Which are the best strains to grow in high heat? If your local climate has hot summers, then you need to know the best heat-resistant cannabis seed strains that will maximize your chances of a successful summer harvest. The best heat-tolerant cannabis strains can grow with greater adaptability and resistance to the tough challenges faced when growing in intense summer sun.
What temperatures are too high for cannabis to grow in?
What temps are too hot for cannabis? Cannabis growth and bloom production is negatively affected as heat increases. The ideal growing temperature for cannabis is around 73ºF - 77ºF (23-25ºC). As temperature rises, it becomes increasingly difficult for the plant’s biochemistry to perform with the same efficiency.
There is no single “magic” temperature at which cannabis refuses to grow. Instead, think of it as a gradual decline in plant health and growth as temperature goes beyond optimum levels.
How hot is too hot for indoor cannabis plants? Many indoor growers would consider temperatures of 79ºF - 86ºF (26-30ºC) to be above optimum and would take corrective action to reduce them. As indoor grow room temps start to reach 86ºF (30ºC), many would consider the cannabis grow room too hot to produce top-quality harvests.
Outdoor growers may have to watch their cannabis plants try to tolerate temperatures above 95ºF (35ºC) in mid-summer. At these temps, growth becomes very difficult, and both yield and quality will be affected. Quality-conscious growers are very aware of maximum temperatures, their impact on yield and potency, and the need to reduce heat stress whenever possible.
Best cannabis seeds to grow in hot and humid climates
Hot climates come with different challenges. Some climates have high temperatures along with high humidity. These humid, moist, and hot climates suit sativa strains such as Desfrán / Power Plant (and Auto Power Plant) / Skywalker Haze (and Auto Skywalker Haze) / Auto Daiquiri Lime / Auto Euforia.
Some hot climates are accompanied by low humidity and possibly cooler evening temperatures. These environments can suit heat-resistant indica strains such as Mazar (and Auto Mazar) / Banana Blaze (and Auto Banana Blaze) / Master Kush / Auto Night Queen / Auto Blackberry Kush (possibly Blueberry / and Auto Blueberry).
The following 5 cannabis seed recommendations are all hot-climate cannabis strains with above-average heat resistance. If you need the best cannabis strains for a hot climate, these strains are all highly recommended.
Desfrán, multi cannabis cup winning jungle sativa genetics
Desfrán was originally a 3-way cross of Mexican Oaxaca, Colombian Punto Rojo, and Meao Thai. This fine blend of sativa genetics became known as “Destroyer.” Desfrán is a Destroyer x Destroyer cross, a photoperiod feminized seed strain.
Part of the Latin American cannabis seed collection, these jungle sativa genetics are well adapted to hot, humid conditions. Desfrán is a stretchy strain; indoor growers should note she can triple her height during bloom and fill all available grow space. Outdoors, she can reach 10–13 feet tall—be prepared!
If your grow space is limited, you may want to consider the autoflowering version, Auto Desfrán. Outdoor auto feminized cannabis seeds for hot climates rarely come better equipped to deal with extreme heat. She grows from seed to harvest in about 12–15 weeks, the pure sativa genetics taking a little longer than average to finish. THC levels are very high!
Mazar, the ultra-tough legendary Afghani Kush
Mazar is one of the toughest heat-resistant indica strains. She handles high temps well in low-humidity environments. This means she will cope better with outdoor life in a U.S. or European heatwave than she would with permanent life in a steamy, humid jungle. Thanks to the durable Afghani Kush genetics, Mazar also tolerates cooler evening temps better than most.
If you’re growing indoors in a hot climate, Mazar is also a solid choice. Just keep your RH (relative humidity) as low as possible. Fans of autoflowering cannabis seeds should seriously consider Auto Mazar when looking for heat-resistant strains. Auto Mazar is equally popular with indoor and outdoor growers.
The proven, cannabis cup-winning genetics are tough enough to cope with most grow environments and have the THC levels to satisfy even the most demanding connoisseurs.
Skywalker Haze, heat-resistant strain with stunning potency
Skywalker Haze was created from two THC powerhouse strains, Original Skywalker and Amsterdam Amnesia. If you’re looking to grow outdoor cannabis in hot weather, sativa strains like Skywalker Haze are an excellent choice.
