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13 Best Cali Strains: Top Strains From California

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California has a deep-rooted history of cannabis cultivation, renowned for its ideal climate, fertile terroir, and alternative counterculture movement that dates back to the 1960s. Widely recognized for producing some of the finest genetics in the world, we are excited to share our favourites that are highly regarded among cannabis aficionados worldwide!

During Ronald Reagan’s War on Drugs era, the illicit cannabis industry expanded. Due to the state’s rich terroir, many of Northern California’s rural regions, like the Emerald Triangle, became a hotspot for clandestine cannabis farms despite the legal risks associated with cannabis cultivation. However, things were about to change. 

In 1996, Proposition 215 legalised medicinal cannabis, which regulated cultivation for medicinal purposes. Ten years later, Proposition 64 opened up new opportunities for licensed cultivation, transforming California into a hub for commercial operations and small-craft growers. The state’s cannabis industry reflects a journey from illicit cultivation to a regulated and diverse sector. 

So, let’s check out 13 of the best weed strains from California!

1. Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel originated from the East Coast after being carefully crafted by crossing Chemdawg 91 and Super Skunk. Despite its origins, it gained massive popularity on the West Coast during the 1990s, and unsurprisingly, Sour Diesel has been listed as one of the High Time’s Greatest Strains of All Time.

Sour Diesel is a cultivar known for its tall and elegant appearance. It has significant internodal spacing and large open-fingered leaves with conical, open-structured buds. This pungent cultivar provides an energising and inspiring high with the potential to boost motivation and focus, leaving you feeling dreamy and content. It is an ideal weed strain for daytime use.

A strong aroma reminiscent of pungent diesel fuel is at the forefront of the flavour profile. In the background, there are subtle hints of skunk and charas complemented by mouthwatering notes of zesty lemon, which lingers on the palette. Its exotic profile is sure to please.

2. Blue Dream 

Blue Dreams’ popularity spread through the Northern Californian cannabis scene as enthusiasts and connoisseurs were mesmerised by its unique flavour and potent effects. It quickly became a staple in the community, with many growers claiming it to be one of the best Cali weed strains.

This delectable cultivar combines the delectably sweet Super Silver Haze with the delightful flavours of Blueberry. Its tall and slender posture is reminiscent of her sativa lineage, while its buds boast a dense, compact structure adorned with shades of indigo.

With dominant terpene levels of myrcene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, enthusiasts can expect sharp notes of fresh blueberries and zesty citrus accompanied by undertones of creamy sandalwood, pepper and moist earth. The high is uplifting and euphoric thanks to the Haze influence, creating an increased sense of relaxation without inducing excessive sedation. Blue Dream is renowned for its ability to uplift and inspire creativity, making it a beloved choice among cannabis connoisseurs.

3. Sunset Sherbert

A classic in the Californian cannabis subculture, Mr Sherbinski developed this indica-dominant cultivar by breeding Girl Scout Cookies with the mesmerising Pink Panties. Sunset Sherbert boasts a deliciously sweet aroma reminiscent of fresh honey and citrus. Sweet and creamy dessert-like notes make the mouth water, with a subtle earthy aftertaste that lingers on the palette.

Enthusiasts are delighted by dense, olive-green buds with an open bud structure and conical appearance, covered in a blanket of trichomes. Growers looking for bumper harvests can use training techniques such as LST and topping to take advantage of Sunset Sherbert’s short, compact posture. During the final weeks of flowering, enchanting hues of deep reds, brilliant oranges, and gleaming yellow are visible throughout the foliage.

Consumers welcome its uplifting and social attributes, dissipating into a soothing full-body buzz that helps ease tension and stress. It is a highly potent Cali weed strain that often overwhelms novices and leaves connoisseurs with a carefree attitude. 

4. OG Kush

Introduced in California in 1996 by Matt “Bubba” Berger, OG Kush quickly dominated the market and has remained a fan favourite ever since. This indica-dominant hybrid was developed by crossing Chemdawg with Pakistan Kush and Lemon Thai, resulting in an outstanding strain with extraordinary parents and an exotic terpene profile. With its earthy and piney flavour, OG Kush offers a distinct taste enthusiasts appreciate. 

The name “OG” has sparked an ongoing debate among cannabis connoisseurs; some believe it stands for “Original Gangster,” while others argue it represents “Ocean Grown.” Regardless of its origin, the sweet and distinctive aromas of OG Kush enchant the senses. Zesty fresh lemon rind and sharp hints of sandalwood mingle with pungent undertones of diesel fuel, creating a captivating fragrance that adds to the allure of this remarkable Cali weed strain.

OG Kush is favoured among regular consumers for its long-lasting, potent effects that provide soothing full-bodied effects. It is ideal for stress relief and muscle relaxation, leaving individuals feeling relaxed yet energised. 

5. The Bird

During the Breeding Grounds program, our breeders worked closely with Humboldt Seed Company to create a revolutionary new indica-dominant hybrid called The Bird. Through their intensive breeding programs, they combined the best attributes of OG Kush with Humboldt Dream and Larry Bird, resulting in a truly exceptional powerhouse.

Growing enthusiasts can expect excessive foliage and thriving lateral growth throughout its cultivation cycle. This cultivar has a typical indica morphology, growing short and stocky with one central cola. The Bird is perfect for concentrate connoisseurs because of swollen calyxes, dense bud structure and excessive resin glands.

