Difficult To Grow, Highly Rewarding Cannabis Strains

Growing cannabis is a fairly straightforward process. Once you have mastered the art its not rocket science. However, remember that not all cannabis is created equal.

Commercially bred strains take less care and work to grow. If you are trying to cultivate a rare if not landrace variety however, be prepared for a bit more of a challenge.

Landrace strains are varieties of cannabis that come from remote parts of the world. They have developed on their own naturally. This means that they have adapted closely to their natural environments. As a result, when grown outside of the same, they need more attention. This means they flower slowly. They also need more care, nutrients and even space.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

Some strains require a large amount of space or high ceilings. Others need to be pruned more carefully and longer. Others have specific feeding needs. Some have extremely long flowering periods. Some have a strange bud structure or produce smaller yields.

Because these strains are difficult to cultivate they are frequently avoided by commercial growers. Learning to grow these creates two advantages. The first is you don’t have to pay for your supply. The second is that you will have access to bud that is not easy to find in the first place.

DR GRINSPOON

This landrace sativa strain is named after a cannabis advocate and Harvard university professor. The genetics are kept by Barney’s Farm in Amsterdam. It is a well-known, flavourful variety celebrated by connoisseurs.

Dr. Grinspoon is difficult to grow, however because of its bud structure. It has a long flowering schedule. The buds are airy and take time to develop weight. They also hang loosely on the brittle, thin stems. Getting buds to the right maturity is often the biggest challenge. Careful pruning and maintenance is essential for this more than delicate strain.

SUPER LEMON HAZE

Super Lemon Haze plants require two things. Lots of head space and a steady supply of nutrients. For this reason, they are actually good candidates for hydro grows. In the right grow space, they can produce great yield in about 10 weeks. For that reason, this super sativa with its lemony taste, is a popular home grow selection for those who can commit the time and space.

BLUE DREAM

There is no mistaking the grey-blue colour of Blue Dream buds. This powerful sativa brings loads of potency to the table. That said, the cerebral high it creates is gentle and energetic. Because Blue Dream is super sensitive to environmental factors however, it is a plant better grown indoors by an experienced grower. This plant needs a lot of TLC. Nutrient management is absolutely critical with this strain.

Malawi

Malawi is a pure landrace sativa from Central Africa that loves to stretch and can take 11–14 weeks to reach maturity indoors. While she'll likely prove too difficult for inexperienced growers or anyone working with a small tent or room, Malawi is perfect for experienced growers or outdoor gardeners who can give her the space and time she needs. Come harvest time, Malawi will reward you with big, dense flowers that boast an intense aroma of lemon oil and wood and pack up to 27% THC! Remember to enjoy her in moderation, as her intense effects can last for up to 4 hours or more!

TRAINWRECK

Trainwreck is a super satisfying, powerful and pungent seed. However, because it is a sativa, it tends to grow tall and thin. Growers need to have enough space to contemplate this agricultural project. Apart from the space however, this is a fairly easy-to-tend plant. Flowers can be ready for harvest after about 8 weeks of flowering.

Roll Up Your Sleeves

Cannabis is a hardy plant that can grow almost anywhere. However, the strains we've listed here make for anything but an easy grow. Whether it's their towering height, long flowering time, or vulnerability to diseases and pests, these strains need love, skill, and patience from growers. But if you're ready to take on the challenge, they'll reward you with probably some of the best bud you've ever tried.

Miguel Antonio Ordoñez

With an AB Mass Media and Communications degree, Miguel Ordoñez is a veteran writer of 13 years and counting and has been covering cannabis-related content since 2017. Continuous, meticulous research along with personal experience has helped him build a deep well of knowledge on the subject.

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