Grand Daddy Purple, also known as Grand Daddy Purps, is one of the most popular indica strains on the West Coast of the United States and is probably the best known of the ‘purple’ cannabis strains.
The strain was developed in the San Francisco Bay area in 2003 by Ken Estes. Ken, together with his team, were seeking to create the ultimate indica hybrid by merging two strains with excellent genetics, Purple Urkle and Big Bud. The result was Grand Daddy Purple, which has its parents’ two best characteristics, the deep and dark purple colour from Purple Urkle, and the overgrown very dense buds of Big Bud. Aesthetically it is a highly pleasing strain with the dark purple buds blending well with the bright orange hairs and white trichomes that cover the bud.
The popularity of Grand Daddy Purple soon spread and it is now one of the most sought after indica strains thanks to its appearance and effects. However, there are some growers and people in the dispensary industry who claim that Grand Daddy Purple is almost identical to another famous indica strain, Grape Age. Furthermore, some people actually claim that the two strains may be the same thing. However, generally it is considered that they are just similar in lineage, look, taste and effects, so they are simply confused by users and growers.
Grand Daddy Purple is the perfect choice for night-time use. Initially it hits both the body and mind, but it soon fades into a smooth body buzz as most indicas do. Those looking to use cannabis for medical purposes find that Grand Daddy Purple is excellent for pain management and it has also been effective at treating insomnia, depression and anxiety. It is a powerful strain so those new to it are recommended to start with a low dose and then gradually build up.
Grand Daddy Purple is a strain best grown indoors, but it can be grown outdoors. Flowering usually starts at around 70 days when it is grown indoors, and those growing it outdoors can expect to harvest around early October. The oversized buds have been known to weigh down the plant, especially when it is grown outdoors. However, if grown indoors the plant should be short and stocky enough to hold the weight. Nonetheless, those growing at home may want to offer some support at around 60 days if the buds begin to wear down the plant’s frame.
Yields can reach 4 ounces per plant when grown indoors and outdoors they can reach well over 3 pounds per plant. For best results it is recommended to keep temperatures within the 70s throughout the grow cycle, and to keep humidity between 50% and 55%.
