While there are thousands of marijuana strains today, there are only a handful that are legendary. Granddaddy Purple, often called Granddaddy Purps or GDP, is one of them. With two Indica parents, the Granddaddy Purple strain does the job for anyone who needs help with anxiety, depression or insomnia. Or those that just want to lay on the couch for a couple of hours while they Netflix and chill.

So...

  • Where did the strain come from?
  • Who produced it?
  • What are the recommended cultivation techniques?
  • What exactly makes it so great?

In this article, we will answer anything and everything you need to know about the strain and why we think Granddaddy Purple seeds should be next on your shopping list, especially if you like easy-to-grow Indica strains.

Grandaddy Purple strain info, history, and genetics

If you have never heard the name, Ken Estes, it is time to wise up.

Ken is one of the most legendary figures in the modern weed scene, only sitting behind the likes of Jack Herer in terms of his contribution to advancement of medical (and recreational) cannabis.

When creating Grandaddy Purps, Estes was simply looking for a safer alternative for pain management than pharmaceutical drugs. Little did he know that he was unleashing a strain that would do so much more and become one of the most celebrated medical cannabis strains.

So, what is the genetic background of the first GDP strain?

Granddaddy Purple is a cross of two heavy-hitters, Big Bud (one the heaviest yielders still to this day) and Purple Urkle (a legendary indica, one of the most celebrated strains in its own right). This unholy union delivered an 80% indica/20% sativa strain that would go on to win multiple awards and set the bar for purple strains henceforth.

Grandaddy Purps Feminized seeds
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What are the effects of the Granddaddy Purple weed strain?

As an almost pure Indica with THC levels reaching up to 24%, Granddaddy Purple delivers an intense sense of relaxation that may leave you feeling pleasantly 'couch-locked.' While your body sinks into a tranquil state, your mind drifts into a hazy, dreamy buzz. This strain is ideal for an evening smoke, guiding you into a deeply relaxed state that often leads to a restful sleep.

The sativa side of the equation does tickle its way through, but the sedation aspect of the Granddaddy Purple strain is heavy. If you have anything to do, best to get it done before your session, not after.

These effects make Granddaddy Purple particularly beneficial for various medical conditions. Those seeking relief from stress, anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and even muscle spasms will find that GDP offers the comprehensive support they need.

Granddaddy purple bud

What does Grandaddy Purps taste and smell like?

Open a jar of Granddaddy Purple, and you’ll instantly notice its strong and potent aroma.

Notes of incense and hash will hit you right away, but there will be a subtle berry smell lying in the background of it all. Upon tasting it, though, those traits seem to work in reverse.

At first, users will notice a blast of sweet berry goodness, but that deepens into an earthy, skunky spice flavour. That spice nicely cuts through the sweetness of the smoke, allowing you to continue consuming it for hours on end without having a cloyingly sweet flavor on their taste buds.

The smoke itself, when the buds have been nicely cured, is smooth as velvet. We recommend a curing period of 4 weeks minimum, but that can be extended for months on end. The difference this makes is substantial as the smoke, when properly cured, becomes more and more creamy and delicious as the terpenes continue to mature.

STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS
THC % 20%-24%
Flowering Time 10-12 Weeks
Outdoor harvest Early October
Yield 400-500gr/m²
Indica/Sativa Indica Dominant
Height Medium: 100cm-180cm
Difficulty Easy
CBD Content <1%
Climate Sub Tropical, Temperate, Warm
Medical Conditions Insomnia, Pain, Stress
Seed Type Feminized
Genetics Purple Urkle x Big Bud
Effects Relaxing
Taste Grape, Berry, Violet
Terpene Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene

How to grow Grandaddy Purple strain

Looking at the strain's heritage, it’s easy to guess how it’s going to grow. Being an Indica-dominant strain, it will stay relatively short and bushy with big wide Indica fan leaves. Flowering normally takes around 70 - 77 days, but depending on the phenotype and growing conditions, it can be a little longer or shorter.

Granddaddy Purple strain growing outdoors
Granddaddy Purple strain flowering outdoors

Temperature wise, it is best to keep the grow environment at a steady 70 - 75 degrees F right the way through the grow, with relative humidity at the 50 - 55% mark for the vegetative period, and then between 45% and 50% during flowering. The dense as all hell buds need a bit of airflow, so this is something to watch out for.

The best way to get the most out of the Granddaddy Purple strain is by pruning it and training the plants early on. Doing this will allow better light penetration and air exchange through the canopy, leading to bigger yields and less chance of molding later in flowering. A good way to train these plants is through topping and scrogging, but if topping is a little scary, just stick to the LST and scrog method.

While Granddaddy Purple will do very well no matter where she's grown, this bushy plant structure makes it ideal for growing indoors, particularly for those that use tents. When grown indoors, a Granddaddy Purple plant will grow approximately three to four feet tall, depending on the length of the vegetative period (we like a 5 to 6 week veg here, so we can top her twice).

With Big Bud as one of its parents, it's safe to say that when grown properly, GDP can yield huge harvests. The size and weight of the buds may weigh down the branches, so adding some support might be necessary.

As the plant approaches the end of its growing season, the buds will take on a vibrant purple hue that gives it its name, perfectly highlighting the trichomes that will make them glisten.

Granddaddy Purple is known to be easy to grow, making it suitable for both experienced and novice growers. The standout feature of Granddaddy Purple seeds is the striking purple color of the buds once harvested. You'll not only enjoy great-tasting bud but also impressive bag appeal, making it ideal for cash croppers.

Grandaddy Purple FAQs

What are the primary Granddaddy Purple Terpenes?

The dominant terpenes found within the Granddaddy Purple strain are myrcene and caryophyllene. Together, they give the bud aromas of incense, grapes, and berries. All cannabis strains have their own unique smell and taste profile; these aromas are created by the plant's terpene profile.

Is Granddaddy Purple strong?

Yes, sitting at an average 24% THC level, Granddaddy Purple is a potent strain. Its heavy indica effects add to this strain's weighty effects, a lovely smoke all around.

Is Granddaddy Purple good for beginners?

GDP is a great option for growers new to the game, thanks to her resilience to pests and disease and forgiving nature.

Is Granddaddy Purple good for sleep?

Yes, GDP is definitely a great choice for those looking for a sedative option.


Is Granddaddy Purple really purple?

It can be, but that does depend on the phenotype and growing conditions. To guarantee purple buds, make sure to that the overnight (or lights off) temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help bring out the purple hues in the buds during flowering.


Is Granddaddy Purple indica or sativa?

Granddaddy Purps has an 80/20 genetic split between indica and sativa, with its deeply relaxing effects coming from its indica side.