In the indoor growing world, it’s not just the quality of the buds that matters – time and yield are key. Every extra week of lighting means higher bills and fewer rotation opportunities. That’s why growers are increasingly turning to fast-growing, high-yield strains that can finish their cycle in just 8–10 weeks from switching the photoperiod, or even from seed – in the case of autoflowers.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive ranking, practical tips, and an analysis of what to look for if you want to harvest in record time without sacrificing quality.
Why choose speed and yield?
- More harvests per year – with good organization and rotation, you can manage up to 4 indoor cycles annually.
- Lower risk of problems – pests and mold have less time to develop.
- Energy savings – shorter lighting time means lower bills.
- Constant supply of fresh product – perfect for personal-use growers.
How to assess a strain’s potential?
- Flowering time – the shorter it is, the faster your harvest, but check the breeder’s test results for quality.
- Yield per m² – real output under optimal conditions, often given for SOG or ScrOG setups.
- Genetics – indicas usually finish faster, sativas give a longer cerebral high but often take more time.
- Resistance – the more forgiving, the better for beginners.
Top 10 Fast-Growing, High-Yield Cannabis Strains (Indoor)
1. Critical Mass(Indica-dominant, photoperiod)
- Flowering: 6–7 weeks
- Yield: 600–650 g/m²
- Notes: Record-breaking yields. Needs support for heavy buds. Citrus-honey aroma.
2. Green Gelato Fast Version(Hybrid)
- Flowering: 7–8 weeks
- Yield: 500–600 g/m²
- Notes: A fast Gelato with up to 26% THC, dessert-like sweetness, and beautiful buds.
3. AK-47 Fast(Sativa-leaning hybrid)
- Flowering: 7 weeks
- Yield: 500–550 g/m²
- Notes: Legendary strain in a quicker version. Spicy aroma, uplifting effect.
4. Royal Critical Auto(Autoflower, Indica-dominant)
- Cycle: 8–9 weeks from seed
- Yield: 450–500 g/m²
- Notes: Beginner-friendly, compact, and productive.
5. Speedy Chile Fast Version(Indica-dominant)
- Flowering: 6 weeks
- Yield: 500–600 g/m²
- Notes: Ultra-fast with a relaxing high. Resistant to mold.
6. Orange Sherbet Auto(Hybrid)
- Cycle: 9 weeks
- Yield: 500–550 g/m²
- Notes: Fruity citrus profile with solid potency.
7. Big Bud(Indica-dominant)
- Flowering: 7 weeks
- Yield: up to 700 g/m²
- Notes: Classic strain bred for yield. Mellow flavor, strong body relaxation.
8. Fast Bud #2 Auto(Hybrid)
- Cycle: 8 weeks
- Yield: 450–500 g/m²
- Notes: One of the fastest autos – two months from seed to harvest.
9. Amnesia Haze Fast(Sativa-dominant hybrid)
- Flowering: 8 weeks (instead of 12 in regular)
- Yield: 500–550 g/m²
- Notes: Euphoric, energetic effect in a much shorter cycle.
10. LSD-25 Auto(Indica-dominant)
- Cycle: 8–9 weeks
- Yield: 450–500 g/m²
- Notes: Deep purple buds with a strong, trippy high.
Photoperiod vs Autoflower – Which is better for a fast cycle?
- Photoperiod:
- Greater control over veg time.
- Allows plant training (LST, topping).
- Often higher yields.
- Autoflower:
- Harvest in as little as 8–9 weeks from seed.
- No photoperiod change required.
- Perfect for quick, small grows.
Pro tips for max yield in minimal time
- Stable light cycle – autos: 18–20h/day; photoperiod: shorten veg to 2–3 weeks.
- CO₂ enrichment – boosts growth and bud size.
- Hydro or aeroponics – speeds up root growth and nutrient uptake.
- Good ventilation – prevents problems in dense, fast cycles.
Summary:
Fast, high-yield strains let you get the most out of your grow space in the least time possible. Whether you choose photoperiod or auto depends on your goals and setup – but with the right genetics and optimal conditions, you can harvest every two months.
