Top 10 Best Michigan Outdoor Strains: 2022 Comparison

Growing marijuana in Michigan is legal. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Michigan presents numerous challenges to growers. For example, while the Great Lake State gets 170 days of sun per year, it also gets 130 days of rain. It’s also humid. That means mold and mildew will be constant concerns for every strain – even the mildew resistant ones.

Growing cannabis outside in Michigan also means dealing with frost. On average, you have May to the middle of October to get your crop in. However, frost can strike from the end of September. Therefore, the best strains to grow in Michigan flower fast, for a mid-September finish.

The table below shows a quick comparison of all the best Michigan outdoor strains that we researched:

Please note: these estimated yields are based on ideal conditions. If you can get enough light to your plants, there’s no reason why you won’t see similar yields. Additionally, factors like soil ph, nutrition, cropping or pruning technique, and care will impact yield.

We’ve listed the results of our Michigan outdoor strain growing research and the characteristics profiles of each seed below. You’ll be able to see the benefits of their grow and some general information about the bud as well.

*Strains are ranked in no particular order.

1. Blueberry

Blueberry might be one of the best strains ever. In fact, this strain delivers everything from good yield to high weather tolerance. For example, she delivers some of the most important traits for Michigan grows. These include high mold and mildew resistance, good resistance to cold, and no need for high amounts of sun.

Of course, like every other strain, you’ll have to shake her off in the morning. You’ll also want to use a tarp or cover to prevent her from getting rained on. Some growers prefer to use buckets to bring her inside when it rains. Otherwise, you will get mold and rot. On the other hand, Michigan’s relatively cool summer nights will leave you with intense purples on your buds.

However, Blueberry is otherwise easy. She’s short, sturdy, and easygoing. You can keep her natural and prune back the top leaves. Or you can lollipop and super crop to try to increase yield. Either way, that yield will be a decent 300-400g per plant outdoors. And, her rich, crystal-coated bud delivers intense and flavorful berry highs.

• THC Levels: 16% (Low)
• Indica/Sativa: 80% Indica/ 20% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-550g per square meter/ 400 grams per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 9 weeks or mid-October without light restriction
• Plant Size: 100-150cm / 39-59 inches
• Optimal Climate: Moderate
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Genetics: Purple Thai & Thai
• Effects: Euphoria, happiness, relaxation, sleepiness
• Flavors/Aroma: Berry, earthy, fruity, pine, sweet

2. Critical Kush

Critical Kush is a classic, old-school strain that still has growers coming back again and again. This OG Kush x Critical Mass hybrid is most known for high yields and potency. Plus, this 100% Indica is very suited for Michigan’s cooler weather and wetness.

For example, you’ll get good cold tolerance. You’ll also get a 7-8 flowering period, or a finish in late September. Indicas tend to be more mold resistant than Sativas. However, you’ll still want to keep her dry.

Critical Kush also yields up to 800g per plant. It’s unlikely you’ll see yields that high without artificial light. However, you’ll still get a huge harvest. And, those buds are high-density and coated with beautiful crystal and orange trichomes. However, side branches do get so heavy you’ll have to support them.

Make sure you use a trellis or tie branches up, especially if it gets windy.

• THC Levels: 16-29% (high)
• Indica/Sativa: 100% Indica
• CBD Levels: 2% (Medium)
• Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 500-800/ 450-600g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 7-8
• Plant Size: 100-140cm / 39-55 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: OG Kush x Critical Mass
• Effects: Powerful, Relaxing
• Flavors/Aroma: Kush

3. Blue Dream

This Blueberry x Cheese hybrid brings together some of the best of both strains. You get good mold resistance, good highs, and incredible flavors. Her mold and mildew resistance are ideal for Michigan’s wet summers. She also displays great cold tolerance. However, with an early October harvest, you’ll likely want to watch the clock or bring her inside for the last week.

Otherwise, this plant is incredible. You’ll get high yields. In fact, some growers share yields of over 500g, even in Michigan. Busy side branches are perfect for lollipopping to reduce the chance of mold. And, you’ll have no trouble occasionally shaking her off, because this plant is sturdy.

Of course, once you get to harvest, her blue, crystal-coated buds are the star of the show. Blue Dream delivers alpha-pinene terpenes and intense berry flavors that have had growers talking since her release.

• THC Levels: 20% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 70% Indica/30% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Under 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per square meter) 500g, or 700-850g per plant
• Flowering Time: 6-7 weeks, mid-October without light restriction
• Optimal Climate: Coastal Mediterranean
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Blueberry Ice X Haze
• Effects: Cerebral, Euphoria, Stress Relief, Body high
• Flavors/Aroma: Sugar, Berries, Lemon, Herbal

4. White Widow

It makes sense that this Dutch-bred classic would excel in Michigan’s wet summers. After all, the Netherlands sees similar amounts of rain. Like other strains, you’ll still want to bring her inside or use a tarp to prevent top rot in the rain.

White Widow is also perfect for cooler temperatures and cooler nights. While you won’t get some of the dramatic purpling you do with the blue strains, she doesn’t mind the cold either. However, White Widow also flowers a bit late for Michigan. Pay close attention to the forecasts around the beginning of October and be ready to bring her inside, just in case.

