When starting out as a cannabis grower, selecting the right strain is crucial to achieving a successful harvest. For beginners, you want strains that are easy to grow, resilient to environmental fluctuations, and capable of producing high yields. This guide will walk you through the best beginner strains, how to purchase them at the best prices, and share references from expert growers who have had success with these strains.

1. Northern Lights (Indica)

One of the most iconic strains, Northern Lights is known for its ease of growth, resilience, and high yield. This strain is predominantly Indica, providing relaxing effects, making it ideal for medical patients seeking relief from pain and insomnia.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• Resilience: Northern Lights is resistant to pests, mold, and mildew.

• Easy to Grow: It thrives in a variety of environments (indoor, outdoor, hydroponic).

• Fast Flowering: Northern Lights has a flowering time of about 6-8 weeks.

• High Yield: With minimal effort, growers can expect a yield of up to 500g/m² indoors and 600g/plant outdoors.

Where to Purchase:

• Seed Supreme: Northern Lights seeds can be found for $10-12 per seed, with discounts for bulk orders.

• ILGM (I Love Growing Marijuana): Offers deals such as “buy 10 get 10 free,” with feminized seeds, ensuring a higher yield as you won’t have to worry about male plants.

Grower Reference:

• Jorge Cervantes, a legendary cannabis cultivator, lists Northern Lights as one of the easiest strains for beginners. He emphasizes its ability to thrive in a wide range of climates with minimal maintenance.

2. Blue Dream (Hybrid)

Blue Dream is a hybrid strain, combining the best qualities of Sativa and Indica. It’s known for its balanced high, sweet blueberry aroma, and high yields. It’s also a favorite among new growers due to its versatility.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• Low Maintenance: Blue Dream is forgiving of beginner mistakes, like overfeeding or inconsistent watering.

• Resistant to Disease: It is resilient against common cannabis diseases and pests.

• High Yield: Indoors, you can expect around 500-600g/m², while outdoor plants can produce up to 700g/plant.

Where to Purchase:

• Seedsman: Blue Dream seeds are available for around $8-12 per seed. They also offer bulk deals, lowering the cost per seed.

• MSNL (Marijuana Seeds NL): Known for high-quality seeds, they offer feminized Blue Dream seeds for $9-11 each, with regular discounts for new customers.

Grower Reference:

• Kyle Kushman, a cannabis cultivation expert and founder of Kushman Veganics, notes that Blue Dream is one of the best strains for beginners due to its resilience and ability to adapt to various growing conditions.

3. Gorilla Glue #4 (Hybrid)

Gorilla Glue #4, also known as GG4, is a hybrid strain famous for its potency, sticky resin production, and incredible yields. This strain is a little more challenging but still suitable for beginners, especially those looking to maximize their harvest.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• High Resin Production: Ideal for growers who want to make concentrates or enjoy potent flowers.

• Huge Yields: GG4 is a high-yielding strain, producing up to 600g/m² indoors and 800g/plant outdoors.

• Strong Genetics: It’s highly resistant to pests and mold, making it easier to manage for novices.

Where to Purchase:

• Herbies Seeds: GG4 seeds are priced at $10-14 per seed. They also offer discreet shipping and regular promotions.

• The Seed Connect: Known for selling authentic strains, you can purchase GG4 feminized seeds here for about $11 per seed, with bulk discounts.

Grower Reference:

• Jeff Lowenfels, a renowned organic cannabis grower, recommends Gorilla Glue #4 for beginners due to its robustness and adaptability to organic growing techniques. He suggests using compost-based soil for the best results.

4. Amnesia Haze (Sativa)

Amnesia Haze is a legendary Sativa-dominant strain, known for its energetic high and citrusy aroma. Although Sativas are often more challenging to grow, Amnesia Haze is one of the easier options for beginners and rewards them with substantial yields.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• Resilient: Despite its Sativa genetics, it is relatively resistant to temperature fluctuations and pests.

• Massive Yields: With the right care, Amnesia Haze can produce up to 650g/m² indoors and up to 700g/plant outdoors.

• Potent and Flavorful: It’s popular for its high THC levels and zesty flavor, making it a favorite for recreational users.

Where to Purchase:

• Crop King Seeds: Amnesia Haze seeds are available at around $10-13 per seed, and they offer frequent sales.

• Dutch Passion: Known for their long-standing reputation, Dutch Passion offers high-quality feminized Amnesia Haze seeds for $12 per seed.

Grower Reference:

• Ed Rosenthal, the “Guru of Ganja,” notes that Amnesia Haze is one of the best high-yield Sativas for novice growers. He emphasizes that it performs well in both indoor and outdoor setups, with a bit of extra attention to its lighting and feeding needs.

5. Critical Kush (Indica)

Critical Kush is a popular Indica strain that’s easy to grow and delivers massive yields. It’s known for its heavy, relaxing effects, making it a favorite for those seeking pain relief and relaxation.

Why It’s Great for Beginners:

• Fast Flowering: Critical Kush flowers in as little as 7-9 weeks, making it a good choice for growers who want a quick turnaround.

• Easy to Manage: It’s forgiving when it comes to beginner mistakes like overfeeding and under-watering.

• High Yield: Expect up to 650g/m² indoors, with outdoor yields of up to 700g/plant.

Where to Purchase:

• Barney’s Farm: A trusted seed bank, Barney’s Farm offers feminized Critical Kush seeds for $10-12 each, with frequent promotions.

• Attitude Seedbank: Known for their vast selection, you can purchase Critical Kush seeds here for about $9-11 each, with discounts on larger orders.

Grower Reference:

• Nico Escondido, cultivation editor at High Times, highly recommends Critical Kush for beginners due to its robustness and ability to produce top-shelf flowers even with minimal experience.

Tips for Buying Cannabis Seeds

1. Look for Reputable Seed Banks: Make sure you’re purchasing from well-known seed banks such as ILGM, Seedsman, and Barney’s Farm. These suppliers provide high-quality genetics and offer guarantees on germination rates.

2. Check Shipping Policies: Many seed banks offer discreet worldwide shipping. Look for promotions or free shipping options to save costs.

3. Consider Feminized Seeds: For beginners, feminized seeds are recommended because they eliminate the need to identify and remove male plants.

4. Look for Bulk Discounts: Most seed banks offer lower prices when purchasing in bulk, so take advantage if you’re planning a larger grow.

Conclusion

For new cannabis cultivators, selecting a strain that’s easy to grow and offers a high yield is essential for building confidence and maximizing success. Strains like Northern Lights, Blue Dream, Gorilla Glue #4, Amnesia Haze, and Critical Kush provide excellent starting points due to their resilience, ease of maintenance, and high yields. Pairing these beginner-friendly strains with seeds from reputable sellers ensures you’ll be on the path to a bountiful harvest. As always, remember to start small, monitor your plants closely, and enjoy the learning process!