Effect profile (user reports)
- Euphoric88%
- Relaxed76%
- Creative72%
- Sleepy28%
Specifications
White Widow Strain Profile at a Glance
The table below collects the specifications growers ask about most often.
Figures are given in both metric and imperial units because White Widow is grown on every continent, and ranges reflect the variation between phenotypes rather than a single marketing number. Anyone comparing this strain against alternatives can treat these values as the baseline for a well-run grow; results above the upper limit are possible with training, but should not be expected on a first attempt. The full week-by-week grow guide explains what influences each figure.
| Parameter | White Widow |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Brazilian Sativa landrace × South Indian Indica |
| Type | Hybrid, photoperiod (autoflower version available) |
| Indica / sativa ratio | Balanced, slightly indica-leaning (approx. 60/40) |
| THC | 20–25% (18–26% across breeder phenotypes) |
| CBD | Under 1% |
| Flowering type | Photoperiod (12/12 light trigger) |
| Flowering time | 8–10 weeks (55–65 days) |
| Seed to harvest | 16–20 weeks |
| Indoor yield | 400–500 g/m² (1.3–1.6 oz/ft²) |
| Outdoor yield | 500–600 g per plant (18–21 oz) |
| Height indoors | 100–150 cm (3.3–5 ft) |
| Height outdoors | 150–200 cm (5–6.5 ft) |
| Climate | Temperate, continental, Mediterranean; tolerates humidity well |
| Difficulty | Easy / beginner-friendly, mold resistant |
| Dominant terpenes | Myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene |
| Effects | Euphoric, creative, relaxed, sociable |
Origins
Genetics and History of White Widow
White Widow appeared in Amsterdam in the early 1990s, at a time when Dutch seed catalogs were dominated by Skunk and Northern Lights derivatives.
The breeder generally credited with the cross is Scott Blakey, known as Shantibaba, working with Green House Seeds; Arjan Roskam of Green House brought it to market. The parents were a resin-heavy Brazilian sativa landrace and a South Indian indica selected for density and short flowering. The resulting hybrid was unusually uniform for its era, and in 1995 it won the High Times Cannabis Cup, which turned a coffeeshop favorite into an international standard.
The lineage later split. When Shantibaba left Green House and founded Mr. Nice Seedbank, he continued the original line under the name Black Widow, arguing that his selection was the authentic one. Green House kept the White Widow name. Both lines are still sold, and most modern versions — including those from Dutch Passion, Paradise Seeds and newer American breeders — descend from one of the two. This is why THC levels, ratios and flowering times differ from catalog to catalog: there is no single White Widow, only a family of closely related phenotypes.
Where the name comes from
The name describes what the buds look like at harvest. White Widow produces long-stalked glandular trichomes in such density that mature flowers appear frosted white rather than green. Breeders in the late 1990s used the strain as a parent precisely because this trait passed reliably to offspring, along with the balanced effect and compact structure. The “White” family of strains — White Rhino, Great White Shark, White Russian — all trace to this resin production.
Famous White Widow crosses
- White Russian — White Widow × AK-47; indica-dominant, higher THC, longer effect.
- Blue Widow — White Widow × Blueberry; sativa-leaning, berry aroma, purple hues in cool nights.
- Moby Dick — White Widow × Haze; tall, sativa-dominant, very high yield.
- White Rhino — White Widow × North American indica; heavier body effect, dense buds.
- Crystal — White Widow × Northern Lights; fast finishing, extreme resin.
Brazilian Sativa landraceSouth Indian Indica
White Widow (1994–95)
White RussianBlue WidowMoby DickWhite RhinoCrystal
Growers who want to compare how different seed banks have developed the line can see the breeder versions table further down.
↑ Back to contentsWhat to expect
Effects, Potency and Terpenes
White Widow is often described as a “best of both worlds” hybrid, and in this case the description is accurate.
