Top 8 Best Strains to Grow in Vermont: 2022 Comparison

Growing cannabis is the easiest way to control growth, reduce the total cost of smoking, and to experiment with new strains. If you live in Vermont, you might think growing cannabis outdoors will be a challenge. After all, the state isn’t known for its sunny weather. However, Vermont’s warm, humid summers can be very good for many strains. In addition, with 167 frost-free days a year, you’ll have time to harvest many photoperiod strains outdoors.

While low sunlight can be an issue, growing cannabis in Vermont doesn’t have to be a challenge. The best strains to grow in Vermont flower fast, adapt to cool weather, and exhibit high resistance to mold and mildew.

The table below shows a quick comparison of all the best strains to grow in Vermont that we’ve researched:

Strains	Flowering Time (weeks)	Yield (per plant)	Indica/Sativa
Blue Cheese Feminized	8-9	500-550g	40% Indica/60% Sativa
Original AK Auto Feminized	5-9	400-500g	50% Indica/50% Sativa
Jack Herer Feminized	8-9	500g	40% Indica/60% Sativa
OG Kush Feminized	8	450g	75% Indica/25% Sativa
Headband Feminized	9-10	600g	60% Indica/40% Sativa
Cinderella 99 Feminized	7-8	700-1000g	Sativa dominant
Grand Daddy Purple Feminized	8	700-900g	100% Indica
Power Plant Feminized	7-8	400g	25% Indica/65% Sativa

Please Note: This list of the best strains for growing marijuana in Vermont should be used as a starting point of your own research. Additionally, your grow times and yield will vary. For example, some factors include plant health, strain, soil, soil PH, feed, and sunlight. Therefore, your actual yields will vary.

We’ve listed the results of our Vermont 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

Topics

1. Blue Cheese Feminized

Blue Cheese might be a favorite plant to grow anywhere. But, with a 7-8-week flowering time, good resistance to mold, and an end-of-September finish, she’s perfect for Vermont. In fact, this strain flourishes in Vermont’s hot summer.

Plus, with a harvest that comes in well-before the first frost is likely to hit, and Blue Cheese is safe. Additionally, this strain is easy-going. However, you’ll see less yield if you don’t get a lot of sun. On the other hand, you’ll have few other problems.

Blue Cheese is also a great choice if you want to grow indoors. This strain is tolerant of most conditions. It’s also an easy choice for beginners who want to learn to use nutrients.

Most importantly, this isn’t just an easy grow. Blue Cheese is a favorite even among experienced growers. Why? Her amazing flavor is rich which cheese and berries. And, you get incredible highs that are difficult to explain, but still pretty stellar.

THC Levels: 14-20% (Medium)
Indica/Sativa: 40% Indica/60% Sativa
CBD Levels: 1% (Low)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter): 300-600g/ 500g-550g per plant outdoors
Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks / End September
Plant Size: 60-110cm / 23-43 inches
Optimal Climate: Sunny coastal/humid
Grow Difficulty: Easy
Genetics: Blueberry x Cheese
Effects: Relaxed, Calm, Meditative, Creative
Aroma/Flavors: Berry, Skunk, Cheese, Pungent

2. Original AK Auto Feminized

This AK-47 auto is a best fit for growing indoors. While you can grow her outdoors in Vermont’s climate, you’ll see a much lower yield than with a good light setup. That’s because AK-46 autoflower responds to light with bigger buds. The difference can be as much as 400g per square meter.

Otherwise, this autoflower is a great choice for Vermont. With plenty of light, you can go from veg to chop in just 49 days. That means you can try outside in July and make a great harvest by the end of August.

Plus, AK-47 might autoflower, but she doesn’t compromise on quality. You get fat, orange-covered buds. Additionally, she carries through AK-47’s classic heavy hit and giggles, for a knock-you-off-your-stool high.

THC Level: 20%
Indica/Sativa: 50/50
CBD: Under 1% (low)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per Square Meter) 400-500g
Flowering time: 5-9 weeks
Plant Size: 80-100cm / 31-39 inches
Optimal Climate: Warm Coastal
Grow Difficulty: Easy
Genetics: AK47 x Cannabis Ruderalis
Typical Effects: Happy, Euphoria, Creativity,
Aroma/Flavors: Skunk, Citrus, Pine, Sandalwood

3. Jack Herer Feminized

Jack Herer is a legendary strain. That reputation is thanks to incredible flavor, high THC, and smooth highs. Plus, with some of the densest buds you’ll find anywhere, Jack Herar has earned its reputation. If you like trichomes and crystal, this is a great choice for you.

