Growing

What are the best nutrients for Autoflowering cannabis?

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

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Autoflowers can save the day when it comes to faster harvests, manageable plant sizes, simpler lighting requirements, and more. However, when growing autoflowers vs regular or feminized seeds, there are some nuances. If you want to maximize yields and quality in your home grow, consider the best nutrients for autoflowering and know how autoflowers differ from photoperiod plants.

Do autoflowers need special nutrients?

There’s no argument that nutrients are essential to plant growth. The chemicals needed to feed autoflowers in soil, hydro, or other environments aren’t that different. Nutes for autoflowers differ mostly in concentration and timing.

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Getting nutrients for autoflowers can be done by watering, amending the soil, or using slow-release powders. When it comes to autoflowers, remember that you can always add more to correct a deficiency, but you can’t easily take nutrients out to reduce excess. Autoflowers get their name from the fact that they flower and mature as they age. So, any nutritional stress should be avoided since it can slow them down.

Is there a difference between nutrients for autoflower and photoperiod flowers?

There are minor differences when discussing autoflowering nutrients versus those used for photoperiod cultivars. Many nutrient lines are designed for photoperiod plants and must be adjusted when growing autoflowers. Due to the ruderalis lineage, autos’ trace nutrient requirements are lower, but they still require the same macro and micronutrients as photos. Pay attention to the growing media and trace elements to avoid overwhelming your autos.

The quantity and concentration of nutrients needed for autos are lower than photoperiod plants. This is due to the smaller stature of autos and their finite lifecycle. For the home grower, this is great all around because we can keep plants small enough to fit in tents and grow rooms while saving money on nutrients by using less overall.

Ph levels are similar for autos but can affect the nutrient uptake of your beautiful plants if not monitored and kept within normal ranges. The typical 5.5 -6.5 will work, but assess your plant’s health to fine-tune that number, as it’s also dependent on the environment and grow medium.

Autoflowering cannabis plants have different nutritional requirements than photoperiod cannabis plants. Download my FREE marijuana grow bible and start growing high quality auto strains

The best nutes for autoflowering plants

Looking for the best nutrients for autoflowers doesn’t mean looking for different nutrients. You’ll still be feeding the big three Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). You can adjust photo nutrient lines to work just fine, or you can find autoflower specific nutrients that have already been reduced and prepared for autos. Along with NPK, there are regular needs for other elements like Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), and Sulfur (S), also at reduced concentrations. These are accompanied by trace elements in even lower quantities, Boron (B), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Molybdenum (Mo).

If the grow medium has already been enriched with nutrients, your autos may not need supplementation if it has been pre-amended. A relatively inert medium can be a good place to start with autos. One macro to watch specifically in soils is the Nitrogen level; it can be very high in some lines. To make matters more interesting, different cultivars may need different adjustments to macros, micros, and grow medium.

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What nutrients do autoflowers need?

Major or macronutrients for autoflower plants

Nitrogen (N): Is a key component of amino acids, which form the building blocks of plant proteins and enzymes. Needed for fast and healthy growth, especially in the early stages.
Phosphorus (P): Required for photosynthesis and plant development.
Potassium (K): Allows the plant to regulate stomata and optimize CO2 & water use.

Minor or micronutrients for autoflower plants

Magnesium (Mg): Used in many processes and a necessary element for chlorophyll.
Calcium (Ca): Major component of plant cell walls.
Sulfur (S): Needed for Nitrogen absorption, resilience, chlorophyll, and more.

Trace elements for autoflower plants

Boron (B): Important for structural components of the plant.
Copper (Cu): Essential for several systems, including chlorophyll production.
Zinc (Zn): Contributes to internode elongation and growth hormone.
Iron (Fe): Aids in nitrogen-fixing, chloroplast production, and photosynthesis.
Manganese (Mn): Assists in the production of many enzymes and plays a role in photosynthesis.
Molybdenum (Mo): Allows the plant to break nitrates down to amino acids (nitrogen-fixing)

Best organic nutrients for autoflowers

Organic nutrient options are ideal for aroma and flavor. These are available specifically for autoflowers or can be adjusted from nutrient lines meant for photoperiod plants. Bacterial and fungal teas contain soluble plant nutrients ready for fertilizing autoflowers. For high-quality organic soils, many nutrients will be provided in the soil. Start with a low level of additional nutrients and adjust as needed.

