10 Shortest Sativa Strains (With Pictures)

Unlike Indica strains, Sativas are known for growing tall or “leggy”.

While growing taller Sativas will produce a bigger yield, it can also be an issue if you have limited height in your grow space.

Genetics once again come to the rescue, with Sativa strains bred to solve this exact problem. 

Often elusive, we’ve tracked down the 10 best Short Sativa Strains for a compact grow space.

The 10 Shortest Sativa Strains

1. AK-47 (Feminized) ~ 48-81cm
2. Lemon (Autoflower) ~ 60-70 cm
3. Haze (Autoflower) ~ 60-100 cm
4. CBD Express (Feminized) ~ 60-100 cm
5. Tropicana Cookies (Feminized) ~ up to 70cm
6. Black Jack (Autoflower) ~ 70-110 cm
7. Amnesia Haze (Feminized) ~ 80-140 cm
8. Diesel (Feminized) ~ 90-160 cm
9. Super Silver Haze ~ 110-150cm
10. Casey Jones (Feminized) ~ 130-150cm

Continue reading for a mini guide to each strain, with info about grow difficulty, flowering time, effects, and more!

1. AK-47 (Feminized) ~ 48 cm – 81cm

AK 47 is an indica-dominant hybrid that was first bred in the Netherlands in 1992. It has a very distinctive coloring, with buds that are deep green and covered with bright orange hairs. Its flavor profile includes flavors of earthy pine, sweet citrus, and spice. The buds have a unique aroma that combines these flavors with an herbal musk.

When grown correctly, AK 47 can bring a large yield and is generally ready for harvest in 8-10 weeks. The plant tends to be quite tall, reaching heights of up to 100 cm when grown indoors and much taller outdoors. Its buds are dense, tight, and incredibly sticky due to the trichomes that cover the plant.

The effects of AK 47 are very potent and can be quite overwhelming for inexperienced users. It produces a strong head high that is often described as being simultaneously energizing and relaxing. The strain also has a calming effect on the body, helping to reduce stress and muscle tension while promoting a feeling of well-being.

2. Lemon (Autoflower) ~ 60-70 cm

Lemon is a powerful and delicious cannabis strain created by combining Lowryder #2 and Lemon Skunk genetics. This potent hybrid produces an invigorating, uplifting high combined with a mild body buzz that lingers until noon. Moreover, thanks to its auto-flowering genetics, Lemon has a significantly shorter life cycle, with flowering times between 49 and 56 days.

This strain stays relatively short in height, allowing for discreet outdoor growth. Growing indoors will reach up to 70 cm, while outdoors can reach between 80-100cm. Yields are respectable for an autoflower strain, producing up to 400 grams per m² indoors and 150 grams per plant in outdoor gardening.

The effects of Lemon are typically energizing and euphoric, with a mild body high. Many users find this strain helpful for relieving stress or anxiety.

3. Haze (Autoflower) ~ 60-100 cm

Haze is a Sativa-dominant strain that offers an amazing experience for growers and consumers alike. This impressive strain has an average flowering time of 56 days to 63 days, which makes it one of the fastest autoflowers on the market. With its combination of photoperiod and Ruderalis genetics, Haze brings an incredible potency of 24% THC and a superb active euphoric high that is sure to please.

Haze has a pleasantly manageable height when grown indoors, typically ranging between 60 cm to 100 cm. Outdoors, the plant can reach heights up to 150 cm depending on the pot size and growing medium it is used in. Its size can be kept compact with a 12-liter pot, and it will yield approximately 350 to 450 grams per m² when grown indoors. Outdoors, yields of 100 to 200 grams per plant, are possible depending on external conditions.

The powerful Sativa effects of this strain provide an uplifting and energetic experience, along with a slight euphoria that is great for creativity. The slight Indica properties will also help you to feel relaxed and content. However, if too much of this strain is consumed, it may induce feelings of anxiety or paranoia, so start low and go slow when consuming Haze.

4. CBD Express (Feminized) ~ 60-100 cm

CBD Express is a Sativa-dominant variety that is perfect for novice growers who are looking for a therapeutic and relaxing experience. These feminized seeds boast an 80% Sativa and 20% Indica genetic profile and produce compact, bushy plants with dense buds covered in trichomes. Outdoor requirements are best met in temperate to Mediterranean climates, while indoor cultivation should be done in 10-liter pots.

Flowering time for CBD Express is around 55-65 days, and yields are impressive – up to 500g per plant outdoors or 350g per square meter indoors. The strain’s high CBD content of 24% and low THC content of 1% make it a great choice for those looking to experience calming, therapeutic effects while staying clear-headed.

CBD Express has a unique smell and taste characterized by pungent spiciness with hints of pine forests and diesel. Side effects are mild and include dry eyes and mouth, usually associated with cannabis use. This strain is said to reduce stress, anxiety,

5. Tropicana Cookies (Feminized) ~ up to 70cm

Tropicana Cookies results from crossing the award-winning Tangie with the heavy-hitting Girl Scout Cookies. The genetic mix creates an uplifting and creative head high that feels almost like a jolt of energy, which is why it’s widely known as one of the best wake-and-bake strains.

This plant grows taller and bushier than most other Sativa hybrids, with girls reaching up to 6 feet tall. The buds are medium-sized and packed tightly together, resulting in a high yield of sticky trichomes that give off an aroma of sweet tangerine, citrus, and earthy spices. Flowering time is 8-10 weeks, and plants produce a moderate yield.

The effects of Tropicana Cookies are strong, long-lasting, and happy. It produces an immediate head rush that fills you with energy and creativity while also leaving your body in a relaxed state. You may experience mild paranoia or anxiety if smoked.