Of course, Jack Herar is also easy to grow. This fast-growing beauty will thrive indoors and out. Of course, with more sun and more light, you’ll get more yield. But, Jack Herar is great for Vermont, with just 8-10 weeks needed to finish. Plus, she’ll come in in the last week of September.

Importantly, this strain is not a stealth plant. Outdoors, Jack Herar gets to 10 feet or higher. Plus, she smells. And, for the best results, start the plant indoors with grow lights. Jack Herar can be a tricky start but once you get her going, she’s easy. Indoors, use stress training to keep her short for best results.

THC Levels: 20% (Medium)
Indica/Sativa: 40% Indica/60% Sativa
CBD: Less than 1% (Low)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 450-500g / 500g per plant
Flowering Time: 8-9 weeks/Late September
Plant Size: 200-300cm / 79-118 inches
Optimal Climate: Humid & Sunny
Grow Difficulty: Medium
Genetics: Shiva Skunk x Haze x Northern Lights #5
Typical Effects: Creative, Energetic, Euphoria, Happy, Uplifting
Aroma/Flavors: Pepper, Earth, Lemon, Pine, Spice, Wood

4. OG Kush Feminized

OG Kush is a popular, easy Indica-dominant strain. This beauty delivers on yield, ease of growth, and good disease resistance. However, your OG Kush might do better inside. That’s because she’s a bit sensitive to rain.

Additionally, OG Kush definitely wants as much light as possible. If you don’t have a good sunny spot to put her, you want a light setup indoors. Otherwise, you’ll see lower yields. If you do have a sunny spot, you can cover when it rains, OG Kush will shoot up and deliver huge yields outdoors.

Otherwise, this plant is easygoing. Lightly trim the top leaves. Use topping to get more bud. And, that bud will be thick and sticky with one of the highest orange trichome counts around. Plus, if you do plant her outdoors, she’s ready in early October, just before the frost.

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 450 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, ?
Effects: Euphoria, Happy, Relaxation, Uplifting
Flavors/Aroma: Earthy, Lemon, Pine, Woody, Spicy

5. Headband Feminized

Headband first hit the scene in 2013 and immediately won the San Francisco High Times Medical Cup. This high CBD, high THC strain easily makes one of the most popular modern hybrids. But, there are multiple varieties. The original is Loud Seeds, featuring Chem 91 x Mass Super Skunk x Northern Lights.

This strain is also easy to grow in most environments. However, it needs protection from rain or you’ll face top rot. This makes Headband a top choice for growing indoors in Vermont. If you have to grow outdoors, make sure you have cover.

However, she’ll thrive in Vermont’s hot July and August weather. At harvest, you’ll get 550-600g of dense, sticky weed. That weed is renowned for its heavy impact, which many users say feels like wearing a headband.

THC Levels: 21-26%
Indica/Sativa: 60% Indica/40% Sativa
CBD Levels: 2-2.5% (High)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meters): 450-500g / 600g per plant
Flowering Time (Weeks): 9-10 weeks / Early October
Plant Size: 177-203cm / 70-80 inches
Optimal Climate: sunny and warm
Grow Difficulty: Easy
Genetics: Chem 91 x Mass Super Skunk x Northern Lights
Effects: Relaxation, pain relief, head pressure, body high,
Flavors: Lemon, diesel, cream

6. Cinderella 99 Feminized

Cinderella 99 has a fan club unlike quite any other strain. That’s understandable, when you look at a mature version of this “Holy Grail of Sativas”. Cinderella 99 delivers with big buds, massive yields, and so many white trichomes she could be a Christmas tree. While her origin is a mystery, this Sativa-dominant strain is an undisputed favorite.

Unfortunately, Cinderella 99 isn’t the best choice for much of Vermont’s climate. You’ll have to start her indoors and move her outside in July to get the best results. However, if you do, this plant will deliver massive yields. You’ll always get less weed in lower sun environments. Therefore, most Vermonters shouldn’t expect the 1000 grams per plant she’s capable of, but yield will be high.

Cinderella also benefits from topping to keep bushy leaves down. Use Screen of Green or Sea of Green techniques indoors to get more yield. Otherwise, there’s not much to worry about or do with this plant except wait for her to finish.

THC Levels: 16-22%
Indica/Sativa: Sativa dominant
CBD Levels: 2% (high)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meters): 450-700g / 700-1000g per plant
Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks / Late September
Plant Size: 80-100cm / 37-40 inches
Optimal Climate: Sunny
Grow Difficulty: Easy
Genetics: Potentially Jack Herer x Shiva Skunk (not verified)
Effects: Happy, Uplifted, Euphoric, Relaxed, Energetic
Flavors: Citrus, Pineapple, Earth, Sweet, Tropical, Fruit

7. Grand Daddy Purple Feminized

Grand Daddy Purple is a favorite no matter where you look. Plus, this strain loves humidity. That makes it one of the best strains to grow in Vermont. Of course, this pure indica will perform better in the sun. However, she’s also remarkably temperature tolerant.