The sativa bud structure is more open, airy, and less dense than indica buds—making them less prone to mold and bud rot. This makes sativa strains popular in hot, humid-climate cannabis grows.
With very high THC levels, Skywalker Haze will satisfy quality-conscious growers. She takes about 9–10 weeks to complete indoor bloom and is part of the Dutch Passion Classics cannabis seed collection, home to some of the best-selling customer favorites.
Auto Skywalker Haze seeds are a must-grow for any serious auto grower. With independently verified THC levels of 26.2%, Dutch Passion has never seen a more potent autoflower strain. Easy to grow with generous yields, this autoflowering THC monster is one of the best cannabis strains for hot outdoor conditions.
Banana Blaze, old-school Kush with a sweet banana taste
Growers with hot summers will find that the old-school indica Banana Blaze is a robust and tough option. Part of the Afghani Kush cannabis seed collection, these hardy genetics thrive in a wide range of conditions.
Banana Blaze is more suited to hotter climates without excessive humidity. This forgiving indica produces a generous crop of high-quality cannabis in conditions where other strains may fail.
Fans of fruity indica strains with a sweet and unique banana taste will love Banana Blaze. She’s easy to grow and delivers in hotter summers. Auto Banana Blaze is equally recommended as one of the best hot-climate cannabis seeds. She grows from autoflower seed to harvest in about 12 weeks with big yields and very high THC levels.
Power Plant, legendary XXL-yielding sativa genetics
Power Plant is one of the most iconic sativa cannabis strains of the last few decades. Still found in discerning Dutch coffee shops, Power Plant is famous for her powerful high and extremely heavy harvests.
She only takes about 8 weeks in bloom, making her a great choice for those wanting a fast crop. Can cannabis plants tolerate hot weather? This strain certainly can! She also copes with high humidity better than many other strains.
Auto Power Plant is the autoflowering version, also highly recommended for anyone seeking a heat-resistant strain. The durable and dependable sativa auto genetics have the pedigree needed to handle hot weather. Auto Power Plant takes about 12 weeks from seed to harvest.
Hot-climate cannabis growing essential tips
When grown in hot soil, cannabis faces extra challenges. Not all cannabis genetics are suited for these conditions. Choosing strains proven to thrive in high heat is the best place to start.
If your plants are in movable containers, you can shift them into shaded, cooler areas during the hottest hours. Or create a temporary shelter, using tarps or shade cloth to protect plants from midday sun. Indoor growers can use air conditioning. All growers should ensure plants get enough water during hot weather.
How to select the best suited seeds for hot climates?
Indica as well as sativa strains should be considered. An experienced cannabis seed company should have many years of experience, knowledge and understanding of their best strains to grow in high heat. If you don’t have personal experience working with heat resistant strains, then choose an experienced seedbank for their recommendations.
How to identify cannabis heat stress symptoms
The classic drooping of leaves and branches happens when moisture loss exceeds the plant’s ability to replenish it. If in doubt, don’t delay: move your plant out of direct sunlight (or turn off grow lights for a while) and cool conditions down quickly.
How to handle overheated soil when growing cannabis
Water can cool down overheated soil, as can removing containers from direct sunlight. Avoid black (heat-absorbing) pots in direct sun since they heat up and stress roots. Cover containers with white or reflective material, or move plants to a cooler area.
How hot is too hot for indoor cannabis plants?
Indoor growers should take action as temps climb toward 86ºF (30ºC). Some avoid indoor growing during mid-summer because hot weather reduces harvest quality. Serious growers invest in air conditioning to keep conditions stable.
How to dry and cure cannabis in hot weather
Cannabis curing in hot climates is tricky. Ideally, buds should be dried and cured gradually.
Often, growers hang trimmed buds and branches in the grow room (with ventilation/filtration) for 7–10 days. If it’s too hot and buds dry crispy in just a few days, you lose terpenes. You can slow drying by placing buds in paper bags, but ideally keep temps around 68–70ºF (20ºC).
What happens if cannabis is stored in hot conditions? Both taste and potency degrade. Once dried and cured, many connoisseurs store buds in the fridge or freezer to preserve quality.