The Six Best Frosty Weed Strains with Heavy Trichome Genetics

Have you ever hooked up frosty strains of weed so dank that they clog up your crusher and stick your scissors shut? When it comes to putting the 'sticky' in sticky-icky, the credit goes to the trichomes found all over your frosty buds.

The Six Best Frosty Weed Strains with Heavy Trichome Genetics

Whether you call it crystals, snow, sugar, or just the icing on the cake, there’s no denying that frosty weed strains are all the rage. With an increase in popularity, more growers are adding super frosty weed strains to their seed collections. It may not be the determining factor for grading top-notch pot, but it adds a little bling to your stash. Let’s look deeper into why these super sticky strains are making waves.

What makes a Cannabis strain frosty? 

Have you ever hooked up frosty strains of weed so dank that they clog up your crusher and stick your scissors shut? When it comes to putting the 'sticky' in sticky-icky, the credit goes to the trichomes found all over your frosty buds. Trichomes produce the diverse cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes found in Cannabis, giving various strains their unique flavor profiles. Found in multiple plants and even algae, the chemical compounds produced by these trichomes serve a range of vital functions, such as defense against certain fungi and pests and aiding in pollination. 

The three stages of Capitate-stalked trichome ripeness
The three stages of Capitate-stalked trichome ripeness: (from left to right) clear, milky, and amber.

Several types of trichomes occur on Cannabis plants, giving the flower its shiny, hairy texture with a light dusting of powder. The largest and most important of those are called Capitate-stalked Trichomes. These trichomes, clearly visible under a general magnifying glass, look like stalks with a crystal ball perched on the top.

Trichomes have become a common indicator for growers, announcing the optimum time to harvest. Growers know by observing the opacity of the trichomes, which change from clear to milky to a light shade of amber. From there, the trichomes begin to degrade. This method isn’t surefire and may not necessarily apply to all strains, but its occurrence is vast enough to have become a common go-to. 

Microscopic close-ups of trichomes
Microscopic close-ups of capitate-stalked (left), capitate sessile, and bulbous glandular (right) trichomes. Credit: Samuels Lab/UBC

The two other trichomes found on Cannabis plants are Bulbous trichomes and Capitate-sessile trichomes. These microscopic trichomes occur most commonly on leaves and stalks; however, do not overlook their benefits – they also contain their fair share of cannabinoids and terpenes. Trichomes start developing in the flowering stage of your Cannabis plant’s life cycle, covering everything but the roots in fine hairs and glistening crystals. They are especially noticeable on the newly bloomed flower.

Why are some strains considered ‘frosty’?

Many strains get their “frosty” moniker based on their snowy appearance caused by high amounts of resinous trichomes that form all over the flower. 

How does frosty differ from sticky?

Almost all Cannabis strains worth their salt have a certain degree of stickiness due to the coveted resin that all smokers pursue. But not all Cannabis strains result in a white, frosty appearance. This is reserved for the extra frosty strains with high trichome content hardwired in their genetics.

Tips for growing Cannabis with frosty features

Not just any strain can qualify for frosty status. No matter how much love and attention you give your plants, the quantity and quality of your trichome content are largely dependent on genetics and various environmental factors.

Use good lighting

Once you’ve acquired the seeds of some white, frosty weed strains and a good spot to grow,  you want to focus on lighting. To best encourage trichome production, avoid excessive heat and humidity. That’s where LEDs are an excellent option. They generate vast amounts of light through a broader spectrum while maintaining a cool environment, preserving trichomes. Many growers find maintaining temperatures around 79°F gives the best results.

Growing marijuana at home under grow light
Growing Cannabis at home under grow light

HPS grow lights are a popular option for growers in colder climates as their purpose is twofold: providing your plants with light and warmth. However, many growers have also experimented with CMH (Ceramic metal halide), known as LEC (light emitting ceramic) bulbs. They produce different results depending on which version you utilize. Certain LEC bulbs can be used from seed to harvest, greatly increasing your trichome production but may lower the yield. 

Lastly, certain wavelengths of light, like UV-A and UV-B, seem to affect trichome production positively. This explains why you see all those frosty purple weed strains illuminated by bright purple UV lights in popular marijuana magazines. Always wear eye protection to block harmful rays when dealing with UV lights.  

