Purple cannabis is a visually striking phenomenon that has captivated both growers and enthusiasts alike. With its vibrant hues, it's a plant that stands out in any garden, but it's not just about looks — there's a lot more going on beneath the surface.
Who doesn't love a touch of color in their life? If you're one of them and are curious about what makes cannabis turn purple and how to grow your own colorful buds, you're in for a treat. This article breaks down the science behind purple cannabis, what affects its color, and the best practices for growing your own stunning purple buds. Let's start.
Most cannabis plants you see are green, but some strains come with a twist — purple cannabis. In these plants, certain parts, like leaves or buds, take on a purple hue. The result? A plant that's as visually striking as it is popular.
But, let's be real — purple buds don't just turn heads; they're in high demand for a reason!
These vibrant hues don't happen by accident. While environmental factors like temperature and humidity can play a role, genetics are the true game-changer. Some cannabis strains already have the genetic blueprint to go purple, while others simply aren't.
No, it's not some magical fairy dust at work — it's all thanks to anthocyanins. These are water-soluble pigments responsible for the purple, red, or blue shades in cannabis (and other plants). Anthocyanins react to the pH of the soil or growing medium, giving your buds their brilliant hues.
Here's how it works:
The process doesn't happen throughout the plant's life cycle, though.
Anthocyanins only step into the spotlight during the last few weeks before harvest. Chlorophyll — the green pigment that dominates most of your plant's life — fades away as your cannabis approaches maturity, especially with reduced light exposure. This gives anthocyanins a chance to shine, pun intended.
Even if your plant lacks anthocyanins, it might still undergo a color change toward the end of its life. As chlorophyll production declines, you might see gold, orange, or other warm tones.
Purple isn't limited to one part of your plant. Here are four areas where you might spot those gorgeous hues:
These are the fine, hair-like structures that grow on your buds, signaling that your plant is female. Pistils start as creamy white but can turn orange, red, or even purple as the plant matures. What's cool? That purple will stick around even after harvest, drying, and curing.
These small pods form the building blocks of your buds. They open up to reveal pistils as they mature. Calyxes, too, can turn purple, adding to the visual appeal of your flowers.
Both fan and sugar leaves can develop purple tones. However, this won't drastically affect the final look of your buds since most leaves are trimmed off post-harvest.
These tiny, crystal-like structures cover your buds and usually shift from clear to amber as they mature. But in some cases, they can also take on a purple hue, adding an extra layer of beauty.
Let's clear this up: purple buds might look like they pack an extra punch, but their vibrant color doesn't mean higher THC levels. Despite their awesome appearance, the purple hues don't have any direct link to potency.
So, no, you won't get a stronger high just because your buds are a shade of royalty.
But hold up — purple buds aren't all about looks. Their striking color comes from anthocyanins, pigments that researchers have found to have potential health benefits. These compounds are thought to have analgesic, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Sounds great, right?
Well, there's a bit of a hiccup. Nobody's entirely sure if these benefits translate when you smoke cannabis. Plus, the heat from lighting up might degrade the anthocyanins, possibly taking away those good-for-you properties.
Beyond THC content and potential health perks, purple cannabis comes with a certain prestige. Growing purple buds isn't as simple as tossing some seeds in the dirt and hoping for the best. It takes skill, patience, and serious attention to detail, such as the following:
To produce those beautiful purple hues, you need to nail your pH levels and light exposure. This isn't beginner territory — it's a flex of your advanced growing skills.
Successfully cultivating purple buds is a sign you've got your growing game perfected (or at least close to it). And let's be honest, it's a great conversation starter.
Beyond bragging rights, purple buds often fetch a higher price. Their unique appearance and the expertise required to grow them make them a hit in the market. That's why purple buds, as good as they look, are often expensive!
While purple cannabis won't blow your mind with extra THC, it's more than just a pretty face. These buds show your expertise, offer potential (but not confirmed) health benefits, and can even fill your wallet.
Purple stems or other plant parts can be pretty to look at, but sometimes they're waving a red — or, well, purple — flag. While some cannabis strains naturally develop purple coloring, others may be a sign that something's not right, like a nutrient deficiency.
Here's how to tell the difference and keep your plants thriving.
If your cannabis plant starts showing purple hues, don't hit the panic button just yet. Take a closer look for additional symptoms like:
Also, check your plant's environment. Are the temperature, humidity, and pH levels in the ideal range? And don't forget to rule out pest infestations — those little critters can wreak havoc if left unchecked.
