The realm of cannabis cultivation has seen a steady rise in interest in purple cannabis strains. These striking-looking cultivars not only exhibit the kind of vibrant purple hues that drop jaws in any grow room, but are also associated with potent effects and rich, nuanced flavor profiles. In the context of this growing interest, we’ll shed light on the multifaceted aspects of purple cannabis strains. More specifically, we'll look at the science of their unique color, and the cultivation techniques used to enhance their purple pigmentation. Finally, if you want an array of plants in your grow space that would make Prince himself envious, we'll recommend some of the finest Purples you can buy from Seedsman.
Origins Of Purple Cannabis Strains
One of the most famous original Purple strains is Purple Haze, which was an up-and-coming noise-maker back in the days of Woodstock. While its origin story is a tad murky, some believe it emerged from Columbia sometime during the hippie hey-day of the mid-1960s. Others have argued that Purple Haze owes its beginnings to Thailand, but what we do know is that The Haze Brothers and Sam The Skunkman played the pivotal role in the stabilization of the genetics.
But what about that color? Purple strains seem to produce their royal hues as a natural evolutionary response to cold weather. So, remember to tip your hat to Mother Nature's ingenuity next time you admire the dazzling tones of your favourite purple strain.
Breeding Techniques For Purple Cannabis
As breeders started to experiment, they cross-bred these naturally occurring purple strains with other varieties, creating an entire spectrum of strains sporting different shades of purple. Much like the royal weddings of yore, each union was thoughtfully considered to ensure the best mix of traits. Today, advanced breeding techniques have resulted in a range of purple cannabis strains with varying intensities of color, potency, and aroma. Over and above the standalone purple strains, breeders now actively cross purples with purples, and purples with autos, to increase the variety of these colorful strains and compound the hues to make new and exciting versions with deeper, more vibramt shades.
Techniques To Bring Out The Color
The secret to the royal purple hue of these strains exists in nature, and is caused by anthocyanins, a group of around 600 flavonoids that give fruits and veggies their vibrant red, purple, and blue colors. You’ll find anthocyanins present in blueberries, elderberries, plums, eggplants, to name just a few. Even autumn leaves owe their stunning color display to these pigments! But anthocyanins don't always manifest as purple tones - they can display as other shades, depending on the acidity of the plant's environment.
In cannabis plants, anthocyanins tend to reveal their dramatic purple color when exposed to colder temperatures during the late flowering stage. This is the plant's way of protecting itself from cold weather. But, as cultivators, you can coax out these purple hues, even in warmer environments, with careful control of the temperature and neutral pH levels.
It's important to know that simply buying genetics with the word 'purple' in the name does not guarantee purple plants. To get the most out of your purple strains, start with the right genetics, but remember it takes environmental considerations to bring out the beauty. These techniques can enhance the color of pistils, calyxes, leaves, and trichomes, bringing a dazzling palette of purple power to your plants:
Period Of Darkness Pre-Harvest – Generally, it is recommended to harvest plants following a 12-48 hour dark period. The reasoning behind this practice lies in the plant's metabolic processes. During daylight hours, photosynthesis produces sugars which are then metabolized during the dark phase. This process supports secondary metabolite production and depletes the plant's energy reserves. As a result, the plant's ability to synthesize chlorophyll (which gives plants their green colour) decreases, potentially leading to a color shift.
Total Defoliation - The process of removing leaves, the primary sites of photosynthesis, significantly diminishes the plant's ability to generate energy. As the plant's energy levels decline due to the lack of photosynthesis, it gradually weakens and dies, leading to a color change.
Reduced Temperatures In The Final Two Weeks – This practice stimulates an autumn-like response in the plant, enhancing the production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the red, blue, and purple colors observed in plants.
Nutrient Deprivation In The Last Two Weeks (also known as flushing) – By withholding essential nutrients, the plant experiences nutrient stress. Consequently, it loses the capacity to sustain chlorophyll production, resulting in color changes.
Light Spectrum Adjustment – Some indoor cultivators manipulate the light spectrum to more closely emulate the conditions of the autumn season, which can enhance the plant's coloration.
Seedsman's Top Purple Strains: A Regal Lineup
Of course, all good cannabis starts with the right genetics, and purps are no different. Genetics are the primary driving force behind your plants turning purple, and using the above techniques can greatly enhance this. Now that we've explored the origins, breeding techniques, and cultivation tricks, it's time to roll out the purple carpet for the most highly-rated purple cannabis strains currently reigning on Seedsman:
Peyote Gorilla
Though not reflected in the name, make no mistake - Seedsman's Peyote Gorilla has purple in its lineage and its foliage. With Gorilla Glue #4 and Peyote Purple as its parents,, this sensational strain is a high-THC hybrid A 90% indica strain with beautiful colouring and a sweet, fruity flavour profile.
