The flashy purple strains have become so popular that many think they’re superior to green, or other colored strains. However, this distinct color is only down to genetics, and the subjection of the green chlorophyll pigment. No more, no less.
Purple cannabis doesn’t give more high and neither do they produce more yield than their greener counterparts. Humans have just always had an eye for the unique. So, why then do some weed strains remain green while some take up other colors? Read on, let’s find out.
Why Does Weed Turn Purple?
Contrary to popular belief, Herbies have affirmed that purple weed is not a result of a cannabis deficiency. Plants generally contain pigments that are responsible for their color. The popular green color in plants is due to the chlorophyll pigment in green plants. The purple cannabis strain is a result of higher levels of anthocyanins pigments.
However, unlike chlorophyll, anthocyanin doesn’t have a fixed color. Plants can develop a range of colors from blue, red, or black from excess anthocyanin.
The eventual purple color occurs as a result of the inherent genetic traits of the plant itself and other environmental factors. Importantly, temperature, PH, and light levels play important color roles. Neutral and slightly acidic PH levels particularly favor anthocyanin production.
What are Anthocyanins?
They are water-soluble flavonoids responsible for the red, blue, or purple hue in plants. Purple weed plants don’t grow purple right off the bat, they retain a green hue through spring and summer until fall.
During fall, chlorophyll pigments get depleted and anthocyanins thrive. That’s why you’d only see these beautiful colored smell proof weed containers towards the end of winter. However, PH plays a very important role. An acidic soil medium will produce a red plant, an alkaline PH favors blue, while purple strains thrive when the PH is neutral.
Are Purple Strains more Potent?
Purple cannabis is another example of where beauty doesn’t exactly mean high-quality. While this strain is a fan favorite, you wouldn’t get any more high than you’d get while smoking strains of greener colors. Any perceived difference in high is either psychological or down to the genetics of the strain. But, it has nothing to do with the purple coloration. In fact, purple cannabis is said to have lesser average THC content in some cases.
How to Grow Purple Strains?
Purple strains are exotic and lucrative but easy to nurture. And, with the right seeds and environmental conditions, you can get it done. Here’s how:
Plant predisposed purple seeds
Since genetics also play an important role, you’d need to grow seeds predisposed to developing a purple hue. Without the preferred purple color predisposition, it’d be an effort in futility. High anthocyanin levels can only do so much. Cannabis species would always take up their genetic color regardless of flavonoid level.
Adapt Fall Temperature
Chlorophyll pigments usually break down during the cold fall temperature. So, if you consistently lower the temperature in your garden at nighttime, you can successfully aid the buildup of flavonoids. Anthocyanin especially thrives at temperatures lower than 50F.
Wrapping up
Purple cannabis is visually appealing, exotic, and lucrative. But then again, they are not superior to greener strains. You may want to take us up on that by rolling up a purple blunt. Let us know what you discover in the comment section below.
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