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This Granddaddy Purple strain review will discuss the genetic lineage, growing yield, budding duration, cannabinoid content, and medical uses on the legendary Granddaddy Purple strain!

Granddaddy Purple, commonly abbreviated as GDP, made its debut in 2003 thanks to the efforts of breeder Ken Estes in California. 

A unique cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, this strain is known for its vivid purple buds and a rich aromatic profile. 

The strain has garnered appreciation for its sweet berry aroma with subtle grape undertones, offering a perfect balance of cerebral euphoria and physical relaxation.

Granddaddy Purple Strain Genetics

Granddaddy Purple, also known as GDP and Granddaddy Purp, was created in the bay area of California back in 2003 by a cannabis breeder named Ken Estes. The goal of Granddaddy Purple cannabis was to produce vivid purple buds with heavy flower production.

To do this, the parents Purple Urkle and Big Bud were used. Both of these strains are indica-dominant, leading to an indica-dominant child in GDP.

The resultant strain GDP produces fantastic purple buds with bright orange hairs and lush white trichomes similar to the Purple Urkle weed strain. The Big Bud pot strain provided genetics to deliver dense buds and large yields.

With such a unique, high-quality look and flavor profile, Granddaddy Purple weed became popular all over the west coast and spread like wildfire.
Its genetic lineage is sought-after and has even been used to parent child-strains like Purple Punch and Cherrie Pie, which are both highly rated as well.

One interesting thing to note about its lineage is that it is so similar to Grape Ape that some people believe they are the same strain.

GDP Yield

marijuana plants with purple hues, granddaddy purple strain

Granddaddy Purple marijuana produces heavy yields when grown indoors and outdoors.

It is commonly grown indoors to help promote a perfect environment to bring out the full range of purples towards the end of the flowering cycle. Indoor grows of GDP can produce around 4 ounces of bud per plant.

Granddaddy Purple pot can also grow well outdoors. It is known to produce upwards of 3 lbs per plant when grown outdoors. The buds can become so heavy that the plant may need additional support to avoid snapping branches when it gets close to harvest time.

Proper growing conditions will maximize Grandaddy Purp weed yields. It does best when temperatures hover around 70 degrees during the day with relative humidity levels around 50%.

Granddaddy Purple Strain Flowering Time

Granddaddy Purple cannabis takes around 60-65 days to reach full maturity in the buds. Once it comes close to full maturity, leaves and buds will turn a deep purple color if the climate is right.

When growing outdoors, the typical harvest time will take place somewhere around late September to early October.

You can find out how ready your Granddaddy Purple weed is for harvest by examining the trichomes. When trichomes are immature, they appear to be clear.

 As they come closer to maturity, they will turn a more milky-white color. This is when THC percentage is the highest it can be.

GDP ganja typically comes in around 17-18% THC but is known to go up to 23-27% in optimal growing and harvesting conditions.

GDP Flavor & Aroma

Purple weed

GDP cannabis is rich in Myrcene, Pinene, and Caryophyllene. These 3 terpenes lean more towards relaxing effects than other prominent terpenes found in marijuana strains.

This makes sense since Granddaddy Purple is known for its relaxing effects that may even induce couchlock. While you will experience a euphoric mental high, your body will probably remain sedentary during the experience as you melt into total relaxation.

This makes GDP the apparent choice for nighttime smoking or consumption.

Users note that the Granddaddy Purple strain has an aroma reminiscent of grapes or berries. The flavor is sweet as well but can be a bit overwhelming for those who aren’t used to such flavorful marijuana strains.

Medical Conditions 

With the relaxing effects of Granddaddy Purp, it is a perfect candidate for those suffering from insomnia. It lives up to its genetic lineage of indica as it allows users to relax and sleep well throughout the night.

The relaxing effects also make it a good choice for those with high levels of stress and anxiety. It has also shown promise for pain management and those with overactive muscles, with conditions like restless leg syndrome or muscle spasms.

 It’s not going to be a good cannabis strain for those who need a pick-me-up or a creative boost. It’s best served for those who need to wind down and reduce pain to encourage less mental and physical fatigue from a hard day’s work.

Granddaddy Purple Strain Price

The average price of GDP is $10-$15 per gram, $50-60 per 1/8th oz, $95-$105 per 1/4 ounce, and $195-$215 per 1/2 ounce.

The world of cannabis is brimming with unique and exotic strains, each with its own story and character. Among them, the Granddaddy Purple strain stands out, known for its deep purple hue and fruity aroma. 

As with all strains, cultivating Granddaddy Purple requires knowledge and expertise. This article brings together tips from experienced growers to help ensure a successful cultivation journey.

Growing Granddaddy Purps

●     Setting the Stage for Growth

Whether you're growing indoors or out, the medium you choose can greatly influence your plant's health. While soil is the traditional choice, offering a wide range of nutrients, hydroponics can speed up growth and increase yield. For GDP, a well-draining soil rich in organic matter works wonders.