6. Black Jack (Autoflower) ~ 70-110 cm

Black Jack is a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that packs quite the punch. With its high THC content and potent effects, it has become one of the most popular strains among cannabis users. Sitting at around 23% THC, Black Jack is sure to provide powerful cerebral stimulation with an underlying body buzz.

Plant height-wise, Black Jack is a fairly average plant, growing to heights of about 3-4 feet. It has a bushy structure with plenty of trichomes and resin-dense flowers. Outdoor growers can expect yields between 40 and 250 grams per plant depending on weather conditions, whereas indoor growers should be able to pull 400 – 550 g/m².

Flowering time is an average of 8-10 weeks, depending on the growth conditions, and it has been known to produce a large yield. When smoked, users report a pleasant mixture of spices, incense, sweet wild blueberry, sourness, and earthy tones. The effects are not immediate, and it may take some time for users to feel the full effects.

7. Amnesia Haze (Feminized) ~ 80-140 cm

Amnesia Haze is a unique and powerful strain of cannabis that has won numerous Cannabis Cups over the years. Belonging to the Haze family, Amnesia Haze is a cross between Thai, Hawaiian, and Afghani genetics. She features high THC levels and offers users an uplifting yet relaxed feeling with both physical and mental relief.

This feminized strain is a Sativa-dominant hybrid with an 80 cm – 140 cm height indoors and up to 2.5 meters outdoors in optimal conditions. Amnesia Haze also has a flowering time of 9 – 11 weeks which can provide generous yields of 600 to 650 grams per m² for indoor plants and 800 grams per plant when grown outdoors.

On the effects of Amnesia Haze, users should expect an uplifting yet relaxed feeling that can lead to temporary memory loss and daydreaming. This strain is a great choice for those looking for stimulation throughout the day or relief from anxiety or depression.

8. Diesel (Feminized) ~ 90-160 cm

Diesel is definitely a must-have for any cannabis enthusiast. It’s a mostly Sativa dominant hybrid, resulting from the crossing of the famous NYC Diesel and Jack Herer. As such, it has an intense diesel fuel smell that is complemented by fruity notes like citrus and berry, making it quite pleasant to the senses.

The flowering phase for this strain is relatively short, between 49 and 63 days. Indoor growers can expect 400-500 grams per m² under ideal conditions, while outdoor growers have a harvest potential of up to 600 grams per plant.

Diesel grows into tall plants. The average height is between 90 cm and 160 cm when grown indoors, and it can even reach a height of 200 cm when grown outdoors in the open ground.

The effects of Diesel are mainly cerebral, while the Indica presence ensures bodily relaxation. Users have reported uplifting and euphoric feelings along with an extra boost in focus and clarity, as well as relief from symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression. This long-lasting strain can also ease physical ailments such as chronic pains, cramps, and headaches.

9. Super Silver Haze ~ 110-150cm

Super Silver Haze is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys a full flavor and powerful effects. This hybrid strain is the result of crossing Super Skunk, Northern Lights, and Haze. It has been praised by many in the cannabis community for its unique aroma and taste, as well as its strong uplifting mental high.

When it comes to growing this strain, Super Silver Haze is great for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. When grown indoors, plants typically reach an average height of between 2-3 feet. Flowering time can take up to 9 weeks, and yields can reach up to 9 ounces per square foot. Outdoors, however, the plant can reach a taller height of 4-5 feet. This strain also tends to yield better outdoors, with up to 10 ounces per plant when harvested in mid-October.

The effects of Super Silver Haze are long-lasting yet gentle and clearheaded. The high THC content (18%) will leave you feeling happy, relaxed, and sometimes giggling. Many find it great for tackling stress and depression, while others use it to help with fatigue and aid focus.

10. Casey Jones (Feminized) ~ 130-150cm

Casey Jones is an award-winning hybrid of Trainwreck, Sour Diesel, and Thai genetics that packs a punch. This indica-dominant strain produces large plants with robust buds covered in crystalized THC. It’s easy to grow indoors or outdoors in regions with continental climates; for shorter seasons, a greenhouse is recommended.

The plants grow to between 3 and 6 feet tall with a flowering time of 8-9 weeks. It’s a great strain for beginners, as the high bud-to-leaf ratio means there is plenty of air circulation, reducing the risk of mold developing. The yield for this strain is considered to be high, producing up to 550 g/m2 outdoors and 500 g/m2 indoors.

The smoke from Casey Jones is diesel-tinged with an earthy, spicy taste. It provides a fast-acting, uplifting effect that is calming yet happy.

How To Control Sativa Height

Apart from choosing a short growing Sativa strain, here are some quick tips to control the height of your Sativa plant:

1. Use Plant Training Techniques – techniques such as SCROG (sea of green) train plants to grow horizontally with a net (or screen) which makes the plants maintain the same height.

2. Top your plants – by cutting off the top of your plants stem when it’s young, you force the plant to grow wider rather than taller.

3. Keep your grow light close – A stronger, more intense light will make your plants grow shorter. Lights that are far away from plants force the plant to reach for the light, making them taller.

4. Start flowering sooner – If you start the flowering process sooner, your plant won’t reach its full height. Your plant will almost double in size during flowering, so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts – Short Sativa Strains

And with that, we come to the end of our top compact indoor Sativa strains.

When indoor space is a primary concern, it’s easy to run out of room!

As a result, it’s important to choose your strain carefully before planting.

As your experience builds, learning growth management skills will increase the number of Sativas you can grow indoors.

In the meantime, any of the Sativas on our list would make a great selection for any compact indoor grow!

Happy growing!

Originally posted 2019-02-20 13:04:54.