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There's just something about the dark purple shades of weed that gets growers excited. The way it changes color is enough to make anyone feel giddy, but what's even better is the amazing taste and mind-altering strength that a lot of these well-bred purple strains have.
In this article, we uncover why some strains go deep purple and others don’t, get to the truth about purple cannabis strains, and give you our list of the top purple strains you won’t regret adding to your grow schedule.
What Makes Weed Purple?
To start with, the reason why these strains turn purple has nothing to do with any sort of hidden problem or imbalance. It's actually just a matter of genetics – more specifically, thanks to special pigments called anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are part of a group of chemicals called flavonoids. Even though that sounds fancy, they don't affect the taste of plants, just their color. This particular flavonoid has the power to make plants turn all sorts of colors, like red, blue, black, and yes, you got it, purple.
It's not just marijuana that has flavonoids. Other plants like raspberries, blueberries, and black rice have them too. Whether a plant, fruit, or berry becomes red, blue, purple, or black depends on how acidic the soil and the plant itself are. If it's more acidic, it'll turn red, if it's more alkaline, it'll turn blue, and if it's somewhere in between, it'll turn purple.
Cannabis plants that contain anthocyanin only begin to turn purple toward the end of their growth cycle. This is due to the fact that chlorophyll, the dominant component inside the plant up until this point, begins to lessen as anthocyanin levels rise. As this happens, the leaves, stems, and flowers of purple strains start to gradually change from green (chlorophyll) to purple (anthocyanin).
The amount of anthocyanin released inside a cannabis plant will affect how purple the plant can become. Various environmental and genetic factors also determine how much of the flavonoid is released.
Colder weather, soil nutrition, and maturation length can all affect how much anthocyanin a plant releases, but in some cases, it still might not be enough to change the color of the plant at all. This is why cannabis breeders make sure to breed strains that are able to release enough anthocyanin for the plants to turn beautiful hues of purple every time.
Is Purple Weed Better?
With the rarity and mystical beauty of these iconic purple strains, it’s no surprise that they have a reputation for being superior in more than just appearance. However, unless your favorite color is purple or you get uplifted at the sight of glossy purple buds, these strains are not inherently better.
That being said, purple marijuana strains are rarer compared to traditional green strains, making them a lot more fun to grow, and they produce buds that are sure to impress your friends. These strains are also often bred very well, with emphasis on great flavors and potency to really seal the deal on making your purple bud feel out of this world.
Growing these strains requires some skill to bring out the most intense purple color. Some people might say that if you let your marijuana plant mature for a longer time, it will have a stronger hue and a more potent taste and smell, leading to better buds, but we'll let you be the judge of that!
Benefits of Purple Marijuana Strains
Even though there's no solid scientific evidence yet, some people believe that using a purple stain instead of a green one has some awesome and long-lasting effects, including:
- Antidepressant properties: Purple weed helps ease the impact of feeling down and stressed out when used correctly.
- Pain relief: Purple strains have chemicals that help with pain, and people who use them for chronic pain are less likely to have issues with using too much.
- Strong relaxing effects: As purple strains are usually Indica-dominant, they have a strong relaxing effect while being high in THC.
Best Purple Indica Strains
Purple weed isn’t selective to any specific breed of cannabis. If you’re an Indica admirer, you’ll want to try one of these beloved purple Indica-dominant strains to meet your needs in looks, taste, and effects.
Granddaddy Purple (BlimBurn Seeds)
One of the coolest and most popular purple strains out there, Granddaddy Purple is famous for its amazing taste that will remind you of grape soda from the ‘90s. These delicious flavors of berries and grapes are what make it so memorable. Better watch out though, as Granddaddy Purple has some seriously powerful THC ranging from 25-35%. It might just knock you off your feet!
Black Cherry Punch (Pyramid Seeds)
Black Cherry Punch (Pyramid Seeds) - Photoperiod
- Berry-tasting relaxed evening
- 350+ g/m² indoors
750 - 1000 g/plant outdoors - 25 %
Just imagine snagging juicy cherries off a shiny cherry tree. That's exactly how you'll feel when you see the stunning deep purple buds of Black Cherry Punch. This strain is overwhelmingly Indica dominant, packing a mighty 25% THC punch. Get ready to be hit with a wave of body-melting bliss and a shockingly clear-headed high that you wouldn't typically expect from such a strong Indica. Plus, this purple beauty is a go-to for soothing pain and calming anxiety.
