Big Bud Strain Review: Effects, Taste, and Grow Guide

Last Updated on: December 23, 2024

For high-yielding cannabis strains that deliver deeply relaxing effects, the Big Bud cultivar quickly comes to mind. 

This strain has plenty to offer for those who enjoy Indica-like effects. However, Big Bud doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression when it comes to flavour.

If you’re interested in growing this marijuana, you’re in for a bountiful harvest as long as you grow it well. 

In the rest of this article, you will learn about the genetics, flavour profile, effects, growing requirements, and overall verdict on Big Buds. 

With such information, you can be sure if it’s a strain you want to grow and smoke. Let’s get started. 

Big Bud Strain Overview

QUICK NOTE: 

The original Big Bud strain blends two legendary favourites: Afghani and Skunk #1.

Over time, breeders have experimented with this strain, crossing it with others to achieve new effects and potencies.

For instance, at Aussie Hemp Seeds, we’ve developed a unique hybrid by combining Big Bud with genetics known for fast flowering. The result? Big Buds Fast Version Seeds, which flower in just 6-7 weeks!

Let’s go into the original Big Bud feminised strain, starting with its genetics.

Genetics and Lineage

Big Bud Cannabis Plant

Looking at Big Buds’ genetic heritage (a cross of Afghani known for high yield and Skunk #1 known for relaxing effects), you can already tell how promising this cultivar is.

Pure Afghan is famous for its high THC content, usually around 20%, and sometimes reaching up to 25%. Growers appreciate this strain’s quick flowering and great flower-to-leaf ratio, resulting in large yields.

Skunk #1 is known for its strong, pungent smell and dense, resin-covered buds. It has a sweet flavour and is valued for its deeply relaxing, body-focused effects.

Combining these legendary strains into Big Bud sets high expectations for its quality.

Appearance, Aroma, and Flavour 

Big Bud is a tall plant that can grow up to 2.1 metres. Its buds are large, dense, and shaped like spades. They are olive green with hints of deep purple and bright orange hairs scattered across them. 

The buds are coated with white, shiny trichomes and sticky, sweet resin.

The smell is strong, with a noticeable skunky scent. The flavour mixes earthy tones, sweet citrous, and a touch of spice. The main flavour notes include:

• Myrcene: Earthy, herbal, and clove-like.
• Alpha Pinene: Fresh and piney, like a forest.
• Beta Pinene: A woody, green, pine-like aroma.

While this flavour profile sounds appealing, many smokers believe other strains, like 5 Alive and Blue Dream, offer better aroma and taste. 

If flavour is your priority, you should explore those instead.

Effects and Benefits

Big Buds cannabis buds.

Big Bud has a THC level of up to 20%, which means it’s a reasonably potent cannabis. 

Although you will find other strains like Godfather OG and Bruce Banner with higher THC and cerebral high effects, it’s important to reflect on this cultivar being an Indica-dominant hybrid. 

So with such a THC percentage, you can expect a deeply relaxing effect that gives you a sense of euphoria and happiness after you consume the buds. 

As the effects continue, it can make you feel sleepy and peaceful, making it a great choice for evening or nighttime use.

Growing Big Buds Cannabis Strain

Big Bud cannabis plant

It doesn’t matter if you’re growing cannabis for the first time or not. If your priority is to have a higher yield at the end of your growth, Big Buds are the right strain to consider. 

But you have to do it right to get the best results. And it begins with germination. 

How to Germinate Big Bud Weed Seed

The most popular germination method for marijuana seeds is the paper towel method. 

QUICK TIP: 

• Be sure you’re working with high-quality cannabis seeds. It’s better to get your Big Bud seeds from a reputable seed bank that is transparent about their breeding. If you’re in Australia, Aussie Hemp Seeds is the best option. 

Now follow these steps to germinate Big Bud cannabis seeds properly:

Step 1: Place a damp kitchen towel on a flat surface.

Step 2: Space your seeds a few centimetres apart on the towel, then cover them with a second damp kitchen towel. Make sure both towels are moist but not soaking wet.

Step 3: Check the seeds every 12 hours, but avoid overhandling them or their roots.

Step 4: When the white root tips are 1-2 cm long, carefully transfer the seeds to soil pots with the taproot facing downward. 

You can plant sprouted seeds immediately or wait a day or two for any remaining seeds to catch up.

Growing Environment and Techniques for Big Bud Strain

Due to its Skunk and Afghani genetics, Big Bud is a highly resistant and versatile plant for outdoor and indoor growers. But you stand a better chance of success indoors, especially if you’re a new grower. 

Meanwhile, the plant’s robust support system and thick central stalks quickly grow to 7 feet tall (about 2.1 metres). We have even ranked it as number one on the best high-yielding indoor cannabis strains. 

However, due to its heavy yields, consider providing additional support to branches using stakes or netting to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the buds.

One of the common problems many first-time growers have with cultivating the Big Bud strain is harvesting at the wrong time, which affects the yield. 

Harvest your Big Bud when the trichomes are mostly cloudy with a few amber ones for a balanced effect. You can read our guide on when to harvest cannabis plants to expand your knowledge. 

Yield and Flowering Time 

With a 7-9 week flowering time, this strain rewards growers with an exceptionally high yield of dense, resinous buds.

If you’re growing Big Buds indoors, expect a harvest of up to 600 grammes per square metre. 

Outdoor cultivators in Australia record a yield of up to 1000 grammes per plant, depending on the Australian climate and care.

Who Should Grow or Smoke Big Bud?

If you’re looking for marijuana that helps you relax both physically and mentally, Big Bud is a good choice. 

It starts with uplifting and euphoric effects, followed by a strong body high that can lead to feeling “couch-locked” and sleepy. 

Honestly, Big Bud isn’t anything extraordinary. While it produces good yields, the flavour, aroma, and effects aren’t as enjoyable as many other options. 

Big Bud is best suited for those who want a high-yielding commercial strain, but that’s about it.

Meanwhile, we wouldn’t recommend growing it outdoors if you’re a beginner. The large buds make it more prone to mould, so it’s a risky choice for newbies outdoors. 

Honest, Final Verdict on Big Bud Strain

Big Bud is a tough plant that grows some pretty thick colas. It resists mould better than many other Indica-dominant plants we’ve reviewed.

However, the smell and flavour are nothing special, and the high is relatively average. 

If you’re looking for an incredibly high yield and don’t mind the rest, this strain is undoubtedly a solid choice. 

FAQs

Is Big Bud a downer or an upper?

Big Bud weed strain is a downer because it makes you relaxed and gives you that couch-lock feeling after smoking. This is the typical effect of any indicia-dominant cultivar. 

Should I grow Big Bud indoors or outdoors?

Big Bud cannabis strain is suitable to grow both indoors and outdoors. 

However, we recommend that new growers consider indoor growing since it gives them more control over light, plant protection, and other relevant elements.