Yield is what cannabis growers call their harvest. Indoor growers tend to measure it per metre of growing space.  Outdoor growers tend to measure it in grams per plant.  There are a lot of factors which can influence yield.  This makes it very difficult to give broad estimates of how much bud you can expect to collect.  As a rough rule of thumb, however, these days 400g/2 to 500g/m2 would be a baseline estimate for indoor marijuana strains.  Similarly, 500g per plant to 600g per plant would be a baseline estimate for outdoor marijuana strains. 

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    Originally posted on 22nd July 2019, Updated on 24th August 2021

    Highest Yielding Strains 

    Some strains are known for their potential to produce big yields.  These include both indoor cannabis strains and outdoor cannabis strains.  Many of the highest yielding strains can produce great results both indoors and outdoors.  Some, however, have a clear preference for either indoor or outdoor growing. 

    We’ve put together a list of the 10 highest yielding strains around.  Instead of looking at just the headline figures, we’ve looked at the yield-to-effort ratio.  Our list includes a mixture of Indicas, Sativas and hybrids.  All the strains we’ve chosen are robust and reliable.  This means that even beginners should be able to collect a decent harvest.  You may need more experience to collect truly spectacular yields.  The potential, however, is definitely there.   

    This article refers to the photoperiod version of these strains.  The autoflowering versions will also typically produce high yields - for autoflowering strains.  The yields will, however, usually be lower than from photoperiod strains.  

    Top 5 Highest Yielding Strains Indoors 

    Indoor high yielding strains

     

    Big Bud 

    Indica dominant, Big Bud is descended from Afghani, Northern Lights, and Skunk No. 1.  It’s long been widely recognized as the OG high yield strain.  Back in the day, 600g/m2 was a spectacular harvest.  Even these days, it’s pretty impressive, especially since Big Bud is so compact.  Indoors it will max out at about 1.5M.  What’s more, it also has great resistance to mould, diseases and pests.  In short, give this strain some basic care and it will reward you well. It has an average of 20% THC and 0.1% CBD and makes a great evening strain. 

    THC Bomb

    Indica dominant, THC Bomb has top-secret genetics.  It is, however, well-known that this is one of the highest yielding strains available today.  Specifically, THC Bomb can deliver up to 650g/m2.  What’s more, it produces truly pint-sized plants.  Indoors they will usually max out at about 1M.  As well as being very short, this strain is also very robust.  In particular, it has good resistance to mould.  It has an average of 20% to 25% THC and 1% CBD and is generally used at night. 

    Ice Cream Cake

    Who doesn’t love a satisfying bite of Ice Cream Cake? The feeling’s no different for the strain Ice Cream Cake, that’s a rare indica hybrid delivering shockingly smooth flavors and effects. The strain is easily one of the sweetest highest yielding indoor crops, with a pungent aroma reminiscent of a bakery or ice cream shop and maximized yields of 500g - 600g/m2. Making the variety even more versatile is her medium height which can be trained for shorter ceiling heights, and ideal for smaller indoor grow spaces. Not to mention, the plants are as pretty as they are flavorful - with captivating purple buds, shimming with a heavy coating of crystal-like trichomes. As for effects, beginners beware - Ice Cream Cake contains up to 20-24% THC for powerful calming effects, mentally and physically.

    Critical

    High yielding and fast to mature? What could be better? Critical is a highly acclaimed hybrid strain that stems from landrace genetics, for proven results and maximized yields. It’s a perfect choice for beginner growers as it can flourish in almost any environment type, packing big buds on its taller than normal stature. The variety is highly successful for indoor growth if you have the height to do so, but is ideal for outdoor environments, too. With little extra effort, Critical is capable of reaching >600 g/m2 which is why it’s popular for commercial growers. At 15-18% THC, effects are mild-moderate and perfectly balanced for cerebral and physical benefits.

    Gorilla Glue

    Indica dominant, Gorilla Glue is already something of a legend.  Its genetic background includes Chem's Sister, Chocolate Diesel & Sour Dubb.  This strain is most famous for its THC content.  It is, however, also a monster yielder.  Outdoors it can deliver up to 600g per plant.  What’s more, it’s not actually that tall.  Grown outside it can reach up to 2M.  It also has great resistance to mould, diseases and pests. It has an average of 28% THC and 0.35% CBD and is generally used in the evening.

    Top 5 Highest Yielding Strains Outdoors

    Outdoor high yielding cannabis strains

    Super Silver Haze

    Sativa-dominant Super Silver Haze is descended from Northern Lights, Haze and Skunk #1.  Outdoors, it can yield up to 1.5Kg per plant.  Obviously, that’s under ideal conditions, but you can reasonably expect at least 650g per plant.  Super Silver Haze will grow pretty tall.  You should expect it to clear 2M easily and under the best conditions it can easily reach 4.5M (hence the bumper harvests).  This means you really need to keep on top of the water and nutrients, but overall, Super Silver Haze is fairly robust and has good resistance to mould, diseases and pests. It has an average of 18% to 23% THC and 0.15% CBD and makes a great daytime strain.

    Super Skunk 

    Sativa dominant, Super Skunk rounds off the list of highest-yielding strains.  It’s a cross between Skunk #1 and Afghan.  Outdoors, this strain can produce up to 650g per plant.  Its height is a fairly reasonable 2 metres.  It is, however, fairly bushy.  This means it does need plenty of space to spread.  On the plus side, it’s very robust and undemanding.  This strain is definitely a low-hassle grow. It has an average of 20% THC and 1% CBD and is generally used in the evening.

    Thai Stick 

    Pure Sativa, Thai Stick is a Thai landrace strain.  Outdoors, it can yield a monumental 2Kg per plant.  This definitely makes it one of the highest yielding strains available today.  There is, however, a price to pay for this.  Firstly, it grows to gigantic heights.  Take it as read that it will top 2 metres.  In fact, be prepared for it to reach 4 metres.  Secondly, it takes its sweet time to grow.  The outdoor harvest is late October.  Thirdly, it will only be happy in a really warm, dry climate and can often hermie if it gets cold.  On the plus side, otherwise, it’s generally very robust. It has an average of 18% THC and low CBD and is commonly used during the day. 

    Purple Punch

    Purple Punch is a cross of two legendary strains, and it shows with maximized yields of high-quality buds. The classic and stable genetics make this strain ideal for outdoor growth, being mold resistant and only reaching medium heights for discretion purposes. The indica dominant hybrid packs on weight with its bushy structure and maximizes THC content too. The strain can easily reach 16-19% THC, and is ready to harvest in just 8-10 weeks adding to the varieties unique perks. Including the ability to produce harvests of over 600gr/m²! After experiencing the strain’s dreamy euphoria, and relaxing body buzz you’ll definitely want to keep variety as one of your favorite high yielding cannabis strains.

    Neville’s Haze

    Sativa-dominant Neville’s Haze is descended from Northern Lights No. 5 and Haze.  Outdoors, it can yield up to 850g per plant.  The price of these bumper harvests, however, is that you have to be prepared to feed, water and generally care for a plant which can easily grow over 4M tall.  That said, for all its appetite, it’s pretty robust and has good resistance to mould, diseases and pests. It has an average of 21% THC and 1.1% CBD and makes a great daytime strain.