Growing indoor cannabis strains offer greater control over environmental factors like lighting, temperature, and humidity—ensuring you can optimize plant growth and maximize yields year-round.
However, not all strains thrive in limited spaces or under artificial lighting.
Below, we’ll cover the top 9 indoor cannabis strains, detailing each strain’s flowering time, yield, aroma, effects, and growing difficulty.
Use our comparison table for a quick overview, then scroll down for in-depth tips on each strain.
Whether you’re a beginner grower or a seasoned cultivator, these strains deliver potency, high yields, and manageable growth indoors.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table for Indoor Cannabis Strains
| Strain | Dominance | Flowering Time (Weeks) | Approx. Yield (g/m²) | Difficulty | Key Effects |
| White Widow | Hybrid (Balanced) | 8–9 | 350–450 | Easy/Moderate | Energetic, Uplifting |
| Northern Lights | Indica-Dominant | 7–9 | 400–500 | Easy | Relaxing, Euphoric |
| AK-47 | Sativa-Dominant | 7–9 | 350–500 | Moderate | Cerebral, Uplifting |
| Girl Scout Cookies | Hybrid (Slight Ind.) | 8–9 | 300–450 | Moderate | Cerebral, Euphoric |
| Granddaddy Purple | Indica-Dominant | 8–10 | 400–500 | Easy/Moderate | Relaxing, Soothing |
| Blue Dream | Sativa-Dominant | 9–10 | 400–500 | Moderate | Cerebral, Uplifting |
| Green Crack | Sativa-Dominant | 8–9 | 400–500 | Moderate | Energetic, Focused |
| OG Kush | Indica-Dominant | 8–9 | 300–450 | Easy/Moderate | Relaxed, Euphoric |
| Sour Diesel | Sativa-Dominant | 9–10 | 400–500 | Moderate | Energetic, Uplifting |
Note: Flowering times and yields can vary based on grow conditions, nutrients, and cultivation techniques.
1. White Widow
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Cross between a Brazilian Sativa and a South Indian Indica.
- Dominance: Balanced hybrid.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet, floral notes with citrusy undertones.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: Around 8–9 weeks.
- Yield: ~350–450 g/m² under optimal conditions.
- Height & Structure: Stays moderately short—perfect for smaller grow tents.
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate—fairly resistant to common pests/mold.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Energetic and uplifting, making it a great daytime strain.
- THC Content: Typically 15–20%, offering a balanced yet potent experience.
Tip: Use techniques like SCROG (Screen of Green) to maximize yield in tight spaces.
2. Northern Lights
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Pure indica heritage, foundational to many hybrids (e.g., Super Silver Haze, Skywalker OG).
- Dominance: Indica-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet and earthy with hints of citrus.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: 7–9 weeks—quite fast for an indica.
- Yield: ~400–500 g/m² with proper care.
- Height & Structure: Short and bushy, easy to manage indoors.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—very forgiving, resistant to many pests/diseases.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Relaxing and euphoric, ideal for evening or stress relief.
- THC Content: Commonly around 16–20%, providing a strong body buzz.
Tip: Maintain slightly lower humidity to avoid mold on dense buds.
3. AK-47
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Mix of Colombian, Mexican, Thai, and Afghani—resulting in a sativa-dominant hybrid.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet and fruity with diesel hints.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: Typically 7–9 weeks.
- Yield: ~350–500 g/m², depending on training methods.
- Height & Structure: Stays moderately tall; pruning or topping can help control height.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—resistant to pests/mold but needs balanced nutrients for best results.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Cerebral, uplifting, great for creative tasks.
- THC Content: Often in the 17–20% range.
Tip: Monitor pH and nutrient levels carefully for maximum bud development.
4. Girl Scout Cookies (GSC)
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison.
- Dominance: Slightly indica-leaning hybrid.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet, earthy with notes of diesel.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: Around 8–9 weeks.
- Yield: ~300–450 g/m².
- Height & Structure: Moderately compact, responds well to LST (Low-Stress Training).
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—tolerates common indoor pests and mold, but keep an eye on humidity.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Cerebral, euphoric, and can be quite potent.
- THC Content: Often above 20%, making it strong for both recreational and medicinal use.
Tip: Provide adequate ventilation to enhance terpene profile and prevent mold on dense buds.
5. Granddaddy Purple
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: A cross of Purple Urkle and Big Bud.
- Dominance: Indica-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet, earthy with subtle diesel notes.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: 8–10 weeks.
- Yield: ~400–500 g/m².
- Height & Structure: Compact structure; suitable for smaller grow areas.
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate—resistant to common indoor issues.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Calming, can be cerebral at first but finishes with a full-body relaxation.
- THC Content: Typically 17–23%, excellent for pain relief or de-stressing.
Tip: Keep nighttime temperatures slightly lower to enhance the purple coloration of buds.