After a flowering time of around 70 day, indoor growers can look forward to yields of between 400-600gm/m2, with outdoor cultivation promising significantly more. Just look at those trichomes!
A powerful plant with 22-26% THC, the indica genetics deliver a highly potent effect that will power you through tasks and bring a feelgood factor to your day.
Banana Jealousy
One of the newest members to the Seedsman collection, Banana Jealousy may not have purple in its name, but one look at this stunning cultivar and its a shoo-in for the list of best purps. The color is present and correct, along with a host of attributes that would certainly make you the envy of other growers.
This incredible hybrid of Banana Cream, Jealousy, and Gelato 51 brings the looks and the potency to rival any strain - seeing the 28% THC content causes euphoria before you've even tried it!
Up to 600g/m2 for indoors, and up to 750g/plant for outdoor growers, coupled with a high level of mold resistance, tips Banana Jealousy over from a head-turner to a jaw-dropper. The sweet, banana flavors with hints of skunkiness take it to the next level, making it one of the most desirable Purple strains today.
Purple Ghost Candy
Seedsman's PGC has quickly become a favourite with growers worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. All boxes are ticked on this sativa-dominant hybrid strain.
It’s relatively straightforward to grow, produces bumper harvests (500-600gm/m2 indoors, 700-900gm/plant outdoors) and boasts the type of flavour profile that makes your mouth water just reading about it – peach, lemon/lime, grape, and candy notes are all noticeable in its connoisseur buds.
THC levels have been measured at a staggering 27.54%, making Purple Ghost Candy one of the most potent sativa-dominant hybrids we offer. The effect is balanced; powerful, yet stimulating.
Purple Kush CBD 1:1 Auto
For those seeking something a little different, Seedsman's Purple Kush CBD 1:1 Auto might be just what you need. A high-yielding medicinal strain, CBD:THC ratios are finely balanced, making for a blissful therapeutic sensation.
This is a mostly-indica variety, and its autoflowering properties mean it jumps from seed to harvest in just weeks. The parentage of Purple Kush CBD Auto and Purple Afghan CBD Auto guarantee solid colour in the genetics. Just look at that!
Purple Kush CBD 1:1 Auto carries a delicious earthy, fruity taste, which yields to a blissful sensation of bodily relaxation with no paranoia or anxiety attached.
Purple Lemonade Auto
Our good friends at FastBuds call Purple Lemonade Auto the best purple strain they've ever created, and no wonder - this is a stunning and vibrant indica-dominant variety with true knockout looks.
Purple Lemonade Auto is said to grow surprisingly well even without added nutrients, finishing in 8-9 weeks, after which indoor growers can look forward to up to 500gm/m2 of sticky, resinous buds. She responds well to LST, and her short stature makes her ideal for growing in tighter spaces. She's also very, very attractive.
Jaw-dropping, right? This is a highly aromatic strain with strong notes of sweet citrus to the scent. The 22% THC content ensures a long-lasting, powerful body effect, perfect for relaxation without you succumbing to couch-lock.
Red Poison Auto
Don’t be put off by the name; Red Poison Auto is as purple as they come - in fact, we'd be doing it a disservice if we didn't acknowledge it as one of the most stunning purple strains out there! By crossing Green Poison and Purple Kush Auto, Sweet Seeds created a well-balanced hybrid with autoflowering properties.
After a swift sprint lasting just 8 weeks, Red Poison Auto will produce up to 550gm/plant in an indoor setting. Those stunning purple buds are dripping with trichomes, and indicate impressive potency.
Like most purple varieties, Red Poison Auto carries a juicy sweet fruit aroma and flavour, with notes of Skunk throughout. Red Poison Auto has award-winning power, having taken 3rd place at Miranda de Ebro in 2016.
Critical Purple Kush
From its beautiful purple buds to its high THC content and yield potential, Seedsman Critical Purple Kush is a luxury strain with quality in abundance.
Another mostly-indica hybrid, CPK combines Blueberry, Critical, and Peyote Purple genetics to manifest a tall and tasty plant with yields of as much as 500gm/m2 indoors and up to 800gm/plant for outdoor growers. Buds have a sugary appearance from the outstanding trichome coverage.
This resplendent purple beauty is imbued with a delicious sweet pineapple flavour, with notes of lemon, berries, and Skunk. The THC content is in the 15-20% range, and the effects are deeply relaxing for the body.
If you’ve never experienced the majesty of purple cannabis before, get your hands on any of these genetics, and let the purple reign!
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Sources:
"What is Flavonoid?" CompoundChem. Available at: https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/05/30/flavonoids/
Russo, Ethan B. “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects.” British journal of pharmacology vol. 163,7 (2011): 1344-64. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
"Why does cannabis turn purple?" Leafly. Available at: https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/why-does-cannabis-turn-purple