Creating the right environment is pivotal. GDP thrives under a consistent light schedule, with temperatures between 70-80°F. Humidity control is essential, with younger plants preferring higher humidity and mature plants thriving in drier conditions.

●     Nurturing the Plant

While GDP is relatively resilient, it thrives with consistent care. Watering should be regular but not excessive, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. As for nutrients, GDP benefits from a balanced diet, especially during its vegetative stage.

Pruning is an art, and with GDP, removing some lower branches can help the plant direct energy to the main colas. Techniques like “topping” can also help increase the plant's yield by encouraging bushier growth.

●     Addressing Potential Challenges

Like all cannabis plants, GDP is susceptible to pests and diseases. Spider mites and aphids can be a concern, and regular inspections are essential. Neem oil can be a natural deterrent.

Environmental stresses can lead to problems like bud rot, especially if the humidity is too high during the flowering stage. Regular monitoring and adjustments can mitigate these issues.

●     Harvesting and Curing: Maximizing Potency and Flavor

Knowing when to harvest GDP is crucial. Look for the trichomes to turn milky white with some amber ones. Once harvested, drying should be done in a dark, cool, and ventilated space.

Curing, often overlooked, is vital for GDP. Place the dried buds in glass jars, opening them periodically to allow fresh air in. This process, taking several weeks, enhances the flavor and potency of the buds.

Insights from the Veterans

Over the years, the Granddaddy Purple strain has attracted a dedicated following of growers, each bringing their unique insights to the table. Here's what some of the seasoned cultivators have to say about nurturing this iconic strain to its full potential:

  1. Patience is Key: One of the most frequently shared pieces of advice from long-time growers is the value of patience. GDP, while tempting to harvest early due to its appealing look and aroma, truly shines when allowed to mature fully. An early harvest might result in missing out on the strain's full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
  2. Organic is Best: There's a growing consensus among experienced growers that organic cultivation methods bring out the best in GDP. Avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides ensures that the natural flavor profile of GDP – its signature berry and grape notes – remains untainted and robust. Organic soils, rich in microbial life, further enhance the terpene profile of the strain.
  3. Observation Over Automation: While technology has introduced automation into the cultivation process, many veterans swear by the value of manual observation. Regularly inspecting the GDP plants, touching the soil to feel its moisture, and closely examining the leaves and buds can provide insights no gadget can offer. This hands-on approach allows for early detection of potential issues, from pests to nutrient deficiencies.
  4. Gentle Handling: The delicate trichomes on GDP buds are where many of the cannabinoids and terpenes are stored. Experienced growers emphasize the importance of gentle handling during all stages, from pruning to harvesting and curing, to preserve these trichomes and maintain the strain's potency.

Granddaddy Purple Summary

One of the most well-known indica strains in the cannabis world is “Granddaddy Purple” (commonly abbreviated as “GDP”), which is known for its striking purple color and strong effects.

Genetics: The indica strains Purple Urkle and Big Bud were crossed to create Granddaddy Purple. The resulting hybrid has a strong indica predominance.


Appearance: GDP is well recognized for its deep purple buds, which can occasionally range into violet to almost blue. The nugs are typically large and covered in a thick layer of white crystal trichomes.

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Smell: Granddaddy Purple has a pleasant, berry-like scent with undertones of grape that is often present. Many cannabis aficionados favor it because of the fruity aroma that carries over into the flavor.


GDP is a beloved indica-dominant strain known for its incredibly calming and sedative qualities. It can combine mental bliss with physical relaxation. Due to its ability to cause sleepiness at higher doses, many users say it works great for evening use.


The strain typically has a high THC content, which normally ranges from 17% to 24%. However, this can change depending on cultivation techniques and a particular genotype.


Medical Uses: Granddaddy Purple has the ability to reduce the symptoms of pain, insomnia, tension, muscular spasms, and appetite loss, which is why many medical cannabis users value it for this purpose.


Grow Information: For those with some prior growing knowledge, GDP is frequently seen as a strain that is quite simple to grow. It typically has a relatively short flowering period of 8 to 11 weeks and prefers a warm, dry climate. When given the proper care, the strain is also renowned for its abundant harvests.

Is Granddaddy Purple indica or sativa?

Granddaddy purple strain

Granddaddy purple is an indica-dominant cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud strains.

Gavin Kushman. Cannabis strain writer in a cannabis garden
Gavin Kushman

Gavin is a worldly adventurer and cannabis connoisseur, embarking on journeys that take him to the far corners of the globe to explore and document the varied effects, flavors, and histories of both renowned and lesser-known strains. From the misty high-altitude farms of the Hindu Kush highlands to the vibrant cannabis cafes of Amsterdam, Gavin's quest for knowledge spans continents. A recognized authority in the cannabis industry, he frequently lends his expertise to leading publications such as Cannabis Training University, where his captivating blog articles chronicle his unique experiences with different cannabis strains.

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