Top 10 Kush Cannabis Strains

Kush is to weed like Cabernet is to wine. Named after the Hindu Kush mountain range in Central Asia, Kush cannabis varieties descend from ancient landrace strains native to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and other nearby regions. True indicas, these plants grow tightly spaced nodes and can produce dense flowers with exceptional amounts of resin and mouth-watering aromas.

But just like wine, not all Kush strains are made equal, with some clearly outperforming others in terms of their yield and the quality of their buds. Below, we shine a light on the best Kush strains so you can grow only the finest varieties in your indoor or outdoor garden.

1. OG Kush

Compact, robust, yet high-yielding and resilient, this cross of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush deserves a place in every grower's garden, and serves as a great introduction to Kush cannabis and the lengthy lineage it's birthed.

Germinate Royal Queen Seeds OG Kush seeds and within 3–4 weeks you'll be growing hardy plants reaching roughly 15–25cm tall. While her genetics can be traced back to the sunny states of Florida and California, her robust indica-dominant nature makes OG Kush suitable for temperate climates too. If you live in the northern regions of Europe or the US, OG Kush will make an ideal addition to your outdoor garden. Her fast flowering time will ensure you get your harvest in before temperatures drop too low, and her hardy genetics will hold up well to the subpar conditions in these regions. Once in bloom, our OG Kush plants stretch notably, almost doubling in size. By October, expect your harvest-ready outdoor OG Kush plants to reach max heights of 220cm, while indoor plants usually measure 160cm after 9 weeks of flowering.

In optimal conditions, OG Kush produces up to 475g/m² indoors and 550g/plant outside. Her buds are fluffy, lime-green, and can develop purple highlights in cooler climates. True to her indica genes, OG Kush produces frosty, sticky resin and combines delicious aromatic notes of pine, citrus, and fruit. Plus, with up to 19% THC and rich terpenes, OG Kush delivers an uplifting mental buzz coupled with physically soothing properties.

OG Kush

OG Kush

	Chemdawg x Lemon Thai x Pakistani Kush
	15 to 17 oz/m²
	3 to 5 feet
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 19%

	Sativa 25% Indica 75%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	6 to 7 feet
	October
	Calming, Uplifting

Buy OG Kush

2. Candy Kush

Kush weed is often associated with an underlying earthy aroma that, depending on the specific variety, may feature hints of lemon, flowers, pine, and gas. Our Candy Kush Express, however, mixes traditional Kush notes with sweet candy flavors reminiscent of modern US classics like Original Z and Runtz—a real treat for the senses.

As her name implies, Candy Kush Express is a fast-flowering strain, making her ideal for outdoor growers living in regions with short growing seasons. If you live up north or far south (below the equator), Candy Kush Express will make an excellent addition to your outdoor garden. Around 60% indica dominant, Candy Kush Express plants are a little lankier, taller, and slower-growing than regular Kush varieties. Roughly 4 weeks after germination, your plants will measure around 10–15cm and feature semi-broad, light green leaves that thin out as the plants flower. Training will encourage this strain to develop multiple colas, and her sativa genetics may make Candy Kush Express a little more susceptible to environmental stress and overfeeding. Keeping her in a greenhouse is a good idea in regions such as the UK, Netherlands, northern Germany, or Denmark, as well as US states such as Washington, or southern Canada. Once in bloom, expect Candy Kush Express to stretch vigorously, reaching max heights of 170cm outside and 100cm inside.

Candy Kush Express really delivers on the “Express” part of her name, delivering ample harvests of up to 500g/plant by late September. Indoors, up to 525g/m² is achievable after just 7–9 weeks of bloom. The buds are nice and fluffy, dark green, and with a thick coat of trichomes that gives off a blue-ish sheen. A cross of Sweet Special and OG Kush, Candy Kush Express boasts sweet notes of fruity candy and gummies, uplifting cerebral effects, and a creeping body stone.

Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

	Sweet Special x O.G. Kush
	17 to 18 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 18%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	16 to 18 oz/plant
	3 to 6 feet
	Early September
	Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Candy Kush Express (Fast Flowering)

3. Critical Kush

If heavy yields are what you're after, Critical Kush should be your go-to Kush variety. Kush strains aren't always the biggest yielders, but our Critical Kush (which stems from Critical Mass x OG Kush) readily delivers very heavy harvests.

With 80% indica dominance, Critical Kush seeds quickly grow into stocky, bushy plants. Roughly 3–4 weeks after germination, your Critical Kush seedlings should measure 20cm and boast broad, forest-green leaves and a strong central stem. With tightly spaced nodes and dense foliage, Critical Kush lends itself particularly well to topping and training. Critical Kush is also very resilient to cold temperatures and has a fast flowering time, making her a popular choice for outdoor growers living in the UK, Northern Europe, or the northern USA/southern Canada. Be sure to keep your flowering Critical Kush plants out of the rain, as their dense buds trap moisture very easily, making this strain susceptible to mold and mildew. As they transition into bloom, Critical Kush plants can double in size, reaching max heights of 140cm outdoors and 100cm inside.

True to her Critical Mass parent, Critical Kush produces hefty harvests of large indica flowers—up to 550g/m² indoors and 550g/plant outdoors. Her buds boast tight stacks of bulging calyxes, beautiful shades of green, and bright orange pistils. Meanwhile, true to her old-school Kush predecessors, Critical Kush boasts aromas and flavors of moist dirt, pine needles, and hints of citrus. Packing 20% THC, Critical Kush offers a strong physical stone that's ideal for moments of relaxation, introspection, and rest.

Critical Kush

Critical Kush

	Critical x OG Kush
	18 to 19 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 20%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	3 to 5 feet
	Late September
	Long Lasting , Physically Relaxing, Powerful

Buy Critical Kush

4. Punch Pie

Punch Pie was born out of a collaboration between Tyson 2.0 and Royal Queen Seeds. Descending from Tyson 2.0's Cherry Punch Pie (which itself stems from Purple Punch x Purple Kush), this strain boasts strong aromas/flavors reminiscent of the Pie line born in California in the 2010s.

Sprout RQS Punch Pie seeds and you'll be met with 10–15cm-tall seedlings in 2–3 weeks. True to her heavy indica dominance, this strain develops tightly spaced nodes and broad, dark green leaves. As they transition into their flowering cycle, Punch Pie plants stretch immensely, almost tripling in height in some cases. Thanks to its fast flowering time, this is another great strain for growers living anywhere with short, temperate summers. If you live in warmer regions such as California, Southeastern USA, or anywhere with a Mediterranean climate, you can consider planting Punch Pie a little later in the season to avoid growing monstrous plants; or, you can allow plants to reach their full potential and rake in max harvests! Mature Punch Pie plants usually grow to heights of 150cm, but longer growing seasons may increase this measure. Indoors, you can expect this heavy indica queen to produce 600g/m², while outdoor plants can produce 750g each.

As you'd expect from a 90% indica hybrid with modern US genetics, Punch Pie produces dense, heavy flowers with bulging calyxes that can develop blue and purple hues in cooler conditions. Resin production is excellent, making Punch Pie a great strain for extractions, and her aromas combine alluring notes of blueberry, glazed cherries, and griddled pie dough. Meanwhile, her heavy effects completely relax the body while sending the mind into a hazy, happy, and euphoric daze.

Punch Pie

Punch Pie

	Purple Punch x Purple Kush
	19 to 21 oz/m²
	3 to 4 feet
	7 - 9 weeks
	THC: 22%

	Sativa 10% Indica 90%
	23 to 26 oz/plant
	4 to 5 feet
	Late September
	Calming, Euphoric, Physically Relaxing, Sleepy

Buy Punch Pie

5. Biscotti

Biscotti might be a modern strain, but as a descendant of Triangle Kush, this beloved hybrid has storied roots in Florida and, quite possibly, somewhere across the Pacific. RQS' version of this delicious dessert strain stems from Gelato 25 and Triangle Kush, boasts 80% indica dominance, and exhibits very versatile growth traits.