For that reason, you likely want to keep White Widow in 30l buckets. At harvest, you’ll likely get 400-700g per plant.

• THC Levels: 20-24%
• Indica/Sativa: 60% Sativa/40% Indica
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-500g/900g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks) – 8-9 weeks/End of October without light restriction
• Plant Size: 150-190cm / 59-60 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate and sunny
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Brazilian Sativa landrace/South Indian indica
• Effects: Uplifting, Relaxation, Energy, Happy
• Flavors/Aroma: Fruit, Pine, Pungent, Sweet

5. OG Kush

OG Kush is famous as an easy, high-yield strain. She’s also a good choice if you have a lot of cold weather and not too much sun. On the other hand, she is sensitive to rain and you’ll definitely want to use a tarp. Otherwise, rot and mold are almost guaranteed.

However, that sensitivity to rot relates to high yield and incredibly dense buds. OG Kush grows buds so hard they trap water and start to rot if they get too wet. You can help out by shaking them out.

Plus, OG Kush is relatively easygoing in terms of cropping. Prune back big leaves and finish with lollipopping to increase airflow. You might also want to stick with buckets so you can bring her inside. After all, this strain doesn’t’ finish until the first week of October.

• THC Levels: 17-24% (High)
• Indica/Sativa: 75% Indica/25% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield (Grams per Square Meter): 450-500 or up to 450g per plant
• Flowering Time (Weeks): 8 or early October without light restriction
• Plant Size: 180-230cm / 70-86 inches
• Optimal Climate: Sunny and temperate
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Genetics: Chemdawg, Hindu Kush, Mystery Strain
• Effects: Euphoria, Happy, Relaxation, Uplifting
• Flavors/Aroma: Earthy, Lemon, Pine, Woody, Spicy

6. Aurora Indica

If you’re looking for a pure indica grow, ideal for hash or smoking, Aurora Indica is hard to beat. This pure Indica delivers up to 17% THC and averages 400g+ per plant. Plus, you’ll get that yield with a petite plant of just 90cm. That makes her perfect for growing outdoors without drawing a lot of attention.

Plus, this Indica doesn’t smell too much. That makes her a perfect stealth grow, even outdoors.

Aurora Indica also combines Northern Lights and Afghani. You get good mold resistance and good cold tolerance. You still have to keep her dry in the rain.

Plus, characteristic Indica-bushiness means some pruning is necessary. Keep the big top leaves down. And, use cropping to ensure you get enough air circulation to prevent mold.

• THC Content: 13-17% (Low)
• Indica/Sativa: 100% Indica
• CBD Levels: 0.5-1% (Medium)
• Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter: 400-500g /300-450g per plant
• Flowering Time: 7-9 weeks
• Plant Size: 60-90cm / 23-36 inches
• Optimal Climate: Mediterranean
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Northern Lights x Afghani
• Effects: Relaxation, Uplifting, Couch lock
• Flavors/Aroma: Fruity, Floral, Earth

7. Northern Lights

Northern Lights is a favorite for many growers and has held a near cult following since the 90’s. And, she’s popular for a reason. This strain delivers fast growth, good yields, and tolerance to all types of conditions. She does harvest a bit late for Michigan, so you’ll want to use pots, as she’ll almost certainly spend her last week indoors. However, you’ll also get the most incredible, floating highs from this plant.

Outdoors, Northern Lights offers good mold and mildew resistance. But, she’s not impervious. Get a tarp or use a greenhouse.

Plus, Northern Lights is known for high yields, even without a lot of sun. That means you can get 400+ grams per plant, even in a wet summer. That weed is dense, sticky, and incredibly high in CBD. In fact, this strain can have up to 10% CBD, so be careful if you’re not used to it.

• THC Levels: 20-23%
• Indica/Sativa: 90-95%Indica/5-10% Sativa (depending on breeder)
• CBD Levels: Up to 10% (high)
• Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 450-600g/ 600g per plant
• Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks: Mid October
• Plant Size: 180-220cm / 70-87 inches
• Optimal Climate: Temperate coastal
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Genetics: Afghani x Thai landrace
• Effects: Relaxation, Sedation, Pain Relief, Body Buzz
• Flavors/Aroma: Earthy, Pine, Pungent, Sweet

8. Peyote Critical

Peyote Critical might not be the easiest strain to get a hold of, but once you do, you’ll love her. This Peyote Purple x Critical Kush cross delivers high yields, good tolerance, and powerful highs. Plus, with relatively compact growth, even outdoors, she’s relatively easy to keep hidden. That is, if you consider 140-180cm compact.

This indica-dominant strain is also ideal for cropping. Use a trellis to support the buds. They do get heavy. You’ll also want to crop and lollipop to ensure good air circulation and enough light. That will help you increase yield. Plus, it will help cut down on mold and mildew.

Of course, you always want to use a tarp or a popup tent. Michigan rains too much for any strain to tolerate it well.

