Whenever growing cannabis outdoors, there are several factors to consider, besides sticking the plant in the earth. A lot of growers have opted for indoor, as you can control every aspect of the environment, and even shave off a little of the flowering time. Although with proper preparation, and a little work, outdoors just can’t be beaten. The Toronto area is a warm, moderately watered climate that can host most Cannabis strains. It is perfect for almost all Indica’s, most Hybrids, and a few select (almost pure) Sativa’s. When selecting your area, make sure to plant where you will receive the most direct sunlight. Grow bags or air pots are also available if you need to move your plants around the yard throughout the day to gain more sun.
It is always a good choice to select strains that are resistant to bugs, mold, and rot, although with some good care and technique almost any strain can be worked with. It is wise to stick with Cannabis strains that will finish in nine weeks or less, as some October’s can turn bad early (weather-wise). Depending on your area, there are Autoflowers, and also Fast Versions, but most Photoperiod strains will finish in the GTA and the yield is considerably more.
Another factor worth considering is the size of your future plant and whether you are in a rural area, a subdivision, or on an apartment balcony as all will differ. If you need to keep Cannabis short, there are several ways to do so. You can top the plants, gently tie it down, or simply plant a little later into June…or even July if you have a strain that jumps during flowering. Plants that do not get enough hours of direct sunlight will tend to stretch also.
Average outdoor plants will finish 4-8 feet, but larger, or smaller, plants are easy to achieve with a few small tricks. The best way to grow large plants is to dig a larger, deeper hole, or to increase the size of your pot or grow bag. Generally, the more Sativa that is in a strain, it will stretch much higher during the first few weeks of flowering (especially with low hours of direct sunlight). Some choose to grow all-natural with various composts and natural fertilizers while some use a lot of straight fertilizer. We believe a mix down the center works incredibly, and the plants will always show you when they need food. When growing larger plants, plan to either stake, or use Trellis netting to help support large buds, or if your environment is windy or prone to harsh storms. With very bushy, or leafy strains watch for powdery mildew or mold in the late stages of flowering, especially when there is not much air movement or morning sun.
Our top 10 Cannabis strains have been chosen for durability, quality, size, yield, nostalgia, flavor, and overall satisfaction. Some great contenders were left off of the list, but every strain has a unique something about it that is noteworthy...if you look hard enough. We believe these are the best suited for the Toronto area and will perform as long as you give them a good home. Everything on our list will finish by mid-October unless is an incredibly poor year weather-wise. Usually, it would be trial and error, and a few years of testing to choose what strains work best in your area, but we believe we have done the hard part for you. Enjoy!
 | #10 M-39 CannabisComing in at number 10 is M-39. I sat and tried to think of any other way to describe this strain, aside from the overused term "Dutch super strain". After long deliberation, there are honestly no better words. M-39 revolutionized the Cannabis industry as a quick finishing, great yielding, powerhouse. The genetics were Skunk #1 x Northern Lights #5, which almost had no chance of failing as these were two of the staple strains for years at this point and were being crossed with almost everything. High Times has voted M-39 in the top 10 strains of all time, with its dense, easy to trim nugs, and smooth flavor…we agree. Anyone who has made hash with M-39 also remembers that unforgettable taste. Not the strongest in the THC department (by today's standards) being tested 16-19% but she does not disappoint by any means. M-39 will finish in 6-7 weeks (depending on your conditions) or around Thanksgiving. It is highly recommended for Hydroponic, Sea of Green, Training, Greenhouse, or just about any way you wish to cultivate it. M-39 is a stable strain that simply changed the game by producing those quick finishing, high yielding crops. The larger you grow this strain you will most likely need netting, stakes, or supports of some kind as top-heavy buds or bad weather could spell trouble close to the end. For a light, smooth, enjoyable feel any time of the day, check out our classic #10 strain M-39.Type: Indoor / Outdoor Growing: Easy Flowering Time: 39 - 45 days Indica/Sativa: Indica Effect: High (Body Buzz) THC%: 18.5% Yield: 300 gr to 400 gr500gr out |