The flavour is characterised by a combination of sweet and earthy notes, with undertones of charas, sandalwood, and coffee. Users have reported experiencing increased muscle relaxation and mental clarity, all while feeling uplifted and soothed. With its bumper yields and relaxing profile, it is the perfect Cali weed strain for indica lovers who seek a dreamy body high. 

6. Gorilla Glue (GG4)

Popular among connoisseurs, this indica-dominant cultivar is known for its strong potency and heavy, relaxing high that can leave users glued to the couch. Gorilla Glue provides balanced effects with a loud flavour profile. It is an enchanting hybrid developed by a meticulous cross of Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel. 

Gorilla Glue is known for its robust, vigorous growth and has a stocky, bushy structure and broad, dark green leaves. What truly sets it apart is the amount of resin it produces, as all buds are covered in a blanket of sticky trichomes. Ideal for those looking to make high-quality extracts! Typically, Gorilla Glue has a short flowering period but may vary depending on the particular phenotype or environmental conditions.

Its flavour profile is genuinely otherworldly, with subtle notes of zesty citrus, cacao, coffee, and diesel. For those wondering about the effects, the high can be incredibly calming and relaxing. Experienced users have even reported feeling a boost in concentration and cerebral euphoria. However, it is essential to be aware of the sedative effects, especially when taken in large doses. It is an excellent Cali weed strain for those looking for a relaxing and uplifting experience.

7. Gelato

Gelato was developed by Mr Sherbinksi in Los Angeles by outcrossing Sunset Sherbert with Thin Mint Girl. The strain was at the forefront of the sweet, dessert-like genetics and has become the backbone of many modern-day hybrids. This acclaimed cultivar has gained worldwide recognition in the cannabis community for its mouthwatering sweet, dessert-like flavours and inspired us to develop Gelato #420 and Buttercream Gelato.

This cultivar is known for its ability to thrive in warmer, Mediterranean climates. Its resilience and robustness make it an easy-to-grow option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant. The high concentration of anthocyanins during flowering creates mesmerising deep purple and red hues. The plant has a tall posture with elongated branches and dense, compact buds covered in a beautiful frosting of resin glands.

Gelato perfectly balances relaxation and euphoria, providing an alluring cheerful, physical high without the sedative effects. Its terpene profile boasts sweet and fruity notes of zesty citrus, fresh blueberries, and subtle hints of vanilla, sandalwood, and almonds. 

8. Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cookies is a highly sought-after strain that has gained popularity due to its unique blend of OG Kush and Durban Poison. Initially developed by the Cookie Family in Northern California in 2012, Girl Scout Cookies has become a staple in modern genetics due to its perfectly balanced properties.

This Cali weed strain takes after its OG Kush lineage, with a similar tall-to-medium build and elongated structure. Thanks to the high concentration of anthocyanins, you can expect to see some beautiful deep red and purple hues during the flowering stage. And the best part? This cultivar is known for its resilience and strength, making it an excellent weed strain for novice growers.

This combination provides a balanced, euphoric, relaxing high, perfect for social occasions or daily use. It boasts a sweet, earthy aroma and a complex, creamy, doughy, cookie-like flavour that will satisfy any palate. This extravagant cultivar combines the finest qualities of both sativa and indica, providing a harmonious blend of effects and a delightful flavour profile that will please experienced and novice users alike. 

9. Zkittlez

Zkittlez is a remarkable hybrid in the cannabis community, gaining worldwide recognition and named after the popular fruit-flavoured candy from the UK. Its creation involved outbreeding the resilient Grape Ape with the flavoursome Grapefruit, resulting in a multiple-cup winner that triumphed in the Best Indica category at the 2016 Emerald Cup. 

Its dense buds covered in sticky resin make it an excellent choice for producing concentrates. Zkittlez develops into a compact posture with short internodal gaps, excessive lateral branches, and hearty foliage. To increase yield, training techniques like SOG and SCROG are ideal.

Its complex terpene profile is characterised by succulent aromas of freshly picked berries, mango, guava, and pineapple, with sweet sugary notes of candyfloss that enchant the senses. The high brings upliftment, euphoria, and relaxation, improving focus and concentration; you can truly “taste the rainbow”.

10. Wedding Cheesecake

Wedding Cheesecake is an indica-dominant weed strain that has become increasingly popular in California. It is an indica-dominant hybrid developed by crossing the up-and-coming Cherry Pie with the potent Skunk #1 and Girl Scout Cookies.

This pungent cultivar is known for its vigorous growth during the initial stretch and can even stretch up to three times its height. Wedding Cheese has a compact, robust structure with thick foliage, making it perfect for training methods like topping, SOG, and SCROG. The foliage is dark green, with light pink pistils and a glistening layer of sticky resin glands.

Wedding Cheesecake provides a relaxing and euphoric high, making it a favourite among many cannabis enthusiasts. Boasting a complex, exotic terpene profile comprising caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. It is loved for its intensely sweet, vanilla-like flavour with subtle hints of freshly picked cherries, sandalwood and pungent skunk. 

11. Mimosa

The extravagant sativa-dominant hybrid was developed by crossbreeding Purple Punch with Clementine, and it has been making waves in the Californian market with its mouthwatering terpene profile reminiscent of the tropics. 

Mimosa is a bushy plant that flourishes in warm Mediterranean climates. It boasts dense light olive-green buds with purple undertones and orange pistils, as well as a thick coating of trichomes. This Cali weed strain is beginner-friendly, thanks to its ease of growth, but experienced growers can further enhance their yield through training techniques.

