Top 10 Purple Strains: A Look At Our Favorites (plus a bonus 12 new ones)

While purple coloration is not necessarily an indication of high quality, there is definitely some visual appeal with these strains, and some can be downright beautiful.

Purple buds can make your smoking ritual that much more enjoyable.

Purple color in cannabis can be caused by both environmental and genetic factors.

Genetically purple strains are a relatively recent development in marijuana breeding and growing.

Environmental Factors That Effect Purple Strains

Environmental stress factors such as drought, excessive heat, or nutrient imbalances can sometimes cause cannabis plants to turn purple as a stress response.

Cooler temperatures, especially at night, can trigger the production of anthocyanins in cannabis plants. This is similar to how some trees change color in the fall. When temperatures drop significantly (50°F or 10°C), the plant produces more anthocyanins to protect itself, leading to a purple coloration.

The pH level of the soil and the availability of certain nutrients can influence the color of cannabis plants. For instance, phosphorus deficiency can sometimes cause leaves to turn purple.

Additionally, the pH level can affect how pigments are expressed in the plant.

The purple can appear in every shade, from lilac to royal purple to shades that are so dark they almost appear black. It’s not recommended to force your buds to turn purple using environmental factors.

Depending on the strain, purple coloration from environmental factors can turn entire plants purple or merely limited areas on flowers or subtle highlights.

Genetic Factors of Purple Strains

Certain strains of cannabis are naturally predisposed to turn purple due to their genetic makeup. These strains have higher levels of anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid pigment that can produce purple, red, or blue hues in plants.

The strains that most often showed purple colors were indica strains, and that’s still the case today. With a great many grows occurring indoors these days, environmental factors are not as much of a factor with purple cannabis.

Breeders have been able to identify and separate plants with this color difference and breed selectively so that, today, purple is a fixed trait and appears in many strains.

Why Are They Purple?

Purple cannabis strains owe their special color to the presence of anthocyanins, a class of compounds with antioxidant effects. Anthocyanins affect pigmentation, and are found naturally in a number of plants and foods.

They give blue, red, and purple plants their pleasing colors. Some of the foods that have anthocyanins include raspberries, black currants, red cabbage, blackberries, red radishes, blueberries—and cannabis!

List of Purple Strains

These strains have become fixtures in the modern market and breed true with regard to their color. To learn more about these strains, let’s examine a selection of high-quality flowers known for their beautiful color.

