower cycle . In comparison , sativa-dominant hybrids generally finish flowering in anywhere from 50 to 60 days .
Considerations for Indoor Growers
The time it takes for a particular cannabis strain to finish flowering can have major impacts on an indoor grow operation . For example , if you are interested in “ staggering ” five to six indoor harvests per year , late finishing , sativadominant strains simply aren ’ t an option . By growing strains like Critical Kush that finish in just 50 days , you save massive amounts of time on each harvest . When compared to latefinishing strains like Sour Diesel that take 70 days , using a quick-finisher can be the difference between growing five or six harvests each year . If you are looking for an early finishing indica-hybrid , Granddaddy Purple is always a good bet .
” Most cannabis strains on the market today are hybrids of some sort . That being said , the terms sativa and indica can point you in the right direction .“
Considerations for Outdoor Growers
Flowering time is also a critical factor to consider when planning an outdoor garden . While most people agree that sativa-dominant strains make great outdoor crops , their longer flowering period can be a deal-breaker in certain climates . If you live in the northern part of the country , you likely have to stick with quick-finishing , indica-dominant strains in your outdoor garden . Importantly , as the fall freeze often comes as early as late September in many regions , late finishing sativa-dominant hybrids can cause serious problems . An exception to the above rule about outdoor growing would be Blue Dream . This sativa-dominant hybrid finishes in just 60 days , making it a favorite for outdoor growers around the world .
What About Plant Structures ?
You also need to consider how a plant grows — it can have a major impact on how it will fit in your garden . Sativa-dominant strains like Silver Haze are notorious for growing extremely tall and producing only a few branches . Conversely , indica-dominant strains such as Green Crack are known for growing short , bushy plants with many branches .
Considerations for Indoor Growers
How exactly different cannabis strains grow is a critical consideration when planning an indoor garden . Because of their bushy nature , indoor growers often prefer indicadominant hybrids . With so many branches to work with , indica-dominant strains make for an extremely even canopy in the growroom . With a uniform canopy , you can keep grow lights at a consistent height to maximize usable PAR light . If you are a newbie and planning on growing an indoor garden , an indica-dominant strain such as Northern Lights is likely a good idea .
Considerations for Outdoor Growers
Many people feel that sativa-dominant strains belong in the outdoors . Because they grow extremely tall , strains like Super Lemon Haze don ’ t do well in the tight confines of an indoor garden . However , when planted in the bright sunshine , sativa-dominant strains can grow up to 20 feet tall and produce several pounds of flower from a single plant . If you have a long outdoor growing season , it ’ s definitely worth checking out a sativa-dominant strain like Jack Herer .
Conclusion
There are several important variables you should consider when choosing cannabis strains for your next garden . These factors include personal favorites , cultivation processes , and infrastructural constraints . A commonly overlooked element for choosing the right cannabis strain has to do with your experience level . To this end , certain cannabis strains are known for being extremely forgiving for newbies , while others should only be attempted by experts . If you are just getting started with growing , be sure to choose strains that are easy to grow in your chosen environment . This notion applies to both indoor and outdoor growing .
Please bear in mind the terms sativa and indica fall short in explaining all the fine nuances of cannabis . Yet , with a near-endless genetic catalog of cannabis strains in the world today , the terms sativa and indica are helpful for general classifications . Beyond that , you should focus on traits related to psychoactive effects , flowering time , and plant structure .
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