Gelato #33
Also known as: Larry Bird, Larry Bird Kush, Gelato 33
Breeder: Cookie Fam Genetics (Mario Guzman / Sherbinskis)
Gelato #33 is the most iconic and widely distributed phenotype from the original Gelato breeding project. Selected from a pheno-hunt concluded at a private tasting on June 16, 2014, it earned the nickname 'Larry Bird' because its phenotype number matches the NBA legend's jersey number. Known for its dessert-gas terpene profile, consistent resin production, and balanced effects, it became a foundational building block for modern breeding — SeedFinder lists 172 direct descendants. The cut was distributed freely by Mr. Sherbinski, sparking national production by 2015. Gelato #33 defined the "dessert" category of cannabis and remains a benchmark strain against which modern hybrids are measured. Among the multiple phenotypes that emerged from the original Gelato hunt (#25, #33, #41, #42, #43, #47, #49), the #33 cut stood out for its consistent resin production, balanced structure, and unmistakable sherbet-cream bouquet. Per Sherbinskis, the original #33 phenotype is no longer in their active cultivation rotation, though many other cultivators continue working with this expression and its descendants. Effects are euphoric, creative, and uplifting with a smooth physical relaxation that avoids heavy sedation at moderate doses. The flavor profile delivers sweet citrus and creamy vanilla on the inhale with earthy, peppery undertones on the exhale. The buds are visually stunning with deep greens accented by vivid purple hues, dense trichome frosting, and fiery orange pistils. Gelato #33 has been a foundational parent in modern cannabis breeding, contributing genetics to Ice Cream Cake, Wedding Cake, Biscotti, and dozens of other modern hybrids.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Sunset Sherbet (GSC x Pink Panties) contributes creamy citrus-berry flavor, calming body effect, and the signature 'sherbet cream' bouquet. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x Durban Poison, Thin Mint pheno) provides rigid bud structure, tight internodes, minty-menthol undertones, and upbeat cerebral euphoria.
Lineage Dispute
After the original 2014 pheno-hunt, the Cookie Fam and Sherbinskis parted ways. Which cultivator holds the most 'stable version' of Gelato genetics remains debated. Sherbinskis states the #33 phenotype is no longer in their active cultivation, though other cultivators continue working with the expression. The original cut was clone-only; modern seed versions are S1 reproductions or stabilized crosses.
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene —
Limonene —
Myrcene —
Humulene —
Linalool —
Pinene —
Aroma: Pungent mix of sweet citrus zest and creamy vanilla up front, with a bakery/sugar-cookie mid-note and a distinct fuel/gas finish. Earthy lavender and faint mint undertones emerge when buds are broken open. Nose intensity increases dramatically in the final two weeks of flower.
Flavor: Sweet berry and citrus cream on the inhale with peppery spice from the caryophyllene. Exhale delivers vanilla ice cream, subtle mint-chocolate, and a gassy diesel finish that lingers. Smooth smoke with minimal harshness when properly cured 3–4 weeks.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast onset within 5–10 minutes via inhalation. Begins with a warm cerebral uplift — mood brightens, focus sharpens, and sensory perception heightens. Physical relaxation emerges shortly after, spreading as a warming sensation from the shoulders outward.
Clear-headed euphoria without racing thoughts. Socially engaging and creatively accessible at moderate doses. Body relaxation is present but non-sedating — functional and balanced. At higher doses, indica genetics become more apparent with deeper limb heaviness and dreamier mental state. Rarely a knockout strain unless heavily over-consumed.
Duration: 2–4 hours total; tapers gradually rather than abruptly with a gentle return to baseline.
