Looking to branch out into sativa cannabis strains but don’t know where to start? In this article, we’ll talk you through all you need to know about choosing the best sativa genetics, give tips on growing sativa cultivars, and recommend ten of the best sativa or sativa-dominant strains.
What Is Sativa?
Cannabis Sativa is a species of the cannabis plant, which also includes Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Ruderalis. The sativa plant is known for its tall stature, slender leaves, and energizing effects, making it a popular choice for those looking for an uplifting experience.
Sativa cultivars are typically identifiable through distinguishing characteristics that make it easy to tell them apart from their indica counterparts. Sativas tend to reach loftier heights than indicas and can grow in excess of five or six feet tall in the right conditions. They are also more slender than the typically squat, bushier indicas. A closer look at the leaves of each type will reveal noticeable differences, too – in fact, comparing the leaves will show some of the most obvious distinguishing points. Sativa leaves are almost always longer and narrower, with thinner fingers than an indica leaf.
Sativa plants also produce slightly different flowers from indica, although this is easier to identify during flowering than after harvest. Sativa buds are usually longer, thinner, and somewhat fluffier or airier than indica’s denser, more compact buds.
Nowadays, it’s far more common to find hybrid cultivars, crossbred using indica and sativa parents in many cases. The result is a mixture of features, making it more difficult to distinguish the dominant subtype by examining the buds.
The Effects of Sativa Cultivars
It’s common for people to have a preference in terms of sativa or indica cannabis; some lean towards the uplifting nature of a good sativa, whereas others prefer the pure relaxation of an indica. In days gone by, it was pretty easy for even a reasonably inexperienced connoisseur to tell sativa from indica by the effects alone. The consensus was always largely uniform among cannabis fans – indica cultivars impacted the body in a sedative manner. In contrast, sativa affected the mind with uplifting cerebral effects. This is arguably an outdated model, with indica and sativa telling us more about the plant's physical characteristics rather than any expected impact upon use.
Modern cannabis is typically hybrid and features genetics of both indica and sativa. Even though this often results in a dominance of one or the other in terms of traits, there’s likely to be a mixture of effects. Some hybrids will offer the relaxative benefits of an indica to the body but can still provide mental stimulation at the same time.
Growing Sativa or Sativa-Dominant Cannabis
One of the main factors to prepare for in cultivating sativas is upward growth. Even a sativa-dominant hybrid will undergo a more significant stretch than an indica-dominant cultivar with sativa in the mix. Use appropriate-sized pots to accommodate the substantial root growth. If growing sativas indoors, top and fim them early to manage the upward growth and avoid letting them stretch too high during the vegetative stage. Failing to do this can see them stretch too close to indoor lights, which can result in light burn. Plant training techniques may be required to help manage the height of your cultivars.
Flowering typically takes a few more weeks with sativas than with indicas, so bear this in mind and keep your sativas at a manageable height before you flip the light cycle. Keep temperatures balmy if possible, and remember that sativas come from tropical and Mediterranean-style climates with longer summers – they don’t love the chilly weather.
Choosing The Right Sativa Genetics For You
Take care when selecting genetics and avoid the temptation to choose by name or reputation alone. Consider the limits of your growing area and study the information relevant to your preferred cultivars before settling on a strain. You’ll find information on plant height on our website, so bear this in mind when shopping for a sativa and ensure you have the necessary workspace to accommodate the plants by size.
Look out for information on where each strain is best suited to grow. Our information bar will tell you if a strain is better suited to grow indoors, outdoors, in a greenhouse, or all three.
10 Best Sativas for 2023
Badazz OG Cheese
More than just a tall sativa-dominant hybrid with a cool name, Badazz OG Cheese is a genetic powerhouse. Bred from a robust and stable parentage of Badass OG and UK Cheese, this strain has classic heritage in spades.
Badazz OG Cheese is suitable for all growing environments, has a 65-day flowering period, and rewards are typically generous – indoor cultivation yields up to 500gm/m2, while outdoor growers can harvest up to 800gm/plant. The sativa stretch is alive and well with Badazz OG Cheese, too – plants can grow to a formidable 300cm!
The aroma and flavours of Badazz OG Cheese are incredible. You’ll experience the classic Diesel notes of its Badass OG parent, with the sharp cheddar taste of UK Cheese coming through in nearly equal measure. The result is genuinely sensational, with Fuel, Cheese, and spice notes all to the fore in this remarkable strain.
Purple Ghost Candy
Seedsman’s Purple Ghost Candy is an elite cannabis that’s had tongues wagging and mouths watering ever since its debut. Potent, high-yielding, and easy to grow, PGC is a plant of connoisseur quality.
The result of an exciting cross between Ghost OG and the superb Candyland Purple, this sativa-dominant hybrid creates waves wherever it lands, and with good reason. Purple Ghost Candy grows vigorously and can reach heights of up to 350cm. Supporting the lateral branches during flowering is recommended as bud production ramps up.
In keeping with the overall quality of this strain, yields are impressive. Indoor growers can expect up to 600gm/m2, with outdoor potential as high as 900gm/plant. THC content is around the 27% mark, making it one of our most potent strains.
The flavour profile of Purple Ghost Candy is truly unique; an intriguing, refreshing combination of lemon/lime soda and peach and mint qualities supports spicy and earthy notes.
Blue Dream
Seedsman’s Blue Dream is one of the most sought-after strains in our collection, and it’s easy to see why. Crossing Blueberry Ice with a US Haze led to a cultivar of supreme quality.