If everything else seems fine, but the purple persists, it might be time to dig deeper into your nutrient game. Here are the usual deficiencies to look out for:
Phosphorus is crucial for root health and flowering. A lack of it can lead to:
If you suspect this problem, use a phosphorus-rich nutrient solution and ensure your soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 (or 5.5 and 6.5 for hydroponics).
Magnesium keeps your plant's photosynthesis running smoothly. Deficiency symptoms include:
To fix this, add a magnesium-rich nutrient solution, like Epsom salts, and make sure your pH is balanced.
Calcium strengthens your plant's cell walls and keeps it standing tall. Without it, you might see:
How to fix this? Provide a calcium-rich nutrient solution and double-check your growing medium's pH levels.
Potassium helps with nutrient transport and overall plant vitality. Signs of deficiency include:
To fix this, use a potassium-rich nutrient solution and regularly monitor the pH of your soil or hydroponic system.
Remember, not all purple strains are created equal. If you're growing a strain known for its vibrant hues, the coloring is likely genetic. But if your plant looks stressed — droopy leaves, stunted growth, or dead spots — it's time to check for nutrient deficiencies and environmental factors.
Let's get to the meat of the matter. How do you turn your cannabis purple? Here's a short guide to help you bring out those vibrant hues by maximizing anthocyanin production in your cannabis plant.
Genetics are the foundation of purple cannabis. Without the right strain, no amount of temperature tweaking or lighting will make your plants turn purple.
So, select strains known for their natural vibrancy, often labeled “black” strains. These strains retain rich colors even after drying and curing. Look for strains with deeply colored pistils and calyxes for a better look.
Some popular purple strains include Granddaddy Purple, Purple Haze, and Sangria — more on this below. You can also consult breeders for tips on bringing out this color development for specific strains — they often have valuable insights tailored to your chosen genetics.
As you may know already, some strains are more prone to becoming purple, while others require more extreme temperature changes. Thus, it will help you study the genetics of your strain for best results. Now, considering you have a strain with the ability to become purple, you can manipulate the temperatures.
One of the most effective ways to enhance purple pigmentation during the late flowering stage is to drop night temperatures. Try to lower temperatures by about 10 to 15 degrees from daytime levels.
Indoor growers can use air conditioning or ventilation to control temperatures. Think about putting grow lights on timers to simulate natural light cycles and temperature changes. But, if you're growing outdoors, you'll have to depend on the temperature dips that occur naturally in fall. Pick the right strain for your climate to get purple buds outdoors.
Cooler nights during the flowering stage can encourage purple hues. The contrast between warm days and cozy, cooler nights boosts anthocyanin production, especially as harvest approaches. So, aim for these temperatures:
However, not all strains respond to temperature shifts. For example, strains like Panama naturally display colors regardless of environmental conditions, while others, like Sangria, thrive with warmer days and cooler nights. Experiment with temperature control based on your strain's needs.
Make sure you adjust the temperatures when there are about 2-3 weeks remaining to harvest. This is when the plants respond to the changes in the environment in order for anthocyanins to develop.
High or low temperatures help alleviate the problems of the plant but extremely cold (less than 55°F or 13°C) will stress the plant, slow you down, and reduce your yield. Thus, always monitor temperatures carefully.
A sudden drop in temperature can shock your plants, leading to slow-growing and stress problems. Therefore, bring down the temperature gradually over a few days so that the plants can adapt.
Purple cannabis grows well under bright, consistent light. Direct and intense sunlight — or high-quality grow lights for indoor setups — stimulates anthocyanin production, amplifying those vivid purple tones.
Ensure your cannabis receives sufficient light throughout its growth cycle. While the exact science is still under research, growers consistently report better color development in plants exposed to strong light.
Maintaining overall plant health is crucial for color development. Keep an eye on pH levels, nutrient balance, and environmental conditions to avoid stress that could affect anthocyanin expression. Healthy plants are better equipped to bring out their genetic potential, including vibrant coloration.
Let's talk soil pH — it's a sneaky little factor that can influence how colorful your cannabis buds turn out. While it's not a magic trick, it does play a role, especially if you're working with the right genetics.