Best nutrients for autoflowers in soil

Inorganic nutrients are also used in autoflower nutrient kits, or they can be fed using reduced quantities of photoperiod nutrient lines. Watch carefully for any signs of stress and fine-tune your operation. Remember, a little goes a long way. Regular garden variety soils will need supplementation, whereas super soils may be hearty enough to see your plants through with minor supplementation.

Best hydroponic nutrients for autoflowering cannabis

When it comes to the best hydroponic nutrients for autoflowering, pay close attention to the fertilization instructions, as the roots will be directly absorbing anything put into the system. This can be great for autoflower hydro but also can be overdone quickly if you’re not on top of measurements. Plants grown this way depend on you from step one, where those in soil or other mediums have additional supplementation to use in the early stages.

Autoflower fertilizer needs by grow stage

The ratios and nutrient needs change throughout the plant’s lifecycle. From the early seedling stages all the way through flush, the best autoflower nutrients are those selected with lifecycle, cultivar, growing medium, and environment in mind.

Nutes for autoflowers in seedling stage

The seedling will thrive for the first few weeks with nothing but water as its resources are used. 11-40-13 NPK soil mixes can give young plants a little extra love as they start out. For hydro and other inert mediums, some nutrient solution is okay under 175ppm at ⅛ of the measured photoperiod amount.

Nutes for autoflowers in vegetative stage

The vegetative stage for autoflowers is condensed as the plant switches from early veg to flower quickly and doesn’t truly veg like a photoperiod variety. At this stage, the best nutrients for autoflowering will have a slightly higher nitrogen ratio. 3-1-2 nutrients will work at this stage but reduce the measurements by a quarter at first and only add more if you notice deficiencies.

Nutes for autoflowers in flowering stage

Bloom nutrients for autoflowers can be derived from photoperiod nutrients by reducing the quantity by ½. This is the time of the plant’s life cycle when phosphorus is very important; consider 2-8-4 mixes. After the first two weeks of true flowering, the last two weeks should be used to flush and clear out nutrient and mineral buildup in the plant before harvest.

Indoor vs. outdoor nutrients for autoflowering cannabis

The conversation around nutrients for autoflowers can also be looked at through the lens of indoor vs. outdoor cultivation. Autoflowers outdoors have similar nutrient requirements but will be affected by the soil and environment, so use caution in overfeeding. A 3-1-2/2-1-3 in veg and 2-8-4/1-3-2 in flower will work the same way but should be cut down to at least ⅛ measurements at first.

Autoflowers outdoors get one major benefit that their indoor counterparts do not in the form of naturally occurring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. These create mycorrhizae which help the plant optimize its nutrient use and water consumption. Worms can also help in outdoor farming, and fermented compost methods like Korean Natural Farming can be used to culture the beneficial mycorrhizae in your area.

The best nutrients for autoflower aren’t exactly different from those used in photoperiod plants. The takeaway is to dilute your fertilizer for autoflowers from ⅛ to ½ as the plants get older and relative to your cultivars, environment, and growth medium. An autoflower nutrient schedule should allow for two weeks of early seedling growth and two weeks of flush with pure water with a change from veg nutes to bloom when your plants enter early flowering stages.

Bergman’s plant food by ILGM will see your autoflowers through the entire growing process. Although it is made with photoperiods in mind, using the dilutions we’ve discussed here, it can be the answer for your grow. Start slow with nutrients and keep it simple to avoid overstressing your plants.

Know how to perfectly time your harvest so you can maximize your yield. Download our free mini harvesting guide

FAQs about autoflower nutrients

What does Cal Mag do for Autoflowers?

Cal-Mag works for autoflowers the same way it does for photoperiod plants. Calcium is an important building block for plant cell walls, and Magnesium is needed to form chlorophyll. 5ml to a gallon should be enough for most plants.

Should I use nutrients every time I water?

There are a lot of factors to consider here; it really depends on the situation and the medium. It’s fine to use nutrients every time in an inert medium, but in other mediums, space them out based on the plant’s look and health.