Renowned for its uplifting fruity palette, Mimosas terpene profile features abundant concentrations of limonene and myrcene. It exhibits loud notes of freshly peeled tangerines and zesty citrus, accompanied by subtle undertones of sweet mango, ripe pineapple, and guava. Many cannabis enthusiasts say Mimosa increases creativity and provides an uplifting and euphoric cerebral high and soothing body buzz.

12. Pineapple Express

This sativa-dominant cultivar was bred by crossing the elusive Trainwreck with a dense and robust Hawaiian. Its name derives from a weather term meteorologists use to describe a moist atmospheric corridor between Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest. Its popularity skyrocketed after the release of James Franco and Seth Rogan’s comedy film Pineapple Express, and, as the protagonist Dale says in the film, was “the product of baby-fucking!“.

This tropical cultivar flourishes in a warm, Mediterranean climate. With dense, closely-packed clusters of buds and robust, resilient properties, Pineapple Express is well-suited for training techniques such as supercropping, SOG and SCROG. It is also simple to cultivate and ideal for beginners!

Enthusiasts have reported long-lasting cerebral highs, boosting focus, mental clarity, and creativity. Its delightful taste is characterised by a smooth fruity profile with hints of tropical pineapple and zesty citrus, complemented by subtle earthy and sandalwood notes. It is a favourite among connoisseurs and is the “Dopest of dope!”.

13. Purple Punch

Purple Punch was created by crossbreeding the heavy-hitting Granddaddy Purple with the flavoursome Larry OG. This Cali weed strain boasts an incredibly pungent aroma, and it is known for its potency. Breeders took the best traits from both parents to produce an exquisite terpene profile that will delight anyone who loves indicas!

Reaching, on average, no more than a meter tall, Purple Punch is known for its short and stocky stature. The large central cola dominates the apical mainstem, with a dense and compact bud structure featuring abundant resin glands and amber pistils. Throughout the flowering stage, the buds and foliage turn purple due to high concentrations of anthocyanins.

Connoisseurs have reported an enchanting cerebral euphoria that eventually transitions into a long-lasting body high that can be sedative in higher doses. The terpene profile is exceptional, with sharp notes of freshly picked blueberries and cherries that mask a pungent, earthy aroma.

The best Cali weed?

Thanks to the early legalisation across California, there has been a surge in cannabis research and development. California’s agricultural expertise has reached new heights, and as the market demand continues to grow, innovative breeding programmes are constantly emerging. 

Northern California’s distinct environment provides an ideal setting for outdoor cultivation, while Southern California’s advanced indoor facilities have led to the development of numerous varieties throughout the state. Breeders are striving to produce cultivars with an exquisite terpene profile rich in cannabinoids that meet the demands of consumers. 

So these are our favourite Cali weed strains! How about you? Share your favourite strain in the comments!

  • Disclaimer:

    Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.



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5 best autoflower seed banks of 2024 by Leafly

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Grow your favorite strains more easily with seeds from these top sources. These recommendations on the best autoflower seed banks are made by Leafly’s Product Picks team after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.


Growing your own cannabis has never been easier, and more and more Americans are discovering their green thumbs and falling in love with cannabis cultivation. A big part of the plant’s newfound popularity is the rise of autoflowering strains, which have charmed novice and expert growers alike with their low-maintenance growing style and consistent yields.


A quick look at the best autoflower seed banks

Best selection: Seed Supreme

Best classic strains: Royal Queen Seeds

Best for beginners: ILGM.com

Most innovative: DNA Genetics

Best high-potency strains: Fast Buds


Our team has been eagerly charting the epic rise of autoflowers, and we’re happy to say that the future is bright for this eternally excellent, accessible crop. To help you get in on the action, we’ve assembled a list of the best autoflower seed banks for the top spots to buy autoflowering cannabis seeds online. This list of seed banks is full of champions, innovators, and artisans, and they’re all well deserving of your hard-earned dollars. 

If you’re curious about what exactly makes an autoflower an autoflower, and what sets this strain apart from traditional photoperiod strains, stick around after the list to read our breakdown of the science—no lab goggles required. But first, and without further ado, here’s our list of the very best autoflower seed banks of 2024.



• Virtually unparalleled selection of autoflowering strains
• Sourced from a global network of breeders
• Quick delivery time and regular giveaways

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

GG4 is one of the most famous strains in the cannabis world today and essential growing for cannabis cultivators in the same way that Citizen Kane is essential viewing for film lovers. Seed Supreme’s autoflowering rendition of this famous strain is a fast-growing and low-effort indica-like that is a great pick for either your first grow or your five hundredth. Named after the gloriously sticky resin that it produces in prodigious quantities, GG4 induces a heavily sedating high that relaxes the body, making it a perennial favorite for those who turn to cannabis as a pain reliever or sleep aid.

There’s a staggering number of cannabis strains out there—we oughta know—and the plant’s endless variety is part of the reason why so many people keep falling in love with cannabis. If you have the heart of a collector and gotta grow and smoke em’ all, then Seed Supreme is the bank for you.

They’re a verified weed seed emporium with dozens and dozens of autoflowering strains available at an affordable price point. If you’ve heard of a strain in a song, movie, or here from Leafly, then the odds are good that Seed Supreme can ship it directly to your door. Our advice? Spend an afternoon browsing Seed Supreme’s vast catalog, you’ll find enough enticing strains to plan out your next several grows & see why they’re one of our best autoflower seed banks.