Soil pH impacts how well your plants absorb nutrients, and this can have a ripple effect on pigment expression. You've probably seen this with other plants, like hydrangeas that flip between blue and pink depending on the soil's acidity or those stunning Korean maple trees that shift colors based on pH levels.
When it comes to cannabis, the connection isn't completely understood. Still, some strains seem to respond to a lower soil pH—think under 6.0 — by showing off vibrant purple hues. If you're using LED grow lights, this effect might even be more pronounced.
With pH, you want to mimic Mother Nature. Here's the gist: you're trying to recreate autumn's natural vibes to coax out those purple tones. But tread lightly! You want to adjust your plant's environment, not stress it out.
For soil grows, aim for a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, and if you're using a hydroponic setup, stick to 5.5 to 6.5. Keep the changes gradual — your plants will thank you. Sudden shifts in pH or extreme conditions, like freezing temps, can leave your plants struggling. Instead of gorgeous buds, you could end up with stressed plants or even hermaphroditic ones.
To maintain the colorful purple hues of your cannabis buds while also enhancing their potency scent and flavor, they need to be harvested and cured correctly. Here is how to deal with these vital phases.
Timing is everything. Keep an eye on the trichomes with a magnifying glass. To get the best potency possible, look for cloudy trichomes that have a little bit of amber. Remember that if you harvest too early, the purple color will not be sharp and vibrant.
If you handle the buds too much or treat them roughly, the trichomes will get damaged, which will cause the color and quality to dull. Use gloves and sharp, clean tools for the cut to avoid bruising.
When exposed to excessive light during harvest, cannabis purple buds may fade. Therefore, work in a dim environment to keep your color and effectiveness.
For the best colors and aroma, you want to harvest first thing in the morning. This is when the plant's terpenes and anthocyanins are at their peak.
Yes, you want to smoke the buds right away, but drying them too quickly can mess them up. From losing their potency to giving you a sore throat (from coughing too much) a lot of things can go wrong. Thus, let the buds take their time and do their thing. Just make sure the temperature and humidity are in the right range and you're good.
Curing is the most important step of all. It will make the buds look good and taste amazing too. What else do you need?
So, once the buds are dry, place them in glass jars to keep the humidity and the purple color intact. Don't use plastic containers as they damage the trichomes. Also, light exposure during curing may degrade anthocyanins, chlorophyll, and cannabinoids, so make sure you store the jars in a cool place and dark place.
Keep in mind that the humidity matters a great deal when you cure the buds. The buds will be vulnerable to mold if the humidity is too high, but if it's too low, the buds dry out too much, which affects their flavor and color. Thus, make sure you keep it between 58 and 62% using humidity packs or a hygrometer.
In the initial two weeks of curing, open the jars daily for ten to fifteen minutes to release the moisture and let the air in. This process stops molding and retains colors.
You can smoke the buds right after curing them but curing greatly enhances the flavor, potency, and appearance. For example, uncured buds will be harsh on your throat and lungs while cured buds will produce a smooth smoke. In addition, uncured buds will taste like they contain a lot of plant matter whereas cured buds will taste amazing. Some growers cure for up to eight weeks for the best results.
If you properly harvest and cure your purple buds, you'll keep their vibrant color, increase their smell and flavor, and get a good end product.
Turning your buds purple is all about imitating nature, specifically the cooler vibes of autumn. But here's the catch: you've got to walk a fine line to avoid stressing your plants out in the process. So, keep these tips in mind, too.
To encourage those vibrant purple hues, you'll need to tweak the environmental conditions. But don't go overboard — extreme changes can do more harm than good. Stick to your plant's comfort zones: a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0 for soil and 5.5 to 6.5 for hydroponics. Maintaining these ranges helps keep your plants healthy and their nutrient uptake on point.
Sudden temperature drops or drastic pH shifts might seem tempting to speed things up, but they can backfire big time. Stressing your plants can lead to unwanted issues like hermaphroditism, which is the last thing you want when aiming for vibrant purple buds.
Think of your plants like a new roommate — you need to ease them into changes, not throw them into chaos. Small, steady adjustments to their environment will encourage those beautiful color transformations without compromising their health.
Finally, even if your buds don't turn purple this time, it's not the end of the world.
The color might make your harvest look fancy, but it doesn't make the buds more potent. Use this as a learning experience, refine your techniques, and aim for that Instagram-worthy purple on your next run.
