As cannabis legalization continues to spread throughout Europe, more and more people are becoming interested in growing their own cannabis plants. This is especially relevant in Germany, where Federal ministers recently declared that private cultivation should be permitted nationwide. However, Germany's klimate (climates) poses unique challenges for outoor cannabis growers. In this article, we explore the typical German climate in more detail and recommend the best cannabis strains for outdoor growing in that environment.
The Climate In Germany: What Growers Need To Know
Germany is located in the central European zone and has a temperate climate with mild winters and cool summers. The country is influenced by maritime air masses from the west and continental air masses from the east, resulting in moderate temperatures and high rainfall. The average temperature in Germany ranges from about 5°C (41°F) in January to 20°C (68°F) in July, meaning an altogether cooler climate than that of Mediterranean Europe.
Along with its cooler temperatures, Germany has a relatively high level of precipitation, with an average of 789mm (31 inches) of rainfall per year[1]. The rain is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly more precipitation in the summer months, as with much of northern Europe. The country also has a relatively high humidity level, particularly in coastal regions.
The German climate can vary considerably depending on the location. For example, the northern coast of Germany experiences more maritime influences, resulting in cooler temperatures and higher levels of rainfall. In contrast, the south of Germany is influenced more by continental air masses, resulting in warmer temperatures and drier conditions where the mercury can reach 30°C with occasional heatwaves lasting several days.
When it comes to growing cannabis and choosing genetics in Germany, it’s essential to consider these variations in climate. For example, cannabis growers in the northern regions of Germany may need to take additional measures to protect their plants from cooler temperatures and higher levels of rainfall, whereas growers in the south may need to take steps to protect their plants from excessive heat and dryness.
Cannabis Genetics Suited To The German Climate
When choosing cannabis seeds for the German climate, there are several factors to consider:
- Outdoor growers should select strains that tolerate cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels.
- Strains with shorter flowering times are ideal, as they can make it through the growing season to finish before the onset of autumn.
- Selecting strains resistant to pests and diseases is important, as these issues can be more prevalent in the German climate.
Indica strains and indica-dominant hybrid strains are generally better suited to the German climate than sativa or sativa-dominant hybrid strains. Indicas have a shorter flowering time and are more resistant to cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels. They also tend to produce denser buds, which can be helpful in humid conditions where mold and mildew can be problematic.
Alternatively, autoflowering cultivars have ruderalis genetics, a shorter lifecycle, and will race from germination to harvest in the time many photoperiod cannabis strains spend flowering. This allows multiple harvests before the wetter weather and autumnal frosts come around. If your region of Germany is more apt to higher summer temperatures, consider this when choosing strains.
Another vital factor when choosing cannabis genetics for a German-style climate is the plant's resistance to pests and diseases, which can put paid to crops swiftly if they move in and take over. Landrace cannabis, such as Kush strains originating in regions such as Afghanistan, can be valuable here as they are more resistant to common cannabis pests such as spider mites and thrips, as well as fungal infections and powdery mildew. These strains are arguably better equipped to handle the challenges of the German climate.
10 Strains Ideal For German Climates
Bubba Kush by Seedsman
Solid and robust Kush genetics, high THC, and low CBD make for a potent strain best suited to evening enjoyment. Bubba Kush remains a hugely popular strain thanks to its sheer quality. This indica-dominant hybrid flowers in 60-65 days, and yields impress at 500gm/m2 indoors, or up to 600/800gm/plant outdoors. Bubba Kush is suitable for all growing environments and works well for people cultivating in smaller spaces.
Northern Lights Auto by Seedsman
Another classic strain prized for its hardiness and resilience to colder climates, making it an excellent choice for German growers. Northern Lights Auto is as robust as it is productive; the addition of ruderalis genetics adds a speed to the lifecycle that ensures a 55-60 day turnaround - just the thing for beating the frost and heavy rain of autumn. NL Auto is a mostly-indica variety, and boasts a THC content of upto 23%, making it a real powerhouse.
Lemon Auto by Seedsman
An autoflowering strain that produces high yields of tangy, citrus-flavoured buds and is well-suited to cooler temperatures, Lemon Auto sprints through its entire cycle in 7-9 weeks, allowing for multiple harvests in shorter, cooler summers. It's an easy-to-manage hybrid strain that produces one single cola with little in the way of side branching. This makes it an ideal candidate for Sea of Green cultivation. Flavours are Skunky, with citric undertones.
BOGOLemon Auto
Feminised
Original Skunk #1 Regular by Seedsman
A classic strain specifically bred to be adaptable to various climates, Original Skunk #1 is tailor-made for German-style climates. The first hybrid to be introduced to the Dutch growing scene, Original Skunk #1 is a resin-machine that smokers and extract makers alike will love. With THC between 15-19%, and a flowering time of around 9 weeks, this generous yielder remains a hot ticket to this day. It's a mostly-sativa hybrid with a genetic lineage that guarantees quality.
Amnesia Haze Auto Feminised by Royal Queen Seeds
Legendary breeders Royal Queen Seeds' Amnesia Haze Auto is a sativa-dominant hybrid that thrives in temperate climates, making it an ideal choice for German growers. The addition of reuderalis genetics cuts the lengthy flowering time of the photoperiod original down, creating an overall seed-to-harvest time of just 11-12 weeks. This shorter autflowering version is an extremely viable cultivar suited to just about everyone, and THC content is high at around the 18% mark.
White Widow by Seedsman
A classic strain with a track record of success in European climates, our White Widow brings the potential for resilience, high bud production, and superb THC levels. Potency is guaranteed. The white in the name refers to the appearance, with unreal trichome coverage and high resin production leading to a dazzling crystal-white finish. Indian and Brazilian genes couple with a flowering time of around 8 weeks to make this earthy, fruity strain the stuff of legends.
Original Afghani #1 Regular by Seedsman
A true Afghani indica with stable genetics, Original Afghani #1 is a solid landrace cannabis with fantastic breeding potential. A hardy plant with dense, resinous buds, OA#1 is a hot pick with makers of finest hashish, and its ability to thrive in outdoor climates make it a no-brainer for this list. A short flowering time of 6-7 adds to the appeal, and this squat but vigorous indica is a solid and reliable as they come.
C99 X Blueberry FAST By Seedsman
Success in a German-type climate could potentially hinge entirely on speed, so it makes sense to opt for genetics that finish in a hurry. Enter C99 X Blueberry FAST. This sativa-dominant hybrid was selectively bred to achieve the shortest lifecycle possible, but don’t think for a minute that you’ll have to skimp on yields – come harvest time, you’ll be picking off as much as 450gm/plant! To make the whole process even faster, this strain is very bud heavy with a lower leaf count, making manicuring as quick and painless as cultivation. Taking just 45 days this girl is a real weather-beater.
Green Crack Auto by Seedsman
Suitable for all levels of growing experience, our Green Crack Auto is a high-quality autoflowering cultivar that has the speed to get in and out before the most challenging aspects of the German climate come a-knocking. Taking just 9-10 weeks from seedling, Green Crack Auto is a small, mostly-sativa hybrid that delivers impressive yields of high THC buds with minimal fuss. The distinctive floral flavour with fruity mango notes make it a sumptuous experience.
Fog Dog Auto by Atlas Seed
With fantastic mold and cold reistsance, Fog Dog Auto by Atlas Seed puts German cultivators at an immediate advantage against some of the biggest potential threats faced when growing in such a climate, YIelds may be a little lower, but quality, resilience, and THC content are anything but - Fog Dog Auto can kick out THC content as high as 26%! This mostly-indica specimen is another autoflowering titan, finishing in just 65 days.
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