Cannabis is typically thought of as a green plant, but there are certain varieties that also show colors like red and purple. You may be wondering, what makes a cannabis plant produce colors like that? There are a few different reasons why plants either exist in these color ranges or have the ability to change color.
Certain varieties of cannabis show colors like purple, red, blue, and black depending on certain factors
Genetics: The #1 Factor Of Color In Cannabis
Light is composed of wavelengths, with each wavelength appearing as a different color. Light is absorbed by pigments naturally occurring in objects, but depending on the object being exposed to the light, not all wavelengths are absorbed. Instead, certain wavelengths are reflected away from the object. The wavelength or color that is reflected away is the color the object appears to our eyes. The pigment that makes cannabis green – along with most plants – is chlorophyll. The substance that makes cannabis purple is called anthocyanin, which is a group of around 400 pigments that are water soluble and categorized as flavonoids. The genetic makeup of a plant will determine what pigments (or color) it will have. Genetics are the #1 factor that influences the purple color of a plant based on how many anthocyanins are present.Environment: The Other Factor
Many scientists believe certain plants developed genetic coding for pigmentation based on environmental factors – to attract pollinators, or as a defense mechanism, to protect themselves from harmful sun rays and pests. Most cannabis plants, if not all, will remain green throughout the vegetative stage and will only begin to show color once they begin flowering, which is when a plant is most likely going to be targeted by pests and pathogens. The most noticeable color changes typically show up in the last 7-14 days of flower. And while many plants only exhibit color on their flowers, cannabis plants can also show color on their leaves, stems, branches, and trichomes. This is because anthocyanins are present throughout the plant.
Strains That Turn Purple
Purple and colored cannabis varieties are fun to grow and help keep things interesting in the garden. If you’re looking to try a strain that turns purple, here are some recommendations (crosses of the following will also change color):Cherry Pie

Forum Cookies

Sunset Sherbet
