Indica80/20 Indica-dominant18–24% THC

Blackwater

Also known as: Blackwater OG, Black Water, Black Water OG, Black Water Kush

Breeder: The Cali Connection

A heavy indica released by The Cali Connection as a special edition for the 2010 Cannabis Cup. Bred with the explicit goal of creating 'one of the darkest Purple OG Kushes,' Blackwater combines Mendocino Purps' anthocyanin-rich genetics with the resin-heavy SFV OG Kush F3 male. Known for narcotic-level sedation, dense purple-black buds, and a grape-fuel aromatic signature. A nighttime-only strain favored by medical patients for insomnia and chronic pain. Blackwater's visual appeal is its defining trait. Under optimal conditions with cooler nighttime temperatures in late flower, the buds develop hues ranging from deep purple to near-black, with a thick layer of greasy trichomes that give them exceptional bag appeal. The flavor profile delivers sweet grape on the inhale with an earthy, woody, and slightly piney finish on the exhale. Effects are heavily indica-leaning: expect deep physical relaxation, sedation, and potent pain relief. This is a nighttime strain through and through. The sugar leaves from harvest are notably resinous and make excellent starting material for hash production.

Lineage

Mendo Purps x SFV OG Kush F3

THC Range

18–24%

Flower Time

8-10 weeks

Difficulty

Moderate

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: Mendo Purps x SFV OG Kush F3

Parent strains in encyclopedia:Mendocino Purps→

Mendo Purps (aka Mendocino Purps / The Purps): legendary California clone known for intense purple coloring and aromas of pine, caramel, and coffee; strong sedative effects. SFV OG Kush F3: San Fernando Valley cut of OG Kush bred to F3 generation for stability; contributes aggressive Kush backbone, heavy resin production, and fuel/lemon terpenes.

Lineage Dispute

Regular version: Mendo Purps x SFV OG Kush F3 male (IBL). Feminized version: Mendo Purps x Tahoe OG S1. Breeder (Swerve) explicitly states these are different crosses sold under the same name. The 'SFV OG x Tahoe OG' attribution found online is incorrect — both versions use Mendo Purps as the mother; only the male/pollen donor differs.

Terpene Profile

DOMINANT

Myrcene —

SECONDARY

Caryophyllene —

SECONDARY

Limonene —

SECONDARY

Pinene —

SECONDARY

Delta-3-Carene —

Aroma: Leads with heavy grape and musky earth. Breaking buds releases a second wave of pine, lemon peel, and sharp fuel. Pungent enough to fill a room. Some phenotypes express blue cheese undertones from the OG side.

Flavor: Sweet grape on inhale driven by myrcene dominance. Exhale transitions to earthy pine with lemon and woody undertones. Finish is smooth and lingering with occasional spicy/peppery notes from caryophyllene. Extended cure (4–6 weeks) clarifies the grape notes significantly.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Brief cerebral buzz — giddy, slightly euphoric uplift lasting only a few minutes before the indica body effects take over.

Heavy, warming full-body sedation builds progressively into couch-lock. Strong appetite stimulation. Mood elevation without energizing qualities. Described as 'narcotic' and 'floating.' Not incapacitating but deeply relaxing with munchies.

Duration: 2–3 hours typical. Sleep-inducing sensation intensifies near tail-end. Re-dosing accelerates sedation into full slumber.

Commonly Reported Uses

InsomniaChronic painMuscle spasmsAnxietyDepressionAppetite lossMigrainesInflammationArthritisMultiple sclerosis

Grower's Notes

Flower

8-10 weeks

Indoor Yield

400-450 g/m²

Outdoor Yield

500-700 g/plant

Difficulty

Moderate

Height / Stretch

Medium (90-120 cm indoor)

Environment

Indoor, Outdoor

Blackwater is an indica-dominant hybrid (approximately 80% indica / 20% sativa) bred by The Cali Connection from Mendocino Purps crossed with SFV OG Kush F3. It is known for producing dense, resin-coated buds that develop striking obsidian-purple to near-black coloration under the right conditions. THC typically ranges from 18% to 26%.

Growth Structure and Training

Indoors, Blackwater flowers in 8 to 10 weeks and produces stocky, bushy plants that generally stay between 90 and 120 cm (3 to 4 feet). Outdoors, plants can reach 140 to 180 cm and are typically ready for harvest in late September to early October. Indoor yields average 400 to 450 g/m2 with quality-focused cultivation. The plant's compact, sturdy structure makes it well-suited to SOG and SCROG setups, as well as topping and LST to promote lateral growth and multiple colas.

Environment and Climate

Temperature management is the most critical variable for this strain. To unlock Blackwater's signature deep purple and black hues, growers must drop nighttime temperatures to 16 to 18 degrees Celsius (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) during the final three weeks of flowering. This activates anthocyanin production in the leaves and calyxes. Daytime temperatures should be maintained around 75 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the grow cycle. If growing in a naturally cold climate, indoor cultivation is strongly recommended.