Roughly 3–4 weeks after germination, your Biscotti seeds should have grown into hardy seedlings of around 10cm in height, with 2–3 side branches and tightly spaced nodes. Her compact nature makes Biscotti an easy fit for any indoor setup, but her resilience also means that she can perform well outdoors. Biscotti can handle temperate climates and short summers easily, typically being harvest-ready by October, which makes her a great choice for growers living in any northern region. However, Biscotti also performs well in warmer climates, though her tight buds can be prone to mildew and mold if exposed to excess moisture during the flowering period. If you live somewhere that gets heavy rainfall towards the end of the summer, it's best to plant and harvest Biscotti a little earlier to avoid these issues. After stretching for the first 2–3 weeks of bloom, Biscotti plants typically reach max heights of 120cm inside and 180cm outside. Her yields, meanwhile, can exceed 500g/m² indoors, while outdoor plants can produce up to 600g each.

Well-grown and cured Biscotti flowers will be small but dense and almost rock-hard. They normally retain their vibrant forest green color, but may turn purple in some environments. Her frosty coat of resin packs up to 25% THC and many terpenes, which give this strain a strong aroma of cookies, diesel, and earth, as well as dynamic cerebral effects that'll leave you feeling happy, creative, and social.

Biscotti

Biscotti

	Gelato 25 x Triangle Kush
	16 to 19 oz/m²
	3 to 4 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 25%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	19 to 21 oz/plant
	5 to 6 feet
	October
	Creative, Motivating , Uplifting

Buy Biscotti

6. HulkBerry

HulkBerry, you guessed it, is our tribute to the almighty Bruce Banner. Born somewhere in Colorado from a cross of OG Kush and Strawberry Diesel, this strain is beloved for its ability to produce dank, dense flowers with rich aromas of berries and diesel, as well as its creative effects. Our version adds versatile growth traits to the mix, making for an excellent all-rounder strain.

Unlike the other strains mentioned thus far, HulkBerry is sativa dominant (65%)—a rarity in the world of Kush weed. The sativa side shines through in its slightly longer flowering time and larger stature, while its indica traits provide excellent bud structure and resin production. Roughly 4 weeks after germination, HulkBerry seedlings typically measure 20cm tall. This strain has a tendency to stretch, so providing her with good lighting from the get-go is extra important. Thanks to her resilient genetics, HulkBerry can handle a range of climates, but keep in mind that she takes up to 9–11 weeks to flower indoors and is usually harvest-ready between late September and mid-October outdoors. If you live in a more temperate area, you'll want to start this strain a little earlier to ensure she can mature properly. Thanks to her sativa dominance, HulkBerry can also handle heat and some humidity, though her dense flowers can also trap moisture. This strain is also known to stretch, potentially doubling in height as she enters flowering. Mature plants can grow up to 140cm indoors and 200cm outside, allowing growers to haul in yields of up to 450g/m² and 700g/plant respectively.

True to the original Bruce Banner, HulkBerry by Royal Queen Seeds produces a clear, uplifting high that a lot of people enjoy during the day, as well as aromas of berries, citrus, herbs, and earth, followed by a peppery kick. In the right conditions, this potent hybrid can produce up to 27% THC.

HulkBerry

HulkBerry

	OG Kush x Strawberry Diesel
	14 to 16 oz/m²
	3 to 5 feet
	9 - 11 weeks
	THC: 27%

	Sativa 65% Indica 35%
	23 to 25 oz/plant
	5 to 7 feet
	Late September
	Clear, Uplifting

Buy HulkBerry

7. Gushers

Gushers is another descendant of the mighty Triangle Kush and a great strain for anyone wanting to grow hardy Kush cannabis at home. Combining genetics from Gelato #41 and Triangle Kush, Gushers boasts pungent aromas, potent THC levels, and growth traits suitable for a variety of setups.

