In the vast world of cannabis strains, few have achieved the iconic status of Skunk varieties. Renowned for – and named after - their pungent aroma and famed for their potent effects, Skunk strains have become a staple in the cannabis community. The popularity of these strains stems from their unique characteristics, distinctive terpene profiles, and their versatility in cultivation. But if you’re looking to try your hand at growing some Skunk cannabis seeds, the choice can be overwhelming. Don’t worry – we'll recommend some of the best skunk varieties on Seedsman to make choosing a killer Skunk a whole lot easier.
What Is Skunk Cannabis?
Skunk, like Cheese, Kush, or Haze, falls into the distinguished category of cannabis strains, forming a Holy Trinity in the realm of weed. Each possesses unique genetic foundations, bestowing them with distinct qualities and characteristics. While they vary in growth patterns and flavor profiles, all three share the common trait of potent cannabis goodness.
Among these, Skunk cannabis strains stand out prominently. They are renowned for their robust potency and distinctive aroma – hence the fitting moniker "Skunk." Similar to its smelly, furry namesake, high-quality Skunk cannabis has the power to fill a room with its unmistakable scent. Interestingly, unlike the animal, most cannabis enthusiasts find themselves drawn to the captivating fragrance rather than recoiling from it!
The origins of Skunk can be traced back to the legendary Sam the Skunkman, a pivotal figure associated with the Sacred Seed Co, a group of California-based breeders. In the 1970s, they were the trailblazers that created uber-aromatic Skunk weed strains. Sam, in the early 1980s, transported a box of his potent Skunk Seeds to the cannabis haven of Amsterdam. There, he introduced the Dutch Masters to a revolutionary experience – some of the richest and aromatic weed they had ever encountered. It's a safe bet that, if you can turn heads in Amsterdam, you're probably on to something big.
This generous gift from Sam the Skunkman would come to be known as Skunk #1, evolving into the genetic cornerstone for an extensive array of fabulous weed strains. Skunk #1, a hybrid blend of the Afghan Indica, Mexican Sativa, and Colombian Gold Sativa, achieved legendary status by winning the Cannabis Cup in 1988. Swiftly, it became the world's inaugural commercial hybrid strain. When it comes to strains with pedigree, Skunk #1 remains a hard-to-beat icon, serving as the progenitor for numerous beloved cannabis varieties, both classic and contemporary.
What Makes For A Quality Skunk Strain?
A Skunk strain relies on two main qualities to turn heads: aroma and potency. After all, why would you name something ‘skunk’ if it wasn’t supposed to reek? In recent times, the name 'Skunk' has often been used to define any pungent strain with off-the-charts potency, transcending specific varieties. Rather than touching on the intricacies of genetics and strains, you’ll often see the mainstream media describe a haul of any powerful cannabis – or even just street weed - as super-Skunk. While often a generalization, this isn't entirely off the mark, considering that many of the most mind-blowing strains fall under the illustrious Skunk banner.
Cultivating a Skunk strain offers a speedier flowering time compared to something like a Haze, making it a go-to choice for home growers seeking a quicker harvest of high-THC cannabis. Despite their moderate plant height, Skunk strains pack a punch in both effects and aromas, making them a popular choice for a good reason. The reassuring news is that thanks to the robust Skunk #1 genetics underpinning every Skunk strain, you can't go far wrong in selecting one. Take a moment to assess your growing conditions, then head over to the Seedsman website to find the perfect match for your setup.
Tips For Cultivating Skunk Strains
Skunks tend to be hybrids with a slight indica-dominance, which you’ll see in their growth patterns. They’re usually reasonably compact, nice and bushy, and have a thick canopy. You’ll find Skunk strains reliable with solid genetics and able to cope well in a range of environments. If you’re growing Skunk indoors, you’ll naturally have to bring your A-game when it comes to aroma control. Employ judicious use of carbon filters, and if you’re new to this, start here and learn all about minimizing odors in the grow room.
5 Of The Best Skunk Strains
Original Skunk #1
If you’re interested in trying your hand at a Skunk, there’s no better place to start than with the original and best. Original Skunk #1 is where it all began, combining the near-sacred genetics of an Afghani indica with the revered Mexican Sativa Acapulco Gold and a Colombian Gold Sativa, you have a three-part recipe for success few can match.
Seedsman’s Original Skunk #1 is available as regular seeds, meaning you can use these for your breeding project. This highly stabilized variety is easy to grow and offers up a great THC content between 16-24%, with a high bud-to-leaf ratio and vigorous growth. The effects are classic sativa, but the flowering time is more akin to indica. The classic, powerful, skunky aroma is there in spades.
Cali Critical Mass
Seedsman’s Cali Critical Mass is a powerhouse skunk strain with the kind of trichome coverage that instantly denotes high potency. A cross of Critical Kush and Bubba’s Gift, Cali Critical Mass is straightforward to grow yet gives up spectacular yields of highly dense, resin-soaked buds.
Flowering time is 8-10 weeks, and a high level of mold resistance means the flowering phase needn’t be perilous. These tall plants love an outdoor grow, and reward careful cultivation with yields between 700-900g/plant. With such a high yield and bud density off the charts, best make sure you have reinforcements come harvest time.
Super Skunk
If you’re looking for a high-yielding skunk strain that brings the quantity as much as the quality, Super Skunk from Sensi Seeds is just the thing for you! This beautifully-bred hybrid of Skunk #1 and a highly resinous Afghani hash plant launched in 1990 and won the mostly-indica Cannabis Cup right away!
Super Skunk offers up all the qualities you'd want in a Skunk - highly aromatic, highly potent, and highly vigorous. Make no mistake, though - that potency is not for the wek - Super Skunk is arguably an easier variety to grow than it is to smoke!
Early Skunk
Sensi Seeds’ Early Skunk picks up where Original Skunk #1 leaves off, bringing the heat with an ease of growing and high vigor that makes it hard to ignore if you’re looking for a quality feminized Skunk variety. The kicker here is the addition of Early Pearl genetics, which adds lightning speed to the Skunk #1 resilience.
Pungency, potency, and high yields are the critical hallmarks of Early Skunk; you’ll get all the power of a top Skunk hit, coupled with the kind of aromatic strength and rich flavor that denotes true quality. Early Skunk is a breeze to grow, and has been developed to thrive in colder, wetter climates, so outdoor cultivation is where it’s at!
Bloody Skunk Auto
With a name that piques curiosity, Bloody Skunk Auto has to bring quality to back up that standout moniker. Fortunately, it most definitely does. Sweet Seeds combined Red Poison Auto with Sweet Skunk Auto to create this fascinating autoflower, and the result is a stunning-looking plant, replete with incredible purple flowers and high levels of THC.
Bloody Skunk Auto races from seed to harvest somewhere between 8-10 weeks, and thrives in cooler climates beautifully. Autos typically have a degree of hardiness that make them a joy to grow, and this little lady is no different – her high level of mold resistance makes for a trouble-free journey. The aroma is exceptional; fruity, skunky, and highly aromatic.