• Purple Urkle. With sketchy details regarding its genetic background, Purple Urkle is a strain thought to stem from a prime pheno of Mendocino Purps. Purple Urkle has qualities that come from another mystery strain or two. The flavor is unique and outstanding, tasting like fruity grapes with slight floral notes. The terpene experience will no doubt please anyone who favors grapey indicas. This strain has high potential for medical use for a variety of ailments, including migraine headaches and insomnia.
• Grape Ape. For lovers of grape-flavored strains, Grape Ape is a must-try flower. This indica-dominant strain combines Mendocino Purps with Skunk and Afghani. The result is a plant with short stature and a relaxing effect, both hallmarks of a fine indica strain. Grape Ape produces tight, compact buds and leaves that usually show visually pleasing purple highlights, but not quite to the extent many other purple varieties do. With outstanding flavor, effect, and jar appeal, Grape Ape is a strain that scores high in most of the categories that define an elite cannabis strain.
• Mendocino Purps. Hailing from Mendocino County in Northern California, part of the three counties that form the Emerald Triangle, this strain has its roots in the holy land of modern cannabis cultivation. Unfortunately, the true Mendocino Purps is a clone-only strain, but it’s now available in seed form after being crossed to another strain that complemented its genetics and retained most of its outstanding qualities. Commonly known as merely “The Purps,” this strain gains its purple color late into flower. Its flavors are a combination of fruity and savory, with sweet, earthy coffee notes.
• Purple Haze. As a strain with a heavy amount of Haze, this sativa strain stands out from all of the indica and indica-dominant strains on this list—which makes it notable for that reason alone. Along with Flo, which also appears here, Purple Haze is firmly in the sativa camp when it comes to effects and flavor. Experience euphoria, bliss, and creativity under a Purple Haze high.
• Querkle. A cross between Purple Urkel and Space Queen, Querkle leans heavily to the indica side with an 80/20 indica-dominant ratio. Querkle has pleasing lavender coloration and hard-hitting potency. As an indica, Querkle is a strain well-suited to evening use, although its sativa genetics make themselves felt with a happy, focused effect that allows for a pleasant daytime experience as well. The purple coloration on prime Querkle flowers will get any cannabis enthusiast’s attention and approval.
• Blackwater. A notable indica-dominant strain for its dark-purple coloration and outstanding flavor, Blackwater is a cross of Mendocino Purps and San Fernando Valley OG Kush—two standouts known for their excellent terpene experiences. With flavors of berries, pine, and lemon, its effect is strong and sedative, making it good for nighttime use and a good medical strain for a variety of conditions like anxiety, stress, and appetite loss. Although it’s a quick finisher indoors, the yields are fairly modest, a reflection of the OG Kush genetics in it background.
• Granddaddy Purple. An industry favorite, Granddaddy “Purps” has been a cornerstone strain used to create several other noteworthy strains, many of them with a propensity for purple coloration. Created in the early 2000s by noted cannabis breeder Ken Estes, Granddaddy Purple is a cross between Purple Urkel and Big Bud. With pleasing sweet grape flavors that complement its rich purple color, this strain is widely available and should be easy to find with a little looking. The effects are indica all the way, with dreamy relaxation that makes it a great medical strain.
• Purple Kush. This pure indica strain is yet another classic from the West Coast. Featuring candy, earthy, and grape flavors, it’s a top strain for feeling focused, happy, and alive. This strain grows short and is resistant to mold and pests. Bred from Hindu Kush and Purple Afghani strain, this strain produces high THC levels for a potent experience.
• Flo. Noteworthy for being a strain with both purple coloration and a hefty amount of sativa in its genetic background, Flo originated back in the ’90s, and is a result of two classic strains in their own right: Purple Thai and Afghani. The Afghani indica imparts a subtle, relaxing quality that complements the otherwise alert and upbeat high from the Purple Thai. Flo is an award-winning strain with pungent and sweet terpenes.
• Purple Diesel. A hybrid with nicely balanced effects, Purple Diesel is sure to please those with a fondness for diesel strains, which makes it quite different from other strains on this list. This strain is bred by Cali Connection and is a cross between Sour Diesel and Pre-98 Bubba Kush. Experience a state of euphoria as you inhale its citrus and sour aroma.
• Purple Trainwreck. This indica-dominant hybrid from Humboldt Seed Organization combines the legendary Trainwreck and Mendocino Purps genetics. During its flowering period, you’ll see your buds develop striking dark purple colors. Expect hints of lavender, citrus, and pine along with its energizing cerebral high. This strain prefers warm and dry climates, indoors or outdoors.
• Purple Afghani. Bred from various landrace strains, this indica strain grows short and bushy. It’s easy to grow for beginners. Dark green leaves turn bright purple during its blooming period. Experience a deep sense of relaxation and sedation with just a few puffs. Its woody, spicy, and kush aroma offers a pleasant smoke. Bring out its flavors with a dry herb vaporizer.
• Ayahuasca Purple. From Barney’s Farm, this calming indica-dominant strain combines Red River Delta and Master Kush genetics. During its flowering period, it grows gorgeous purple and ruby tints. Its giant buds carry a rich hazelnut and papaya aroma. Enjoy a truly hallucinogenic experience with this indica strain.
• Deep Purple. From Subcool’s The Dank, Deep Purple blends Querkle and Purple Urkle genetics for maximum jar appeal. Its rich genetics contributes to its sweet grape and herbal flavor. Take a puff and experience the deeply calming, focused, and happy high that Deep Purple has to offer.
• Rare Darkness. Rare Dankness crossed Grape Ape and Rare Dankness #1 to produce this award-winning strain. This indica-dominant strain grows short and compact. Don’t let its size fool you. Its aroma is intense. Sweet and grapey, this strain produces an abundance of resin over its vibrant purple buds. Unwind after work or take a bit to help you fall asleep.
• Purple #1. Since the 1980s, this balanced hybrid has been beloved for its beautiful purple colorings and potent high. For the most part, this strain has been used for breeding, but is a great strain to grow outdoors or in a greenhouse. This Dutch Passion creation brings the hashy flavors of Amsterdam coffeeshops around the world.
• Purple Bud. Sensi Seeds cross the holy trinity of strains: Purple Kush, Hindu Kush, and Afghani #1. The result is a strong indica-dominant strain with deep violet buds. Purple Bud grows short and compact. In just 8 short weeks, you can harvest its heavy yields. Enjoy its invigorating and relaxing effects.
• Shaman. Purple #1 and Skunk genetics were combined back in the 1980s to produce this sativa-dominant strain. Shaman is a great outdoor or greenhouse grower. It's resistant to mold. Its flowering period is between 7 and 8 weeks. An earthy and sweet scent underlie its uplifting sativa high.
• Purple Chemdawg. Also known as Purple Chem or Purple Chemdog, this indica-dominant strain is a combination between Chemdawg and Granddaddy Purple strains. A grape aroma, purple buds, and relaxing effects make this strain ideal for an afternoon smoke. Its long-lasting effects can help with pain, stress, and anxiety.
• Obama Kush. This indica-dominant strain is a cross between Afghani and OG Kush strains. Obama Kush delivers a heady buzz with a rush of energy. Its buds have many trichomes and a purple color with bright red pistil hairs. You’ll notice notes of grape, citrus, and pine.
• Purple Jack. This sativa-dominant strain has a fruity and spicy aroma from its Jack Herer and Purple Kush roots. Purple Jack buds are covered with dark purple and green colors and a heavy amount of resin. Feel uplifted, euphoric, and focused during the day with this strain.
• Purple Glue. Las Vegas Purple Kush and Original Glue combine to offer intense and relaxing effects, perfect for those with sleep issues or insomnia. It has a sweet and kush aroma. Feel relaxed, sleepy, and hungry with just a small dose of Purple Glue. If you’re looking for strong resin production, look no further.
• Note: Many of these strains are available as autoflowering seeds. Autoflowering seeds will automatically flower after a certain amount of time, regardless of the change in light cycle. If you want to enjoy fast-growing weed plants that don’t take up much space, go with purple autoflowering plants.

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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.