What does Epsom salt do for Autoflowers?

Epsom salt is a readily available organic way to supplement magnesium and sulfur for plants to boost their immune systems and assist in the all-important nitrogen fixation process.

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feminized seeds

Six high-THC strains from ILGM that you need in your garden

Published

2 weeks ago

March 14, 2025

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Tolerance-testing seeds from the team of master growers.

ILGM, the home for cannabis growers of all stripes, has been having a banner year. They’ve rebranded, revealed a fresh new look, and launched a bevy of new features designed to make it faster and easier for cannabis home growers to connect to quality seeds and cultivation knowledge. Not only does ILGM feature dozens of strain options with reputable, reliable genetics, they’ll ensure you have the resources to make your grow a success with an iron-clad germination guarantee and the option for a one-on-one online consultation with a master grower.

We have a selection of six of ILGM’s most potent and popular high-THC feminized strains, all available to order right from their website and delivered to your front door. Any one of these all-stars is well worth your time and growing energy, so make sure to snag your favorite, or order the whole set and make your grow the chillest place in town.

Granddaddy Purple strain

Purple Urkle x Big Bud | Indica | 25% THC | 77 day flowering time

high-thc strains — Image courtesy of ILGM.

A favorite of growers just starting on their cultivation journey, Granddaddy Purple teaches the ways of cannabis growing with a steady certainty reminiscent of learning to fish from your elderly relatives. Granddaddy Purple is a high-yield, indica-like strain that has potential to produce up to 510 grams of gorgeous purple buds per meter of growing space.

This strain is an excellent candidate for both indoor and outdoor grows thanks to its robust nature and resistance to disease, but make sure to keep an eye on both the humidity and temperature of your growing area when cultivating Granddaddy Purple—like any gentleman of a certain age, this strain loves to complain about the weather.

Although the parentage of Grandaddy Purple is somewhat disputed, ILGM’s rendition of the strain is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, two potent indica-likes that passed their powerful genetics onto their progeny. This crossbreed resulted in a virtually pure indica, ideal for end of the night relaxation when the only thing left to do is de-stress.

The strain can produce buds with up to 25% THC, making Granddaddy Purple an excellent choice for those turning to cannabis to relieve pain or help treat other medical ailments. Order your seeds from ILGM today so you can start relaxing sooner.

Do-si-dos strain

GSC x Face Off OG | Hybrid | 25% THC | 63 day flowering time

Do-di-dos exploded onto the cannabis scene almost a decade ago and has been winning the hearts and minds of growers and critics alike, even earning the coveted Leafly Strain of the Year award back in 2021. Do-si-dos is an indica-leaning hybrid with the potential for incredible potency—buds can reach 30% THC in ideal conditions, and most Do-si-dos plants will test between 24-28%. Do-si-dos can stand up to either indoor or outdoor growing situations, but it prefers climates that average between 70 and 80℉.

ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025

Do-si-dos is a knockout strain in more ways than one—not only is its fearsome potency strong enough for the most experienced cannabis consumer, it looks absolutely stunning on the grow as well. Bright, verdant greens, pops of lavender and amber highlights all make Do-si-dos liable to become the belle of your garden. When it comes time to enjoy this wonder strain, you can look forward to a sweet, floral aroma with spicy undernotes.

Consumers of Do-si-dos frequently report that the strain excites creativity, elevates the mind, and induces a pleasantly tingly body high. This strain can seemingly do it all, and the best way to find out for yourself if Do-si-dos lives up to the hype is to order some from ILGM today.

LSD strain

Mazar-I-Sharif x Skunk #1 | Hybrid | 24% THC| 61 day flowering time

This indica-dominant hybrid originated in the Netherlands, where it’s intense, euphoric mental high was likened to the street drug LSD, aka acid, by some folks that had experienced them both. The comparison stuck, and LSD is still one of the premier strains for creatives and dreamers looking to tune in, turn off, and drop out.

LSD is a cross of Mazar I Sharif, an Afghani indica, and super-strain Skunk #1, a power-couple of a pairing that resulted in one of the most potent strains on the ILGM roster, with up to 24% THC. This strain certainly is not for the faint of heart, but those with the tolerance to tango with LSD will find it to be a strain unlike any other.

