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Whether you're a first-time or seasoned cannabis grower, we’ll break down the origin of Kush genetics and how you can grow Kush strains in your indoor or outdoor garden.

What Is Kush Cannabis?

In the world of cannabis, there are certain varieties of strains known for their unique aroma, flavor, and effects. Kush cannabis, in particular, originated in the Hindu Kush mountains spanning the Afghanistan and Pakistan border. Here, you may find naturally-growing cannabis to this day.

There are tons of easy-to-grow Kush-derived strains out there with certain unique growing characteristics:

  • Aroma: Strong notes of pine, floral, fruit, citrus, diesel, and hash
  • Looks: Dark green colors and leaves with tints of purple and fiery pistil hairs, as well as dense buds growing from short and bushy plants
  • Flavor: A smooth smoke with a hint of floral, fruity, gassy, and citrus flavors
  • Effects: Strong and sedated effects and a surge of euphoria

Of course, there are many Kush strains out there, each with their own unique traits and effects that vary by person. Kush’s growing traits are also influenced by its growing environment.

Kush Strains

Some of the most popular Kush strains include:

How to Grow Kush Strains – Indoors or Outdoors?

If you're trying to decide whether you should grow Kush indoors or outdoors, you’re in luck because you can do both. Generally, Kush strains are hardy plants that can resist a wide range of climates, especially ones with colder weather and minimal water.

Despite their low-maintenance growing characteristics, Kush strains can produce a considerable yield.

Kush strains’ short stature makes them a perfect strain to grow in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. For instance, Kush strains can work well in certain outdoor spaces such as patios and balconies that are limited in space. Indoor growers can also take advantage of their short size to grow in low-ceiling environments.

How to Grow Kush Weed

For the most part, Kush strains are one of the easiest strains to grow.  The Kush strains’ resistance to cold, arid, and windy environments from the Hindu Kush mountains has helped its descendents evolve to become resistant to many unforgiving growing environments that aren’t warm, humid, and tropical.

In your growing environment, try to keep your temperatures between 65 and 80º F.

Kush strains have indica-dominant genetics that have developed over the years. Because of this natural evolution, Kush plants have a shorter-than-average flowering period. In its natural cold and windy environment, the plant has to complete its flowering stage before the colder weather ramps up.

Cannabis Kush tends to grow short and squat with a majority of its flower buds on one main cola. For this reason, many growers choose to grow Kush strains in a sea of green (SOG) set up, so they can fit several plants in close quarters under a light.

For certain Kush strains, you may need to remove some lateral branches to concentrate bud growth at the top if you plan on growing in a SOG environment.

In terms of nutrients and feeding schedules, Kush strains are able to grow with even minimal feeding. However, they are not averse to heavy feeds. In fact, feeding it plenty of nutrients can give you even more bigger yields.

You can start feeding your Kush strain with a lower-than-recommended amount of nutrients and keep increasing the nutrient levels until you see signs of nutrient burn to know your plant’s limit.

As your Kush plant grows, you may perform a wide range of training techniques. As mentioned above, it's growth tends to focus on the top. However, topping your plants can help you develop several bud sites instead of just growing one single main cola.

Topping can be done multiple times and can develop an abundance of lateral branches, which can be grown under a screen of green (SCROG) setup.

Pay particular attention to the airflow and humidity of your growing environment. Some kush strains are notoriously susceptible to powdery mildew and mold.

If you're worried about mold, you can prune your cannabis Kush plants to improve the air flow within the canopy. Adding a small fan in your growing environment can also keep your plants fresh and healthy.

How to Grow Kush and More

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Luis Cordova
Luis Cordova

Luis Cordova is a distinguished author, and renowned expert in cannabis cultivation, who possesses a Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science. As a valued contributor to highly esteemed publications such as Cannabis Training University and Maximum Yield Magazine, Luis has emerged as a trusted source of guidance and knowledge in the cannabis industry. Having written thousands of informative articles, Luis is widely recognized for his comprehensive expertise on cultivating cannabis, both indoors and outdoors.

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