Highest-yielding Strains Overall
Flavor, aroma, and potency are important qualities for cannabis strains, but they are not everything.
Yield also matters. For commercial growers, choosing a high-yielding cultivar can make the difference between keeping the lights on and going out of business. For cannabis users, particularly medical users, yield is also an important consideration. Having a large-yielding strain in their gardens means that they will always have an abundant supply of cannabis on hand.
With so many strains on the market today, it may be challenging to determine which strains will provide the highest yield. This article will offer an in-depth look at some of the highest-yielding strains of all time. But first, let’s discuss some common questions that growers may have about cannabis yield.
How Is Yield Measured?
Cannabis yield is measured by weight. To determine the yield of a strain, growers must harvest the plants, manicure the buds, and ensure that they are fully cured before weighing them. Buds that are still wet will weigh much more than dried buds. As a result, wet buds will not accurately represent the yield of the final product. For most indoor growers, yield is typically measured in grams or ounces. Plants grown outdoors tend to provide a much higher yield and are usually measured in ounces or pounds.
It is difficult to generalize about the yield of any specific strain because yield is dependent upon many factors. The type of growing media, pot size, vegetative time, fertilizer choice, light intensity, temperature, and many other factors will affect a strain’s yield. Because of this variability, the best way to estimate the likely yield of a given strain is to speak with others who have grown the strain under varying conditions, ask about their yields, and then calculate an average.
When selecting a strain that has tended to deliver high yields, it is important to remember that yield is measured by weight, not size. Some strains may produce massive colas, but lack in density. Conversely, some strains may appear to have small buds, but the flowers are extremely dense and heavy.
What Type of Cannabis Delivers the Greatest Yield?
Typically, Sativa strains offer larger yields than Indica and Ruderalis strains. This is because Sativa plants have evolved in densely forested tropical environments, where they must grow large enough to compete with the surrounding canopy. They also tend to have thin leaves, which allow for light to reach the lower branches.
Although Indica plants typically do not yield as much as Sativas, they produce buds that are very dense. The highest-yielding strains are usually Sativa-dominant hybrids that have some Indica genes. Depending on the phenotype, these plants may produce giant Sativa-sized flowers that have the density of Indica buds. Hybrid strains also tend to offer increased
vigor, hardiness, and fertility than inbred cultivars. Because of these benefits, most growers and breeders choose to grow hybrid strains.
How Do Growers Attain Big Yields?
Light Intensity
Increasing the light intensity is one of the most effective ways of
boosting yield. During photosynthesis, plants collect light energy in their leaves and use it to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose. This sugar is used to create cellulose, which is required to build cell walls. Glucose is also used to create starch, which serves as a food source for plants. Without a sufficient light source, cannabis plants cannot grow large, healthy buds.
Plant Training
Using high-stress and low-stress training methods is a free and effective way to boost cannabis yield. Usually, cannabis plants grow one main cola, with smaller branches surrounding it. By using training methods such as topping, fimming, or super cropping, growers can redirect energy to the lower branches, causing the plants to form several large colas. Growers can also twist or pinch the branches to encourage them to become thicker. The thicker the branches are, the more water and nutrients they will deliver to the buds.
Defoliation is another effective way to boost yield. When some of the large fan leaves are removed, light can penetrate deeper into the canopy and boost the size and density of the lower buds. However, growers must be careful not to remove too many leaves, as this may stall plant growth.
By using one or a combination of these training methods, growers can shape their plants into massive cash crops.
Nutrients and Water
In addition to light, cannabis plants need nutrients in order to thrive. Specifically, cannabis needs a large supply of primary macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium), a smaller supply of secondary macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, and sulfur), and trace amounts of micronutrients (boron, chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc) to grow large, healthy buds. Too much or too little of any of these nutrients can stall plant growth and significantly reduce yield. Every phenotype of cannabis has different nutrient requirements. To maximize yield, growers should learn the unique nutritional needs of their plants.
Cannabis also requires an ample supply of water — but not too much. Overwatering the plants can drown the roots and may cause them to rot. Conversely, underwatering the plants can cause the roots to dry out and die. Keeping the growing medium moist, but not drenched, will ensure the plants are able to produce a large yield.
Temperature
Providing the right environmental conditions is essential in securing a bountiful harvest. If the temperature is too hot, it may cause the buds to “foxtail,” and become light and fluffy. Conversely, if the temperature is too cold, it may stall bud production entirely. Some strains thrive in colder climates, and some prefer warmer climates, so growers must take the time to learn the needs of their strains.
Knowing When To Harvest
Harvesting the plants at the right time is a significant factor in attaining a large yield. Some strains may appear to be fully mature, only to have a massive growth spurt in the final weeks of flowering. Because every strain matures at a different rate, growers should experiment with their plants to determine the perfect time to harvest them. This will ensure maximum yield and potency.
Genetics
One of the most significant factors in determining cannabis plant yield is genetics. Growers can control the light intensity, water, nutrients, and temperature, but they cannot change the genes of the plants. Investing in a strain that is capable of producing large yields is one of the best ways to achieve a sizeable harvest.
The strains listed below have been selectively bred to produce large, dense buds that are sure to please any grower. Under optimal growing conditions, these cultivars have shown themselves to be among the highest-yielding on the market today.
