Blog

Best outdoor cannabis strains to grow in the Netherlands

8 min

Best outdoor cannabis strains to grow in the Netherlands

8 min

Adam Parsons

April 17, 2025

Thinking of growing cannabis outdoors in the Netherlands? With its cool, wet climate, choosing the right strain is crucial. This guide highlights 10 top-performing autoflowering and feminized strains that thrive outdoors in Dutch conditions—delivering healthy, flavorful, and rewarding harvests.

Seen by many as the cannabis capital of the world, the Netherlands has had a long and lasting relationship with weed that few other places can claim. Though the law surrounding growing cannabis exists in a grey area, it is generally tolerated. And with the wide range of high-quality seeds available today, it’s never been a better time to grow cannabis outdoors in the Netherlands. However, given the country’s unique climate, choosing the right type of seeds is essential. With that in mind, we've narrowed down 10 strains that'll thrive in your Dutch outdoor setup.

Choosing the right strain: Autoflower vs feminized

When faced with picking out a strain, you have the option to choose between autoflowering and feminized (photoperiod) cannabis seeds. Autoflowering strains flower automatically after a certain number of weeks growing (usually around 3–4), while feminized strains rely on light cycle changes to bloom. Generally, autoflowers are fast to finish and thus ideal for growers who want a quick harvest. They also reach compact heights and display good resilience, making them suitable for beginners.

Conversely, feminized photoperiod strains are favored for their ability to produce larger plants with higher yields. However, with a longer growth cycle, they require more patience, though they can be trained and manipulated more than autoflowering plants.

When it comes to choosing a type of seed to grow in the Netherlands, both autoflowering and feminized options are viable, so it ultimately comes down to your skill level, your growing environment, and your preferences regarding flavors and effects. The Netherlands' climate can also be slightly challenging to grow in (more on that later), but it’s perfectly possible nonetheless!

Top 10 outdoor strains for the Netherlands: Maximum yield, minimum worry!

Now, it’s time to check out ten of the top strains to grow outdoors in the Netherlands. We’ve divided the list into five autoflower and five feminized strains, so you can experience the best of both worlds and make an informed decision for your Dutch grow-op.

Top 5 autoflowering strains for Dutch growers

Autoflowering strains are especially suited to outdoor growers in the Netherlands as they can finish their grow cycle well before the harsher autumn and winter months close in. Given their low-maintenance nature and minimal feeding requirements, they’re great for both novices and growers looking to be a bit more hands-off. Here are 5 top-performing autoflowers set to thrive in the Dutch outdoors!

Dutch Blue Automatic

Kicking things off is Dutch Blue Automatic by Spliff Seeds. This compact yet striking autoflower is tailor-made for cooler Dutch climates. The result of a carefully selected genetic mix combining Northern Lights Special, Blueberry, and Dutch Automatic, this plant is resilient, flavorful, and fast-growing.

Dutch Blue Automatic takes just 9–11 weeks from germination to harvest, reaching compact heights of 2.6–4 ft. This makes it a great choice for outdoor SOG setups and discreet balcony grow-ops. During chilly nights in bloom, this beauty may even show off bluish hues in its leaves, giving your garden a magical touch.

Once ready, expect 2–3.5 ounces of lime-green buds per plant, each exuding a fruity, earthy aroma and delivering deep, stoning effects. With a strong resistance to mold and pests, Dutch Blue Automatic is perfect for growers looking for reliable and eye-catching plants.

Lemon AK

Time to say “Goedendag” to Lemon AK. This sativa-dominant autoflower puts the legendary AK-47 strain’s best effects on display. Combining a fresh citrus kick with ease of growth, this fast, energetic strain is as flavorful and uplifting as it is productive.

Handling northern European climates perfectly, Lemon AK powers through its life cycle in just 9–10 weeks, reaching between 2.2–4.2 ft and producing up to a whopping 9 oz/plant in the best possible conditions. While it starts out a little delicate, especially in the first week, this plant quickly develops into a Christmas tree-shaped beauty with huge, lemon-scented colas. Just be sure to provide support during the early growth stages and protect plants from inclement weather.

When it comes to effects, Lemon AK delivers a potent, happy high that's energizing yet smooth, thanks to the invigorating presence of limonene. It's the kind of strain that makes you want to move, laugh, and get things done! And with its zesty flavors, this strain is a knockout for the palate.

Alien OG Automatic

Alien OG Automatic by Zamnesia Seeds showcases the interstellar strength of Tahoe OG and Alien Kush, resulting in an out-of-this-world autoflowering hybrid. It's never been easier to enjoy top-tier Californian bud growing directly from your Dutch garden. Fast, compact, and powerfully psychedelic, this is a strain that goes big without taking up much space.