 | #9 Girl Scout Cookies CannabisNumber 9 has proven herself to be a winner. Girl Scout Cookies is another Californian strain that has earned her place in time. Crossing Durban Poison with OG Kush produced a strong, stable wonder, that harvests in approximately 9 weeks, or mid-October (weather depending). A fantastic candidate for Sea of Green, Scroggins, Low-Stress Training, hydroponics, and greenhouses. It is not known for being the easiest strain to grow, however with a good soil mix, plenty of light, and good environmental conditions…you will do fine! It is a medium-size plant in general although you can always grow her as large as you like. It carries average yields (in average conditions) but if done properly this will be the least of your concerns! Girl Scout Cookies is fairly resistant to mold and pests, although harvesting mid-October you will want to watch any strain carefully for mold or rot if the weather goes sour. Large, deep green leaves will be expected with tinges of purple, more if you grow outdoors, or purposely lower your temperatures in the last week of flowering indoors.Type: Indoor/Outdoor Growing: Moderate Flowering Time: 8 to 9 Weeks Indica/Sativa: 40% indica 60% Sativa Effect: High (Head Trip) Stoned (Body Buzz) THC%: 20% Yield: 400 to 500 gr indoor |
 | #8 Jack Herer CannabisA strong number 8 is Jack Herer. Jack Herer, named after its creator and Cannabis legend, is the result of 10 years of hard, selective, breeding. Sensi Seeds was the official breeder and released this one in the 1980s. In my opinion, this strain was well ahead of its time. A 50/50 hybrid with genetics from Skunk, Haze, and Northern Lights, there is nothing about this strain that disappoints. It is not the most picturesque compared to some, however, the taste, smell, and effects well make up for any shortcomings in the photo department. Indoor, you will start harvesting in 8-9 weeks (depending on your conditions) while outdoors will average mid-October, depending on the weather. Jack has won awards such as Top 10 strains in Spain, Top 10 Indica/Sativa, many different Cannabis Cup titles, and is also in the Cannabis Hall of Fame. Generally tested between 19-23%, this one is great for any time of day…although most use it during the daytime for its uplifting, energetic feeling. I love 50/50 strains as I find they work (and amplify) whatever I am feeling at the time. There are not too many 50% Sativa/50% Indica strains on the market in general, and Jack is the best one so far in my opinion. Medical users find it helps cope with depression, stress, and anxiety...although most just find it helps. A classy strain, honoring a classy individual. Thank you for all of the years in Cannabis and Hemp activism. Here's to you, Jack!Type: Indoor / Outdoor Growing: Easy to Moderate Flowering Time: 8 Weeks Indica/Sativa: 50% Sativa 50% Indica Effect: Relaxed High THC%: 20.00% Yield: up to 600gr indoor/700gr outdoor |
 | #7 GRANDDADDY PURPLE CannabisA spectacular #7 is the Grandaddy Purple! Strains are crossed every day, but sometimes you hit the jackpot. Granddaddy Purple is a prime example of this. Created in California (like a lot of favorites) Ken Estes and his team matched the big buds of Big Bud with the color and flavor of Purple Urkle, and they achieved what they set out to do. This is an easy plant to grow indoors or out and you will harvest in approximately 8 weeks indoor(depending on your environment) and early-mid October weather depending. Tested from 19-23% this strain helps with pain, insomnia, depression, and PTSD just to name a few. Large colas, and size, in general, can play a factor in the late stages of flowering, so it is recommended to give support where needed. If you are outdoors, make sure to have morning sun and good air movement to avoid mold or rot. Granddaddy is a great candidate for SOG however any other way it is probably not recommended to pinch or top much as the buds can get heavy for smaller, weaker branches. Whether a first-time grower or a 40-year professional... Granddaddy Purple is worth a go!Type: Indoor / Outdoor Growing: Easy Flowering Time: 8 to 9 Weeks Variety: Mostly Indica Effect: Long-lasting, strong body effect THC%: 19% Yield: Up to 500gr indoor/600gr outdoor |
 | #6 Black Gold CannabisSliding in at number six is the Black Gold, our version of an ultra-classic. Tweaked from the Black Domina (that some elders will remember) it is a chunky, Indica wonder. The original cross (Sensi Seeds) is an Afghani, an Ortega, Hashplant, and Northern lights Tested in the ranges of 18-20% THC this strong Indica will help with anxiety, insomnia, migraine headaches, chronic pain, nausea, stress, or mood in general. This strain will harvest in roughly eight weeks (indoors) or late September, early October outdoors, always depending on the weather of course. With four different parents, you may find the odd difference from plant to plant but if you are an Indica enthusiast you will be pleased no matter which shows up. Hydroponic will produce a crystal-covered, smooth draw, although true connoisseurs will always try to grow in soil with a mostly natural mix as it will bring out a truly spicy, earthy flavor. Black Gold is a medium-sized plant that also happens to produce a decent size yield. Greenhouse, Low-Stress Training, Scroggins, Topping and Stripping, and Sea of Green all work well with this classic strain.Variety Indica Dominant Strain Genetics Original Black Domina X Afghanistan x Canadian x Northern Lights x Hash Plant Flowering Type Photoperiod Flowering Time Indoors 60 to 70 Days / Outdoors September CBD Content Low THC Content 22% Yield Indoors: 600-650 g./ m2 Outdoors: 650-700 g./plant |