Indoors, Gushers performs very well, staying nice and compact throughout her vegetative phase. Due to her tightly spaced nodes and large, dense foliage, Gushers benefits from training and defoliation when grown indoors. As she transitions into bloom, however, Gushers can double in size, with indoor plants reaching max heights of 70–120cm. Outside, Gushers grows much taller, reaching up to 150cm (or more, depending on how much space she's given). Gushers is fairly resilient and holds up well in temperate climates and areas with short summers. Again, keep her stretch in mind, and consider planting a little later than usual if you live in warmer regions such as Southern Europe, California, or other regions with a Mediterranean-like climate. In cooler, more temperate or oceanic climate zones such as Central Europe or the Northern USA, it's best to plant Gushers as early as possible to maximise her growing time and yields. Come harvest time, this strain can produce yields of up to 500g/m² indoors and 700g/plant outside.

Gushers buds typically preserve their forest-green hues and boast a great structure characterised by large, rounded calyxes, rust-colored pistils, and few leaves—a treat for trimmers. She produces 24% THC and terps reminiscent of earthy-sweet cookie dough, ripe berries, and tropical fruit. Meanwhile, her strong effects will elevate your mind and relax your entire body after just a few tokes.

Gushers

Gushers

	Gelato 41 x Triangle Kush
	16 to 19 oz/m²
	2 to 4 feet
	8 - 10 weeks
	THC: 24%

	Sativa 40% Indica 60%
	23 to 25 oz/plant
	4 to 5 feet
	Early October
	Laughter, Physically Relaxing, Uplifting

Buy Gushers

8. Special Kush #1

Special Kush #1 is a classic Kush cannabis strain, bred from Afghan and other landrace strains that grow naturally around the Hindu Kush mountain range. The result? A hardy strain that can grow big and bushy outdoors, producing heavy yields of earthy, fruity, and pungent bud.

Special Kush #1 is 80% indica dominant, which shines through in its growth traits. Sprout these seeds, and in roughly 4 weeks you'll be growing 15–25cm-tall seedlings with dark green, broad leaves and tight nodes. Indoors, you'll see Special Kush #1 retain her compact growth traits—even after her impressive pre-flowering stretch, these plants usually don't grow much taller than 100cm indoors. Outdoors, however, Special Kush #1 can grow into monstrous bushes, especially when planted in large pots or directly in the ground. Most phenotypes tend to double in size as they begin flowering, reaching final outdoor heights of 200–270cm. Thanks to her indica dominance, Special Kush #1 grows really well in the temperate and oceanic climates seen across Europe and northern parts of the USA. Her fast flowering time only adds to this, as Special Kush #1 can be harvest-ready by late September. Special Kush #1 also performs well in more Mediterranean climates, but high humidity can expose her to pests and pathogens, particularly during her flowering phase. On average, this brawny indica can produce 475g/m² indoors and up to 550g/plant outside.

Special Kush #1 produces 17% THC and terpenes that smell of moist soil, incense, hash, and hints of ripe fruit. Her effects are strong, physically soothing, and mentally uplifting, making for a great afternoon or evening smoke when you're ready to kick up your feet and relax.

Special Kush 1

Special Kush 1

	Afghan x Kush
	15 to 17 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 17%

	Sativa 20% Indica 80%
	18 to 19 oz/plant
	7 to 9 feet
	Late September
	Heavy, Physically Relaxing, Stoned

Buy Special Kush 1

9. Purplematic CBD

Purplematic CBD is one of RQS' flagship CBD strains. A cross of Kush Rose Auto CBD and Afghan Rose Auto CBD, this stout autoflower produces eye-catching purple buds with fruity candy aromas and clear-headed effects.