Moving from germination to harvest in just 9–10 weeks, Alien OG Automatic reaches 3–3.2 ft, ideal for tight growing areas and stealthy setups. Despite its modest size, this strain doesn't hold back, producing yields of up to 7 oz/plant with minimal maintenance. No complicated training is needed—just good soil, plenty of light, and a bit of patience.

Flavor-wise, Alien OG Automatic stays true to its roots with a classic OG aroma of pine, citrus, and earthy notes. Its 18% THC content delivers a high that starts with a euphoric mental buzz and gradually melts into a warm, relaxing body stone. Whether you're chilling at home or going about your day, this strain will keep you elevated and inspired.

Purple Punch Auto

Don't let the size fool you—Purple Punch Auto by Barney's Farm is a compact powerhouse that flourishes in even the most challenging outdoor conditions. By blending Purple Punch with Auto Critical, Barney's Farm has created a fast and resilient strain that delivers relaxing vibes and delicious flavors.

Topping out at just 3–4 ft, Purple Punch Auto is the perfect plant for discreet outdoor setups, balconies, and small garden spaces. In as little as 9–10 weeks from germination to harvest, growers can expect a return of up to 6–9 oz/plant. This cultivar is effortless to grow, robust, and doesn't require heavy maintenance, making it well-suited to handle unpredictable weather in the Netherlands.

With up to 22% THC, Purple Punch Auto showcases a deeply relaxing high that's perfect for winding down after a long day. Add to that rich dessert-like flavors of apple pie, blueberries, cherries, and a touch of spice, and you've got a strain that satisfies in every way.

Royal Jack Automatic

Rounding off our list of autoflowers is Royal Jack Automatic by Royal Queen Seeds. This compact and speedy strain pays tribute to the legendary Jack Herer, a cannabis icon and legalization pioneer. Combining the original Jack Herer strain with some ruderalis genetics, this hardy autoflowering hybrid is perfect for cultivating outdoors in the Netherlands.

Taking 11–12 weeks from start to finish, Royal Jack Automatic remains short and stealthy throughout her growing cycle, maxing out at just 2.6 ft. Whether placed on a balcony, patio, or in a small garden plot, this strain can deliver up to 4 oz/plant of sensational sativa-dominant buds.

Royal Jack Automatic brings the energetic, creative buzz of its namesake strain to the fore, balanced with a soothing body stone that makes it ideal for both daytime inspiration and evening relaxation. Expect a peppery, haze-like aroma paired with herbal and spicy flavors that bring freshness and spice to each toke.

Top 5 feminized strains for Dutch growers

For outdoor growers in the Netherlands seeking larger plants, bigger yields, and a wider variety of options, feminized strains are perfect. While they typically have a longer growth cycle compared to autoflowers, feminized strains give you more bang for your buck! Here are five feminized strains that are sure to perform in your Dutch grow.

Frisian Dew

Created by the team at Dutch Passion, Frisian Dew is an award-winning cultivar formed from a pairing of Super Skunk and Purple Star. Truly built to thrive in the Netherlands outdoors, this strain has been a longtime favorite among outdoor growers in all climates.

With a flowering time of 7–8 weeks, Frisian Dew is an early finisher but nevertheless produces fantastic yields—Dutch Passion claims that even beginners can secure a few hundred grams per plant, with experts capable of achieving 35 ounces or more! It's also highly resistant to mold, making it a great choice for wet and unpredictable conditions not uncommon in the Netherlands. Just be aware that plants can exceed 10 ft in height outdoors. Use LST and/or HST to tame her height as necessary.

When all is said and done, Frisian Dew delivers a well-balanced smoke, showcasing a clear, uplifting high that slowly melts into a soothing stone. Complete with a fruity, fresh, and floral flavor, this strain offers the whole package.

Early Skunk

Early Skunk by Sensi Seeds was created by crossing the legendary Skunk #1 with the fast-flowering Early Pearl. This strain combines big yields, a quick flowering time, and some serious mold resistance into one impressive cultivar—perfect for handling the Dutch climate.

Despite being indica dominant, Early Skunk produces tall plants with long, sativa-style buds that are dense, frosty, and packed with rich aromas. This impressively low-maintenance cultivar thrives in variable conditions and flowers over a reasonable 9–10 weeks—at the end of which it produces XXL harvests.

Early Skunk buds showcase a smooth, long-lasting high complete with uplifting euphoria and a soothing body stone. And don’t forget about its rich, sweet-skunk flavor profile. For Dutch growers and consumers of all types, this Highlife award-winning strain offers a reliable and rewarding experience.

