Apple Tartz
Also known as: Apple Tarts, Apple Tart
Breeder: Clearwater Genetics
Apple Tartz is a balanced hybrid from Clearwater Genetics that pairs Apple Fritter's doughy, pastry-sweet potency with Runtz's candy-fruit brightness and resin density. It was named Leafly Strain of Summer 2022 and quickly became one of the most sought-after dessert-style cultivars on dispensary menus. The breeder describes it as 'probably the best-selling, most sought-after cross' in the Apple Fritter feminized line, with 'multiple keepers in each pack' ranging from candy-gas to sour-apple phenotypes. Lab tests typically land 26–32% THCA with total terpenes in the 1.5–2.8% range. Equally prized by flower rooms and extraction labs, it yields 4–5% finished rosin from fresh-frozen material. Apple Tartz emerged as one of the standout cultivars from Clearwater Genetics' Apple Fritter feminized line. Breeder Alex Wullbrandt describes it as "probably the best-selling, most sought-after cross in that line," producing multiple keepers per pack across candy gas to sour apple phenotypes. The strain's market appeal lies in its combination of elite potency (25-32% THCA), exotic bag appeal (dense triangular buds with unique gray-purple-green coloration), and a distinctive tart apple terpene profile that sets it apart from the sea of cookie/cake/gelato derivatives. Its quick flowering trigger and compact structure make it production-friendly despite its exotic genetics. The Jollygreenthumb selection elevated the line further, and the cross with Dante's Inferno has produced exceptional offspring.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Apple Fritter x Runtz
Apple Fritter (Sour Apple x Animal Cookies) was created by Lumpy's Flowers in Northern California circa 2013 and is known for its dense, frosty structure, pastry-sweet aroma, and heavy potency. Runtz (Zkittlez x Gelato), popularized by the Runtz Crew and Cookies, contributes rainbow-candy aromatics, creamy gelato texture, and exceptional resin coverage. Apple Tartz inherits Fritter's sturdy, vigorous plant structure and doughy base notes while layering in Runtz's bright fruit-candy top notes and trichome density.
Terpene Profile
Limonene — Bright citrus lift with lemon and orange zest
Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery warmth with woody depth
Myrcene — Musky, earthy foundation balancing citrus brightness
Linalool — Floral lavender notes with calming sweetness
Pinene — Pine and rosemary pairing with citrus for brightness
Farnesene — Green apple and woody notes with subtle sweetness
Humulene — Earthy, hoppy bitterness with subtle spice
Aroma: Tart green apple and sour candy hit first, followed by a creamy dough and pastry-sweet middle. Undertones of cinnamon spice, dark berry, and a gassy fuel finish emerge as buds are broken open. Multiple reviewers compare the nose to Apple Jacks cereal or cookie dough straight from the oven.
Flavor: Sour apple on the inhale transitions into creamy berry-gas with a buttery pastry sweetness. The exhale carries cinnamon spice, earthy cookie undertones, and a faint diesel tail. The flavor complexity is a direct expression of its high terpene totals (1.5–2.8%), and batches testing high in limonene and caryophyllene deliver the most pronounced profile.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast-acting — usually 1–2 hits produce a warm cerebral euphoria described as 'a warm light being turned on in a dim room.' Mood lifts noticeably within the first few minutes.
A tingly, buzzy head high clears mental fog and elevates mood, often making users chatty and giggly. Over 20–40 minutes, a warm, relaxing body buzz settles in without heavy sedation or couch-lock. The balance keeps you functional — suitable for social settings, creative work, or unwinding without immediately needing to sleep.
Duration: 2–3 hours typical; body relaxation may linger longer at higher doses.
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Apple Tartz by Clearwater Genetics is a balanced hybrid (50/50) crossing Apple Fritter with Runtz, combining two of the most celebrated dessert strains of the modern era. It earned the Leafly Strain of Summer title in 2022 and consistently tests 25-32% THCA. The cultivation profile rewards experienced growers who manage its vigorous structure and dense canopy.
