We’ve all, at least once, lusted after purple cannabis buds. They look so beautiful and delicious, even if they feature the skunkiest aroma. There’s something about the rich purple color contrasting with the greens that grabs our attention.
Well, it’s time to stop drooling and start growing. You can also grow purple buds at home as long as you have the right strain and use the right tips. And that’s what this article is about. Here’s how you can grow purple buds.
Most cannabis plants are completely green, but some strains tend to grow various purple parts. That’s purple cannabis. Here, some leaves or buds can turn purple due to various factors, offering a visually awesome appearance to the plant. There’s a reason why purple buds are so in demand!
Usually, environmental factors like temperature and humidity trigger purple hues in the cannabis plant, the primary factor that plays a role is genetics. Some cannabis strains are genetically predisposed to develop purple colors; the rest are not.
Before we go ahead, let’s look at what parts of your cannabis plant can turn purple. Spoiler alert: it’s not just the buds. Here are the parts that turn purple on cannabis.
Cannabis buds are the most likely part of your plant that can display various colors, as they are the plant's flowers. Although buds are typically green, they can also show red, pink, or purple hues.
Purple buds are lovely to look at. They are exciting and interesting, and although they may not be more potent than green buds, they offer a visual experience unlike any other. Many growers even like growing purple buds because they can even sell for a higher price!
This colorful display can be exciting, but it’s important to note that unusual colors, like brown, can indicate problems such as bud rot sometimes. If the buds smell funky, that colorful bud is probably not so great after all.
Many people cannot distinguish between a good bud and a moldy one, but you should always be careful. First, do some research about the strains you grow, and if they change colors, you should definitely figure out whether it’s due to mold or changes in temperature (which is good). Unfortunately, you cannot smoke moldy buds, so you have to throw them away.
Leaves are green — that’s taught in biology classes back in high school, but there’s more to it than that. Leaves get their green color from chlorophyll, which is the dominant pigment in marijuana — for the most part.
Over time, your cannabis plant can lose some of its chlorophyll due to environmental factors, like cooler temperatures in autumn. Such factors inhibit the production of chlorophyll, making your plant lose its color.
On the other hand, some strains are genetically predisposed to develop anthocyanins, which is a pigment that gives the leaves blue to purple hues. That’s how your cannabis plant’s leaves can also turn purple.
Fun fact: leaves are not limited to green or purple hues. Sometimes, they can also develop other colors like red, yellow, or white due to lycopene, carotenoids, or anthoxanthin, respectively.
And just like flowers, new growers can sometimes mistake problematic colors for interesting ones. If your leaves develop intense green, yellow, or brown hues it — you should make sure it’s not because of an underlying problem related to nutrients or watering.
Do note that trichomes and pistils also change color, but that’s due to the plant’s maturity, pollination status, or potency levels. They don’t turn purple, although they do darken over time under some circumstances.
When growing cannabis, many growers aim to produce plants with buds that maintain their appearance even after drying and curing. And, rightly so. Otherwise, what's the point?
Apart from the leaves and buds, another part of cannabis that can display various colors are pistils. Yes, even the pistils can be pink or purple, depending on the strain.
For those unaware, pistils are hair-like structures found on cannabis buds that serve a vital role in the plant's reproductive cycle. Besides capturing pollen, their color can provide clues about the plant's maturity and overall well-being. For example, it's a good idea to look at the pistils to find out when to harvest. Typically, the pistils start white but as the plant matures, they begin to curl and turn brown or amber. When most of the pistils change colors, it's time to harvest.
Some cannabis varieties are naturally inclined to develop pistils that may look pink, purple, or red as they mature. The genetic composition of these strains primarily dictates this captivating color transformation.
In some instances, only the pistils change color while the rest of the plant — including leaves and buds — retains its original color. If you ever get to grow strains with colorful pistils, you're going to love them as the contrast they create against the green background of the plant is simply awesome. It's no wonder some growers actively search for such colorful strains.
However, just like the color of the buds doesn't indicate the potency, colorful pistils don't reflect the potency or quality of the buds. But, they look amazing and can cheer you up when you walk into your garden, so it's worth searching for such strains.