 | #5 Purple Kush CannabisAt #5…Purple Kush could be argued anywhere on this list, which is why we put it dead center. There is simply not enough to be said about this strain. Originating from Oakland California, the parent genes come from Indica’s in the Afghan and Pakistan regions. Coming from mountainous regions it can be grown in a slightly drier climate which you will master after a few crops if you wish to keep a mother going. This is a great strain to cross with any big yielding strain as it simply adds flavor and color to any cross. It has tested anywhere from 17-27% (ours recently tested twice 22-25% in average growing conditions) and is consumable in lighter doses during the day or a little heavier use in the evening while unwinding. A medium-sized plant at harvest still yields a decent crop. Pinching once or twice and stripping a little foliage of the bottom and insides is recommended to help receive bigger tops and make your workload easier while trimming. Almost any technique, from Sea of Green to Greenhouse, will work well with this strain. In soil (or similar mix) you will find that pungent, earthy, musky flavor, but when you grow in hydroponics the white sugar that covers the flowers is almost unmatchable and very difficult not to stick to. Purple Kush will finish in 7-8 weeks or in the early stages of October depending on the weather that particular year.Variety 75% Indica 25% Sativa Strain Genetics Hindu Kush x Purple Afghani Where to Grow Indoor, Outdoor Flowering Time Average (55 - 65 days) Taste / Flavor Herbal, Kush, Sweet Effect Euphoric, Long-lasting, Relaxing CBD Content Low THC Content 23.51% Yield Up to 400gr indoor/650gr out |
 | #4 Blueberry CannabisWe are feeling ashamed to place this one at number four…here is the Blueberry. In the mostly Indica category, Blueberry is the winner of the 2000 Cannabis Cup descending from Purple Thai x Thai. Those who have grown this plant remember vibrant, chunky buds with a smell and taste unmatched. Variants of this strain date back to the 1970s and are accredited to Cannabis legend DJ Short. Testing around 20% helps with pain, stress, and insomnia as it is more calming than energizing. Although more of an evening product, users still find it can be consumed during the day(in lighter doses) and still feel like you can function. Like Northern Lights #5, and Skunk #1, Blueberry was and is a fantastic addition to any cross if you are doing some home breeding. It is an easy strain to grow in general, but with dense flowers always be careful to have plenty of ventilation, and a reasonable humidity level in the latter stages of flowering. Outdoors, try to plant where you will receive morning sun so the buds will dry out quickly and avoid rot from dew or light frosts on those late September, early October mornings. With a good soil mix and lots of light, expect the Blueberry to finish in 8 weeks or early October. Perfect for Topping, Sea of Green, Scroggins, or any other method you like this strain will not leave you disappointed. Blueberry is one for the true connoisseur.Type: Indoor / Outdoor Growing: Easy to Moderate Flowering Time: (50 - 60 days) Indica/Sativa: 75% Indica Effect: Relaxing High THC%: 20.33% Yield: Up to 500gr Indoor/300gr Out |
 | #3 Blue Cheese CannabisStarting the top three is the extremely underrated Blue Cheese. It is an Indica dominant, sweet, pungent, one-of-a-kind strain. Bred with the original UK Cheese (with Blueberry as the pollinator) the results produced a compact, good yielding, very strong smelling, powerhouse. Testing close to 20% this one is mostly suggested for the evenings after a long day. It does work in light doses when the sun is up, but it is not a motivator. Great for pain, headaches, insomnia, stress, appetite, or just a bad day. Greenhouse, Indoor, Outdoor, Scroggins, Sea of Green, and Low-Stress Training are all excellent choices, however…hydroponic seems to unlock its full potential. Blue Cheese will harvest in approximately 8 weeks, or near Thanksgiving, depending on your indoor environment, or the weather conditions in your area during that petiolar season. It does not grow overly leafy…so powdery mildew has not ever been an issue at least by our testing. If you have many hours of direct sunlight, and a good growing medium with food, you can anticipate very dense flowers almost like chunks of gravel. This makes for easy trimming at the end of the year, although make sure that she receives morning sun if possible, to dry the dew, rain, or frost off in the late stages of flower. We have had very minimal rot over the last decade, except on the very worst of years, but even then it was not that bad compared to most heavy bud strains in similar conditions. If it were up to me…this strain would be #1 on every list honestly. The Blueberry is incredible but that little touch of Cheese makes it irresistible!Genetics Original Cheese x Blueberry Plant Type Mostly Indica Cultivation Indoor as well as Outdoor Flowering Period 7 - 9 weeks Seeds per pack 5 THC 23% CBD 0.8% Effect+ Relaxed Happy Euphoric Yield Preferred Indoor: 650 g/m2 |