Focus on the environment  

Environmental factors will play a large role in trichome production. If you’re hoping to grow the most frosty weed strains, there are a few things you need to keep in check. You want to maintain a comfortable temperature, and as the late flowering phase approaches, it’s best to keep humidity between 30 and 40%, especially in the last two weeks of flowering. 

Controlling temperature inside marijuana grow room
Controlling the environment of the Cannabis grow room

Maintaining a regular nutrient cycle will result in healthy plants, and healthy plants will produce better quantities of trichomes. Adding less nitrogen or extra UV light in the last two weeks of flowering can also promote better trichome production. However, adding UV lights can risk creating hermaphrodite plants, foxtails, or possibly putting your plants under light stress, so keep a close eye on your plant.

Practice plant training  

Utilizing plant training methods has become a popular trick for increasing plant mass, resulting in greater yields and higher trichome production on frosty white weed strains. Many of these methods involve putting the plants under stress or removing much of your plant’s foliage.

Super cropping involves pinching and twisting the stalks of your plants, putting them under stress to encourage growth throughout the vegetative phase. Cropping causes your plant to repair itself while adding extra bud sites by forcing it to take up more water and nutrients as a defense mechanism.  

The six best Cannabis strains to grow for frosty crystals

Now that we know what makes a strain frosty and the requirements for the growing conditions to bring the most out of a strain, it is important to grow marijuana strains that have the correct genetics. Some strains have the potential to turn more frosty than others. Luckily, we have created a selection of the six most frosty strains from our store.

Do-Si-Dos

The Do-Si-Dos strain is a renowned indica dominant with a ratio of 70:30 and a high THC content. This strain produces densely packed trees with impressively high resin-coated buds yield, averaging around 14 – 18 oz per plant. Despite being fairly easy to grow, cultivators still require some skill to get the most out of their seeds.

Do-Si-Dos feminized seeds

Do-si-dos is a newer strain, hitting the market around 2016. In a short time, though, the strain has built a large fanbase thanks to high THC content, which can reach levels of 30%.

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Do-Si-Dos cultivar profile

Plant type 70% indica 30% sativa
THC Up to 30%
CBD 1%
Difficulty Easy
Climate Indoors | Temperate | Continental | Mediterranean
Plant size Average
Vegetative stage 4 to 8 weeks
Flowering time 8 to 9 weeks
Yields 14 to 18 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Earthy | Sweet | Pungents
Effects Euphoric | Relaxed | Sleepy
Terpenes Terpineol | D-Limonene | Linalool | Caryophyllene | Myrcene

Super Lemon Haze

Super Lemon Haze is one of those frosty weed strain names that most potheads instantly recognize. This super dominant sativa strain packs a punch with up to 22% THC, giving users long-lasting, euphoric highs. This high-yielding strain is reasonably easy to grow and can thrive both indoors and out, provided you give your plants the right TLC.

Super Lemon Haze feminized seeds

Among the various strains of marijuana, Super Lemon Haze has held its own in the marijuana market for years. The Cannabis Cup winner has earned worldwide popularity that has not wavered despite the creation of new strains.

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Super Lemon Haze cultivar profile

Plant type 20% indica 80% sativa
THC Up to 22%
CBD Insignificant amounts
Difficulty Moderate
Climate Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant
Plant size Tall
Vegetative stage 4 to 8 weeks
Flowering time 9 to 10 weeks
Yields 21 to 25 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Citrus | Herbal | Sweet
Terpenes Caryophyllene | Terpinolene | Myrcene | Humulene | Carene

Tangie

Tangie is a cross of Cali Orange and Skunk-1. It weighs in with a 15-20% THC content, making the Tangie strain a great choice for beginners and veterans. People love the effects of this strain; in fact, Tangie scooped up first place in the 2013 Cannabis Cup.

Tangie feminized seeds

Tangie is an award-winning sativa-dominant hybrid strain with coveted genetics. Tangie's high THC content ranges from 15 to 20%, making it ideal for both experienced and beginner Cannabis lovers.