“You want it? Seed Supreme has got it. We tip our cap to this bank, from one crew of strain fanatics to another.”

GG4 gets its high potency from its heavyweight progenitors, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel. This heritage is also where GG4 gets its polarizing flavor; a heavy punch of diesel and ammonia undergirded by more subtle, sour aromas that make themselves known on the inhale. You can expect your GG4 to have somewhere in the low 20% THC range, plenty for even an experienced consumer with a tolerance to match. Seed Supreme’s GG4 auto is also a cinch to grow, despite the strain’s wide leaves and titanic colas due to the sturdy genetics bred into it by the team at Seed Supreme.


• Deep connection to Dutch cannabis culture
• Decades of experience selling cannabis seeds
• Online seedfinder helps customers discover new strains

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

Amnesia Haze has been a mainstay of stash boxes the world over for many years, and Royal Queen Seeds’ autoflowering rendition of this classic is the best way to get it in your grow. Amnesia Haze first rose to prominence in the freewheeling Amsterdam scene, where cannabis’ pseudo-legal nature allowed for incredible amounts of experimentation. Amnesia Haze is one of the standout strains from that process, a citrusy sativa-like that our team loves for a morning smoke that won’t end your day prematurely with overwhelming potency.

Royal Queen Seeds is one of the relative newcomers to the US market on this list, but don’t mistake that for inexperience; they only crossed the Atlantic after establishing themselves as one of Europe’s premier sources for autoflowering and photoperiod seeds.

Born in the legendary coffeehouses of Amsterdam, the team at Royal Queen Seeds has had a front-row seat to the development of cannabis into the massive industry it is today. They’re the stewards of some of the genetics from that classic era of experimentation and popularization when Amsterdam was the center of the cannabis universe.

But don’t get it twisted and start thinking that Royal Queen Seeds is just a purveyor of hall-of-fame strains, you’ll also find both new twists on classics and wholly unique strains on the Royal Queen Seeds storefront.

“Cannabis lovers used to have to make a pilgrimage to Amsterdam for this kind of weed. Now, Royal Queen Seeds brings the best of The Netherlands to your garden.”

Amnesia Haze is one of those strains from a shadowy era of cannabis history when genetics and pedigrees get a bit muddled, but it has DNA from both South Asian and Jamaican Landrace strains. Those ancient genetics make Amnesia Haze one of the most recognizable strains on the smoke, but Amnesia Haze is also quite distinctive on the stem as well. You can expect long, thin leaves and foxtail buds with plenty of deep, verdant greens. Amnesia Haze is a bit of a shy one; it takes its time to bloom, but once it does, patient growers will be rewarded with heaps of thick, high-quality buds.


• Wide selection of affordable seeds
• Free grow bible emailed to customers with seed purchase
• Regular incredible promotions

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

White Widow, a massively popular strain that began to dominate cannabis culture in the mid-90s, is often recommended for newer growers to get their feet wet with growing before diving in. ILGM has made it even easier to grow this famous it-strain by creating an autoflowering variant that does almost everything but water itself. Even if you’ve struggled with keeping plants alive in the past, ILGM’s White Widow Auto is a cinch to care for; with the ability to thrive in virtually any setup. This strain laughs at cramped apartment closets, fluctuating temperatures, and even some common diseases that make less hearty strains tremble. 

ILGM aka I Love Growing Marijuana and their incomparable founder, Robert Bergman, have been some of the biggest names in American cannabis seeds through several of the plant’s different eras. As you may have guessed from their name, ILGM is a passion project sustained through a commitment to the joys of cannabis cultivation.

We’re big fans of their grow bible, a massive tome full of growing wisdom that ILGM sends to your email when you buy any of their seeds. And that’s the type of outfit Robert Bergman has made—a company that cares about spreading knowledge and furthering the accessibility of cannabis cultivation.

“Aptly named ILGM would be one of the best autoflower seed banks in the world even without their cartoon mascots. With, no contest.”

Like all the best heroines, White Widow’s past is a little mysterious. We aren’t sure of the specifics, but we know that White Widow is descended from a Brazilian sativa landrace and a heavily resin-producing South Indian indica. The result is the Goldilocks of indica-likes, potent but not too potent, relaxing but not sedating, an uplift that comes without panic.

These balanced qualities extend to White Widow’s flavor as well; you can expect a woody, subtly sweet taste that still carries a delightful dankness that our team of writers go wild for. Newcomers to growing and old hands alike will find something to love in ILGM’s White Widow Autoflower, so click the link below and don’t wait another day to start growing.


• Two decades of experience
• Creators of several famous strains
• Reputation for consistent innovation

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

You may not have heard of this strain from DNA Genetics yet, but trust us, it might be everywhere soon. A true indica-lovers indica, Canelo is a closer that is best saved for the end of the night when it’s time to tune out and turn off. It excels in this role, and we’re putting our marker down that DNA Genetics’ Canelo’s profile will only keep rising as time goes on, and you can grow it and smoke it way before your local dispensary has it in stock with these autoflowering seeds.  If you love indicas, or even just next-big-things, then you need to check Canelo out.

DNA Genetics is a legendary bank that occupies a rare and hallowed spot in cannabis-growing culture. They’ve recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, an incredible feat that makes them older than Methuselah in weed years. They’ve stuck around so long by consistently looking to the future and never resting on their quite considerable laurels.