Giving your cannabis plants too many nutrients can negatively affect their health. Over-fertilizing our plants can burn the plants' nutrients, which can leave discolored and burnt spots on the plant's leaves. Here are a few things you should keep in mind when fertilizing your plants.
Purple cannabis strains usually need the same nutrients as green strains but they can be a tad little sensitive. Stress prevents the strain from turning purple. In fact, stress prevents the plants from developing their usual lustrous green too, so avoid it as much as possible.
Don't overfeed your plants to try and enhance their color. This is just silly and will only harm your plants. Instead, just provide them with what they need, and they will turn purple if you've chosen the right strain.
Start with quarter-strength of the nutrient levels provided on the manufacturer label, especially if you're dealing with seedlings or sensitive strains you're not very familiar with. As the plant grows, slowly ramp up nutrient levels.
Look for a few signs of nutrient burns including:
If you see these signs, then flush the growing medium with pH-balanced water to remove excess salts and nutrients.
Give your plant food on the same day every week to keep it simple. To get purple cannabis, use a nutrient blend that supports anthocyanins and plenty of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) during flowering.
If the pH is off, it will cause a lockout which means that the plant can't absorb nutrients properly while you just provide more nutrients to the plant. Therefore, be cautious and check the pH levels often,
The internet is full of so-called "hacks" to turn your cannabis buds purple, but not all advice is good advice. In fact, some tips can harm your plants. Here are six practices to avoid:
A common misconception is that extra nitrogen will bring out purple hues in your buds. This is false and potentially harmful. While nitrogen is essential during the vegetative stage, overloading it during flowering can cause toxicity.
Signs of nitrogen toxicity include claw-like leaves with a waxy appearance, delayed flowering, and thin, airy buds. Instead of helping, excess nitrogen shifts the plant's focus to foliage growth, reducing bud quality.
Some growers believe cutting back on phosphorus during flowering will encourage purple buds. This is completely untrue. Phosphorus is critical for bud development and energy transfer in plants. Reducing it can lead to weak stems, a compromised root system, and airy, low-quality buds.
Another myth is that limiting oxygen or carbon dioxide can induce purple coloration. In reality, your plant needs both to thrive. Oxygen supports root health by enabling cellular respiration, while CO2 is vital for photosynthesis. Cutting off these elements can cause stunted growth, and root rot, and eventually kill your plant.
Applying artificial dyes to cannabis plants is both ineffective and unsafe. Dyes only color the surface and don't blend into the plant's structure. Worse, they can introduce toxins that make the buds unsuitable for consumption and may trigger allergic reactions.
Adjusting light cycles, watering schedules, or growing mediums won't turn buds purple. While environmental factors like temperature can influence color, disrupting light cycles or other routines stresses the plant. This can lead to hermaphroditism and reduced bud production.
Remember, consistency is key — stick to optimal conditions for the healthiest results.
The idea that ice can turn buds purple is misleading. While mildly cold water can slightly stress the plant to boost cannabinoid production, soaking roots in ice or using excessive cold will do more harm than good.
It can shock the roots, cause waterlogging, lead to root rot, and potentially kill the plant. Any cold water techniques should only be used sparingly and at the very end of the flowering stage.
Instead, your best bet for purple buds is to choose strains genetically predisposed to produce purple hues and provide them with optimal growing conditions. Always research methods thoroughly and rely on tried-and-true techniques to avoid damaging your plants.
As mentioned, genetics play the biggest role in turning buds purple. So, why not start with the right strains that contain these genetics? Luckily, purple strains are quite popular. Here are some of the best purple strains you can start with.
This legendary strain won first place for Best US Indica at the 2015 Denver High Times Cannabis Cup. It's known for its vibrant purple, blue, and orange hues. A hybrid strain first bred in Northern California in 2003, Grandaddy Purple has a THC content of 17% and delivers a calming high. Expect flavors of grape, berry, and herbs with each hit.
Named after Jimi Hendrix's iconic 1967 song, Purple Haze is a legendary Sativa strain that showcases vibrant lavender buds. This strain is known for its uplifting, euphoric effects, making it a favorite for daytime activities, especially creative pursuits. Expect sweet, earthy flavors with berry and sharp spice notes.
Blackberry Cake Feminized is a 70% Indica and 30% Sativa hybrid with a stellar lineage that includes Wedding Cake, Black Domina, and Durban. The relaxing effects of its Indica dominant strain are complemented by a hint of euphoria and creativity from the Durban.
