Sour Zkittlez

The history of Sour Zkittlez can only be traced back through its namesake. Zkittlez emerged in Northern California in the 2010s and was popularized by Terp Hogz together with 3rd Gen Family; who first crossed it with Sour Diesel is not documented. At least 3 strains from different breeders carry the name today, and only 2 of them contain Sour Diesel.

Genetics and Origin:

A breeder nicknamed Gas Station Bob is credited as the originator of Zkittlez. The strain was spread by the growers Fields and Tony Mendo, who worked with Brandon Parker of 3rd Gen Family as Terp Hogz, took it to competitions and crossed it further. In 2016, Zkittlez won the Emerald Cup. Because of the similarity to the name of a confectionery brand, Terp Hogz reached an agreement with Mars Wrigley in 2023 and has since listed the strain as The Original Z.

The cross also appears under the names Sour Z, Sour Skittles and Sour Zkittles. Strain descriptions name Sour Diesel and The Original Z as parents and classify the result as a sativa-dominant hybrid. Growers Choice puts the ratio for its own version at 60 % sativa and 40 % indica. One description places the cross in the Northern California breeding scene in general terms, without naming a breeder.

Versions from Different Breeders:

Growers Choice distributes a feminized version made from Sour Diesel and Zkittlez. The breeder states 9 weeks of flowering indoors, a yield of 650 to 750 g/m² and 24 to 26 % THC; outdoors, the strain is said to be ready for harvest in late October. Another strain description of the same version places the harvest as early as late September.

Riot Seeds combines Sour Diesel in the so-called AJ's Cut with Z Cube, a third-generation backcross from Dying Breed Seeds. This version exists only as regular seed, and Riot Seeds gives a flowering time of about 63 days. The breeder describes the Zkittlez portion as a type with Hindu Kush character.

The version from Dying Breed Seeds comes without Sour Diesel. The breeder from Mendocino, closely tied to 3rd Gen Family, crossed Zkittlez with Candy Zkittlez #3 and then the offspring with Adonai. 56 to 65 days of flowering are given, and the seeds are regular. This version is the mother of Sour Tropical Zkittlez, a cross with Tropical Zkittlez by Tiki Madman, and also appears in the pedigree of Melon Apple Zi by Karma Genetics.

Cultivation:

The cultivation data come mainly from Growers Choice. According to these, the plant grows slender and forms around 9 side branches; in a test grow by the breeder, 9 plants per square meter proved a suitable density. Growers Choice rates mold resistance as high and considers the strain suitable for warm as well as cool climates. All 3 versions are listed for indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Aroma and Flavor:

Descriptions mention lemon, lime and diesel with a chemical note, others grapefruit with a peppery sharpness, sweet tropical fruit and sour citrus candy. Growers Choice sums up the flavor as sour diesel with a fruity side. In user reports, sour fruit candy and strong citrus notes appear, and occasionally the objection that the chemical component is too dominant.

The terpene data contradict each other. One strain description puts limonene first, followed by caryophyllene and myrcene. An evaluation of published certificates of analysis from the US market, by contrast, finds on average beta-caryophyllene at 1.13 % as the main terpene, followed by linalool at 0.85 %, limonene at 0.40 % and humulene at 0.33 %.

THC Content:

The THC figures are far apart. One strain description gives 17 %, Growers Choice 24 to 26 % for its version.

Effects:

User reports describe a stimulating, head-centered effect with elevated mood, creativity and focus, plus euphoria and sociability. Other reports go in the opposite direction and describe calm and relaxation through to tiredness. Growers Choice speaks of a mix of head and body effects. Dry mouth, dry eyes and dizziness are listed as side effects, as well as harsh smoke that triggered coughing in individual reports.