How to Grow Durban Poison
A pure African sativa landrace known for fast flowering, sweet anise-pine aroma, and a clear energising high.
Durban Poison Grow Timeline
Durban Poison Seeds & Genetics
Genetics: African Sativa Landrace (Durban, South Africa) | Breeder: Ed Rosenthal / Mel Frank | Type: Pure Sativa
Durban Poison originates from Durban, South Africa and is one of the few commercially available pure sativa landraces. Brought to the West by Ed Rosenthal and Mel Frank in the 1970s, its genetics form the foundation of Girl Scout Cookies. Seeds are stable and available feminised from multiple breeders. Visit our beginner cannabis growing guide for germination instructions. Germinates in 3-5 days.
Indoor vs Outdoor Growing Durban Poison
Durban Poison is a tall sativa indoors - top at the 4th node and flip to 12/12 after 4-5 weeks of veg. Its loose open bud structure has good natural airflow reducing mould risk. SCROG dramatically increases yield - see our SCROG guide. Outdoors, its African heritage makes it drought-tolerant and heat-resistant. Harvest by October. Our outdoor guide covers warm-climate growing.
Nutrients & Feeding for Durban Poison
Durban Poison has moderate nutrient demand typical of sativa landraces. Start at 75% of recommended rates. Nitrogen-dominant in veg at EC 1.0-1.6, bloom formula at first signs of flowering. Thrives in organic soil grows. See our nutrients guide for organic feeding schedules.
Common Problems & Solutions
Height is the primary indoor challenge - begin training early in veg. Loose bud structure has natural mould resistance but can harbour spider mites - inspect regularly. Some growers find light sensitivity an issue - ensure complete darkness during dark period.
Harvest, Drying & Curing Durban Poison
Harvest when trichomes are 75-85% cloudy with minimal amber to preserve the clear energising sativa effect. Hang-dry 7-10 days - dries faster than dense indica strains. Cure 3-5 weeks in glass jars. Detailed instructions in our harvest guide.
Full terpene profile, effects and uses of Durban Poison.
Terpenes & Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durban Poison easy to grow?
Durban Poison is relatively easy for a pure sativa. It is fast-flowering, resilient to pests and adapts well to both indoor and outdoor environments.
How long does Durban Poison flower?
Durban Poison flowers in just 8-9 weeks - remarkably fast for a pure sativa, making it one of the quickest large sativas available.
What does Durban Poison taste like?
Durban Poison delivers a unique sweet anise-pine flavour with earthy undertones - distinctive and unlike most hybrid strains.
How tall does Durban Poison grow?
Durban Poison reaches 150-180cm indoors and can exceed 2m outdoors. Top early to manage height and increase yield.
Is Durban Poison good for outdoor growing?
Durban Poison excels outdoors in sunny climates. Its African landrace genetics make it naturally heat and drought tolerant.
What makes Durban Poison unique?
Durban Poison is one of the few commercially available pure sativas, offering a clean energising high without heavy indica sedation.