Blackberry Auto (FastBuds)
If you want a chill, relaxing high and also aim to grow a really cool purple tree with strong fruits, then Blackberry Auto is the strain for you. It not only gives a beautiful sedating high but also has great medical benefits for conditions like glaucoma, epilepsy, and pain. Just be careful because it's super strong with up to 23% THC, so newbies might get stuck on the couch if they're not careful.
Purple Juice Auto (Herbies Seeds)
While on paper, Purple Juice Auto is an Indica-dominant strain, you won’t have to worry about couch-lock here, as the 22% THC content and Sativa influence delivers a very straightforward and uplifting, happy cerebral high with a warm body buzz to alleviate tension and pain. With a crisp and balanced flavor of sweet and sour lemon, this is one of those purple strains that will leave you wanting more.
Purple Urkle (Pyramid Seeds)
This awesome strain from California gets its strong genes from a special variety of Mendocino Purps, which won a major award in 2007. The buds contain super strong Indica genetics, and they can knock you out, relieve pain, and help you chill. That's why people in the medical cannabis community really love Purple Urkle.
Best Purple Sativa Strains
Purple cannabis strains come in all shapes, sizes, and genetics. If Sativa-type weed strains are your go-to, here are our top purple Sativa-dominant strains that we know you’re going to fall for.
Caramelo (Delicious Seeds)
Caramelo by Delicious Seeds is like a mind-blowing show of purple Sativa leaves – a top-notch strain if you're a fan of Sativas. This stuff gives you a quick boost and energizes you just like your typical Sativa. It also packs a punch with a whopping 24% THC, leaving you with a long-lasting head high that feels amazing. Every hit of Caramelo is unforgettable – it has a delightful nutty taste that lingers on the tongue and transforms into a smooth and tasty floral smoke.
Girl Scout Cookies (Blimburn Seeds)
Girl Scout Cookies is a wicked combo of Durban Poison and OG Kush. This purple plant has racked up loads of awards for its insane flavor and mind-blowing high that lasts for ages. Not to mention, the legendary hybrid is dripping in resin and packs a punch with THC levels as high as 25%. The effects can vary from a trippy adventure to being glued to the couch in seconds. When you're ready to spoil yourself rotten, this strain is the one for you.
Best Purple Hybrid Strains
The best part about cannabis is that you can have your cake and eat it too! Hybrid strains are a fantastic way to get the best of both worlds, and luckily, you can find plenty of hybrids out there that live up to your purple weed strain expectations. Here are our five top purple hybrid strains.
LSD-25 Auto (FastBuds)
The ultimate all-round trip, LSD-25 Auto by FastBuds hits you with a pure cerebral high that goes straight to your head, followed by a gradual body relaxation. In addition to deep euphoria and happiness, this strain makes for an effective medicinal companion for stress, anxiety, and other conditions thanks to its 21% THC and less than 1% CBD. What’s more, instead of tasting like your old childhood medicine, she delivers a pungent woody smoke with soothing hints of red wine and diesel.
Sugar Candy (Delicious Seeds)
Sugar Candy by Delicious Seeds is known for its ability to change and evolve in flavor in your mouth as you enjoy this delicious hybrid strain. It also packs a punch with a 25% THC content, so it's definitely not something to underestimate. The high it provides is a perfect mix of relaxation for both the body and mind thanks to its hybrid genetics. When it comes to taste, expect a refreshing combination of citrus fruits and mango, followed by a sweet cookie and lavender blend, with surprising hints of mint and licorice.
Crystal Gelato (Big Head Seeds)
Crystal Gelato is sure to impress even the pickiest of smokers with its 25% THC content that will send you to another dimension while your mouth explodes with flavor. On each inhale, enjoy the sweet delights of fresh woodland berries and thirst-quenching citrus. A classic hybrid combo, get ready for a blast of euphoria after only a couple of puffs, followed by a heavy medical sedation itching to put you straight to sleep.
Passion Fruit (Dutch Passion)
Passion Fruit is a strain that has been carefully bred to make it one of the tastiest fruity strains out there. It delivers a blast of orange and grapefruit flavors, just like a super sweet tutti frutti candy. This balanced hybrid not only tastes amazing but also packs a punch with its high THC levels of 22-26%. When you smoke it, you'll feel a dope head high that gradually eases into a chill body and mind relaxation. Go ahead and take a hit of this tasty bud for a euphoric experience.