Growth Structure and Training
The plant exhibits a squat, bushy structure inherited primarily from its Apple Fritter parent. Leaves are medium-sized, dark, and wide. It triggers into flower quickly and does not stretch much after the flip—this compact growth habit makes it suitable for higher plant density cultivation. Expect plants to remain relatively short (3-4 ft) without aggressive training, though they will get bushy laterally.
Growth Structure and Training
During veg, Apple Tartz is a continuous, vigorous grower that requires consistent feeding. If left untrained, it grows tall and wild with dense foliage that blocks light to lower sites. Topping early (at the 4th-5th node) is essential, and LST should begin immediately after to open the canopy structure. The strong lateral branching from the Apple Fritter genetics responds exceptionally well to manifolding and SCROG techniques. Remove interior growth that won't receive light to focus energy on primary cola sites.
Nutrient Management
Nutrient demands are moderate to heavy. Use a balanced base at 1.4-2.0 EC during veg with standard macro ratios. Apple Tartz tolerates higher feed levels than many modern exotics without burning. Maintain 70-80F daytime temps with 50-60% RH during veg.
Flowering Time and Harvest
The transition to flower is rapid—sites appear within days of flipping to 12/12, and the stretch is minimal (1.2-1.5x). This quick trigger makes it ideal for production schedules where turnaround time matters. Begin bloom nutrients immediately at flip. The plant develops dense, triangle-shaped buds with distinctive purple, green, and gray coloration accented by orange pistils. Flowering completes in 8-9 weeks (60-70 days).
Environment and Climate
Because the plant structure is so dense and bushy, airflow management is the primary challenge. Defoliate aggressively at the flip and again at day 21. Drop humidity to 40-50% RH during flower. The dense, stacked buds can develop microclimates internally that invite botrytis—strategic thinning of fan leaves throughout flower prevents this. Despite the density, Apple Tartz requires very little trellis support due to its sturdy, vigorous stems.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Harvest window is relatively forgiving. The buds develop their characteristic sour apple and creamy berry terpene profile early and maintain it through ripeness. Dominant terpenes are limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool. A standard 10-day dry and 2-3 week cure brings out the full candy-tart-apple nose.
History & Origin
Clearwater Genetics, a boutique breeder collective based in Colorado Springs, developed Apple Tartz as part of their Apple Fritter feminized seed line. Breeder Alex Wullbrandt has called it the 'best-selling, most sought-after cross' in that line. The strain rose to prominence in 2022 when Leafly named it Strain of Summer 2022, cementing its reputation on dispensary menus across legal markets. Clearwater later collaborated with grower Jollygreenthumb on a refined Apple Tartz selection that 'took it up a notch,' and crossed it with Dante's Inferno to push the line further. Despite Clearwater's low-key profile, Apple Tartz has been widely adopted by licensed producers nationwide.
Awards & Recognition
- ●Leafly Strain of Summer 2022
- ●Leafly Strain of Summer 2022
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Apple Tartz as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions about Apple Tartz
What is Apple Tartz and what are its genetics?
Apple Tartz is a hybrid cannabis strain (50% Indica / 50% Sativa) bred by Clearwater Genetics. It is a cross of Apple Fritter x Runtz, testing at 22–32% THC. Apple Tartz is a balanced hybrid from Clearwater Genetics that pairs Apple Fritter's doughy, pastry-sweet potency with Runtz's candy-fruit brightness and resin density. It was named Leafly Strain of Summer 2022 and quickly became one of the most sought-after dessert-style cultivars on dispensary menus.
What does Apple Tartz smell and taste like?
Apple Tartz's dominant terpenes are Limonene, Caryophyllene, Myrcene. The aroma is described as tart green apple and sour candy hit first, followed by a creamy dough and pastry-sweet middle. undertones of cinnamon spice, dark berry, and a gassy fuel finish emerge as buds are broken open. multiple reviewers compare the nose to apple jacks cereal or cookie dough straight from the oven.. The flavor profile features sour apple on the inhale transitions into creamy berry-gas with a buttery pastry sweetness. the exhale carries cinnamon spice, earthy cookie undertones, and a faint diesel tail. the flavor complexity is a direct expression of its high terpene totals (1.5–2.8%), and batches testing high in limonene and caryophyllene deliver the most pronounced profile..