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LSD is a forgiving strain to grow, with a natural resistance to disease giving it the resilience to grow outdoors in a variety of climates. The plants tend to be short and low maintenance, so indoor growers who may not have much space should take a serious look at LSD as a way to maximize THC production in a limited space. LSD has a “sweet and sour” aroma, with notes of citrus, skunk, and pine, and it tastes just like it smells. Order yours from ILGM and you’ll be blasting off with your favorite psychedelic record before you know it.

Green Crack strain

Skunk #1 x Unknown Indica | Sativa | 20% THC| 63 day flowering time

Sometimes strain names demand longwinded explanations that reveal their origins; not so with Green Crack. World-famous rapper and cannabis aficionado Snoop Dogg gave this strain its evocative moniker due to its energizing, focusing high that can give you the energy to conquer the day and then some. This sativa-like won’t put you to bed, or make it so you can’t focus on your tasks—on the contrary, you may very well find that a bit of Green Crack can sub in for your 2:30 p.m. caffeine break to help you rally and finish your day strong.

Green Crack is a relatively straightforward strain, but beginner growers without much equipment may encounter setbacks. Indoor or outdoor grows can support Green Crack plants, so long as there is a controlled humidity level and ample vertical space for the strain to expand into.

Green Crack can reach heights of around 5’5” with tight packed buds, meaning it is one of the biggest yielders ILGM has available, with up to 795 gr/m² potential yield. That’s enough Green Crack to make you want to throw your coffee maker away for good, and ordering from ILGM is how you start.

OG Kush strain

Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Hindu Kush | Hybrid | 27% THC | 63 day flowering time

OG Kush is a venerable legacy strain famous in all corners of the weed world for its euphoric and sedative effects, impressive potency, and genetic resilience. Dozens of popular strains have some OG Kush in their lineage, making OG Kush a great strain to grow for those with an interest in cannabis history or those wanting to experiment with breeding their own strains.

The strain is an indica-dominant hybrid with a distinctive aroma comprised of citrus, pine, and diesel notes. OG Kush owes its unique terpene profile to a rockstar genetic line descended from Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and a Hindu Kush plant brought to the US from Amsterdam.

While rewarding, OG Kush can be a challenge to grow—it likes the heat and humidity and generally can’t handle lower temperatures. ILGM recommends growers who don’t live in a warmer, tropical climate keep the strain indoors lest they risk mildew, pest infestation and even crop failure. In the proper climate, however, OG Kush is a fast growing plant that will produce a respectable yield of lime green buds in as little as 63 days.

OG Kush contains up to 27% THC and can help with appetite-related issues, earning it a reputation for an excellent medical as well as recreational strain. If any of the uses for OG Kush sounds up your alley, order from ILGM now and get growing.

GSC Extreme strain

OG Kush x Durban Poison | Hyrbid | 30% THC| 63 day flowering time

GSC Extreme is ILGM’s high-THC rendition of the classic GSC strain. It looks, smells, and tastes just like the original GSC, but with a super-charged THC percentage that makes it a must-grow for all fans of the original, or high-THC strains in general. GSC Extreme can have up to 30% THC, an earth-shattering amount that may just remind you of your very first time smoking cannabis. This strain is a day ender, inducing deep relaxation in both the mind and the body, helping you relax and put your worries to bed.

GSC Extreme is a 50/50 hybrid descended from OG Kush and Durban Poison, giving the strain a balanced high that is reminiscent of both its famous parents. ILGM recommends GSC Extreme for novice growers due to its low-maintenance nature and robust resistance to infestation, mold, and disease.

For best results, however, make sure you give your plant plenty of room to stretch out both vertically and horizontally. GSC Extreme can be a pretty tall drink of water, but if you give it the room it needs, you’ll be rewarded with delicious, high-potency buds that all your friends will be begging for. Click below to see just how extreme this strain can really be.

These strains are just a sample; ILGM has a huge high-THC strain selection on their website that must be seen to be believed. While you’re there, make sure to check out all the new features that make the new ILGM much more than a seedbank. They have tons of expanded growing content, both articles and videos, and plenty of tools to help your grow go smoothly. In addition to their AI-powered assistant, growers can set up a one-on-one video call with master breeders on the ILGM team to directly troubleshoot problematic plants and share growing knowledge. Head over now and take your grow to the next level with ILGM.