The sativa parent contributes a quick, clear-headed onset; the indica parent contributes a body relaxation that arrives a little later and keeps the experience grounded. Because the two sides are balanced, the strain is usable during the day by most people, which is one reason it has remained in catalogs for three decades while stronger but narrower strains came and went.
How the White Widow high feels
The onset is cerebral. Within the first fifteen to twenty minutes users typically report a lift in mood, increased talkativeness and a tendency toward creative or social activity rather than sedation. Over the following hour the indica side becomes noticeable as muscle relaxation and a general sense of ease, without the heavy couch-lock associated with pure indicas. At moderate doses the full effect lasts two to three hours, tapering gently rather than crashing.
Side effects are the usual ones for a 20%-plus THC strain: dry mouth and dry eyes are common, and some users — particularly those with low tolerance or a tendency toward anxiety — report mild paranoia at higher doses. Effects vary with tolerance, dose, consumption method and growing conditions, so first-time users of this strain should start low. Reports of White Widow helping with stress, low mood or appetite are user accounts, not medical findings.
THC and CBD content by phenotype
Laboratory results for White Widow fall between 18% and 26% THC depending on which breeder’s phenotype was tested and how it was grown. The commonly quoted 20–25% range covers the majority of modern feminized versions. CBD is consistently below 1%, with trace CBG. Growers who want a milder experience should look at the CBD 1:1 version described in the seed types section; those comparing potency between seed banks will find breeder-specific figures in the breeder table.
Dominant terpenes and aroma
Three terpenes define the profile. Myrcene supplies the earthy, slightly musky base and is believed to contribute to the relaxing side of the effect. Caryophyllene adds a peppery, spicy note and is the only common terpene known to bind to CB2 receptors. Pinene brings the fresh pine edge that makes White Widow smell cleaner than most Skunk-derived strains. Secondary terpenes — limonene, linalool and humulene — add citrus and floral hints that become more obvious after a proper cure. The aroma is strong from mid-flowering onward, so indoor growers should plan on a carbon filter.
Terpene share (typical)
- Myrcene42%
- Caryophyllene26%
- Pinene18%
- Other14%
Cultivation
How to Grow White Widow Seeds: Week-by-Week Guide
White Widow forgives beginner mistakes, but it rewards growers who follow a schedule.
The plant is vigorous in the vegetative stage, bushy rather than tall, resistant to mold and tolerant of swings in humidity that would damage more delicate hybrids. The guide below runs from germination to cure over roughly 16–20 weeks. Temperatures are given in both scales, and outdoor dates refer to the northern hemisphere; southern-hemisphere growers should shift planting to September–October and harvest to March–April.
Days 1–5Germination
Weeks 1–2Seedling
Weeks 3–6Vegetative
Weeks 7–16Flowering
Weeks 17–20Dry and cure
Germination (days 1–5)
The paper-towel method gives the most predictable results. Seeds are placed between two damp (not wet) paper towels, kept between two plates in a dark place at 21–25 °C (70–77 °F), and checked daily. A white taproot usually appears within one to five days. Once it reaches 1–2 cm, the seed goes root-down into a small pot of light, pre-moistened soil at a depth of about 1 cm. Following this method exactly is also the condition for the seed bank’s germination guarantee.
Seedling and vegetative stage (weeks 1–6)
Seedlings need gentle light on an 18/6 schedule, humidity around 65–70% and daytime temperatures of 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). No nutrients are required until the plant shows its second or third set of true leaves. From week three the plant enters vegetative growth: light intensity goes up, humidity comes down to 50–60%, and feeding shifts toward nitrogen. White Widow stretches moderately and branches well, so topping after the fourth or fifth node produces an even canopy without slowing the plant much. Four to six weeks of veg is enough for most indoor spaces; longer veg means larger plants and bigger harvests but also more height to manage. Overwatering is the most common error at this stage — the medium should dry to the first knuckle before the next watering.