They’re the minds behind several of the most popular strains to arrive since the new millennium, with a commitment to quality that has earned them the respect of breeders, retailers, and homegrowers alike. The odds are good that the next big strain is somewhere on DNA Genetics storefront, so get ahead of the curve and order some exciting autoflowering seeds from DNA Genetics before they’re cool and never let your friends hear the end of it.

“When we’re looking for something avant-garde that’ll set the smoke circle buzzing, DNA genetics is our first stop.”

OG Kush and Strawberry Banana are the direct progenitors of Canelo Auto, a prestigious parentage that makes the strain nothing less than indica royalty. You can taste and smell that heritage as well, both in the kush earthiness and fruity sweetness. These genetics also mean Canelo is a resilient plant that is quite forgiving to novice growers and less-than-ideal conditions, so don’t let either of those factors stop you from taking the plunge.

You can expect your Canelo buds to have a THC percentage somewhere in the high teens or low twenties, just enough to put you down for the count at night without a trace of grogginess in the morning. Grow what people are going to be talking about before they’re talking about it and order yourself some Canelo Auto seeds today.


• Autoflower specialists
• Winner of several global awards
• Quality Californian genetics

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

Fast Buds’ Strawberry Gorilla Auto is one of the most-awarded autoflowering strains in the world, and it can be yours in no time flat. It recently triumphed in the American Autoflower Cup and even beat out some photoperiod strains to earn honors at the 2023 Farmer’s Cup. Those are pretty some pretty serious kudos to earn, but if you ask them, the team of Fast Buds breeders responsible for this strain would put more stock in the overwhelmingly positive response from growers who have tried their hand at growing their own Strawberry Gorilla Auto. Their hybrid has won hearts with its surprisingly potent strawberry flavor and classic diesel aroma.

Fast Buds has been on a meteoric rise, quickly rising to become some of the preeminent autoflower specialists in the world. They’re an autoflower seed bank that takes pride in their top-tier California genetics while also maintaining a global perspective on the cannabis industry.

Fast Buds’ trophy case features awards from all over the planet, a truly globe-trotting tour of excellence that we here at Leafly have to applaud (and give our best autoflower seed banks list stamp of approval). As a bank that focuses on autoflowers, they’ve done incredible work in ensuring that autoflowering strains can stand on equal footing in terms of yield and potency to their photoperiod counterparts. They’re an easy recommendation for all the autoflower lovers out there, but if you’re a skeptic who’s made it here, then our advice is to see if the autoflower experts at Fast Buds can change your mind.

“Fast Buds knows the ins and outs of autos better than just about anyone.”

Strawberry Gorilla Auto isn’t for novices in more ways than one. It benefits from an experienced hand that knows how to properly handle its height by providing support and plenty of nutrients. Those growers who are up to the task will reap some truly stunning rewards when their gorgeous purple buds are ready for harvest. Strawberry Gorilla Auto is a monstrously potent strain that can produce buds with up to 28% THC. If you’ve ever been skeptical about autoflowering strains’ ability to stack up to traditional photoperiods, we dare you to give Strawberry Gorilla a try; we won’t even say “I told you so!”


Why you can trust Leafly Product Picks

Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Product Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research and testimonials to source products you can trust.


Jake Rosendale: Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products

smiling portrait photo of man in glasses and grey cap against an aquamarine background

Jake Rosendale is Leafly’s Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products. He’s been with Leafly since 2022, where he spends his time researching the best products in the wide world of weed. Jake’s been writing about cannabis, food, and wine in the Seattle area for 5 years. In addition to Leafly, you can find his work in Seattle Met Magazine and High Times. He loves sci-fi novels, country music, and Super Lemon Haze.


Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products

portrait photo of woman with short dark hair and glasses in a black polo shirt against an aqua-green background

Anna Elliott is Leafly’s Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products. She’s been with Leafly since 2021, managing and editing brand-related content and bringing the best stories on the industry’s top products to life. With a decade of experience reviewing products, covering brands, and editing stories, Anna loves talking up the people & products that make a real difference in readers’ every day. She’s found that Space Mints makes the perfect pairing for enjoying her frankly irresponsible vinyl collection.


What is an autoflower?

An autoflowering cannabis plant is any breed of cannabis that will flower after a certain period of time regardless of the amount of light the plant receives. This is opposed to traditional photoperiod strains, which will only flower due to changing light levels, either caused by the changing of the seasons or by a grower artificially lowering the amount of light the plant receives.

Autoflowers tend to be smaller, faster growing, and less potent than their photoperiod cousins, although enterprising growers are doing their best to mitigate this last point. Since autoflowers are categorically easier to grow than photoperiod plants, they’re very popular with newer growers who aren’t eager to deal with changing light levels. 

All autoflowering strains share some DNA with the cannabis ruderalis plant, a variety of cannabis native to harsh northern climates, forcing the plant to evolve in ways to cope with the lack of sunlight and short growing seasons. Ruderalis isn’t very potent on its own, but breeders can cross cannabis ruderalis with traditional indica or sativa strains in order to produce a plant that flowers automatically, or an “autoflower.”

Pretty cool, right? If you’re still curious about autoflowers, cannabis ruderalis, or anything else having to do with growing cannabis, then head over to Leafly’s guide to growing marijuana. It’s the best spot on the internet to learn everything there is to know about cultivating & harvesting our favorite plant after you’ve made your picks from our best autoflower seed banks list.