In addition to their website, you can also follow ILGM on Facebook, YouTube, and X/Twitter to keep updated with growing events, giveaways, and new strain drops.

Availability subject to law.

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420 events

ILGM’s Home Grow Tour 2025

Published

4 weeks ago

March 6, 2025

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ILGM and Leafly are coming to a city near you to celebrate the passion we all share for growing cannabis.

Leafly and ILGM have teamed up to bring you a one-of-a-kind road trip across America, designed to bring cannabis enthusiasts together for unforgettable experiences and valuable learning opportunities. We’re hitting the road in ILGM’s revamped Airstream Bambi—the “home on the road”—to celebrate home growing and their refreshed identity.

“At ILGM, we call our online community the ‘Home of the Growers’ for a reason. Growing cannabis is in our DNA. It’s what makes our green hearts beat faster.”

Trekking from the West Coast to the East Coast, ILGM is bringing the Home Grow Tour to six iconic cities along the way, each with its own unique cannabis culture and stories to tell.

They’ve curated each stop to reflect the many perspectives that enrich our community, creating a space to celebrate as we continue writing the broader narrative of cannabis with one another. During the tour, the Airstream will act as ILGM’s mobile hub for Grow Workshops, cultivation Q&A’s, podcasts, exclusive seed deals, and, most of all, to connect with you, our fellow growers.

Let’s come together face to face, learn from each other, have fun, and celebrate the art of cultivation on the 2025 ILGM Home Grow Tour.

Find ILGM here

You won’t want to miss this! Take a look below to see if the Home Grow Tour is stopping in your city. Expect unique experiences tailored to the local vibe and culture at every stop.

March 15 & 16, 2025

The six-week-long journey across the country begins in Los Angeles at Rolling Loud, as an homage to music, hip-hop culture, and cannabis.

March 22 & 23, 2025

ILGM’s “State of U.S. Home Growing Market” report published last year pointed out the increasingly important position of women in the cannabis home growing community. As we leave the big city, we head to Palm Springs for a refreshing weekend retreat highlighting and celebrating the women who push our cannabis community forward.

Join us for a series of curated events at Arrive Hotel as ILGM provides starter grow workshops for women, and we explore the relationship between cannabis and mindfulness and enjoy the artistic contributions of female artists.

Get ready for the ultimate cannabis road trip, powered by Leafly

Power up your cannabis experience: shop deals near you, find new strains, and order weed for pickup or delivery—all at your fingertips—download the Leafly app today! Plus, sign up for the Leafly newsletter to receive exclusive offers from ILGM and more trusted brand partners, expert advice, and the latest strain info—all at your fingertips.

Phoenix: Surprise details to be announced

March 29 & 30, 2025

As the Home Grow Tour continues through the desert, Phoenix provides the ideal backdrop to recognize all of the ways we “grow” as cannabis enthusiasts. With its active community of home growers, Phoenix is the ideal place to settle down for a weekend dedicated to cannabis home cultivation.

What we’ll be doing is still a surprise but rest assured—ILGM is cooking up something special for their Phoenix visit. Stay tuned to find out what’s in store for this special community get-together. More information to be announced soon!

April 5 & 6, 2025

As the Airstream makes its way through Colorful Colorado, ILGM is getting acquainted with the great outdoors with a weekend of camping at Boulder’s Adventure Lodge. Do we know anything better than the combination of enjoying the best cannabis and the outdoors have to offer? We don’t think so!

From growing workshops and sunrise salutations to fun outdoor activities like hiking and sitting beside the campfire, escape into the wilderness and inspire a deeper appreciation for nature, cannabis, and our community. An event specially designed for the ILGM community: their loyal customers and ILGM forum users, and those who think a weekend socializing with like-minded cannabis connoisseurs is the best it can get.

April 12 & 13, 2025

Chicago is a city all its own, but its rich culinary scene has remained a defining element throughout history. We can’t think of a better place to explore the connection between cuisine and cannabis!