Critical Kush

Looking for potency, reliability, and productivity for your outdoor Dutch grow? Critical Kush by Barney's Farm checks all the boxes. This 100% indica powerhouse combines Critical Mass and OG Kush to deliver a hard-hitting, high-yielding strain for outdoor growers looking for serious results.

With a flowering time of 8–9 weeks, Critical Kush is quick to the finish line, giving Dutch growers a great window to harvest before the adverse and wet weather of the winter months. Plants can stretch up to 5 ft outdoors, yielding up to 35 oz/plant in optimal conditions. Despite its size and dense structure, Critical Kush maintains excellent mold resistance thanks to its robust genetics.

Besides its impressive productivity, what really sets Critical Kush apart is its sky-high THC content of 26%. This strain delivers a deep, knockout body stone, perfect for late evenings. With flavors that lean towards pine and earthiness, Critical Kush performs flawlessly under the Dutch sun and makes for a smooth smoke in any form.

Power Flower

If you want the classic sativa experience without the long wait, Power Flower from Royal Queen Seeds is the answer. With roots in potent South African landraces, this sativa-dominant hybrid delivers vigorous growth, big yields, and an energizing high—all in a time frame well-suited to the Dutch growing season.

Power Flower is an ample specimen, reaching up to 6.5 ft and thriving in open gardens and sunny spots. Despite its sativa dominance, it flowers in a breezy 9–10 weeks, allowing growers to harvest by mid-to-late October. Moreover, this strain requires only a little TLC and maintenance, making it perfect for growers seeking quality and quantity. Expect up to 19 oz/plant of top-shelf buds bursting with citrusy, skunky aromas.

The effects of Power Flower are everything a creative cannabis connoisseur craves. Expect a clear-headed, uplifting, and inspiring buzz, making Power Flower ideal for daytime use. With 18% THC and a smooth, flavorful smoke with notes of citrus, pine, and spice, treat yourself to some premium Power Flower.

Bubblegum

As the final feminized strain on our list, Bubblegum by Zamnesia Seeds is a sativa-dominant specimen with a flavor profile that's as fun and delicious as its name suggests. Born from South African Power Plant and Brazilian Santa Maria, this modern hybrid blends uplifting euphoria with a relaxing body stone.

While its lineage is sativa-heavy, Bubblegum's growth traits lean more toward indica, making it an excellent option for outdoor growers in the Netherlands. It grows quickly and stays compact throughout veg, though it does have the potential to reach up to 6.5 ft, delivering a very respectable 18 oz/plant with proper care. However, using training methods can keep plants closer to the ground if you want to control the height a bit.

As the name implies, Bubblegum offers an exceptionally sweet, earthy flavor, along with potent THC levels of 19%. It delivers a balanced high—energetic and euphoric, but grounded by a relaxing finish. With a touch of CBD as well, it's a solid pick for both recreational and holistic users.

Understanding the Dutch climate: Grow strong, healthy cannabis outdoors

Growing cannabis outdoors in the Netherlands presents some challenges—particularly the country's cool summers, high humidity, and frequent rainfall. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden temperature drops, and the overall growing season is shorter compared to warmer climates closer to the equator.

This unpredictability can lead to issues such as mold, especially during the flowering stage, which can ruin an entire harvest if left to progress. That's why it's essential to choose cultivars that can handle moisture, and finish fast.

Timing your outdoor growing project right is key to making the most of the Dutch growing season. The best time to start growing outdoors in the Netherlands is in April/May, once the risk of frost has passed and the days grow longer. While it's possible to start earlier—or even later—in the year (especially with autoflowers), May provides the safest and most reliable conditions to kick off a successful grow.

Grow with confidence in the Dutch outdoors

Whether you're a first-time grower or a cultivation expert, the Netherlands offers a unique and suitable environment to grow incredible cannabis—if you choose the right strains. From fast-finishing autoflowers to heavy-hitting feminized strains, there's something here for every setup, taste, and experience level. With the proper preparation, you can confidently grow cannabis outdoors in the Dutch climate and enjoy rich, rewarding harvests.

Ready to start your growing journey? You can access all of the top-performing strains mentioned here directly from Zamnesia—your one-stop shop for premium seeds and growing essentials!

Adam Parsons

Professional cannabis journalist, copywriter, and author Adam Parsons is a long-time staff member of Zamnesia. Tasked with covering a wide range of topics from CBD to psychedelics and everything in between, Adam creates blog posts, guides, and explores an ever-growing range of products.

Read full bio

Seedshop Top Lists

Search in categories

Top 10’s

Favourites

Popular strain types

Seedbanks

Blog Search