by Nebula Haze
Some Cannabis Strains Can Handle the Heat
Every cannabis strain is different when it comes to temperature. Some strains of marijuana are easily stressed by heat, while other strains would thrive in the exact same environment or even prefer it. Genetics originating from a cold climate tend to be more heat-sensitive, though many hybrids of these strains have been mixed with heat-resistant strains to make them more suitable for warmer climates. You can get a clue of a plant’s heritage from how it grows. It also helps to look at the breeder’s description to see if it mentions anything about heat.
Heat-sensitive plants often grow in a short and bushy way (though not always). Plants that can handle the heat tend to grow tall, stretchy, with thinner leaves.
More sensitive to heat (on average)
- Auto-flowering strains tend to be relatively sensitive to heat since they originated in Siberia (though I included examples of heat-resistant autoflowering strains on the second half of the list)
- Many Indica-leaning plants, which also come from cool climates, can be surprisingly sensitive to the heat.
- I’ve noticed plants that tend to grow short, bushy, and wide with fat leaves (signs of indica heritage) are often more sensitive to heat
More sensitive to cold (and resistant to heat)
- Sativa, Haze, African, Afghan, and Hawaiian strains tend to be more heat-resistant since they originate from hot climates.
- Plants that tend to grow tall, thing, and stretchy with narrow leaves (signs of Sativa heritage) tend to be able to handle the heat, though they can get severely shocked by cold
Save your plants from the effects of heat stress!
Examples of Heat-Resistant Cannabis Strains
Afghan
- In addition to doing well in the heat, this strain is overall easy-to-grow and resistant to pests and mold
- Buds produce very heavy effects (a “brain melter”)
- Great yields and bud quality
- Get these Afghan genetics
This Afghan plant survived burning hot temperatures during a heat wave
Aurora Indica
- Tends to be very heat resistant even though it grows short and stout like an Indica
- Sparkly, dense buds even if you make mistakes
- Classic effects that bring you relaxation without overwhelm
- Get these Aurora Indica genetics
I’ve been pleased every time I’ve grown Aurora Indica. This one (on left in blue tub) thrived in the summer under an enormous 600W light even in a hydroponic setup (the plant on the right did not fair nearly as well in the heat)
Sour Diesel
- Withstands heat and light better than most strains I’ve grown
- Strong fast plants that tend to be stretchy/tall (not the best choice for small spaces)
- Buds are consistently potent and high quality
- Takes 12-13 weeks in the flowering stage but rewards with huge yields
- Get these Sour Diesel genetics
Sour Diesel is the plant on the left. It produced over 9 ounces on one plant.
This bud from that Sour Diesel plant grew within 8″ (20cm) of a 600W grow light in the middle of a heatwave. The plant on the right suffered tons of damage despite being further away. On the other hand, the Sour Diesel buds came out huge and potent with a little heat foxtailing on top buds that were closest to the hot light.
Blackberry Kush
- Beginner-friendly
- Resistant to heat as well as plant stress in general
- Incredible fruity smell
- “Body stone” that keeps you glued to the couch
- Get these Blackberry Kush genetics
A Blackberry Kush plant in a DIY setup
Special mentions for photoperiod strains
I have not grown these strains in heat personally, but they have come recommended from other growers for being heat-resistant.
- Bruce Banner #3 (Big Head Seeds version)
- Chocolope x Candy Kush
- Cream Caramel
- Gorilla Zkittlez
- Top Dawg
- White Widow (Dutch Passion version)
Example of Gorilla Zkittles buds
Pineapple Express Auto
- An auto-flowering plant that’s ready to harvest about 70 days from germination
- Buds are huge and dense with “feel good” effects
- Legendary tropical smell
- Get Pineapple Express Auto seeds
This Pineapple Express Auto cannabis plant by “Smarty” was grown aeroponically. What a beast!
THC Bomb Auto
- An auto-flowering plant that’s ready to harvest about 75 days from germination in my experience
- I’ve grown it several times, and it always turns out well (though they all grow a little different)
- This strain experienced temperatures up to 89°F (32°C) during the middle of summer, and never skipped a beat
- Very potent strain, and good yields
- Get THC Bomb Auto seeds
Examples of THC Bomb Auto at harvest
Auto Amnesia by MSNL
- Another heat-resistant auto-flowering plant
- Ready to harvest about 11 weed from germination
- This strain has thrived in every condition I’ve grown it in, including some very hot days
- Tends to be easy to grow and hardy
- Beautiful buds, potency and overall bud quality
- Try out these Auto Amnesia genetics
Here are some examples of Auto Amnesia plants I’ve grown.
Auto Amnesia grown in a mini tent under a 100W LED grow light
Example of those buds after being dried and cured
Here are more Auto Amnesia plants. See the full grow journal.
Sour Diesel Auto (Seed Supreme version)
- This auto-flowering strain tends to get tall and grow stretchy (so that brings it closer to the grow light) but even when it was extremely close it didn’t seem to get light-stressed like most other strains
- I had one plant that grew almost next to the light and it just grew a big fat healthy bud
- Get Sour Diesel Auto!
This Sour Diesel Auto grew enormously tall under a 300W LED grow light but was able to soak up all the light without a problem (just like regular Sour Diesel)
Special mentions for auto-flowering strains
I have not grown this strain personally, but it was recommended by a grower as being heat-resistant.