Find ILGM at a soon-to-be-announced location for an experience blending education and indulgence, with delectable infused cocktails and meals to try out for yourself along the way.

April 19 & 20, 2025

The Home Grow Tour is hitting New York City on the weekend of 4/20 as the final stop. NYC is a famous melting pot and the perfect city to celebrate the diversity of cannabis culture.

The first stop is the MARY Fest in Brooklyn to check out the many intersections of cannabis in our cultural landscape. On 4/20, our community’s biggest day of the year, ILGM will finally settle down for a local celebration of cannabis culture at a surprise location, so stay tuned for more details.

ILGM wants to share their passion for home growing with existing and new generations of home cultivators. Join Leafly and ILGM in this shared passion, learn with us, explore with us, and express your love for cannabis with us.

Coming together with one another, each with our own unique knowledge and experience: This is how the cannabis community has always grown. Different cultures, histories, and communities shape every journey that makes up this larger family.

Check here for more information on the ILGM Home Grow Tour 2025. To keep updated on all things ILGM, you can head to their website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also head to their YouTube channel for high-quality home-growing videos. Happy growing and see you on the road!

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David Downs’ sickest weed genetics picks of 2025

Published

1 month ago

February 18, 2025

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Sure, it’s the cold winter of our discontent, but take heart— the Earth has begun tracking back toward the sun, and the days grow longer again.

Start dreaming today of a dank pound or two come Thanksgiving, then start sourcing your seeds and clones, sketching a gardening plan, and calendaring your harvest.

I know I am. As Leafly News’ senior editor and co-author of the best-selling book ‘Marijuana Harvest,’ I pop beans, soak up strain trends, as well as judge and report on award-winners.

Now it’s again time to wring out all that knowledge to help you plant some winners. Here are over 50 sick genetics picks in 6 categories that we’d be stoked to garden with you.

Jump to a strain category

Candies

Exotic Genetix Bluezy. (Courtesy Exotic Genetix)

We lead off with the flavor that controls the market coast to coast—dubbed ‘candies’ for their candy sweetness, but also their full-bodied dankness often referred to as ‘gas’. Based around Lemon Cherry Gelato and kin, these indica hybrids sell themselves, and keep the commercial market humming.

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Compound Genetics

Chrome Dome (Lemonheadz x Eye Candy). Compound Genetics adds more flavor to its blingiest buds. “The nose leans towards sweet lemon zest and lemon scented cleaning products with an effervescence akin to sprite.”

Exotic Genetix

Bluezy (Zoap x Blueberry Bang Bang). Washington breeder Exotic Genetix has worked the hot strain Zoap with the hot flavor trend blueberry. Exotic Genetix writes: “One of my absolute favorite looks on a flower! The colas get so dark in places that they begin to take on a crazy blue sheen. … These juicy goodies make you think you are inhaling a complex basket of different fuels, even somewhat reminiscent of very aromatic soaps to the nose.”

Purple City Genetics

G-Runtz (Pre-64 Runtz x Gush Mints). All the hype of Runtz with a much bigger yield, from the Oakland cloning powerhouse.

Leafly Buzz: 12 hot strains to smoke in 2025

Tiki Madman

Jelly Rain (Jealousy x Candy Rain); Party Boy (Zoap x Z Rain). Tiki Madman dominates the sweets game and these crosses of Leafly Strain of the Year 2022 Jealousy, or 2025 Leafly Buzz Strain Zoap will make ‘em go crazy.

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Phinest

Oakland Runtz #25 (Don Merfo LCG#7 x Lemon Cherry Gelato); K-Whip (Pineapple Dolomite x Shady Apples). The Sacramento clone kings at Phinest keep farmers fed with their candy selections this year.

Cannarado Genetics

Lemon Zawtz (Lemon Tree x Zawtz x Zawtz Bx1). Colorado’s biggest breeder writes “Lemon candy chem best describes this hybrid. Good yields with mouth-staining terps!”

Ethos Genetics

Lemon Cherry Pie R1 (Candy Store #25 x Cherry Pie). Colorado breeder Ethos sells this ‘reversal’ strain that has “sharp lemon upfront. Sweet cherry tones. Muted pine.”