Its earthy aroma with citrus undertones and creamy, spicy flavor make it a treat for your senses. With a flowering period of 55 to 70 days, this strain is great if you want high-yield and low-maintenance plants.
Purplematic CBD features dark green buds with a deep purple core, making it a striking addition to any garden. Created by crossing Kush Rose Auto CBD with Afghan Rose Auto CBD, this strain offers a high CBD content of 17% with minimal THC (0.5%). It has a candy-sweet aroma with pineapple notes and offers clear-headed effects, making it perfect for cognitive tasks like writing or work. Its CBD-rich profile makes it ideal for extracts and full-spectrum preparations.
Lavender Kush is an Indica-dominant hybrid renowned for its beautiful purple buds and unique floral aroma. Its calming and relaxing effects make it a great choice if you're looking to relieve stress or insomnia.
With THC levels between 18% and 22%, lavender kush offers a gentle high that's both soothing and uplifting. Its sweet lavender aroma and earthy, spicy flavor make it a fan favorite among those who enjoy fragrant strains.
The purple color of cannabis does not dictate its taste, so you won't taste anything different whether you smoke purple, red, or green buds. Cannabis gets its flavor from terpenes, and they differ for every strain, which explains why some strains smell like they can attract the entire neighborhood while others don't throw such intense scents at all.
The terpenes myrcene, linalool, and pinene are responsible for certain flavors, not the purple coloring itself. Suffice it to say that the color, in this context, has no link to taste. Growers and breeders generally associate rich, fruity flavors with purple buds that consumers expect.
Yes, purple weed often costs more than green buds, but the reason is simply because it is rarer and more attractive. Although purple buds aren't more potent or better simply because of their color, they stand out visually and consumers will pay a premium for it. Here's a deeper look involving factors that influence its price.
Not all cannabis strains turn purple. In fact, only certain genetics are capable of producing stunning colors. In fact, most purple strains are harder to source, owing to their rarity. In addition, plants don't develop a beautiful purple color even with the right genetics if you don't take care of them properly. From the nutrients to the temperature, you need to be very careful about everything. As a result, this labor-intensive process with lots of complexities makes them rarer.
It is not as simple to grow purple cannabis as simply growing your average green strain. You need to apply strategies to produce vivid colors. For instance, you need to adjust the temperatures according to the plant's needs during the mornings and nights. If you're really serious about it or own a business that promises purple buds, you may have to invest in climate controllers.
Also, you need to improve anthocyanin production while ensuring that the plant's health and yield are not compromised. You can do so by balancing the nutrients.
Finally, remember that purple strains may need longer flowering times to develop their colors, meaning there will be more labor and operation costs, so plan accordingly whether you're growing at home or commercially.
A purple color often fetches a higher price tag, but it does not denote better potency, flavor, or effects as mentioned earlier. Instead, look at the potency of the strain. If you love strains with peculiar aromas, take a look at the terpenes of the strain. However, if you want to impress your friends with just the aesthetics, purple strains are certainly going to help.
No, not all cannabis strains are capable of becoming purple. A plant can turn purple depending on its genetics and if it has pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments are the ones responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors of plants. The colors that are to be enhanced by environmental factors can come out only if they are already present in the plant's genes.
Some strains tend to produce more anthocyanin than others, which can make them look a purplish, reddish, or bluish color. Popular strains such as Purple Haze, Granddaddy Purple, and Blackberry Kush are great examples.
If the strain doesn't have the genes to produce anthocyanins, it won't turn purple regardless of environmental conditions. Strains with high chlorophyll and low anthocyanin content will stay green throughout the plant life cycle.
Even in those with the genotype, the environment seems to play a role in exhibiting purple. With proper conditions, anthocyanin expression may increase and the dominance of chlorophyll may decrease revealing those purple hues.
Growing purple cannabis is a rewarding challenge that combines art and science. While it might not boost potency, the unique colors and potential health benefits make it a sought-after addition to any grower's collection. And let's not forget, it can earn you some more cash, too!
By understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to those beautiful hues and avoiding common growing mistakes, you can improve your chances of growing cannabis that's as visually stunning as it is potent.
Whether you're in it for the bragging rights or the Instagram-worthy buds, mastering the art of purple cannabis growing is a badge of honor for any cultivator. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to get your hands on purple cannabis!