6. Blue Dream
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Blueberry (indica) x Haze (sativa).
- Dominance: Sativa-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet berry notes with earthy undertones.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: 9–10 weeks.
- Yield: ~400–500 g/m², making it quite high-yielding.
- Height & Structure: Can stretch; consider topping or SCROG.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—watch out for powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Cerebral and uplifting, fading into gentle relaxation.
- THC Content: Generally 17–22%, well-rounded potency.
Tip: Use a semi-humid environment during veg and lower humidity in bloom to avoid mildew issues.
7. Green Crack
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Skunk #1 crossed with an African sativa.
- Dominance: Sativa-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Sweet, earthy fragrance with diesel hints.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: Around 8–9 weeks.
- Yield: ~400–500 g/m² under ideal light and nutrient conditions.
- Height & Structure: Can grow tall; regular topping helps control vertical stretch.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—relatively resilient, but ensure consistent feeding.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Energizing, focused, excellent for daytime use.
- THC Content: Ranges from 15–22%, offering a potent head high.
Tip: Perfect for growers needing a quick boost—both in yield and mental clarity.
8. OG Kush
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Believed to be Hindu Kush x Chemdawg lineage.
- Dominance: Indica-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Pungent, diesel-like and earthy.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: 8–9 weeks.
- Yield: ~300–450 g/m².
- Height & Structure: Medium height, can benefit from SCROG or topping.
- Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate—forgiving to beginner mistakes.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Relaxed, euphoric, great for unwinding.
- THC Content: Commonly 18–22%, delivering a potent experience.
Tip: Keep pH in check (5.8–6.5 in soil) to maximize nutrient uptake for robust bud development.
9. Sour Diesel
Overview & Lineage
- Genetics: Cross of Original Diesel and Super Skunk (various lineages claimed).
- Dominance: Sativa-dominant.
- Aroma & Taste: Strong diesel scent with citrus and herbal notes.
Indoor Cultivation Tips
- Flowering Time: 9–10 weeks.
- Yield: ~400–500 g/m².
- Height & Structure: Tends to stretch; SCROG or LST helps manage height.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate—good tolerance to pests, but watch humidity and nutrient balance.
Effects & Benefits
- Effects: Energetic and uplifting, perfect for a daytime boost.
- THC Content: Often 18–25%, providing a potent, cerebral high.
Tip: Keep a steady airflow in your grow room to ensure those dense colas stay free from mold.
Best Growing Practices for Indoor Cannabis Strains
- Lighting:
- LED or HPS lights are common for indoor setups. Keep an 18–6 light schedule during vegetative growth and 12–12 during flowering.
- Temperature & Humidity:
- Vegetative Stage: 70–80°F (21–27°C), 50–70% humidity.
- Flowering Stage: 65–80°F (18–27°C), 40–50% humidity.
- Nutrients:
- Use high-quality nutrient formulas designed for cannabis. Adjust feeding schedules based on each strain’s specific needs.
- Training Techniques:
- SCROG (Screen of Green), LST (Low-Stress Training), and topping help maximize yields in limited spaces by managing plant height and promoting even canopy distribution.
- Ventilation & Odor Control:
- Install exhaust fans and carbon filters to manage temperature, humidity, and strong aromas.
- Harvest & Curing:
- Harvest when trichomes shift from clear to milky/amber. Proper drying and curing enhance flavor and potency.
Note: Check local laws before cultivating cannabis. Always stay within legal guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the easiest indoor cannabis strains for beginners?
Strains like Northern Lights or White Widow are forgiving, have short flowering times, and resist common pests/mold, making them ideal for newcomers.
2. How long do indoor cannabis strains typically take to flower?
Most indoor strains flower between 7–10 weeks, depending on genetics and grow conditions.
3. Can indoor cannabis strains be grown in small grow tents?
Absolutely. Indica-dominant or compact hybrids like Granddaddy Purple or Girl Scout Cookies fit well in smaller setups. Use topping or LST if needed.
4. Do indoor cannabis strains require special nutrients?
Generally, a quality cannabis-specific nutrient regimen (with proper N-P-K ratios) suffices. Some strains (e.g., sativas) might need more nitrogen early on, while indicas may require less.
5. What’s the best light schedule for indoor cannabis strains?
Typically, 18/6 (light/dark) during the vegetative stage, switching to 12/12 when you want to induce flowering.
Takeaways on Indoor Cannabis Strains
Choosing the right indoor cannabis strains can significantly impact your yield, potency, and overall growing experience.
Whether you need a short flowering indica like Northern Lights or a high-yielding sativa like Sour Diesel, the above strains offer easy to moderate difficulty, manageable heights, and solid yields under artificial lighting.
Remember to tailor your grow environment—lighting, temperature, humidity, and nutrition—to each strain’s needs.
By combining the appropriate strain selection with best cultivation practices, you’ll be well on your way to successful indoor harvests all year round.