• THC Levels: 24% (high)
• Indica/Sativa: 80% Indica/20% Sativa
• CBD Levels: 1-2% (Medium)
• Outdoor Yield: (grams per square meter) 650 / 300-700g per plant
• Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks/ Mid-October
• Optimal Climate: Temperate, Continental
• Grow Difficulty: moderate
• Genetics: Peyote Purple x Critical Kush
• Effects: relaxed, Happy, Uplifted,
• Flavors/Aroma: Earth, Sweet, Citrus, Wood

9. Skunk #1

Skunk strains excel in Michigan’s cool, wet environment and there’s nothing quite like the original. Original Skunk #1 delivers excellent temperature tolerance, good production, and potent highs. Plus, with high resin content, these beautiful, gold-hued buds are ideal for extracts and hash.

Original Skunk #1 is a hybrid of Afghani Indica, Mexican Sativa landrace, and Columbian Gold Sativa landrace. That does mean it likes warmth. However, it also means it excels in rainy conditions. You’ll also get good yield out of her, even without full sun every day.

Otherwise, this plant is relatively easy. Use cropping to allow air circulation and light. Skunk #1 often has big, central colas, optimize for them. And, a good feed will increase your yield.

• THC Levels: 13-17% (Low)
• Indica/Sativa: 65% Indica/35% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 400-500g / 350-400g per plant
• Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks / Mid October
• Optimal Climate: Temperate, Mediterranean
• Genetics: Afghani x Mexican x Columbian Gold landraces
• Effects: Powerful, Cerebral, Uplifting, Relaxing
• Flavors/Aroma: Sweet, Sugar, Skunk

10. Nitro Lemon Haze

While normally Indica strains do better in Michigan, Nitro Lemon is one of the few Sativa strains you should try. This mystery strain delivers high THC, strong growth, and good resistance to mold and mildew. It’s also relatively short for a Sativa, with height normally capping out at 180 cm. That makes her easier to keep under cover and hidden from neighbors.

Plus, with good tolerance to both wet and cold, this strain is easy to grow. You should consider getting a tarp or a popup tent for when it rains. Like most other strains, constant rain will result in rot.

You’ll also want to invest in pruning and cropping. Nitro lemon haze delivers dense, big buds – but they need good ventilation.

Harvest comes in mid-October. If you’re concerned about frost, use buckets and bring her inside from the end of September. You can also use light restriction for a faster chop. And, when you do, you’ll get some of the richest lemony flavors of any strain out there.

• THC Levels: 19-22% (Medium)
• Indica/Sativa: 20% Indica/80% Sativa
• CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
• Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 500-600g / 400-500g per plant
• Flowering time: 8-10 weeks / Mid-October
• Optimal Climate: Sunny & Temperate
• Genetics: ?
• Effects: Euphoria, cerebral Buzz, Motivation, Creativity, Energetic
• Flavors/Aroma: Lemon, Grass, Earth

Michigan Climate for Growing Cannabis

Michigan’s cool, wet summers are no one’s idea of an ideal cannabis climate. But, with 170 days of sun per year, decent summer temperatures, and an early light reduction, there are plenty of strains that excel here. Of course, with just 12 hours of daylight per day on average, you will see lower yields. For example, June only sees 15 hours of daylight per day. Some cannabis strains need 16+.

Therefore, if you’re really concerned about yield, go for an indoor grow. Otherwise, you can still get a very good grow outdoors. You’ll just have to choose the right strain. That often means fast growing, good cold tolerance, and an early finish. You’ll always have to pay attention to the weather. Nearly every strain requires covering when it rains. The perfect strains for Michigan’s weather are normally Dutch bred, because Northern coastal Europe has a lot in common with the Wolverine State.

Plus, those cool summer nights can be a treat for the eyes. If you choose a purple strain, you’ll get intense purples starting as early as late August.

Marijuana Growing Laws in Michigan

Michigan allows residents to legally grow cannabis. In fact, you’ve been able to do so since 2018. Michigan also has one of the most tolerant possession and grow laws of any “legalized state”. That makes it relatively easy to choose and grow your own strains.

• Each household can grow up to 12 plants. Fines for growing up to twice that are maxed at $500
• All plants must be secured, away from the public eye
• Growers can have up to 10 oz of weed in the home at any one time
• Sale is forbidden without a license. You may give away up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis with no penalty. At 5 ounces, the penalty becomes $500.

Visit the Michigan Regulatory Agency for more information.

Summary:

Growing cannabis in Michigan can be a challenge. If you go for outdoors, you’ll have to navigate rain and wet weather. Plan to invest in a tarp or a popup tend. And, make shaking your plants dry part of your morning routine. Otherwise, the best strains to grow outdoors in Michigan are cold tolerant, fast-growing, and fast finishing. Ideally, you want a mid-to-end-September finish. Of course, you can’t always find that, so use buckets and be prepared to bring plants indoors in case of an early freeze.

Harry Williams

Harry is a cannabis growing veteran, recognized marijuana seed cultivation expert and founder of GrowReporter. Harry has spent the last 20+ years educating thousands of people about his techniques and methods.