Flowering stage (weeks 7–16)
Flowering is triggered by switching lights to 12 hours on, 12 off. Within two weeks the plant stretches by roughly a third and then settles into bud production. Temperatures of 20–26 °C (68–79 °F) and humidity falling from 50% toward 40% keep the dense buds safe from botrytis. Nutrients shift from nitrogen toward phosphorus and potassium; a Cal-Mag supplement is useful in coco or hydro. The strain’s smell intensifies sharply around week ten of the overall timeline, so a carbon filter should be running by then. Heavy colas may need stakes or a trellis in the final three weeks. Photoperiod White Widow finishes in 8–10 weeks of 12/12; the autoflower version flowers on its own clock regardless of light schedule.
Indoor vs outdoor: what to expect
| Parameter | Indoor | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Light | 18/6 veg, 12/12 flower; LED or HPS | Full sun, minimum 6 h direct |
| Temperature | 20–26 °C / 68–79 °F | Tolerates 15–30 °C / 59–86 °F |
| Humidity | 65% → 40% through the cycle | Handles humid regions better than most hybrids |
| Height | 100–150 cm with training | 150–200 cm |
| Yield | 400–500 g/m² | 500–600 g per plant |
| Timeline | 16–20 weeks, any season | Plant late April–May, harvest early–mid October |
| Main risks | Overfeeding, heat stress, odor control | Early frost, caterpillars, late-season rain |
Training for bigger yields: LST, topping, SCROG, SOG
White Widow responds to all four common training methods. Low-stress training (bending and tying branches outward) exposes more bud sites without cutting. Topping or FIMing after the fourth node multiplies the main colas. Screen of Green suits this strain particularly well: its lateral branching fills a net quickly, and flipping to 12/12 when the screen is about 70% full typically yields at the top of the quoted range. Sea of Green — many small plants with no veg time — works with the autoflower or fast version where turnover matters more than plant size.
Harvest, drying and curing
Harvest timing is read from the trichomes with a loupe: when most are cloudy and 10–20% have turned amber, the balance of effect is at its best. Branches are hung in the dark at 15–21 °C (60–70 °F) and 50–60% humidity for seven to ten days, until small stems snap rather than bend. Buds then go into jars filled three-quarters full, burped daily for the first two weeks and every few days after that. A two- to four-week cure is where the pine and citrus notes develop fully.
Expected yield by grow size
The table converts the typical White Widow range — 400–500 g/m² indoors and 500–600 g per plant outdoors — into dried flower for common canopy areas and plant counts. For any other size, multiply the area or plant count by the same figures.
| Grow size | Dried flower (g) | Dried flower (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 m² indoor canopy | 200–250 g | 7–9 oz |
| 1 m² indoor canopy | 400–500 g | 14–18 oz |
| 1.5 m² indoor canopy | 600–750 g | 21–26 oz |
| 2 m² indoor canopy | 800–1000 g | 28–35 oz |
| 3 m² indoor canopy | 1200–1500 g | 42–53 oz |
| 4 m² indoor canopy | 1600–2000 g | 56–71 oz |
| 1 outdoor plant | 500–600 g | 18–21 oz |
| 2 outdoor plants | 1000–1200 g | 35–42 oz |
| 3 outdoor plants | 1500–1800 g | 53–63 oz |
| 5 outdoor plants | 2500–3000 g | 88–106 oz |
| 10 outdoor plants | 5000–6000 g | 176–212 oz |
Choose a version
Feminized vs Autoflower vs Regular White Widow Seeds
The strain is sold in four seed types, and the choice matters more than the breeder.