Purple Haze Auto (Original Sensible Seeds)
Purple Haze Auto is a Sativa-dominant autoflower variety that's a mix of two rad purple weed strains: the legendary Purple Haze and Purple Auto. This bad boy delivers a 60% Sativa high that's super long-lasting and mostly gets you feeling very cerebral, making you all happy, euphoric, full of energy, and chatty yet laser-focused. It's the perfect bud to kickstart your day or smoke up with your buds, and it's even used as medicine for glaucoma, queasy stomachs, lack of appetite, symptoms of MS, and achy joints.
Strongest Purple Strains of All Time
While many of the names on this list of our favorite purple cannabis strains are potent as anything, these next four lilac delights are on another level. If you’re a marijuana savant or a medicinal user needing a powerful kick to get through the day, these next strains are for you.
Grandmommy Purple (Herbies Seeds)
Grandmommy Purple (Herbies Seeds) - Photoperiod
- An ecstatic must-have
- 400 - 500 g/m² indoors
450 - 550 g/plant outdoors - 28 - 33 %
Grandmommy Purple features the same classic grape soda flavor that all purple strain lovers know very well. However, where this one stands out from the crowd is with its butt-whopping THC content of up to 33%! Paired with its 80% Indica dominance, this incredible potency can lullaby you into a glorious deep sleep or give you the comforting body feel you need to loosen up and have deep convos in a nice euphoric headspace. Like any super-potent Indica strain, it can put a band-aid on a variety of medical issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Mimosa X Orange Punch (Barney’s Farm)
Reminiscent of two potent citrus beverages, Mimosa X Orange Punch’s 30% THC content will leave you intoxicatingly happy, with a comforting euphoric feel and refreshingly sweet citrus flavors of mandarin and mimosa. Born by creatively backcrossing the highly loved Orange Punch and Mimosa Evo, this new citrus variant showcases improved growth patterns of gorgeous flaming purple hues, plus a lightning-fast flowering time of just 55-60 days – a seriously impressive feat!
Blue Sunset Sherbert (Barney’s Farm)
With its skyscraper-like THC content reaching up to 28%, it’s no wonder Blue Sunset Sherbert is an all-time favorite among avid purple weed lovers. Another strain that stays true to its name, this one melts in your mouth with a zesty citrus and berry sherbet-like zing. Offering a powerful spark of uplifting creativity softened by the tranquilizing full-body euphoria of its Indica dominance, this strain works well for both medicinal and recreational purposes.
Banana Purple Punch Auto (FastBuds)
Banana Purple Punch Auto (Fast Buds) - Autoflowering
- Joyful-to-calm journey
- 450 - 550 g/m² indoors
60 - 200 g/plant outdoors - 26 %
The Banana Purple Punch auto strain is super strong, with a whopping 26% THC but less than 1% CBD. These buds will give you a happy high that boosts focus and clears your mind. Eventually, you'll feel really relaxed and ready for sleep. The terpenes in this sweet purple strain give it an awesome tropical aroma with a hint of earthiness.
Growing Tips
Growing purple varieties can be quite challenging, even for experienced cultivators. However, the key to doing so successfully lies in understanding their growth habits and requirements. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Know your strain: It's important to know the characteristics of the strain you're working with, whether it's a bushy plant or a tall one. This knowledge will help you determine the best approach for its cultivation. For example, if you're short on space, you might want to consider a low-lying strain like Purple Kush.
- Give plants enough breathing room: It's crucial to space out your cannabis plants, especially if they're bushy. This allows for proper air circulation, which helps prevent issues like mold and foliar diseases.
- Let the sun work its magic: The sun is a great source of energy for plants, as it helps them produce vital chemicals and carbohydrates through photosynthesis. If you have a bushy strain, make sure to give it plenty of sunlight or provide it with 8-10 hours of artificial light exposure.
- Help your plants grow better: Training has been shown to increase the amount of buds that marijuana plants produce, including those with a purple color. You can do this by gently bending and shaping the branches so that the leaves can soak up more sunlight and create more places for buds to grow.
- Stick to the right fertilization plan: When it comes to strains that produce a lot of buds, they usually need more nutrients. Make sure to give your plants a good dose of fertilizer that has nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in it, especially during the growing stage.
Immerse Yourself in the Purple Weed Magic
Whatever your preferences are, there are purple weed seeds out there ready to fit the bill. And regardless of whether you think purple strains are better than regular strains or not, there's definitely something mesmerizing about growing these weed plants that change color. Seeing a plant grow and get this vibrant purple hue is something every grower should try at least once. But be warned – growing these popular purple cannabis strains is so awesome that you might get hooked and never want to go back!
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