Trichomes look like mushroom-shaped crystals that form on the buds and sugar leaves of the cannabis plant. They are important as they produce cannabinoids and terpenes — the very reason you love cannabis. Typically, trichomes undergo a color transformation as they mature; at first, they look clear but turn milky or cloudy as the plant matures (indicating peak THC levels). Finally, they transition to an amber color and those who love sedative effects can harvest them at this point. These color changes determine when you can harvest the buds as you look at the trichomes through a magnifying glass.
Some strains display purple and pink colors even on their trichomes! Although this can be slightly challenging to determine when to harvest, it's pretty cool to see. In such cases, you can take a look at the pistils to determine the right time.
It’s not like some magical insect is painting your cannabis buds; it’s biology. Cannabis buds turn purple due to anthocyanins, a group of around 700 water-soluble pigments. These can also appear as red or blue, depending on the pH of the soil or substrate.
Generally, when the pH is neutral, as it usually should be for your cannabis plant, your buds can develop vibrant purple buds — as long as the strain is rich in anthocyanins. Hence, the color not only makes the buds prettier but indicates your plant’s unique genetic makeup.
But purple isn’t the only color that these compounds produce. In acidic conditions, ranging from pH 1 to 6, anthocyanins turn reddish-pink. Conversely, in an alkaline environment with a pH between 8 and 14, they show green tones.
Anthocyanins are not present throughout the entire life cycle of your cannabis plant. Instead, they become prominent in the last few weeks before harvest. This delayed appearance is because chlorophyll, the dominant green pigment, usually masks the anthocyanins.
As mentioned above, as the plant nears the end of its life cycle, the production of chlorophyll diminishes, particularly in response to reduced light exposure, which is a trigger for photoperiod cannabis to start blooming.
With less chlorophyll to obscure them, anthocyanins can finally show their vibrant colors.
Even cannabis plants that do not produce significant amounts of anthocyanins can exhibit striking color changes towards the end of their life cycle. The reduction in chlorophyll not only reveals the anthocyanins but can also lead to the appearance of gold and orange hues.
Despite the striking appearance, purple buds do not contain higher THC levels compared to regular non-purple buds. Yes, the vibrant color may give one the impression of higher potency, but the purple hues are in no way linked to the THC content of the buds.
But that doesn’t mean purple buds are merely aesthetically pleasing. Your buds get their purple coloration due to anthocyanins, which have been studied for their potential health benefits.
According to research, anthocyanins contain analgesic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties.
But there’s a catch: nobody knows for certain if these properties can benefit you when you smoke cannabis. Also, it’s possible that the process of lighting it up could degrade anthocyanins, rendering them not-so-beneficial for you. But hey, at least they look cool!
Apart from potency and potential health benefits, purple cannabis buds also give a boost to your reputation. Growing purple buds is not an easy task, and only experienced growers can successfully grow them.
You need to be exact with your pH levels and light exposure to coax the purple color out of your buds. If you manage to do it, it certainly calls for pride in your advanced growing skills. And did we mention, that you can sell them for a good price, too?
In conclusion, while purple cannabis may not be more potent in terms of THC content, it offers other potential benefits and an impressive display of cultivation prowess. The ability to grow purple weed signifies a high level of expertise and dedication, making it a coveted achievement among cannabis cultivators.
Want to be a master of your craft and grow stunning purple cannabis buds? Here’s a short guide on how to grow purple cannabis buds by allowing the anthocyanins in your cannabis plant to shine through.
The key to growing purple buds lies in the genetics of your cannabis plant. It’s the most important step. As mentioned above, genetics is the primary reason for purple buds. And without the right genetics, your cannabis plant will simply not turn purple.
Some strains are naturally predisposed to exhibit vibrant colors, while others will remain green regardless of what you do. Therefore, selecting the right strain is the most crucial factor in growing purple weed.
Opt for strains known for their brightly colored buds and pistils to maximize the colorful appearance of your final product. Ideally, you want strains where both the pistils and calyxes are vividly colored, enhancing the overall look of your buds.
Deeply colored strains often referred to as "black" strains, tend to retain their vibrancy better through the drying and curing process. These strains will help ensure your cannabis remains visually stunning from cultivation to consumption. More on this later.
If your cannabis strain already has the potential to turn purple, you need to give your plant cooler nights compared to days during the flowering stage. This encourages the plant to produce vibrant hues, especially as it nears harvest.