Final thoughts

That’s all from us this time, so get to growing! But while you’re waiting for your seeds to germinate, make sure to check back in on this list of the best autoflower seed banks regularly to see if there are any hot new banks with fire strains you have yet to try. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Product Picks to see our selections fore the greatest finds in the wide world of cannabis. Happy growing! 


For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.


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Grow award-winning autoflower seeds strains at home with Fast Buds

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Fast Buds helps you enjoy champion weed in record time.


With growing season in full swing, cannabis cultivators across the country are hard at work searching for their new favorite strains. One of the foremost seedbanks offering quality genetics to American growers is Fast Buds, a group of autoflower specialists who have been breeding ever since they arrived on the scene over a decade ago. Gaining a reputation for their Gorilla genetics, their most-awarded Gorilla crosses are Gorilla Cookies, Strawberry Gorilla, and Gorilla Zkittlez. We just checked in on Fast Buds’ effort to popularize autoflowering seeds in backyards across the USA, and, as befitting their name, they haven’t slowed down since. 

Leafly readers get 15% off Fast Buds autoflowering strains with code LFL420.

Fast Buds has been filling their trophy case in recent years, running the table at strain competitions all over the world, including several prestigious cannabis cup victories. Competing at the American Autoflower Cup, Farmer’s Cup, Spannabis Champions Cup, Autoflower World Cup, Dab-A-Doo Brasil, and more year after year, their breeders rarely come home empty-handed. It’s safe to say that this brand of cannabis autoflowering seeds is well on their way to redefining what you can expect from autoflowering strains worldwide.

We’ve got a roundup of some of those selfsame champion strains so you can get a taste of the winning spirit and pick out some GOATs for your garden.

Strawberry Gorilla Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

One of the most decorated strains in the Fast Buds’ stable, Fast Buds’ Strawberry Gorilla Auto took home two prestigious awards in 2023, winning Best Sativa at the American Autoflower Cup in Los Angeles in January and the ‘Highest Combined Terpenes’ title in the Home Grow Hash at the 2023 Farmer’s Cup. This latest victory in the Farmer’s Cup is quite the feather in Strawberry Gorilla Auto’s cap — not only did Fast Buds amazing autoflower hold its own against the competitor’s photoperiod strains, Strawberry Gorilla Auto’s terpenes triumphed, scoring a point for autoflowers everywhere. 

Coming in bold with intense strawberry flavor, Strawberry Gorilla Auto has tested with a jaw-dropping 28.417% THC and 29.86% total cannabinoids. That’s enough to make even those with well-developed tolerances sit up and take notice, and extractors will love how much juicy resin each bud will produce. Growers of all skill levels can expect their Strawberry Gorilla plants to reach maturity in around ten weeks, when the chunky, frosty buds are ready to go. Our advice is to take some photos before you harvest; a looker on the tier of Strawberry Gorilla Auto ought to be celebrated.

Gorilla Cookies Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

The ruling silverback among Fast Buds Autoflowers, Gorilla Cookies Auto is Fast Buds’ flagship autoflowering strain. This balanced hybrid has scored multiple awards over the years, including a victory at the Expo Grow competition and Best Autoflower at the 2022 Cosecha Cup. Gorilla Cookies also snagged the prestigious Best Indica award at the 2022 Autoflower World Cup, and honestly, it was no surprise. Gorilla Cookies has it all; it’s incredibly potent (testing at a whopping 28.5% THC!), high-yielding, resilient in many different indoor and outdoor climates, and boy, is it flavorful. The impressively high THC levels translate into an intense resin production, making her buds almost completely white and covered in trichomes late in the flowering stage.

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If you elect to try your hand at growing Gorilla Cookies Auto, you can expect trichome-frosted buds around the size of poker chips, in around ten weeks in good conditions. Gorilla Cookies Auto also loves to stretch out, reaching up to 150cm at maturity. It’s a bit difficult to describe the flavor of Gorilla Cookies; those who have had the pleasure report notes of hazelnut, earth, dank, and even more. That might be a bit vague, but there’s only one surefire way to discover Gorilla Cookies Auto’s complex flavor: Grow it yourself.

Gorilla Zkittlez Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

Gorilla Zkittlez Auto is another of Fast Buds’ legendary crosses that makes use of DNA from the Gorilla family, featuring a potpourri of enticing terpenes that runs the gamut from earthy, spicy early notes to a cotton-candy finish. This strain took home top honors from the 2022 Dab-A-Doo Brasil competition by charming judges with its ludicrous 29.85% total cannabinoid percentage, making Gorilla Zkittlez Auto one of the most potent autoflowering strains to be found, in addition to being one of the tastiest.

A hybrid with a balanced effect, Gorilla Zkittlez Auto makes a great smoke at any time of day, which means fans of this Fast Buds favorite may go through their stocks quickly. Luckily, Gorilla Zkittlez Auto is a shockingly high-yielding strain as well, producing up to 650gr/m2 in as little as 63 days in ideal conditions. With yields like that, growers don’t ever need to be shy about indulging their love for this treat of a strain.

Banana Purple Punch Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The definitive end to all lingering questions about autoflowers’ ability to stack up to photodependent strains, Banana Purple Punch Auto is one of the most potent autoflowers ever tested. Tested at MJ Biz Con in 2023, Banana Purple Punch was shown to have a mind-blowing, earth-shattering 30.4% THC. That puts Banana Purple Punch solidly among famously potent strains like Green Crack and Bruce Banner, but with all the speed and convenience of an autoflower.