Blue Dream presents no unique growth problems, but experienced cultivators will be able to handle the considerable stretch. Typical flowering time is between 65-70 days, and yields are bumper – there’s a possibility of 500gm/m2 indoors and up to 850gm/plant outdoors.
Blue Dream has the advantage of being a highly-regarded therapeutic strain thanks to its unique terpene profile. It’s high in alpha-pinene, a monoterpene with many benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Aroma and taste have a lemony, citrus quality with notes of berry and haze, making for a luxurious experience. THC content is around the 20% mark, creating a long-lasting uplifting effect.
Strawberry Banana Grape
If you like the taste of a sweet fruit cocktail, you owe it to yourself to experience the flavours of Seedsman’s Strawberry Banana Grape. Created from a three-way hybrid of Strawberry, Grape, and Banana OG, this high-quality cannabis is something special.
Strawberry Banana Grape is suitable for all growing environments, and cultivation should present no problems, even to a first-time grower. The buds on this cultivar are abundant and thick, so it’s recommended to support branches during the 9-10 week flowering phase.
The flavour and aroma of Strawberry Banana Grape are exactly what you’d expect, with subtle nuances of Diesel present in the aroma. This stunning cultivar can reach 200-300cm and shower you with generous yields of up to 500gm/m2 indoors or between 600-800gm/plant when grown outdoors.
CBDV 1:1 Auto
If you’re looking for a highly-regarded medicinal cannabis, CBDV 1:1 Auto is a sativa you can’t ignore. Seedsman combines the best genetics of a Solo CBD with an Asian CBDV strain to produce a high-yielding therapeutic cultivar with distinctive medicinal herbal flavours.
It’s important to note that CBDV 1:1 Auto is a non-psychoactive plant, thanks to higher concentrations of CBD and CBDV with relatively low concentrations of THC. CBDV 1:1 Auto is suitable for cultivation indoors or outdoors, with a shorter lifecycle of around 9-10 weeks.
This herbal and pine-scented strain offers incredible relaxation without the psychoactivity commonly found in most cannabis strains. Experience the bliss of calming, soothing effects while remaining lucid.
FUEL D.OG
Fuel D.OG from Seedsman is a unique cultivar that delivers extra on every front. It’s high-yielding, high-THC, and high in flavour. Bred from a superb Chemdog and Fuel OG lineage, Fuel D.OG is a forgiving strain that suits even inexperienced cultivators.
A 65-70 day flowering period is rewarded by generous harvests of up to 600gm/m2 indoors and up to 800gm/plant outdoors. These cultivars can reach an incredible 350cm in height, so using the SCRoG method may be advisable if you want to control growth.
Fuel D.OG combines the incredible scents and flavours of Kush, Diesel, lemon, and grapefruit, making for a truly unforgettable experience. With THC content around the 22% mark, Fuel D.OG is one of the true Kings of pure relaxation.
Bangi Haze
Ace Seeds presents a sativa with some of the most stable genetics in their collection – the inimitable Bangi Haze. This fast-flowering cultivar finishes in 9-10 weeks and provides a reassuring resilience to many common plant pathogens.
Bangi Haze produces generous yields of dense flowers dripping with gorgeous trichomes. THC content is between 15-20%, and this cultivar was specially bred to handle cooler, rainier climates. It grows indoors or out with a degree of ease, making it ideal even for beginners.
Aromas from Bangi Haze are sweet, floral, and lemony, with a taste profile to match.
Amnesia Haze Auto
Royal Queen Seeds’ master breeders created Amnesia Haze Auto by cross-breeding Amnesia Haze with a Ruderalis. This mostly-sativa strain grows happily indoors or out and has a healthy appetite for nutrients.
This cultivar is well suited to more experienced growers as it likes optimal conditions. Still, in the right hands, Amnesia Haze Auto will reward good practices with generous yields of as much as 400gm/m2 indoors. No mean feat, considering the maximum plant height tends to be at most 150cm!
Amnesia Haze Auto has generous THC production of around 18%, and the effects are immediately apparent – an intense cerebral sensation that will give you a long-lasting floaty feeling.
Sweet Gelato Auto
Sweet Seeds combined Gelato with Killer Kush Auto to bring us this fast-finishing sativa-dominant hybrid. With high levels of THC and flavours befitting the name, Sweet Gelato Auto is a delightful experience on all fronts.
Plants remain small (60-100cm), and buds are dense, trichome-rich and plentiful. Indoor growers can look forward to harvesting 375-500gm/m2 from this compact beauty, and with THC between 18-23%, potency is impressive.
Sweet Gelato Auto tastes just as you’d hope; earthy, sweet, and fruity with hints of citrus and mint. Ready just 56 days from germination (on average), Sweet Gelato Auto allows multiple harvests annually.
Mimosa Cake Auto
FastBuds’ Mimosa Cake Auto is a fast-flowering, high-THC strain with top-notch sativa properties throughout.
It’s relatively straightforward to grow and produces results in around 63 days, offering up sizeable harvests despite its small stature of between 90-120cm. Indoor cultivation will see highly respectable yields of 450-550gm/m2. This beautiful, striking-looking cultivar displays light green, dark green, and stunning pink hues throughout, and resin production is first-class.
Mimosa Cake Auto’s buds have an earthy aroma, fruit cocktail notes, and a taste to match. Sweet lemon, earthy, and floral, Mimosa Cake Auto makes for an uplifting experience. THC is around 24%, making it one of the most potent sativas on our list.
