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 certainly does add 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.
Several different 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.
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.
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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 light spectrum while maintaining a cool environment, preserving trichomes. Many growers find maintaining temperatures around 79°F gives the best results.
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, which can greatly increase your trichome production, but may lower the yield.
Lastly, certain wavelengths of light, like UV-A, and UV-B both 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.
Maintaining a regular nutrient cycle will result in healthy plants, and healthy plants will produce better quantities of trichomes. Adding less nitrogen or adding an extra UV light in the last two weeks of flowering can also promote better trichome production. However, adding UV lights can run the risk of creating hermaphrodite plants, foxtails or possibly put your plants under light stress, so keep a close eye on your plant.
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Practice Plant Training
Utilizing plant training methods have 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 6 Best cannabis strains to Grow for frosty crystals
Do-Si-Dos
Do Si Do 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.
| 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 |
Buy Do-si-dos Seeds
- 70% indica 30% sativa
- High THC level towards 30%
- Easy growing inside and outdoors
- You feel both relaxed and euphoric
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
| Plant type | 20% Indica 80% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 22% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 21 to 25 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Citrus | Herbal | Sweet |
Buy Super Lemon Haze Seeds
- 20% Indica 80% Sativa
- Extreme THC levels up to 22%
- Produces a high yield
- Stimulating, energetic euphoria
Tangie
Tangie is a cross of Cali Orange and Skunk-1. It weighs in with a 15-20% THC content, making 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.
| 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 |
Buy Tangie Feminized Seeds
- 30% indica and 70% sativa
- Solid THC levels up to 20%
- Long-lasting effects
- More suited for experienced growers
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 (+- 19%). White Widow also happens to be one of Europe’s first export strains, originating in the 90s.
| Plant type | 60% Indica 40% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 19% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Temperate | Mediterranean | Steppe |
| Plant size | Average |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 18 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Earthy | Herbal | Pungent | Spicy | Sweet | Woody |
| Effects | Creative | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
| Awards | Cannabis Cup Winner 1995 |
Buy White Widow Seeds
- 60% Indica 40% Sativa
- THC levels up to 19%
- High yielding easy growing plant
- Feminized seeds for guaranteed results
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.
| Plant type | 40% Indica 60% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 20% THC |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Climate | Indoors | Continental | Steppe | Mediterranean |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Flowers | 10 weeks |
| Yields | 16 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Diesel | Earthy | Herbal | Lemon | Pungent | Sour |
| Effects | Energetic | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
Buy Sour Diesel Seeds
- 40% Indica 60% Sativa hybrid
- THC levels up to 20%
- Sun-loving, high yielding plant
- Energy-driven psychedelic high
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.
| Plant type | 80% indica 20% sativa |
| THC | Up to 25% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Vegetative stage | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Flowering time | 8 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 17 oz per plant |
| Taste and Smell | Diesel | Pungent |
Buy Chemdawg Seeds
- 80% indica 20% sativa
- Extreme THC levels up to 25%
- Fast flowering plant for quick results
- Soothing mindful high
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 ilgm.com now to acquire your frosty weed strain seeds today, including all the grow tips you’ll need to bring the best out of your plants.
Until then, remember, stay Frosty.
FAQs about Frosty Weed Strains
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.
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