Do note that not all strains will respond to this. Some strains, like Panama, tend to display their colors regardless of the temperature conditions during the day. On the other hand, some strains like Sangria are more likely to produce colorful hues with warm daytime temperatures over cooler nighttime temperatures.
So, for the best results, maintain warm days and cool, cozy nights to encourage your cannabis plant to produce purple buds. Why does this work? Because the contrast in temperatures between day and night promotes anthocyanin expression and production.
To maximize color development in your cannabis plants, aim for daytime temperatures between 75-80°F (24-27°C) and nighttime temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C).
It's important to note that while some strains will turn color regardless of temperature, you can always reach out to breeders for specific advice on how to optimize color expression for particular strains. Most breeders are responsive to inquiries and can provide valuable insights.
Purple cannabis strains seem to thrive under intense sunlight. This is because strong, focused, and direct light encourages the production of anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the stunning purple hues.
So, you must understand the importance of providing sufficient light to your plants. Ensure that they receive strong and consistent light; it will help reveal their potential for vibrant coloration. This applies whether you are growing indoors with high-quality grow lights or outdoors in a sunny location.
By optimizing light conditions, you can enhance the natural beauty of your purple cannabis strains. Although the science behind this phenomenon is still being studied, practical experience shows that good lighting is essential for achieving those eye-catching purple tones.
Soil pH is a crucial environmental factor that can subtly influence the color of your cannabis flowers. However, its impact is limited and highly dependent on the genetic makeup of the strain.
Soil pH affects nutrient availability, which can influence pigment expression in plants. This phenomenon is seen in various species, such as hydrangeas, which turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil, and Korean maple trees, which also display pH-influenced color changes.
The exact mechanism by which pH influences color in cannabis is not fully understood. But in some cannabis strains, lowering the soil pH below 6 can enhance the production of purple hues, especially in strains genetically predisposed to turn purple. This effect is more noticeable when using LED grow lights.
Do these things and, if your strain supports it, your buds will start turning purple by the end of its flowering stage.
In essence, the process of turning your buds purple can be summed up like this: you’re essentially mimicking the autumn’s environmental cues. However, in doing so, you must ensure that you don’t cause undue stress to your cannabis plant.
You should adjust your plant's environment to encourage these color changes, but avoid extreme conditions. Keeping your plants within their preferred pH range — 6.0 to 7.0 for soil and 5.5 to 6.5 for hydroponic systems — is key to maintaining their health and avoiding potential issues.
Additionally, excessive cold or drastic pH changes can put a lot of stress on your cannabis plant. This can lead to various undesirable results, like hermaphroditism, instead of a rich purple color in the buds.
So, you should always take care of your plant and make gradual adjustments to optimize the environment of your plant. Harsh practices or significant deviations from their preferred environment can hinder their growth and color development.
Focus on providing a supportive environment with consistent care, and you’ll be more likely to see a bountiful harvest of beautiful purple buds. If your plants don’t turn purple this time, remember that you can always refine your approach for your next grow. It’s not like the purple color is making your buds more potent!
You’ll come across various tips on the internet, claiming to work well at making cannabis buds purple. Not all of them are safe and good, and you must avoid such nonsensical tips. Here are some of them.
1. Increasing Nitrogen Levels
A common myth is that adding extra nitrogen will turn your buds purple. In reality, too much nitrogen can lead to nutrient burn, not a color change.
Some growers mistakenly believe that adding nitrogen to the soil or nutrient solution will result in purple or pink buds. This misconception likely arises from the importance of nitrogen since it contributes to the plant’s growth but it doesn't work to add colors of any sort. In fact, this practice can be harmful, especially if you add more nitrogen during the flowering stage.
This is because of the nature of nitrogen. Yes, it's very important during the vegetative stage and is a component of chlorophyll which is essential for photosynthesis as well as amino acids that form proteins. The plant must have adequate nitrogen to develop lush foliage and stems; however, adding too much during the flowering stage can cause two problems. First, the plant may experience nitrogen toxicity if you add more than the recommended levels. The leaves may look waxy and even curl enough to look like claws. This not only affects the appeal of your plants but also their overall health and productivity.