Feminized seeds produce only female plants and flower on a 12/12 light schedule, which gives the grower full control over plant size. Autoflower seeds carry ruderalis genetics that start flowering after two to four weeks regardless of light, finishing in 10–12 weeks from seed. Regular seeds produce roughly half males, which is what breeders need and most home growers do not. The fast version is a photoperiod feminized line crossed to shorten flowering by about a week, useful where summers are short. A CBD 1:1 White Widow with around 7% THC and 7% CBD exists for growers who want the aroma and structure with a much milder effect.
| Parameter | Feminized | Autoflower | Regular | Fast version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sex | 100% female | 100% female | ~50% male | 100% female |
| Light dependency | Flowers on 12/12 | Flowers automatically | Flowers on 12/12 | Flowers on 12/12 |
| Seed to harvest | 16–20 weeks | 10–12 weeks | 16–20 weeks | 14–18 weeks |
| Height | 100–200 cm | 60–100 cm | 100–200 cm | 100–180 cm |
| THC | 20–25% | 20–23% | 20–25% | 17–21% |
| Yield | 400–500 g/m² | 350–450 g/m² | 400–500 g/m² | 400–450 g/m² |
| Difficulty | Easy | Easy | Medium (sexing) | Easy |
| Best for | Maximum yield and control | Beginners, small spaces, fast turnover | Breeding, clone mothers | Short outdoor seasons |
| Price per seed | From $11.80 | From $13.00 | From $4.90 | From $12.50 |
Feminized
- Highest yield per plant
- Full control over veg length
- Needs a strict light schedule
Autoflower
- Harvest in under three months
- Stays short and discreet
- Less recovery time from mistakes
Regular
- Cheapest per seed, stable for breeding
- True to original genetics
- Half the plants must be removed
Which White Widow seed type should you choose?
A first-time grower with a small tent or a balcony is best served by the autoflower version: it is short, finishes fast and does not care about light leaks. A grower with a dedicated indoor space and a few weeks of patience will get more from feminized seeds, because veg time can be extended and the plant trained into a full canopy. Anyone planning to make seeds or keep mother plants needs regular seeds. Growers in regions with cool, wet Septembers should consider the fast version to finish before the rain. Each row of the table links to the matching pack in the order section.
↑ Back to contentsVersions compared
White Widow by Breeder: Which Version to Pick
Because the original line split in the 1990s, every seed bank sells a slightly different White Widow.
The differences are real but modest: a few points of THC, a week of flowering, a tilt toward indica or sativa. The table summarizes breeder-published specifications; it does not rank them, because the best version depends on what the grower is optimizing for.
| Breeder | Version | THC | Flowering | Yield | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green House Seeds | White Widow (original name holder) | 18–19% | 9 weeks | Up to 800 g/m² claimed | Multiple Cup wins; sativa-leaning phenotype |
| Mr. Nice | Black Widow | 18–22% | 8–10 weeks | High | Shantibaba’s continuation of the original selection; regular seeds |
| Dutch Passion | White Widow (Classic F1) | 22–26% | 8–9 weeks | Good | Very uniform; compact, all-white buds |
| Paradise Seeds | Original White Widow IBL | 20%+ | 8–9 weeks | 500 g/m² / 700 g per plant | Inbred line for phenotype stability; 50/50 ratio |
| Bud Weed Seeds | White Widow feminized, auto, regular | 20–25% | 8–10 weeks | 400–500 g/m² / 600 g per plant | Selected from Dutch Passion-derived stock for mold resistance and resin |
The in-house line was selected over several generations from Dutch Passion-derived stock, with the selection criteria being resin density, resistance to botrytis and consistency between seeds. Growers who want the sativa-leaning original should look at Green House or Mr. Nice; growers who want the most uniform modern expression should look at Dutch Passion, Paradise or the in-house line.
↑ Back to contentsOrder
Buy White Widow Seeds: Packs, Prices and Germination Guarantee
All three seed types are sold in packs from five to one hundred seeds, with the price per seed falling as the pack grows.
Every order qualifies for free bonus seeds, and orders above the shipping threshold ship free. Bulk and wholesale packs of 100 seeds and more are available for commercial growers and collectives, with volume pricing on request. The seed bank operates its own fulfilment, so stock levels shown are live.
