Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel or Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) is a strain that typically contains THC levels between 20% – 26% and CBD levels ranging from Low (< 1%). Known for its Pungent fuel, chemical/gas, sour citrus, and earthy skunk profile, this strain has a growth expectation of being Indoor: 120–160 cm (4–5 ft) / Outdoor: 200 cm+ (6.5 ft+) in height, with a nutrient demand that is High. A "heavy feeder," especially for Nitrogen in Veg and Cal-Mag in Flower..

This Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) is of the Genetype: Photoperiod (requires light cycle shift to flower). The Sour Diesel strain has 3 phases of the growing cycle.

The first phase is the Seedling Phase. Once you have decided to grow Sour Diesel in either soil or hydroponiclay, the ph levels need to be monitored. The ph level desired by Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) is 6.0 – 6.8 and 5.5 – 6.0 hydroponically. During this infancy stage, Sour Diesel needs to maintain a target temperature of 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F) for 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seed germinates, it will sprout it's first set of round leaves, or the cotyledons. If you are able to maintain the target humidity of 55% – 65% RH, the iconic serrated leaves will just begin to show themselves. During this critical Phase 1 of the Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) growing cycle the plant is establishing a strong root sytem. Beginners often over water these fragile seedlings. Do not drown your seeds. You seedling Sour Diesel needs care and gentle light. The recommended light cycle for growing Sour Diesel is 18/6 or 20/4 (Light/Dark) for the first cycle, which should last .

The next is the Vegetative Phase. The Sour Diesel will focus entirely on size and structural integity. The temperature needs also change for phase 2. If a target temperature of 20°C – 26°C (68°F – 79°F) is maintained and a target humidity of 45% – 50% RH is achieved, the Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) will grow stems, branches and plenty of large fan leaves. This Photoperiod (requires light cycle shift to flower) is trying to build it's own solar panel of leaves to absorb energy. It is critical to maintain a proper light cycle of 12/12 (Light/Dark) for the entire phase 2 schedule. This consistent energy will help plant grow bigger without producing flowers, focusing it's energy on growing tall and strong. Sour Diesel is at it's most resilient and may grow quickly. As phase 2 comes to an end, it may be topped or tied down, as it's training suitability is considered High. Responds excellently to Topping, FIMing, LST, and ScrOG to manage height..

The most exciting phase, when growing Photoperiod (requires light cycle shift to flower) is the Flowering Phase. The plants adulthood lasts . It is at this phase that the light cycle changes for the last time. Sour Diesel will produce the most flowers when the light cycle is 12/12 (Light/Dark). Keep the temperature and humity controlled at 18°C – 24°C (64°F – 75°F) and 35% – 40% RH (Crucial to prevent bud rot) so you can really watch this plant strecth and almost double in height. It will want to start producing early into the flowering process.

You will know the Sour Diesel is ready when the white hairs (pistils) turn amber/brown and the resin glands (trichomes) look milky or cloudy, rather than clear. Cutting the plant down even a week too early can significantly reduce the potency and weight of your harvest. Patience in the flowering phase will provide the best possible outomce of Sativa-dominant Hybrid (approx. 90% Sativa / 10% Indica) with a desired gorwth profile that will be:
Vigorous, "lanky" vertical stretch; sparse foliage but dense, resinous terminal buds.

Growers Notes: Hobbyist Insights
The Stretch: If growing indoors, flip to flower when the plant is only 40% of your maximum tent height. If you wait longer, it will likely outgrow your space.

Airflow: Because the buds become quite dense despite the sativa heritage, maintaining high airflow is vital to prevent Botrytis (bud rot) in the final weeks.

Flowering Time: Be patient. Sour Diesel often needs a full 10–11 weeks to reach peak potency. Harvesting early results in a "racy" high rather than the classic euphoric diesel experience.
Lineage: Chemdawg 91 x Super Skunk (widely accepted theory)
Breeder: Attributed to "AJ" or "Weasel" (NYC, early 90s)
Primary Terpenes: Caryophyllene (Spice), Limonene (Citrus), Myrcene (Herbal)