| Strain | Look | Smell & Flavor | Primary Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granddaddy Purple | Deep purple buds with bright orange hairs | Grape, berry, sweet | Deeply relaxing, sleepy, pain-relieving |
Granddaddy Purple (The Purple King) - Granddaddy Purple, often abbreviated as GDP, is an indica strain that has achieved legendary status for its stunning purple appearance and powerful sedative effects. Created in 2003 by Ken Estes in the San Francisco Bay Area, GDP is a cross between Purple Urkle and Big Bud, combining deep purple genetics with a strain known for massive yields. The result is a visually spectacular strain with dense, oversized buds featuring deep purple and violet hues accented by bright orange pistils and a heavy coating of white trichomes. The flavor profile is distinctly grape-forward with sweet berry undertones, reminiscent of grape candy or wine.
Granddaddy Purple delivers profound indica effects that are perfect for evening use or medical applications. Users report feeling a wave of deep relaxation that starts in the head and quickly spreads throughout the entire body, melting away tension and stress. The sedative properties are strong, often leading to what users affectionately call "couch-lock"—the pleasant inability to move from your comfortable position. This makes GDP excellent for managing insomnia, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and stress. Many medical patients rely on GDP for its reliable pain-relieving and sleep-inducing properties. The mental effects include euphoria and mood enhancement, though the physical relaxation typically dominates the experience.
GDP is one of the most visually stunning strains in cannabis. The buds display deep purple and violet coloring throughout, often so intense that green is barely visible. This purple coloration is genetic and becomes more pronounced when plants are exposed to cooler temperatures during flowering. Bright orange and amber pistils create beautiful contrast against the purple backdrop, and the entire structure is frosted with a thick layer of milky-white trichomes. The buds are typically large and dense, with a compact indica structure that feels heavy and substantial.
Growing Granddaddy Purple is moderately difficult but rewarding. The plant exhibits a short, bushy, indica-dominant structure that's well-suited for indoor cultivation. It responds well to SOG (Sea of Green) and SCROG (Screen of Green) techniques. Flowering time is around 8-9 weeks, with high yields of large, dense buds. The purple coloration develops best when plants experience cooler nighttime temperatures (around 50-60°F) during the final weeks of flowering. The strain is relatively hardy and resistant to common pests and mold, making it a good choice for novice to intermediate growers.
Key Growing Notes:
| Strain | Cross | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Punch | GDP × Larry OG | Even sweeter grape flavor; knockout sedation perfect for sleep. |
| Grape Ape | GDP × Mendocino Purps × Skunk | Deep grape and berry; heavy indica effects with mood enhancement. |
| Purple Urkle | GDP Parent Strain | Original purple genetics; earthy grape flavor with strong sedation. |
| Purple Diesel | GDP × Sour Diesel | Grape meets fuel; balanced hybrid with pain-relieving properties. |
| GDP Cookies | GDP × GSC | Purple cookie fusion; sweet and relaxing with creative mental space. |
| Purple Kush | GDP × Hindu Kush | Ultimate indica; extremely sedating with earthy grape notes. |