Nutrient Management

Blackwater is notably sensitive to nitrogen toxicity. Transition from a nitrogen-rich vegetative feed to a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus and high-potassium bloom formula by week four of flower. Maintain soil pH tightly between 6.0 and 6.3 to avoid nutrient lockout during the crucial late-bloom bud swell. The dense bud structure makes this strain susceptible to mold and bud rot if airflow is inadequate. Prioritize good ventilation and keep relative humidity below 50% during flowering, especially in the final weeks.

Growth Structure and Training

Expect minimal stretch during weeks one through three of flower, with the plant focusing on stalk thickening and broad fan leaf development. Initial frost appears around weeks four through six, with sweet earth and pine scents emerging. Weeks seven through ten bring the dramatic color shift from green to deep purple and black, peak resin production, and rock-hard bud density. Post-harvest, a 14-day slow dry is recommended, followed by a 4 to 6 week cure to allow the grape and berry notes to fully develop. The dominant terpenes are myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, producing an aromatic profile of sweet grape, earthy pine, and bright citrus.

History & Origin

Created by Swerve of The Cali Connection as a special release for the 2010 High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. Named after one of Swerve's favorite songs. His stated breeding goal: 'achieve one of the darkest Purple OG Kushes there is.' Quickly gained recognition in California medical dispensaries for its reliable sedation. Won multiple cups between 2014–2016. The feminized version (Mendo Purps x Tahoe OG S1) was released separately and won the 2014 High Times Medical Cup LA placement.

Awards & Recognition

●3rd Place Best Indica — High Times Medical Cannabis Cup, Los Angeles 2014
●5th Place Indica — The Karma Cup 2014 (Alchemy Extracts)
●1st Place Best Hybrid — The Karma Cup 2015 (MedMariCapo)
●1st Place Hybrid — The Karma Cup 2016 (MedMariCapo)

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Blackwater as a parent:

Purple Crack— Green Crack x Blackwater — The Cali Connection

Fire Alien Black— Blackwater x Fire Alien Kush — Exotic Genetix

Deja Vu— Blackwater x Chem 91 — Sunset Genetics

Black Sheep— Blackwater x Golden Goat — Lost River Seeds

Sith Lord— Blackwater x Beerus God of Destruction — Grow Today Genetics

Mendo Ape OG— Blackwater x Rare Dankness — J2G Genetics

Frequently Asked Questions

8 common questions about Blackwater

What is Blackwater and what are its genetics?

Blackwater is a indica cannabis strain (80/20 Indica-dominant) bred by The Cali Connection. It is a cross of Mendo Purps x SFV OG Kush F3, testing at 18–24% THC. A heavy indica released by The Cali Connection as a special edition for the 2010 Cannabis Cup. Bred with the explicit goal of creating 'one of the darkest Purple OG Kushes,' Blackwater combines Mendocino Purps' anthocyanin-rich genetics with the resin-heavy SFV OG Kush F3 male.

What does Blackwater smell and taste like?

Blackwater's dominant terpenes are Myrcene. The aroma is described as leads with heavy grape and musky earth. breaking buds releases a second wave of pine, lemon peel, and sharp fuel. pungent enough to fill a room. some phenotypes express blue cheese undertones from the og side.. The flavor profile features sweet grape on inhale driven by myrcene dominance. exhale transitions to earthy pine with lemon and woody undertones. finish is smooth and lingering with occasional spicy/peppery notes from caryophyllene. extended cure (4–6 weeks) clarifies the grape notes significantly..

What are the effects of Blackwater?

Brief cerebral buzz — giddy, slightly euphoric uplift lasting only a few minutes before the indica body effects take over. Heavy, warming full-body sedation builds progressively into couch-lock. Strong appetite stimulation. Duration is typically 2–3 hours typical. sleep-inducing sensation intensifies near tail-end. re-dosing accelerates sedation into full slumber.. Commonly reported uses include Insomnia, Chronic pain, Muscle spasms, Anxiety.

How hard is Blackwater to grow?

Blackwater is rated moderate difficulty. It flowers in 8-10 weeks, reaches medium (90-120 cm indoor) in height, and yields 400-450 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor, outdoor environments.

What are the parent strains of Blackwater?

Blackwater is a cross of Mendo Purps and SFV OG Kush F3. Mendo Purps (aka Mendocino Purps / The Purps): legendary California clone known for intense purple coloring and aromas of pine, caramel, and coffee; strong sedative effects. SFV OG Kush F3: San Fernando Valley cut of OG Kush bred to F3 generation for stability; contributes aggressive Kush backbone, heavy resin production, and fuel/lemon terpenes..

Does Blackwater turn purple?

Yes. Blackwater is known to express purple coloration, with reported colors including Deep purple, Black, Dark olive green, Magenta. Cooler nighttime temperatures during late flowering typically intensify anthocyanin expression.

What strains were bred from Blackwater?

Blackwater has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Purple Crack, Fire Alien Black, Deja Vu, Black Sheep, Sith Lord. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.

Has Blackwater won any cannabis awards?

Yes. Blackwater has received recognition including 3rd Place Best Indica — High Times Medical Cannabis Cup, Los Angeles 2014; 5th Place Indica — The Karma Cup 2014 (Alchemy Extracts); 1st Place Best Hybrid — The Karma Cup 2015 (MedMariCapo).

Sources & References (20)

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