What are the effects of Apple Tartz?
Fast-acting — usually 1–2 hits produce a warm cerebral euphoria described as 'a warm light being turned on in a dim room.' Mood lifts noticeably within the first few minutes. A tingly, buzzy head high clears mental fog and elevates mood, often making users chatty and giggly. Over 20–40 minutes, a warm, relaxing body buzz settles in without heavy sedation or couch-lock. Duration is typically 2–3 hours typical; body relaxation may linger longer at higher doses.. Commonly reported uses include Depression, Stress, Pain, Creativity.
How hard is Apple Tartz to grow?
Apple Tartz is rated intermediate difficulty. It flowers in 8-9 weeks, reaches medium (3-4 ft indoor) in height, and yields 450-600 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor, outdoor environments.
What are the parent strains of Apple Tartz?
Apple Tartz is a cross of Apple Fritter and Runtz. Apple Fritter (Sour Apple x Animal Cookies) was created by Lumpy's Flowers in Northern California circa 2013 and is known for its dense, frosty structure, pastry-sweet aroma, and heavy potency. Runtz (Zkittlez x Gelato), popularized by the Runtz Crew and Cookies, contributes rainbow-candy aromatics, creamy gelato texture, and exceptional resin coverage.
Does Apple Tartz turn purple?
Yes. Apple Tartz is known to express purple coloration, with reported colors including Bright green, Purple, Orange pistils, Heavy trichome frost. Cooler nighttime temperatures during late flowering typically intensify anthocyanin expression.
What strains were bred from Apple Tartz?
Apple Tartz has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Apple B, Atomic Monster, Maverick, Pink Apple Soda, Gorgeous Braelin. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Apple Tartz won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Apple Tartz has received recognition including Leafly Strain of Summer 2022; Leafly Strain of Summer 2022.
Sources & References (20)
- Cannabis Business Times — 'Cannabis Breeder's Insights: Apple Tartz' (breeder Alex Wullbrandt, Clearwater Genetics) — https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/15687381/cannabis-breeders-insights-apple-tartz
- SeedFinder.eu — Apple Tartz (Clearwater Genetics) strain info & genealogy — https://seedfinder.eu/en/strain-info/apple-tartz/clearwater-genetics
- Leafly — Apple Tartz strain page (71 reviews, Strain of Summer 2022) — https://www.leafly.com/strains/apple-tartz
- Strain Guide — 'Apple Tartz Strain: The Complete Guide' — https://strainguide.app/blog/apple-tartz-strain-the-complete-guide/
- JointCommerce — 'Apple Tartz by Clearwater Genetics: A Comprehensive Strain Guide' — https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/apple-tartz-by-clearwater-genetics-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
- Crop King Seeds — Apple Tartz Feminized product page — https://www.cropkingseeds.com/feminized-seeds/apple-tartz-strain-feminized-marijuana-seeds/
- Leafly — 'Apple Tartz in Michigan from Glacier Cannabis' — https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/apple-tartz-michigan-glacier-cannabis
- East Tree CBD — Apple Tartz Flower Review — https://www.easttreecbd.com/hemp-review/apple-tartz-flower-review-3/
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://eliteshippedclones.com/product/apple-tartz/
- https://strainly.io/en/listings/489773-clearwater-apple-tartz
- https://strainguide.app/blog/apple-tartz-strain-the-complete-guide/
- https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/climate-environment-control/outdoor-cannabis-cultivation/article/15687381/cannabis-breeders-insights-apple-tartz
- https://www.theraplant.com/new/p/apple-t-41038
- https://www.leafly.com/strains/apple-tartz
- https://weedmaps.com/strains/apple-tartz
- https://clearwatergenetics.com/
- https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/hybrid/apple-tartz
- https://www.hytiva.com/strains/hybrid/apple-tartz
- https://herbiesheadshop.com/cannabis-seeds/apple-tartz
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