Most growers would also hardly care if Grand Daddy Purple were difficult to grow. Her dense, incredibly purple buds deliver more than enough to work for. But, Grand Daddy Purple makes her yields of up to 900g per plant easy.

All you’ll have to do is keep the top leaves down and potentially use training to increase yield. Grand Daddy Purple finishes in just 8 weeks. However, that is mid-October outdoors, so you will have to watch for frost.

THC Levels: 23% (high)
Indica/Sativa: 100% Indica
CBD Levels: Less than 1% (Low)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meters) 500-900g / 700-900g per plant
Flowering Time: 8 weeks / Mid October
Plant Size: 140-160cm / 55-63 inches
Optimal Climate: Sunny & Humid
Grow Difficulty: Easy
Genetics: Mendo Purps x Skunk x Afghani
Typical Effects: Relaxation, calming, body buzz
Flavors/Aroma: Berry, Fruity, Grape, Sweet

8. Power Plant Feminized

Power Plant is a coffee shop staple, especially in the Netherlands where it was bred. However, it’s also a relatively easy grow and highly suited for growing in cooler climates like Vermont’s. On the other hand, she does finish late, so you may want to grow her indoors. Otherwise, keep her in buckets and watch the frost. You can expect to chop in the second week of October outdoors.

Otherwise, this plant is a slow grower at first. Then, she’ll take off and shoot up. Flowers also start slow. Make sure you give her enough feed. The more light, the higher the yield. With good care, you’ll likely get 400+ grams per plant outdoors.

And, what you do get is high quality weed. Power Plant is popular for sticky, white trichomes. Plus, her incredibly dense central colas are something to brag about. In fact, some growers report colas as long as 30cm.

Many growers also love Power Plant’s happy, social highs. That might be why she’s a staple in coffee shops and has been since the 90s.

THC Levels: 19-21% (Medium)
Indica/Sativa: 35% Indica/65% Sativa
CBD Levels: 2% (Medium)
Outdoor Yield: (Grams per square meter) 400-600g /400g per plant
Flowering Time: 7-8 weeks / Mid October
Plant Size: 100-150cm / 39-60 inches
Optimal Climate: Continental Humid
Grow Difficulty: Medium
Genetics: African Sativa landrace
Typical Effects: Euphoria, Happy, Relaxed, Uplifted, Head Buzz
Flavors/Aroma: Earth, Pineapple, Wood

Vermont Climate for Growing Cannabis

Vermont’s growing season averages 167 frost free days. Additionally, Vermon’s summers, which range between 70 and 85 degrees, are the perfect temperature for most cannabis strains. Unfortunately, most would also prefer more direct sun. However, with relatively late frost for the region, the green mountain state is a great place to grow cannabis.

If you want to grow cannabis outdoors, look for strains that finish in late September or Early October. You also want to look for mold and mildew resistance, because Vermont is wet. That leaves you a wide range of options, including some of the world’s most popular. For example, most of the Dutch-bred strains will do just fine.

Indoors, you have far more choice. In fact, providing you have alight setup, climate almost doesn’t matter, because you control everything.

Marijuana Growing Laws in Vermont

Vermont’s Act 85 legalized cannabis possession and growth for residents of the state. However, the law can be remarkably restrictive, especially if you’re a renter. For example, you cannot use or smoke unless your landlord offers written permission. For growing cannabis, plants get even more specific:

You must be a resident of Vermont (1 year or longer)
You must have permission from your landlord
Each home unit may have a maximum of 2 mature (flowering) plants and 4 immature plants at any one time
You may keep as much weed as your plants produce, even over the state’s maximum 1-gram possession, provided it is stored in a single location in your own home.
Outdoor plants must be grown out of sight of the public

Fines for breaching these laws start at $100 and increase with repeat offenses. In most cases, the maximum fine is $500. However, police will confiscate your plants in case of a violation. Additionally, the fine for unauthorized sale is up to 2 years in prison and $10,000.

Learn more at the Cannabis Control Board of Vermont.

Summary

Vermont’s lack of sun means you have to choose easygoing strains. However, the hot, humid summer and cool fall with a late frost are otherwise great for growing weed. The best strains to grow in Vermont are almost all Dutch-bred or East-coast bred. If you’re unsure, go for an autoflower so you can chop sooner, without waiting for fall.

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.