White Widow — starter
Feminized5 seeds
$59.00 $11.80 per seed
White Widow — standard
Feminized10 seeds
$99.00 $9.90 per seed
White Widow — grower
Feminized25 seeds
$199.00 $7.96 per seed
White Widow — bulk
Feminized100 seeds
$599.00 $5.99 per seed
White Widow Auto — starter
Autoflower5 seeds
$65.00 $13.00 per seed
White Widow Auto — standard
Autoflower10 seeds
$109.00 $10.90 per seed
White Widow Regular — standard
Regular10 seeds
$49.00 $4.90 per seed
White Widow Regular — breeder
Regular25 seeds
$99.00 $3.96 per seed
| Feature | Bud Weed Seeds | Typical seed bank |
|---|---|---|
| Germination guarantee | 90%, free replacement | Limited or conditional |
| Free seeds | Every order | Above a spend threshold |
| Shipping origin | Own warehouse, tracked | Drop-shipped, often untracked |
| Stealth packaging | Standard on all orders | Varies |
| Support | Grower on email and chat, 7 days | Web form only |
| Lab-tested THC range | Published per batch | Catalog figure only |
| Payment options | Cards, crypto, bank transfer, cash | Cards or crypto only |
Our germination guarantee
The guarantee covers 90% germination on every pack. If fewer than nine seeds out of ten sprout using the paper-towel method described in the grow guide, the customer contacts support within 30 days of delivery with a short description and, where possible, a photo; replacement seeds are sent free of charge, including shipping. The method requirement exists because most germination failures come from seeds planted too deep, too wet or too cold, and the paper-towel method removes those variables.
Free seeds with every order
Bonus seeds are added automatically at checkout and scale with order value: two feminized seeds on any order, four on orders over $100, six on orders over $150 and ten on orders over $250. The bonus strain rotates monthly. Bulk and wholesale buyers ordering 100 seeds or more receive bonus seeds of the same strain instead, so lots stay uniform.
↑ Back to contents
Delivery
Worldwide Shipping and Payment
Orders are dispatched within one business day in plain, unbranded packaging with no reference to the contents or the seller. Every parcel carries a tracking number sent by email.
Delivery times by region
| Region | Delivery | Free shipping from | Tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 3–7 business days | $99 | Yes |
| Europe and UK | 3–8 business days | €89 / £79 | Yes |
| Australia and New Zealand | 7–14 business days | A$149 | Yes |
| South America | 8–16 business days | $129 | Yes |
| Rest of world | 8–20 business days | $149 | Yes |
Lost or damaged tracked parcels are reshipped once free of charge. Shipping is not offered to countries where the import of cannabis seeds is explicitly prohibited; the list is shown at checkout before payment.
Payment methods
Accepted methods are Visa and Mastercard, Bitcoin and USDT, SEPA and international bank transfer, and cash or money order by post for customers who prefer not to leave a card trail. Crypto and cash payments are anonymous and carry no processing fee. Card payments are charged in the customer’s currency; American Express and prepaid gift cards are not accepted.
↑ Back to contentsCompliance
Legal Status and Responsible Use
What is sold
Cannabis seeds are sold as collectible genetic material. Ungerminated seeds contain no meaningful THC. In the United States they are classified as hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, a position the DEA confirmed in writing in January 2022; in many other countries seed possession is legal while cultivation is not.
The buyer’s responsibility
Laws on germination and cultivation vary by country, state and province, and change frequently. Purchasers are responsible for checking the rules where they live before germinating any seed. Nothing on this page is legal advice.
Age and health
Sales are restricted to adults of legal age in their jurisdiction (18 or 21). Statements about effects reflect user reports and have not been evaluated by any medical regulator. Anyone with a health condition should consult a professional before using cannabis.
The seed bank publishes this information because growers deserve to know the status of what they are buying. Readers who want the regulatory source can consult the US Department of Agriculture’s hemp program pages and their own national legislation; see also question 9 in the FAQ.
↑ Back to contentsVerified purchasers
Grower Reviews and Results
Reviews below are from verified purchasers of this seed bank’s White Widow seeds and include the seed type grown and the harvest weight where the grower reported it.