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Tangie cultivar profile

Plant type 30% indica 70% sativa
THC Up to 20%
CBD Insignificant amounts
Difficulty Moderate
Climate Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant
Plant size Tall
Vegetative stage 3 to 4 weeks
Flowering time 8 to 9 weeks
Yields 8 to 15 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Tangerine | Lavender | Sweet | Citrus
Effects Euphoric | Happy | Energizing | Creative
Terpenes Valencene | Caryophyllene | Myrcene | D-Limonene | Carene

White Widow

White Widow is a reputable strain with a name that most Cannabis enthusiasts have certainly heard of before. Putting the “white” in White Widow, this mildly-Indica dominant strain is well known for its dense frosty coating and high levels of THC (around 19%). White Widow is one of Europe’s first export strains, originating in the 90s.

White Widow feminized seeds

You looking for a relaxing smoke to unlock your conversational and creative side? You are going to love our White Widow seeds!

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White Widow cultivar profile

Plant type 60% indica 40% sativa
THC Up to 19%
CBD Insignificant amounts
Difficulty Easy
Climate Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean | Steppe
Plant size Average
Vegetative stage 4 to 8 weeks
Flowering time 8 to 9 weeks
Yields 18 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Earthy | Herbal | Pungent | Spicy | Sweet | Woody
Effects Creative | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted
Awards Cannabis Cup Winner 1995
Terpenes Caryophyllene | Beta-Pinene | Carene | Myrcene | D-Limonene

Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel, one of the most frosty weed strains, is another creation from the 90s. It’s known for its powerful highs, earthy diesel flavor, and pungency. Despite its growing challenges, this mildly sativa dominant strain (60:40) has become renowned worldwide. It will take a fair amount of cultivation knowledge to get the best out of this strain; however, when you do, the frosty rewards are well worth it.

Sour Diesel feminized seeds

Are you looking for an energetic, fun, and psychedelic high? Then you are going to love Sour Diesel seeds! Known around the world as 'Sour D' there's no mistaking its fuel-forward scent.

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Sour Diesel cultivar profile

Plant type 40% indica 60% sativa
THC Up to 20% THC
CBD Insignificant amounts
Difficulty Hard
Climate Indoors | Continental | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size Tall
Vegetative stage 4 to 8 weeks
Flowering time 9 to 10 weeks
Yields 16 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Diesel | Earthy | Herbal | Lemon | Pungent | Sour
Effects Energetic | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted
Terpenes Caryophyllene | D-Limonene | Beta-Pinene | Myrcene | Alpha-Pinene

Chemdawg

This strain is one of the smelliest strains on the market and exudes a pungency that lives up to its name. This potent strain is heavily indica dominant (80:20) and loads a heavy THC content to match. Chem Dawg’s parent strains are unknown; however, many speculate that they may be OG Kush and Sour Diesel. As a grower, you may find ChemDawg moderately challenging, but with a short flowering time, you’ll be enjoying the frosty nugs in no time.

Chemdawg feminized seeds

Chemdawg (AKA Chemdog) is a Cannabis strain that's surrounded by mystery and myths. Its parents may be unknown, but its effects are quite the opposite.

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Chemdawg cultivar profile

Plant type 55% indica 45% sativa
THC Up to 25%
CBD Insignificant amount
Difficulty Hard
Climate Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean
Plant size Tall
Vegetative stage 4 to 8 weeks
Flowering time 8 weeks
Yields 14 to 28 oz per plant
Taste and Smell Diesel | Pungent
Terpenes Caryophyllene | Valencene | D-Limonene | Ocimene | Myrcene

Conclusion

At the end of the day, there will always be a wide range of snowy, sticky strains. Some of these cultivars generate far more trichomes than others. Although this may not necessarily indicate what constitutes a good strain, it certainly does add a lot more flair and visual appeal to the quality of your nugs.

When choosing the most frosty weed strains, rely on ones known for their strong genetics and high crystal production. If you don’t know where to start, head on over to our store now to acquire your frosty weed strain seeds today, including all the growing tips you’ll need to bring the best out of your plants. 

Until then, remember, stay Frosty.

Scientific sources used: