Big Bud Strain Review & Grow Guide | The Ultimate Yield Monster

Alright, settle in, you lot. We’re talking about a true classic today: Big Bud. This strain earned its name for a bloody good reason, and if you’re chasing a jaw-dropping yield of chunky, rock-hard buds, you’ve come to the right place. But don’t let the name fool you—there’s more to this cultivar than just big size. It’s a proper old-school indica powerhouse with a history as rich as its flavour.

This complete Big Bud guide breaks down everything from its legendary genetics to a few insider tips on how to manage its massive colas and bring out that subtle purple hue. You’ll be growing a bloody champion in no time.

Quick Facts Table

Key Takeaway	Details
Genetics	Afghani x Skunk #1 x Northern Lights
Seed Type	Indica-dominant hybrid
Potency	THC up to 20%
Grow Difficulty	Beginner-friendly (with a big caveat!)
Flowering Time	7–9 weeks
Yield	500-600g/m² (Indoors), 700-800g/plant (Outdoors)
Main Effects	Deeply relaxing, sedating, euphoric
Flavour & Aroma	Sweet, earthy hash, subtle spice, grape

1. The Roots: Genetics and Lineage

You can’t talk about a legendary strain without looking at its family tree, and Big Bud’s is a proper hall of fame lineup. I reckon if you could get a beer with these strains, you’d be hearing some wild stories. Originally bred in the USA back in the 80s and then refined over in the Netherlands, Big Bud is a true old-school hybrid.

Infographic diagram showing Big Bud cannabis strain genetics with Afghani, Skunk #1, and Northern Lights merging into one large cola.

It’s a three-way cross of:

Afghani: A pure landrace indica, the king of resilience and dense, high-yielding buds. A tough, no-nonsense character that loves a fight.
Skunk #1: The iconic workhorse with hybrid vigour, known for its powerful, fast-acting effects. This one’s the chatty mate who gets the party started.
Northern Lights: Another titan of the indica world, praised for its potency and compact structure. Think of this one as the quiet legend in the corner that everyone knows can hold its own.

Breeders aimed to combine Afghani’s ruggedness and Northern Lights’ potency with Skunk’s legendary get-up-and-go, but their main goal was always to smash all yield records. It’s a mission they absolutely bloody nailed.

2. The Experience: Potency and Effects

So, what’s it like to light up some Big Bud? Don’t let the relatively low THC count (up to 20%) fool you. This isn’t a race to see who can get the highest; it’s a marathon of pure, unadulterated relaxation.

The high starts with a mild, euphoric lift that puts a proper smile on your face and gently washes away any stress. It’s not a mind-bending rush—just a nice, happy vibe. But it’s the body high that truly defines this strain. It creeps in slowly, starting as a warm, comforting tingle that melts into a deep, full-body stone. Soon enough, you’ll be blissfully couch-locked and probably heading off for a good night’s sleep. What it lacks in sky-high THC, it makes up for in pure yield and a classic indica power that’ll still put a decent dent in your afternoon plans.

I’ve had days where I’ve been flat out and a little hit of Big Bud has been just the ticket. It’s your go-to strain for unwinding after a long day or for a lazy weekend when you just want to kick back and do nothing. Absolute gold.

3. The Flavour: Aroma and Taste

Big Bud is a bit of a quiet achiever when it comes to aroma. It won’t stink out the neighbourhood like some of its skunkier cousins, which can be a real plus for stealth growers who don’t want the whole street knowing their business.

The aroma is a subtle, smooth mix of earthy and sweet tones. The dominant terpenes—Myrcene (for that earthy, herbal base) and Caryophyllene (for the spicy kick)—are balanced with a hint of sweet Pinene. When you light it up, you get a clean, classic taste of sweet hash with a hint of grape and a dash of spicy musk on the exhale. It’s not the loudest strain in the world, but the flavour is smooth and genuinely enjoyable. A real old-school flavour, if you know what I mean.

4. The Grow Guide: Cultivation Secrets

Alright, listen up. Big Bud is beginner-friendly—if you know the rules. It’s got that classic indica stockiness, which is great for indoor tents, and it’s pretty forgiving with nutrients. But you’ve got to respect that name. Those buds get seriously big, and that brings a few challenges you need to be ready for. This is where the old man separates the wheat from the chaff.

Illustration of Big Bud cannabis plants with oversized colas supported by stakes and trellis, showing massive yields and dense buds.

Nutrient Requirements

She eats like a champ—don’t skimp on NPK during veg, then lean on phosphorus and potassium late flower to bulk up those monster colas.

The Mould Problem (and How to Fix It)

The biggest threat to a Big Bud grow is bud rot. Those massive, dense colas don’t get much airflow in the middle, making them a prime spot for mould. It’s a real shame to lose a whole crop to it, so you need to be proactive.

