Top Strains for Multi-Tiered Grows in 2025

Multi-tiered growing systems are an increasingly popular solution for commercial cannabis cultivators focused on driving down production costs. Multi-tiered grows use valuable cultivation space more efficiently and optimize production—especially for growers operating in a limited footprint or on a cannabis business license with a square footage cap. Choosing the right strains for multi-tiered grows makes all the difference in just how effective these systems really are. 

What to Look for in Cannabis Strains for Multi-Tiered Grows

Cannabis strains that perform well in multi-tiered environments are typically short in stature, high-yielding, and predictable in their cycle time, with other favorable characteristics like tighter internode spacing, shorter flower cycles, and higher bud-to-leaf ratios. Strains with lower water demands are also well-suited to cultivation on multi-level racks.

It’s crucial to group strains by their growth requirements, with a focus on cycle time, water/feed demand, and finishing height. Grouping them into manageable categories ensures your team can efficiently manage their plants without tailoring work to individual plants or small groups of plants on a bench. Strains with similar needs simplify operations and make multi-tiered systems even more effective.

Cannabis Lighting Equipment and Multi-Tier Grows 

Another essential consideration for success with multi-tiered growing systems is a quality lighting system. Choosing the right cannabis grow lights ensures your plants receive adequate and consistent light throughout the growth cycle, without overheating or excessive HVAC system use. 

Fluence bar-style LED lighting fixtures are an excellent choice for vertical growing facilities, offering flexibility and customizability to meet specific lighting needs. For multi-level cultivation, sometimes less is more, with light levels targeted between 350-600 PAR for veg racks and up to 1,200 PAR for flowering racks. 

For flowering racks, the Fluence SPYDR Series provides optimal coverage. In veg, SPYDER FANG lights are a great choice, providing dimming control to hit your desired light targets. The RAZR Series is also a flexible option, especially in veg, where adjustability is key.

The Importance of Grouping Strains for Multi-Tiered Grows

One of the key strategies for successful multi-tiered growth is organizing your strains based on their growth characteristics. By grouping strains with similar cycle times, water and nutrient demands, and finishing heights, you can streamline your plant management process, making multi-tiered growing more efficient and scalable. When combined with proper lighting strategies using fixtures like the Fluence LED lines, these strains will thrive, allowing for higher yields, better quality, and more predictable harvests.

With those considerations in mind, here are three top strains for multi-tiered grows—keep reading to learn why they get a spotlight in the #IPARTYWITHJARRET Collection :

Face Meltz

Lineage: Its-Lit x Mentz

Breeder: Crane City Cannabis

Potency Range: 23-28% THC

Face Meltz is a potent hybrid strain that packs a punch in both flavor and effect. The cross between Its-Lit and Mentz results in a strain that delivers a euphoric head high, followed by deep physical relaxation. With its bold flavors and fast-acting effects, Face Meltz is popular among recreational and medicinal users alike.

Face Meltz is, true to its lineage, defined by sweet, candy-like flavors with minty undertones balanced by earthy, piney notes. A smooth finish with herbal spice and refreshing mint. The nose starts with sweet and minty notes reminiscent of candy, evolving into deeper earthy and spicy aromas as the buds are broken apart. The Face Meltz terpene profile that includes pinene, limonene, and caryophyllene. It offers stress relief, mood enhancement, and physical relaxation.

Grower Notes: Face Meltz is a medium-sized plant with a sturdy structure, making it ideal for multi-tiered racks. Its dense, frosty buds and strong branches support its compact flowers, generating moderate to high yields in confined spaces. Face Meltz is a fantastic option for growers seeking consistency in their multi-tiered setups. Its robust structure and high bud-to-leaf ratio will give you a rewarding harvest without needing excessive plant management.

Strawberry Mentz

Lineage: Strawberry Fields x Mentz

Breeder: Crane City Cannabis

Potency Range: 20-25% THC

Strawberry Mentz combines the fruity, sweet characteristics of Strawberry Fields with the potent effects of Mentz, creating a strain that offers both an enjoyable flavor and a balanced high. A perfect choice for those looking for an aromatic, tasty experience with minimal plant management.

Strawberry Mentz tastes like a delicious blend of ripe strawberries and berry jam, with subtle earthy and spicy notes from the Mentz lineage. The nose features a strong, sweet aroma of fresh strawberries, evolving into earthy and spicy notes when the buds are broken apart. The terpene profile including caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. The high starts with an uplifting mental buzz, followed by a calming body relaxation.

Grower Notes: Medium-sized with dense, resinous buds. The plant’s strong branches and compact growth make it an excellent candidate for multi-tiered rack systems, with moderate to high yields. 

Kushy Dough

Lineage: Animal Cookies x Kush Mints x I95. 

Breeder: Skunktek

Potency Range: 20-25% THC

Kushy Dough is a heavy-hitting strain offering robust full-body effects and a rich flavor profile. Bred from the combination of Animal Cookies, Kush Mints, and I95, it delivers a sweet, minty, and earthy experience, making it a favorite for those seeking both recreational enjoyment and relief from physical discomfort. 

The flavor notes begin with a creamy, sweet dough flavor with hints of vanilla and mint. Earthy undertones from the I95 lineage add depth to the exhale. The nose brings a sugary, baked-goods scent from the Animal Cookies, with sharp mint and earthy, diesel-like notes emerging as the buds are broken apart.

Grower Notes: Medium-sized with a bushy structure, tight internodal spacing, and dense colas. Its predictable growth pattern makes it ideal for multi-tiered racks, where compact, uniform plants are preferred. The yield is moderate to high, with consistent, dense flowers the size of large avocados. Kushy Dough’s sturdy, predictable structure and consistent flower size make it a dream strain for multi-tiered growers who value uniformity and efficiency in their setups.

If you’re in the market for top-performing, proven genetics for your operation, or looking to explore multi-tier racking options for your facility, hit up Next Big Crop today, download the #IPARTYWITHJARRET Collection, and we’ll get you set up.

Be good. Stay rad. #IPARTYWITHJARRET