James Loud Genetics

Permanent Midnight (Permanent Marker x Double Lemon Cherry) from this Hayward, CA breeder includes Leafly Strain of the Year 2023.

Spark joy with Super Boof—Leafly Strain of the Year 2024

Crockett Family Farms

Tap into the Trop Cherry wave that helped power Super Boof to Leafly Strain of the Year 2024. Get Crockett’s Blood Cherry (Blood Orange x Trop Cherry) crosses like Cherry Clem (Clementine x Blood Cherry), and Fruity Loopz (Clementine x Blood Cherry).

Happy Dreams

Cherrilicious (Cherry Frosting x Cherry GAS). The masses love cherries and award-winning Happy Dreams contributes to filling that need.

Desserts

Tie Die (Jealousy x Sunset Sherbert). (Courtesy Cookies Seed Bank)

When we say ‘Desserts’ we mean Girl Scout Cookies-related strains, which continue to dominate year after year. No grow is complete without this powerful dynasty that includes Sherbert, Gelato, Runtz, and Gary Payton. Yes, ‘desserts’ cross over with candies, but they get more doughy, cookie, and cakey.

Karma Genetics

Pink Payton (Gary Payton x Pink Runtz). Gary Payton and Runtz is a combo that cannot miss among dessert fans.

Sniff away, America—Permanent Marker wins Leafly Strain of the Year 2023

Umami Seeds

No Assist (Gary Payton x Zoda). This super-hot Southern California breeder is known for one-and-done strain releases. You’ll never see these back in stock from Umami when they sell out.

Seed Junky

Animal Tree (Lemon Tree x Animal Mints Bx1); Caribbean Breeze (Pineapple Fruz x (Biscotti x Sherb BX))

Cookies Seed Bank

(Courtesy Cookies)

Tie Die (Jealousy x Sunset Sherbet), Pink Runtz x Hollywood, Lemon Cherry Pop (Gastro Pop 5 X Double Lemon Cherry). You can’t talk about dessert strains without visiting Cookies’ very own seed bank.

Zs

Exemplary Z. Grown indoors in living soil by MOCA Humboldt, CA. Hybrid. (David Downs/Leafly)

The Original Z remains tough to beat on the contest circuit, but it’s just the beginning of the tropical candy taffy tastes this year.

Dying Breed Seeds

Rainboz V.S. (Rainbow Rayz x OZ Kush). These magic beans run $500 per pack, hot dayam, but they can boost you into the front of the global flavor chase spawned by the Z strain.

Hendrx Nursery

Blue Nerdz (Runtz x Zkittlez). Created by Global Genetics LA—the flavor makes up for the yield on this hype cross. See also: Gelo Belts (Gelonade x Rainbow Belts 3.0). “Has the potential to replace Gelonade for commercial farmers. Potency and yield will dictate. Great clone!”

Archive Seeds

Zsunami (Zazul #5 x Moonbow 112 F2 #60). Archive Seeds’ Fletch writes, “Just give it a couple years, and you guys will be asking about it like the Rainbow Belts!”

Clearwater Genetics

Blue Nerds crosses; Cherry Chewbanger (Sherbanger 22 x Hi Chew 27) crosses. Clearwater cleared the field of competitors with their Mai Tai line. Don’t sleep on their Blue Nerds or Sherbanger work.

Biovortex

Cherry Lime Dogz. This cross is too long to name. And noted breeder Biovortex has been refining it for 8 years. He describes “a fermented cherry cola fizz with purple pixie stick and gas that smelled and tasted like some magical ambrosia reserved only for the gods.”

Cookies Seed Bank

ZZ4 ((GG4 x Zkittlez) x Medellin).

OGs and Sours

Are you longing for old-school OG Kushes and Sour Diesels? Start hunting for them—there are plenty of options.

Karma Genetics

Sour Fire Tahoe (Fire Tahoe x Karma Sour D bx2); Hayabusa OG (Race Fuel OG x Biker Kush). Karma Genetics has some of the best sours in the world.

Rebel Grown

Double OG Sour F5. Rebel Grown has won a ton of awards with this cross of OG and Sour, now in its fifth generation of selections.