Negative reviews are published and answered publicly; a review that mentions poor germination is followed up under the guarantee. Growers can filter by seed type and sort by date on the full reviews page.
Nine of ten popped in three days. Four plants went outside in May and the smallest gave 480 g dry; the biggest, which I topped twice, was 640 g. Zero mold in a wet September.
Eleven weeks from seed to jar. Short plants, 55–60 cm, about 90 g each under a 150 W LED. Smell was strong from week six — buy the filter before you need it.
Filled a 1 m² screen with three plants after five weeks of veg. 510 g dried. Classic earthy pine taste after a four-week cure, very even high.
Got 6 females, 4 males. Kept one male for pollen and made my own seeds. The plants are uniform, which is what you want from regulars.
Only three of five germinated — first time this has happened to me. Support sent five replacements within a week, no argument. Those all came up.
Grew through a hot, humid summer with no problems. Not the biggest yield but the easiest plant I’ve run. Effect is relaxed but clear.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About White Widow Seeds
How long does White Widow take to flower?
Photoperiod White Widow flowers in 8–10 weeks (55–65 days) after the switch to 12/12. Outdoors it finishes in early to mid October in the northern hemisphere. The autoflower version completes its whole cycle in 10–12 weeks from seed.
What yield can I expect from White Widow?
A well-run indoor grow produces 400–500 g/m²; outdoor plants in full sun yield 500–600 g each. Training methods such as SCROG push results toward the top of the range. The yield table above converts these figures to common grow sizes.
How strong is White Widow (THC level)?
Most modern feminized versions test between 20% and 25% THC, with breeder phenotypes spanning 18–26%. CBD stays below 1%. The strain is potent but balanced, which makes it more manageable than many strains with similar numbers.
Is White Widow indica or sativa?
It is a balanced hybrid, slightly indica-leaning at roughly 60/40, bred from a Brazilian sativa and a South Indian indica. The effect starts cerebral and ends relaxed, reflecting both parents.
Is White Widow easy to grow for beginners?
Yes. It tolerates overwatering, temperature swings and humidity better than most hybrids, resists mold, and responds well to training. It is one of the most frequently recommended strains for a first grow.
White Widow feminized or autoflower — which should I buy?
Autoflower suits beginners, small spaces and growers who want a harvest within three months. Feminized suits anyone with a controllable indoor space who wants maximum yield and the option to extend veg. The comparison table lists the trade-offs side by side.
How do I germinate White Widow seeds?
Place seeds between damp paper towels on a plate, cover, and keep at 21–25 °C in the dark. Check daily; a taproot appears in one to five days. Plant root-down 1 cm deep in light soil. This is also the method required by the germination guarantee.
Do you offer a germination guarantee?
Yes — 90% germination on every pack, with free replacement seeds if the paper-towel method is followed and fewer sprout. Full terms are in the order section.
Is it legal to buy White Widow seeds in my country?
In many countries seeds themselves are legal to buy and own as collectibles, while germination is regulated separately; in some countries both are prohibited. The seed bank does not ship to countries where seed import is banned, and buyers remain responsible for local law. See the legal status section.
How long does shipping take and is it discreet?
Orders ship within one business day in unbranded packaging and arrive in 3–7 days in North America, 3–8 in Europe and 7–20 elsewhere. All parcels are tracked. Regional details are in the shipping table.
What payment methods do you accept?
Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, USDT, bank transfer, and cash or money order by post. Crypto and cash are anonymous and fee-free.
Does White Widow smell strongly while growing?
Yes. The earthy, pine and pepper aroma becomes pronounced from mid-flowering. Indoor growers should run a carbon filter; outdoor growers should consider neighbors when choosing a spot.
How much do White Widow seeds cost?
Feminized seeds start at $11.80 per seed in a 5-pack and fall to $5.99 per seed in a 100-pack. Autoflower starts at $13.00 and regular at $4.90 per seed. Bonus seeds are added to every order.