 | #2 Bruce Banner CannabisHere we go with number two! Bruce Banner has exploded onto the scene like the Incredible Hulk himself! There are only a handful of strains that we can say simply broke the mold, and this is one of them. The Bruce Banner was the genius creation of Dark Horse Genetics who took OG Kush and crossed it with Strawberry Diesel. This has been tested numerous times and produces a whopping 24-30% regularly. Bruce has also won cups in the "most potent category” almost anywhere it has been taken, which is spectacular considering it's an easy plant to grow if you give it a good home and comfortable conditions. Slightly leaning on the Sativa side, it will finish in 9 weeks (give or take a week) depending on your environment. Keep in mind that it can grow quite large when the Flowering stage hits if you are limited in space. Outdoor, some stakes, straps, or netting, will greatly benefit you from bad, or windy weather even though the stalk and structure seem to prepare themselves even in the early stages of development. Bruce is excellent for Hydroponics, Topping, Scroggins, and Low-Stress Training. Sea of Green can also be utilized, although be prepared for this strain to take off when you start the budding cycle. For medical purposes, Bruce is said to help with Arthritis and Headaches but has also shown benefits with ADD, ADHD, and Bi-Polar disorders. Connoisseurs claim the best flavor is from a vape, however, no matter which way you consume Bruce Banner, you will be pleased. One of our best sellers, for three years running…Bruce Banner should never be excluded from any top 10 list. Parents Original OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel Flowering Time 63-70 days THC 25-32% THC Yield (Outdoors) up to 800gr. per plant October Yield (Indoor) 550gr. to 700gr. |
 | #1 Quebec Blue CannabisWe have finally made it to number one! It will seem strange that our #1 strain to grow in Toronto is the Quebec Blue. Most would argue that Bruce Banner should be number one, although we did not want to base this list on size or strength alone. The Quebec Blue seems to carry a healthy balance of almost every aspect when you are looking for a Cannabis strain. A taste and smell that is pleasant, but not overpowering. A Sativa dominant plant that carries some excellent Indica traits when consuming, as well as tighter buds than you would think. is a 40% Indica, 60% Sativa hybrid that was bred by crossing Blue Fire with the elite Grand Daddy Purple. It is an extremely vigorous strain, with high aromatic output, and very good yields. Some examples display blue, purple, and red colors towards the end of flowering, especially if temperatures fall markedly at night. A smooth, not overpowering, smell and taste can be expected…accompanied by a feeling almost matching. At 20-23% THC the Blue is great any time of day, although consumption right before bed may have you staring at the ceiling for a while before you drift off.This strain is quite tough and can be grown indoors easily, and outdoors even in temperate regions. Indoor flowering takes 8-9 weeks at which time the grower will reap prodigious yield (which can be in the range of 500 – 650 gr/m2 when grown under 600-watt lights). Outdoor harvests in the northern hemisphere will fall early to mid-October, with each plant capable of producing between 500 – 750 grams (depending on your conditions). We have found little to no bud rot (on large plants) and this is quite impressive considering the size and density of the colas she will produce. The Blue develops quite quickly in the early stages and right through flowering. Pinching, or topping outdoor is not necessarily needed as multiple arms will develop so only once or twice if you choose to. If you have large plants, cleaning or trimming out the center in the first few weeks of flowering is highly recommended for this strain. It produces a lot of buds so if you can send the energy to the colas, it will make your workload much easier come harvest time. Although she is resistant to mold and bud rot, try to plant where you will get the most morning sun, so the colas dry out quickly. Even though this strain leans to the Sativa side, the tops can grow surprisingly dense (in or out) so watch humidity levels and moisture in the late stages. The Sativa will make it stretch a little (to a lot) when the flowering time comes, so it is not necessarily recommended for Sea of Green, Scroggins, or Training (low or high stress) unless you are prepared or set up to accommodate for this type of growth. One of our most popular, and rightfully so, don't miss out on our #1…Quebec Blue! GENETICS Blue Fire X Grand Daddy Purple PLANT TYPE Indica 40%| Sativa 60% CULTIVATION Indoors | Outdoors AVERAGE YIELD In 500 - 600 g/m² Out 500 – 750 gr. FLOWERING PERIOD 8 - 10 weeks THC 20-23% |