Archive Seeds

Holy Roller (Big Sur Holy Weed x Face Off OG); Duct Tape (GG4 x Dosidos). Gas and sour fans, strap in for Archive’s undeniably elite crosses of Face Off OG, or GG4.

Hendrx Nursery

Tire Fire OG ((OG Kush X Triangle Kush) X San Fernando Valley OG)). Gas lovers rejoice, this one smells like ammonia, butter, chestnut, earth, fuel, garlic, kush, rubber, skunk, woody, asphalt, and burnt rubber. Hendrx writes: “Bred by Russell from ChaScience. Best OG I have seen in 15 years. So consistent. Very easy to hunt. Consistent Gas. Picked a few winners. Heavily narcotic high. This is the youngest new phenotype at HENDRX right now. Has the biggest potential.”

Ziplock Seeds

Gas Drop (Gas Face x Frosted Flakes) “Begins with strong gas notes that hit the palate with a pungent, cleaner-like aroma, followed by sharp diesel and sour undertones. … A crew favorite.”

Massive Creations

Shiloh Massive has some intriguing OG/Sour work this year with 97 Super Sour (818 Headband F4 x 97 Sierra Sour); and Kobayashi (818 Headband F4 x Marion Berry). Part of Shiloh’s new Si Lo Sabes line.

DNA Genetics

Kosher Kush. A classic, storied OG Kush that’s ready to grow.

Hashers

MAC marijuana strain — MAC V2 from L.A. Made. (David Downs/Leafly)

More and more flower goes straight into hash this year all around the world in grows big and small.

Masonic Seeds

Step into the hash game with the market-rattling bangers from Compton, CA’s Masonic Seeds. The Wilson, Banana God, and Ego Clash Bundle are all winners that don’t come cheap.

Capulator

MACV2. Revisit MAC with Capulator’s improved version. A must-add to any collection.

Spring into action with the MAC 1 strain—March’s Leafly HighLight

Biovortex

Banana Halo Halo ((Ice Cream Cake x Banana DOG) x Motor-G-nut). Selected by Yooper Crew for her extremely high hash yields. See also—Papaya Punch x G-Nut; Chemmy G.

Freeborn Selections

Turkey Bag (Animal Cookies x GMO x MeyerLemsky). Smells like turkey! “It sounds weird, but it’s so tasty. And it makes so much hash.”

Bodhi Seeds

Mule Fuel x 88G13HP. Stanky Mule Fuel and 1988 G-13 Hash Plant should yield some dank hashers.

3rd Coast Genetics

Investigate Michigan breeder’s hot ‘Black Truffle’ line with Solar Garlic (GMO x Black truffle); Rainbow in the Dark (Cadillac Rainbowz x Black Truffle); and Black Tar (Grease Monkey x Black Truffle).

Sativas

massive chunky nug in light and dark shades of green with dull orange hairs sitting in, and filling, the black lid of a jar — Blue Dream (David Downs/Leafly)

Lastly, we leave room for old-school strains that don’t yield a lot and take forever to finish. Sativas are perfect for home gardening where there’s no pressure of finishing early to make a payday.

Equilibrium Genetics

Panama Haze (Panama Red x Tom Hill Haze). A pine and floral 12-weeker that’ll warp you back to Woodstock. Panama Red is a sativa heirloom collected in Panama in the 1970s. Tom Hill Haze is a stable haze line bred in Mendocino by Tom Hill from Haze sourced in Amsterdam from Positronics Seeds in 1996.

Hendrx Nursery

XJ-13. Help bring back this big Jack variety, and put some pep in your step with XJ-13 from Northern California’s Henrdx Nursery.

Rebel Grown

Blue Dream. Grow a classic strain from a legendary breeder. Obviously not a pure sativa, but put in here with the hazes. DNA Genetics also has a Blue Dream.

TerpHogz

Red Skrrt-Banger (Skrrrt-Berry Zuava x Red Kachina 2.0). “Powerful gas, creamy citrus, and exotic funk.” This 60-40 sativa offers the latest from The Original Z crew.

And that’s my sickest genetics picks of 2025 for your weed garden, featuring over 50 flavors in 6 categories. Still, I’ve just scratched the surface, so let us know in the comments what you’re stoked to grow.

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