Secondly — and this is very important — too much nitrogen can delay flowering as the plant focuses on growth and producing leaves rather than forming buds. The bud quality will be affected as well since they may become thin and airy as opposed to the dense buds you’re expecting.
2. Reducing Phosphorus
Another misconception is that you get purple buds if you reduce phosphorus during the flowering stage. This is totally untrue. Phosphorus is vital during the flowering phase as it not only aids in bud development but also facilitates energy transfer within the plant. Inadequate phosphorus levels can lead to airy buds and weak stems, not to mention a compromised root system.
3. Suffocate the Plant
Another myth is that depriving your cannabis plant of oxygen or carbon dioxide will induce purple coloration in the buds. But your plant needs a steady supply of air to grow properly, and cutting it off can lead to stunted growth and even death.
Depriving your plants of these elements is not just ineffective but detrimental to their health and growth.
First off, both oxygen and carbon dioxide are important for the plant. The roots of plants rely on oxygen for their well-being as oxygen is necessary for them to conduct cellular respiration. Inadequate oxygen levels can result in root rot, reduced nutrient absorption, and poor plant health. The roots simply cannot function properly and the plant can be stunted.
Similarly, carbon dioxide is also important as it's essential for photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO2 and release oxygen to produce the energy needed for growth. A lack of carbon dioxide can slow down plant growth and energy production.
Ultimately, if you deprive the plant of oxygen and carbon dioxide for a long period, the plant will simply die.
4. Using Artificial Dyes
You’re not making a Red Velvet cake, so don’t use dye on your plant ever. Artificial dyes are substances formulated to change the color of food and other products. While they are deemed safe for specific purposes where you want to change the color of a dish you're creating, applying them on living plants like cannabis is not suitable or safe.
This is primarily because they only impact the surface where they are applied. They do not blend with the plants, which is why it's ineffective and cannot alter the color of the buds. Unlike plants that naturally produce pigments such as anthocyanins, artificial dyes do not become part of the structure of the plant. The natural coloring in plants is a result of processes that cannot be replicated simply by applying external dyes.
If you do manage to change the color, note that it's only on the surface and just a temporary effect. In addition, although they are used in food, coloring plants can introduce toxins that pose significant health risks.
Many artificial dyes contain chemicals that are not safe for ingestion or inhalation. These chemicals can contaminate the buds by making them unsuitable for consumption. The same applies even to the food you're consuming. This is why you see physicians advising against the use of synthetic dyes. No doubt, the food looks incredible, but you just don't have to take that risk because there are many natural alternatives available nowadays. That said, you can't color the buds even if you use natural colors.
Unfortunately, artificial dyes can also trigger allergic reactions in some people. Smoking or consuming dyed cannabis could provoke these reactions, which is something you just don't want.
The color of your cannabis is primarily determined by its genetics, so focusing on genetics is the best approach for achieving purple buds.
5. Adjusting Various Routines
Adjustments to the light cycle, watering schedule, or growing medium won’t influence color change.
For instance, while light does indeed play a role in cannabis cultivation, it doesn't directly trigger color changes in buds. Instead, the color changes occur due to changes in other environmental conditions like the temperature.
Manipulating the cycle significantly can stress the plants, disrupting their natural growth patterns. If you want good, healthy buds, it's very important to be consistent with the light cycle, especially during the flowering phase.
If you mess with the cycle just because you want the buds to change colors, abrupt changes can result in issues such as hermaphroditism and decreased bud production.
For purple flowers, selecting a genetically predisposed purple strain and providing optimal growing conditions is the best strategy. So, whatever technique you come across, do your due diligence and stick to those that are tried and tested.
6. Ice
Another misconception is that using ice can induce purple or pink hues. This is not true. Yes, you can use mildly cold water to reduce the temperature of the root zone to stress the plant slightly so that it produces more cannabinoids; however, it won't have an effect on the color. Even then, you can do it at the very end of the flowering stage when you're just a few days away from harvesting the buds.
However, using ice to repeatedly flush the roots or soaking the roots in ice will only shock the roots so much that they stop absorbing nutrients. In severe cases, the plant will just die.
Also, using so much ice can create waterlogging issues. Not only will it stress the plant too much (remember, you should only induce slight stress so the plant activates its defense mechanism and produces more cannabinoids) but it can also lead to root rot. Similarly, underwatering the plant will also not produce any changes in colors. Instead, repeatedly underwatering the plant can cause dehydration and stress the plant too much.