This indica-like will produce a respectable amount of bud in a lightning-fast seven weeks. With all these factors in Banana Purple Punch’s favor, it had no trouble winning Best Indica in the 2023 American Autoflower Cup, and it won’t have any trouble winning a spot in your heart, either.

Papaya Cookies Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

Hash lovers, rejoice; your time has come. One of the most exciting strains on Fast Buds’ roster, Papaya Cookies is also the second-place winner of the 2024 Best New Strain award at the Autoflower World Cup. Papaya Cookies’ intense THC percentage and far-above-average resin concentration make this sativa-leaning hybrid a dream for hash makers and extractors of all kinds, but that’s not the only thing that Papaya Cookies has going for it. The judges at the AWC noted Papaya Cookies’ delicious, complex flavor as a major strong point.

Receptive to a variety of both indoor and outdoor conditions, Papaya Cookies is a great candidate for growers of all experience levels and takes well to common plant training methods. Expect your buds in just eight weeks, with up to 29% THC for full-day potency.

Apricot Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The winner of the blue ribbon for Best Sativa Strain at the 2024 Autoflower World Cup, Apricot Auto is a potent number with a flavor profile unlike any you’ve experienced before. As you might expect, Apricot Auto has a taste heavily reminiscent of the fruit that shares its name, a surprising and innovative flavor in cannabis. The tangy mix of sweet and sour makes for an excellent pairing with Apricot Auto’s dank notes, making Apricot Auto a truly unparalleled experience on the smoke.

Growers have found that Apricot Auto’s thick, resinous buds make it an excellent candidate for making concentrates, and with up to 26% THC content, any edibles made with Apricot Auto as a base will be plenty heavy-hitting. Apricot Auto will reach full maturity in around nine to ten weeks, so get planting now so you can have this delicious strain ready for summer’s peak.

Ztrawberriez Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The winner of the Best Sativa prize at the 2024 American Autoflower Cup, Ztrawberriez Auto’s smorgasbord of sweet and fruity terps has been winning hearts and minds across the country. Judges, growers, and anyone else who has had the pleasure to enjoy Ztrawberriez Auto report that this autoflower is an ideal daytime smoke, elevating consumers’ moods and energy levels without giving an overly stoney feeling and testing with up to 25% THC to melt worries away.

Ztrawberriez Auto is also a linebacker against pests and rough environments; even in sub-ideal conditions, Ztrawberriez Auto seeds will yield about 600g/m2 in as little as nine weeks. With speed, quality, and flavor all set to the max, it’s easy to see why Ztrawberriez Auto beat out the competition.


Fast Buds has these champs, plus heaps more autoflowering strains on their website. Right now, you can get these strains and more for 15% off from Fast Buds with code LFL420. They are continuously launching new strains, running huge sales and giveaways, as well as educating consumers on the many, many benefits of autoflowers. You can also follow them on social media for interviews with growers, updates on new strains, and announcements of (even more) cannabis cup victories. Happy growing!

fast buds autoflowers
Image courtesy of Fast Buds.

Availability subject to law.



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Royal Queen Seeds & Mike Tyson are the double bill your grow needs

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The King of the Ring & the Queen of Seeds make a great 1-2.


Royal Queen Seeds, the award-winning European seed bank that has recently captured the hearts and minds of many American growers, isn’t the type of outfit to just sit around on its laurels. Their high-quality genetics and respect for cannabis tradition have earned both our interest and respect ever since they made their way across the Atlantic, and they’re not even close to running out of tricks.

The drive, focus, and determination that brought Royal Queen Seeds to the apex of the weed world are shared by their newest collaborator, Kid Dynamite himself, Mike Tyson. ‘Iron’ Mike is one of the most famous and recognizable heavyweight boxers ever to tie on a pair of gloves.

His iconic tattooed face has been everywhere from the silver screen to the breakfast cereal aisle, and these days, Iron Mike is becoming the champ of a different arena, cannabis. His Tyson 2.0 pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles have all made a splash in markets all over the states, and now, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Royal Queen Seeds, you can finally grow these strains for yourself. 

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These two titans have come together to bring homegrowers some of the most exciting new seeds we’ve seen. In the later rounds of this article we’ll fill you in on the details of these new strains, but first, let’s take a look at why Mike Tyson and Royal Queen Seeds make such a powerful combo.

Get the champ in your corner

Courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds

If you thought that Royal Queen Seeds’ collaboration with Iron Mike is just another celebrity endorsement, another in the long line of pretty faces trying to sell otherwise unremarkable weed, you’d better think again. Tyson brings far more than just his famous tattooed mug to the proceedings.

In recent years, Kid Dynamite has become an outspoken cannabis advocate, evangelizing for the plant’s incredible medical and recreational properties most every time he finds himself in front of a microphone, like on his weekly podcast, Hotboxin’. He’s also shown himself to have impeccable taste and a vast knowledge of weed and its history, making him one of the most dynamic personalities in the cannabis space today.

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Mike has confirmed that cannabis has been a part of his life for many years and has helped him cope with both physical and mental stress, the same struggles that bring many Americans to cannabis today. This all goes to what makes this exclusive collaboration all the more special; these strains weren’t developed only by Mike Tyson, The Baddest Man on the Planet, but also by Mike the Grower, the tireless cannabis advocate and homegrowing enthusiast.

Mike the Grower is out to spread the love of growing like a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, albeit one with a champion belt and a devastating left hook. But his cannabis bonafides are as legit as they come, and we’re thrilled that Iron Mike is a kindred spirit. 