Thanks to her ruderalis genetics, Purplematic CBD is a really hardy strain that can be grown in a variety of setups. Being autoflowering, however, it is really important that you give this plant a solid start to ensure she grows to decent heights and produces good yields. To do this, it's best to start Purplematic CBD seeds off indoors under a good light and in their final containers. Then, after 2–3 weeks, consider bringing your plants outside to soak up the rays of the sun. In the right conditions, Purplematic CBD seedlings should measure around 8–10cm by their second week of veg. By week 3 or 4, most phenotypes measure between 15–25cm and will have transitioned into their flowering phase. After stretching for around 3 weeks, Purplematic CBD plants should max out at 70–120cm indoors, while outdoor plants may reach heights of 140cm. Despite her Kush heritage, Purplematic CBD prefers warmer outdoor climates and is best grown in areas with long, sunny summers, such as Southern Europe or states like California, Florida, and Texas. Purplematic usually goes from seed to harvest in 9 weeks and can produce harvests of 450g/m² indoors and up to 150g/plant outside.

Thanks to her genetics, Purplematic CBD produces long, pine-shaped purple flowers with bright orange pistils and frosty resin. She packs around 17% CBD and sweet aromas reminiscent of tropical fruit candy.

Purplematic CBD

Purplematic CBD

	Kush Rose Auto CBD x Afghan Rose Auto CBD
	13 to 16 oz/m²
	2 to 4 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 0,5%

	Sativa 5% Indica 90% Ruderalis 5%
	4 to 5 oz/plant
	3 to 5 feet
	8 - 9 weeks after sprouting
	Calming, Clear

Buy Purplematic CBD

10. Royal Kush Auto

Looking to grow real Kush in express time and with ease? Look no further. Royal Kush Auto is our version of the classic OG Kush but in a compact, reliable auto seed. Boasting the same Chemdawg, Lemon Thai, and Pakistani Kush genetics as OG Kush, plus a touch of ruderalis, this strain makes growing Kush weed super fast and simple.

Royal Kush Auto is a very hardy strain that grows well indoors and outside. As with most autos, we recommend germinating these seeds indoors under a good light source and moving them outdoors once they've developed at least two sets of true leaves. While Royal Kush Auto can handle temperate climates and short summers, it's best to avoid stressing her so as to maximise her short veg time. In 3–4 weeks after germination, Royal Kush Auto plants should measure 15cm and boast deep green, healthy-looking leaves. By this time, Royal Kush Auto will automatically start flowering and stretch notably, reaching max heights of 90cm indoors and 150cm outside. Besides her strong central cola, Royal Kush Auto also develops a few side branches that quickly grow heavy with flowers. On average, well-grown Royal Kush Auto plants can produce 350g/m² indoors and up to 170g/plant outside.

True to the original OG Kush, Royal Kush Auto boasts beautiful aromas of moist soil laced with notes of pine, citrus, and fuel. Her flowers tend to retain their natural light green colors and develop a thick coating of frosty resin. With 13% THC, Royal Kush Auto makes for a well-balanced smoke that provides a mental buzz and light physical relaxation.

Royal Kush Auto

Royal Kush Auto

	OG Kush x Ruderalis
	10 to 12 oz/m²
	2 to 3 feet
	7 - 8 weeks
	THC: 13%

	Sativa 20% Indica 50% Ruderalis 30%
	4 to 6 oz/plant
	4 to 5 feet
	11 - 12 weeks after sprouting
	Clear, Physically Relaxing

Buy Royal Kush Auto

Make Your Garden Lush — Grow Some Kush!

Kush cannabis strains stem from ancient landrace plants native to the Hindu Kush mountain range that stretches through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Hardy, compact, and tasty, Kush varieties are a pleasure to grow and smoke. And thanks to the work of our breeders, we're happy to have a long-list of Kush strains suitable to a wide variety of climates, regions, and growing styles. Which one is your favorite?