Highest-yielding Strains
Blue Dream
When people talk about high-yielding strains,
Blue Dream almost always comes up. Blue Dream is one of the most popular cash crops of all time, and for good reason. Not only does this cultivar produce enormous buds, but it also offers great flavor, aroma, and potency.
Blue Dream is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is reported to be a cross of Blueberry and Haze. This strain first appeared in the medical cannabis scene in Santa Cruz, California, and quickly gained popularity for its massive yield and distinct flavor of blueberries and herbs. Blue Dream is a hardy and resilient strain, making it a great choice for growers of any experience level.
Stardawg
Many high-yielding strains produce large buds that lack in flavor, aroma, and potency; however, with the
Stardawg strain, growers don’t have to sacrifice quality for quantity. This strain produces giant, frosty colas that are remarkably potent and flavorful.
Stardawg is a descendant of Chemdawg – one of the most popular strains of all time. A grower referred to as “JJ NYC” of Top Dawg Seeds developed this strain by crossing Chem D with an Afghan male, and then backcrossing it with the Chem D twice in order to stabilize the superior traits of Chemdawg. Finally, he crossed it with Chem 4 to boost the yield. The resulting strain produces colossal colas that reek of skunk, diesel, halitosis, and fresh soil. This strain has become a favorite among medical and recreational users for its potent, uplifting high and its unique flavor.
Stardawg is the heart of Greenpoint Seeds’ line of regular cannabis seeds. The breeders at Greenpoint Seeds selected an exceptional male Stardawg phenotype that reliably produces elite offspring that are potent, high-yielding, and sexually stable. This Stardawg stud has produced many top-tier hybrids, such as California Cannon, Tomahawk, and City Slicker.
Topanga Canyon OG
Topanga Canyon OG is one of the highest-yielding OG Kush varieties available. This rare, clone-only phenotype was popularized by the Jungle Boys dispensary in Los Angeles, California. Topanga Canyon OG produces gargantuan colas that deliver the aroma, flavor, and potency that OG Kush is famous for.
Unlike most OG Kush phenotypes, Topanga Canyon OG is very hardy and produces robust branches. This makes it a great choice for growers of any experience level. The superior internodal spacing of this cultivar contributes to its ability to produce large buds. The flowers are dense and frosty, emitting strong notes of skunk, pine, gasoline, fresh soil, and lemon-scented cleaning products. The high is exceptionally potent as well, and may cause users to forget what they are doing.
Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel has earned a reputation across the globe for its pungent aroma and flavor and energizing effects. What some growers may not know is that Sour Diesel is also a very high-yielding strain. When properly grown, this Sativa-dominant cultivar is capable of producing giant towers of top-shelf buds.
True to its name,
Sour Diesel emits a strong aroma of sour citrus and diesel fuel. Due to the plant’s offensive aroma, many growers believe that Sour Diesel is a descendent of Chemdawg. This would account not only for its diesel-like flavor, but also for its large yield, and uplifting effects. Some growers suggest that it likely is a cross of Chem ‘91 and Super Skunk. Although the true pedigree of Sour Diesel is a mystery, it is believed it to have been created in the early 1990s by a grower known as “AJ,” in New York City. There are many phenotypes of Sour Diesel on the market; however, the original cut from AJ is referred to as “East Coast Sour Diesel,” or “ECSD.”
Orange Blossom Special
Orange Blossom Special, also known as OBS, is a high-yielding, terpene-rich variety, bred by Greenpoint Seeds. This cultivar is a cross between Clementine and Stardawg, two strains that are capable of producing massive yields of top-shelf buds.
Clementine, originally bred by Crockett Family Farms, is a Sativa-dominant hybrid of Tangie and Lemon Skunk. This award-winning cultivar emits an enchanting aroma of ripe orange, coupled with hints of sweet and sour lemon. Clementine has become a favorite among Sativa fans who enjoy its energizing and euphoric effects.
By crossing Clementine with Stardawg, Greenpoint Seeds developed a strain that offers the potency of Stardawg and the sweet aroma and flavor of Clementine. These two cultivars combine to produce giant, trichome-covered buds that reek of sweet and sour citrus, with notes of skunk and diesel.
Orange Blossom Special is an excellent daytime smoke, giving users a boost of energy and motivation while remaining relaxed and calm. Users report that this strain may relieve stress, anxiety, and fatigue due to its potent Sativa effects.
Final Thoughts on the Highest-yielding Strains
For most growers, producing an abundant yield is as important as growing potent and flavorful buds. Growers can increase the yield of their plants by providing adequate lighting, water, and nutrients. They can also boost the yield by optimizing the growing environment, using high-stress or low-stress training methods, and harvesting the plants at the correct time.
Although all of these methods can help increase the yield of cannabis plants, genetics is one of the most important factors in bud production. Choosing a strain that is known for reliably producing high yields will make it much easier for growers to attain an abundant harvest. Strains such as Blue Dream, Stardawg, Sour Diesel, Topanga Canyon OG, and Orange Blossom Special are sure to reward growers with massive buds that are also potent and flavorful.
Greenpoint Seeds offers a wide selection of high-yielding
regular and feminized seeds.
Contact us to learn more about our premium cannabis seeds.
What is your favorite high-yielding strain? Let us know in the comment section below.