I’ve seen a mate lose half a crop ’cause he thought one pedestal fan in the corner was enough. Those colas turned into mouldy cricket bats overnight.

Pruning is Non-Negotiable: Prune the inner canopy throughout veg and early flower to improve air circulation. It’s like giving your plant a haircut to stop it getting sweaty underneath.
Airflow is Key: Use fans to create a proper breeze both above and below your canopy. You want to see those leaves rustling a bit.
Keep Humidity Low: Drop your humidity to 40-50% during the flowering stage. If it gets too humid, you’re just asking for trouble.

Best Training Methods

Big Bud is a workhorse, and a little training goes a long way. This strain responds brilliantly to a Sea of Green (SOG) setup because its main cola grows so large and uniform. While SCROG works, it’s not always necessary, as the plant naturally produces one big central cola and heavy side branches, which can be supported on their own.

Support Those Colas!

You’ll need to support those monster buds, or they’ll snap the stems under their own weight. Use bamboo stakes, a trellis net, or even a few plant yo-yos to give your plant a hand. It’s a small effort that saves a lot of heartache.

Matty’s Pro Tip: Bringing Out the Purple

While most Big Bud phenos are green, some display stunning purple hues late in flower. To bring out this coloration, you can expose your plants to cooler nighttime temperatures in the last 2-3 weeks before harvest. A 10-15°C temperature drop can activate anthocyanin pigments, giving you that killer colour.

I’ve done this a few times, and it’s a real joy to watch. Just be careful not to shock your plants. A gradual drop is all you need to get that killer colour. This can also be encouraged by maintaining a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.0) in the final weeks of flower.

5. The Final Count: Flowering and Yield

This is where Big Bud truly shines. It’s not just in the name; this plant delivers on its promise of a monumental harvest.

Flowering Time: It’s a fast finisher, typically ready in 7-9 weeks indoors. If you’re growing outdoors, expect to be harvesting by late March or early April.

Yields: You can expect an incredible 500-600g/m² indoors. Outdoors, under a proper Aussie sun and a few good feeds, it’s not unheard of to get 700-800g per plant. It’s a grower’s dream, no doubt about it.

Height: Indoors, expect a compact plant, typically staying around 100-140cm. Outdoors, with room to stretch, she can get a bit lanky, pushing up to 2m or more.

6. The Final Verdict: Who Should Grow Big Bud?

If you want to fill your jars with a serious amount of top-shelf bud without a tonne of hassle, Big Bud is for you. It’s a rugged, sturdy plant that’s easy to manage and forgives most beginner mistakes. Just stay on top of that airflow and get your pruning sorted, and you’ll be fine.

Big Bud won’t win any awards for boutique flavour, but if your goal is jars so full they creak under the weight, she’s the undisputed heavyweight champ.

Matty’s Expert FAQ

Is Big Bud a “couch-lock” strain?

Fair dinkum, mate, she’s a proper body-melter. While it starts with a gentle, euphoric buzz, it quickly settles into a powerful body stone that’ll have you glued to the couch. It’s a perfect choice for evening use or when you just want to be knocked out cold. A real end-of-the-day sort of weed.

Can beginners grow Big Bud?

Yeah, but listen up. The plant itself is tougher than an old boot—forgiving with nutrients and pest-resistant, no dramas. But its huge, dense colas can turn to mould in a humid tent faster than you can say “bugger.” As long as you manage your airflow and get a good pruning schedule sorted, you’ll be just fine.

Is Big Bud good for Sea of Green (SOG)?

A ripper question, that. She’s one of the best for it. Big Bud is naturally a bit of a show-off, focusing her energy on one massive central cola. That makes her an absolute champion for SOG, where you want a uniform canopy without all the fuss. You can pack a lot of plants into a small space and get a massive return for your efforts.

How do you get that purple colour in Big Bud?

You’ll need a specific phenotype, but you can bring out the colour by giving her a bit of a shock with cooler nighttime temperatures (around 10-15°C) in the last 2-3 weeks of flowering. You want to ease into it, mind you. A gradual drop is all you need to get that killer colour, and a slightly acidic pH (5.8-6.0) can help, too. Just remember, a happy plant is a colourful plant.

Ready for a monumental harvest? Grab Big Bud Feminised Seeds from our Matty-approved High-THC lineup and start training your canopy today.

Pro tip: Get a trellis net or some yo-yos ready before flowering—she’s going to need a bit of support for those monster colas.

For beginners: Or start with the Big Bud Fast Version for a faster, shorter first run with a slightly smaller plant.

Big Bud Strain Review: Effects, Taste, and Grow Guide
Last Updated on: September 10, 2025