It’s tough to imagine a better collaborator for Tyson than Royal Queen Seeds. Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to the next level in the same way that a great coach brings the most out of a talented fighter. RQS is a team of cannabis breeder’s breeders, with decades of experience delivering top-quality seeds to growers. 

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In the same way that a good boxing couch can take a fighter to the next level, Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to even greater heights. You can be sure that any seeds ordered from RQS meet their exacting standards of genetic quality and pedigree purity, and at an affordable price to boot. Said Tyson: “If you’re the best in the world at what you do, most likely, we’re gonna be partners.”  

What else is there to say? Some of the best of the best are teaming up to make themselves even better. Let’s get ready to rumble and take a look at the first six strains on offer from Royal Queen Seeds and Tyson 2.0.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Gelato 44

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Descended from Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mints GSC, Gelato 44 is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid that doesn’t pull its punches. Newer growers need not apply; Gelato 44 is a strain that requires a consistent amount of light and good soil quality to thrive, making it a better fit for experienced growers.

While Gelato 44 is not for the faint of heart, either for growing or for smoking, those who can hang ten rounds with this strain will find that it offers a tasty citrus flavor and a pleasantly relaxing, occasionally euphoric sensation. Gelato 44 is also potent enough to overcome Iron Mike’s formidable tolerance. Growers can expect their buds to be around 22% THC by volume. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Dynamite Diesel 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Named for Kid Dynamite, one of Mike’s many monikers, Dynamite Diesel is a piston-punching indica-like that’ll put even frequent cannabis consumers flat on their backs. Dynamite Diesel has DNA from two legendary strains you’re probably familiar with, Sour Diesel and Skywalker OG. With genetics like those, there was no way that Dynamite Diesel would wind up with a glass jaw—on the contrary, it’s more than worthy of bearing one of Mike’s names. This beauty takes particularly well to outdoor environments and can reach titanic 200 cm heights. Plant some this season, and you’ll have a full tank of gas come harvest.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 NYC Sour D Auto 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

A favorite of the man himself, with NYC Sour D, you can now grow the strain that charmed The Baddest Man on the Planet. While most of the Tyson 2.0 strains are pretty heavy hitters, NYC Sour D is a lighter affair, a sour, citrus, and gas-flavored sativa perfect for an energetic morning smoke or midday rally.
Growers working with limited space will love NYC Sour D. It only grows to around 80 cm tall when grown indoors, perfect for most tents and balconies. NYC Sour D Auto comes from fine genetic stock, an heir of NYC Diesel and Sour Diesel Auto. The result is an autoflowering strain that doesn’t skimp on all the good stuff. Who says good things can’t come in small packages?

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 GOAT’Lato Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

You can tell that the Tyson 2.0 team knew they had something special when they named this strain. GOAT’Lato Auto is a cross between Cookies Auto and Tyson’s own Gelato 44, an inspired combination that has resulted in a true contender. A fast-growing indica-dominant hybrid that can be ready to harvest in as little as ten weeks, GOAT’lato Auto is tough to beat if you need to grow your stash quickly.

Nearly as fun to say as it is to smoke, GOAT’Lato Auto also has the rare distinction of being among the most flavorful of all of Royal Queen Seeds’ vast stock, a tasty terpene-packed treat that comes on quickly and takes no prisoners. Fans of GOAT’lato Auto report that it’s an incredible focus aid, helping them lock in and KO chores in the first round. But is it truly the greatest Gelato of all time? Order from Royal Queen Seeds today and find out for yourself. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Punch Pie 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Another of Iron Mike’s personal favorite strains, Punch Pie is a pleasure to grow for indoor and outdoor setups alike. Punch Pie’s genetics include strains like Purple Punch and Purple Kush, making it as true an indica as you’re likely to find. You’ll see it in the grow; Punch Pie likes to spread out in wide bushes, topping out at about 150 cm in ideal outdoor conditions.

When it’s time to harvest, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous, sweet-smelling buds that are caked in resin. Like any great fruit pie, you’ll be able to taste a whole medley of berries in Punch Pie, with notes of blueberry and cherry accompanied by earthy undertones. You can expect some serious couch-lock as well. The best part about Punch Pie is that it doesn’t even need that long in the oven. You can expect to harvest your Punch Pie plants in about nine weeks after planting.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Corkscrew Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

For the final entry in our list, we’ve got a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid dubbed Corkscrew Auto. Corkscrew is the descendant of Cherry Pie Auto and Tangie, two easy-to-grow strains that can hold their own in rough conditions. Corkscrew Auto has the grit to go all ten rounds and make its genetic stock proud; it’s a tough customer that’ll thrive in whatever setup you have at home.

On the smoke, Corkscrew leads with a haymaker. You’ll feel the cerebral effects as soon as you take the first hit, helping you feel energetic and creative. Corkscrew Auto will take a touch longer than some of the other seeds on this list to harvest, but trust us, and trust Mike. Corkscrew Auto is well worth the wait.


And there’s the final bell! That’s all the Tyson 2.0 strains currently available from Royal Queen Seeds, but stay tuned—this partnership may well go the distance. Make sure to visit the Royal Queen Seeds website and follow them on socials to keep yourself up-to-date on all the new seeds they have in store. Likewise, you can keep up with Tyson 2.0 by heading to their website and following them on social media to see what sort of big moves Kid Dynamite and his crew have planned for the next round. Happy growing!


Availability subject to law.



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