Granddaddy Purple
Granddaddy Purple: A Relaxing and Fruity Classic
Whether you know it as Granddaddy Purple, GDP, or Granddaddy Purple Kush, this highly regarded strain made an undeniable splash in the cannabis scene upon its release. Featuring a deep purple colouration and deeply relaxing effects, Granddaddy Purple is a common inclusion on dispensary and coffeeshop shelves.
Aside from its aesthetics and effects, Granddaddy Purple exhibits a sweet, fruity aroma that is reminiscent of grapes and berries, accentuated by a distinct floral hint. And, thanks to its Kush origins, GDP is compact, easy to grow, and ultimately very productive.
Read on to find out everything you need to know.
Genetic Background of Granddaddy Purple: Kush Origins
Granddaddy Purple is an indica-dominant hybrid, with a genetic makeup of 70% indica and 30% sativa. The strain was created in 2003 by San Francisco-based breeder Ken Estes, and quickly became wildly popular, dazzling with its striking purple hues.
The lineage of Granddaddy Purple features a blend of Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghan genetics. This gives it a powerful, relaxing effect that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Mendo Purps
Coming out of Northern California, Mendo Purps is an indica strain known for its sultry colouration and fruity, grape-like aroma. It is also a popular choice among medical cannabis users for its relaxing and sedative effects.
Skunk
Skunk is a legendary hybrid strain beloved for its robust growth, sweet and skunky flavour, and high-flying effects. Since its inception, Skunk has lent its genetics to many of today’s most popular cannabis strains.
Afghan
Afghan is a landrace indica strain native to the Hindu Kush mountain region of Afghanistan. Appreciated for its powerful yet chill effects and high resin production, it adds a distinct vigour to its GDP progeny.
Aroma and Flavour of Granddaddy Purple: Sweet and Floral
Granddaddy Purps typically exhibits a sweet and fruity aroma with hints of earth and flowers from its Kush ancestors. This aroma is often said to showcase distinct notes of grapes and berries. The flavour is rich and slightly more savoury than the aroma, making the smoking or vaping experience quite moreish and complex.
The terpene profile of Granddaddy Purple is led by:
- Myrcene
- Pinene
- Caryophyllene
Potency and Effects of Granddaddy Purple: Deep, Narcotic Highs
Granddaddy Purple is a potent strain that boasts THC levels ranging from 17% to 23%, depending on various factors such as growing conditions, harvesting time, and the drying and curing process.
Combined with an array of terpenes, this THC content gives rise to a relaxing, almost trance-like effect that soothes the body and helps the mind stop ruminating. The high is characterised as being generally blissful, giving a positive sheen to the whole experience.
Recreational Uses
Granddaddy Purple is a great choice for recreational cannabis users looking to kick back, relax, and bliss out after a long day or week. It is especially suitable for the evenings, particularly for those who have trouble finding a good night’s sleep.
Medical Uses
Given the above, Granddaddy Purple has a reputation for helping individuals who experience insomnia. Its heavy physical effect also makes it an intriguing candidate for medical cannabis users looking to ease physical pain and muscle tension. Finally, as it is known to cause the munchies, this strain may also help people experiencing low appetite.
Side Effects
Like all strains of cannabis, Granddaddy Purple can cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects include dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness.
Growing Granddaddy Purple: Robust and Fast to Flower
Granddaddy Purple is a relatively easy strain to grow, with plants reaching a moderate height and featuring a brief flowering time of around 8–10 weeks. Indoor growers can expect yields of up to 500g/m² if they take proper care of their plants, while outdoor growers in a dry and warm climate can achieve up to 600g/plant.
Indoor Growing Tips
When growing Granddaddy Purple indoors, it is important to expose as much of the canopy as possible to light. GDP vegetates vigorously and responds well to training methods like LST and topping, which have the potential to increase yields substantially.
Given the density of the resulting buds, growers need to keep a close eye on humidity during the bloom stage. Try to keep RH as close to 40% as you can during the final couple of weeks before harvesting. As this strain features robust indica genetics, it can handle slightly cooler temperatures, though it prefers around 25°C.
Outdoor Growing Tips
Outdoor-grown GDP plants should be situated in a spot that receives 6–8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Also, keep an eye out for pests as plants mature, and make sure not to overwater or overfeed. If possible, consider growing Granddaddy Purple in super soil containing organic nutrients; this will help to sidestep issues with pH and nutrient lockout. As the flowering stage comes to a close, growers in damp or rainy climates should keep a close eye on the buds to ensure mould doesn’t gain a foothold.
Should You Try Granddaddy Purple?
Granddaddy Purple is a great strain for fans of relaxing and potent indicas. If you enjoy strains like Runtz, Pink Panties, Gelato, Zkittlez, or Sour Candy, you will likely enjoy Granddaddy Purple.
For Growers
Granddaddy Purple is a decent choice for growers seeking a high-yielding, potent strain that is relatively easy to grow. Its deep purple colouration and potent effects make it a popular choice among home growers.
For Recreational Users
Recreational cannabis users who prefer a relaxing effect over a stimulating effect will likely get on well with Granddaddy Purple. Its potency makes it a great natural nightcap, or simply a perfect option for enjoying some chill time with friends.
For Medical Users
Granddaddy Purple is also a popular choice for medical cannabis users seeking relief from physical pain and tension, insomnia, or who have issues with low appetite. The uplifting effect of GDP may also help individuals experiencing depression.
Granddaddy Purple: A Relaxing and Potent Indica
In conclusion, Granddaddy Purple is a highly regarded indica-dominant cannabis strain that has left a big purple mark on cannabis culture. From seed to stash and well beyond, this strain is bound to satisfy the senses with its beautiful visual display, as well as its aromas and effects.
Granddaddy Purple Strain: FAQ
Q: What is Granddaddy Purple?
A: Granddaddy Purple is an indica-dominant cross of Mendo Purps, Skunk, and Afghan known for its purple colour and deeply relaxing effects.
Q: What are the effects of Granddaddy Purple?
A: Granddaddy Purple’s effect is primarily physical, soothing and relaxing the body, but with an uplifting, blissful buzz.
Q: Which terpenes are in Granddaddy Purple?
A: The terpene profile of Granddaddy Purple includes myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene in the highest quantities. These give it a mostly sweet, but also earthy, flavour.
Q: What are Granddaddy Purple’s side effects?
A: The most commonly reported side effects of Granddaddy Purple are dry mouth, dry eyes, and dizziness.
Grow your own Granddaddy Purple
- Grow difficulty
- Medium
- Flowering type
- Photoperiod
- Flowering time
- 8-9 weeks
- Harvest time (outdoor)
- October
- Yield (indoor)
- Large
- Yield (outdoor)
- Large
- Height (indoor)
- Medium
- Height (outdoor)
- Medium