Some cannabis strains may also grow purple stems, but you need to be careful here. Purple isn’t always a sign of beauty; it can be a warning, too. They may signal underlying issues such as nutrient deficiencies.
To determine if these color changes are a concern, look for additional symptoms like leaf discoloration, curling, or necrosis. Also, figure out whether you’ve identified any nutrient imbalances or pest infestations and ensure that your plants are growing within their optimal environmental conditions.
For example, here are some nutrient deficiencies that can cause purple stems and other plant parts.
Phosphorus is vital for root growth and flowering. Deficiency often shows as red or purple stems, darkened curling leaves, and stunted growth. To address this, use a phosphorus-rich nutrient solution and maintain soil pH between 6.0-7.0 or hydroponic pH between 5.5-6.5.
Magnesium supports photosynthesis and plant health. Symptoms of mag deficiency include red or purple stems and leaf curling. Correct this by using a magnesium-rich nutrient solution or Epsom salts and ensure the pH of your growing medium is balanced.
Calcium is essential for cell wall strength. A deficiency of calcium can result in red or purple stems, leaf curling, and stunted growth. You can fix this by providing a calcium-rich nutrient solution and checking the pH of your growing medium.
Potassium aids in nutrient transport and the growth of your plant. Deficiency of this can lead to red or purple stems, leaf curling, and poor bud development. You can use a potassium-rich nutrient solution and monitor pH levels to correct this issue.
As mentioned, genetics play the biggest role in turning buds purple. So, why not start with the right strains that contain these genetics? Lucky for you, purple strains are quite popular. Here are some of the best purple strains you can start with:
This one is a legendary cannabis strain that has won first place for Best US Indica at the 2015 Dever High Times Cannabis Cup. It is known for its vibrant purple, blue, and orange hues.
But apart from that, the hybrid strain, which was first bred in Northern California in 2003, is also known for its calming high. It contains a THC content of 17% with flavors of grape, berry, and herbs.
Named after Jimi Hendrix's iconic 1967 song, Purple Haze is a legendary Sativa strain known for its vibrant lavender buds. This strain delivers an uplifting burst of euphoria, making it a favorite for creative and blissful daytime experiences.
Purple Haze, believed to be a descendant of Purple Thai and Haze, features sweet and earthy flavors with hints of berry and sharp spice. Its energizing cerebral effects and nostalgic appeal have solidified its place as a cherished classic in the cannabis community.
Blackberry Cake Feminized is a 70% indica and 30% sativa hybrid with a renowned lineage that includes Wedding Cake, Black Domina, and Durban. The effects of Blackberry Cake are deeply relaxing, thanks to its indica dominance, while Durban’s sativa influence adds a touch of euphoria and creativity.
The aroma is rich and earthy with citrus undertones, complemented by a creamy and spicy flavor. Its sturdy growth and resistance to pests and mold make it a solid choice for growers seeking a high-yield, low-maintenance strain.
The plants are compact and bushy, ideal for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, particularly in warmer climates like the Mediterranean. With a flowering period of 55 to 70 days, growers can expect a bountiful yield of large, sticky buds.
Purplematic CBD is a visually striking strain with dark green buds and a deep purple core, making it a standout in any garden. Created by crossing Kush Rose Auto CBD with Afghan Rose Auto CBD, it boasts a high CBD content of 17% and a minimal THC level of 0.5%, allowing users to enjoy its benefits throughout the day without a high.
The strain is known for its candy-sweet aroma with pineapple notes, adding a pleasant sensory experience. With its CBD-rich profile, Purplematic CBD is excellent for use in various extracts, including cannabutter and full-spectrum preparations. It’s particularly useful for cognitive tasks like writing or working due to its clear-headed effects.
Growing purple cannabis buds is more than just a quest for vibrant colors — it’s a testament to your growing prowess. While the striking purple hues may not signal a boost in potency, they highlight your skill in creating an optimal environment for your plants.
By selecting the right strains, managing temperatures, and fine-tuning light and pH levels, you can achieve that coveted purple perfection. So, it’s time to embrace the challenge and let the purple in your buds shine through!