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Gelato #33, also known as Larry Bird (a nod to the NBA legend's jersey number), is a balanced hybrid (55% indica / 45% sativa) bred by Cookie Fam Genetics. It is the most iconic phenotype to emerge from the original Gelato hunt, created by crossing Sunset Sherbet with Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. The strain was developed by the Cookie Family, the Sherbinskis family, and cultivator Mario Guzman in Northern California's Bay Area. THC levels typically range from 20% to 26%, though some tests have pushed past 30%.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Indoors, Gelato #33 flowers in 8 to 10 weeks and produces excellent yields of 500 to 600 grams per square meter (approximately 16 to 20 ounces per square meter). Outdoor harvests in warm, Mediterranean climates typically land in mid to late October, producing 700 to 900 grams per plant under optimal conditions. The plant grows to a compact 50 to 60 inches tall with a bushy, well-branched structure.
Environment and Climate
The strain is moderately sensitive to temperature fluctuations, making it an excellent candidate for indoor cultivation where environmental parameters can be tightly controlled. Maintain daytime temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The key technique for unlocking Gelato #33's signature purple hues is dropping nighttime temperatures to 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the final two weeks of flower. This temperature differential activates anthocyanin production, producing vivid purple coloring in the leaves and calyxes.
Growth Structure and Training
Training techniques are strongly recommended. Use topping above the fourth node early in vegetation to encourage bushier growth with multiple colas. Low-stress training (LST) and Screen of Green (SCROG) are ideal for creating an even, open canopy that maximizes light exposure to all bud sites. The SCROG method in particular produces the most uniform canopy plane and increases the size of lower flowers. Defoliate selectively to improve airflow through the dense canopy.
Growing Media
Gelato #33 grows best in a well-draining medium with soil pH maintained between 6.0 and 6.5. Standard veg and bloom nutrient schedules work well, supplemented with Cal-Mag and optional terpene boosters during flowering. Water pH should be maintained between 6.2 and 6.6. The plant is a moderate feeder that does not tolerate overfeeding well, so watch for nutrient burn.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Good airflow is essential. The dense, resin-heavy buds are susceptible to moisture-related issues if ventilation is poor. Use an inline fan with carbon filter for odor control, and maintain oscillating fans for constant air movement within the canopy. Carbon filtration is necessary, as the sweet, creamy aroma becomes quite pronounced during mid-to-late flower.
Drying and Curing
Harvest timing is important. Chop at the end of September outdoors or during week 9 to 10 indoors, based on trichome maturity. Dry at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 55% relative humidity for 10 to 14 days, avoiding direct airflow on the hanging plants. Cure in glass jars, burping daily for the first week. After 3 to 4 weeks of curing, the buds reach peak creamy-citrus flavor. The dominant terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, humulene, linalool, and myrcene, delivering a sweet vanilla and citrus aroma with earthy undertones and a creamy, dessert-like finish.
History & Origin
In 2014, Mario Guzman (Jigga) and Mr. Sherbinski of the Bay Area Cookie Fam used colloidal silver to reverse a female Sunset Sherbet, then pollinated a GSC (Thin Mint pheno). The all-female seeds were grown out in a pheno-hunt concluded with a private, invite-only tasting at a Cuban food restaurant on June 16, 2014. The numbered pots that emerged as keepers included #25, #33, #41, #43, #45, and #49. Phenotype #33 earned the 'Larry Bird' nickname and became the most widely shared selection. Rather than hoarding the genetics, Sherbinski distributed cuts of Gelato 33, sparking national production by 2015. By the late 2010s it was a staple on dispensary menus across California, Colorado, and beyond. The Cookie Fam and Sherbinskis later parted ways; today Sherbinskis cultivates #41, #43, #47, and #49 but states #33 is no longer in their rotation.
Awards & Recognition
- ●Universally recognized as one of the most influential cultivars of the modern era; ranked among top hybrids across multiple industry publications since 2015
- ●Multiple High Times Cannabis Cup placements
- ●Best All-Around Strain recognition from major craft grower publications
- ●Foundational parent of multiple award-winning descendants (Ice Cream Cake, Wedding Cake, Biscotti)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Gelato #33 as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions about Gelato #33
What is Gelato #33 and what are its genetics?
Gelato #33 is a hybrid cannabis strain (55% Indica / 45% Sativa) bred by Cookie Fam Genetics (Mario Guzman / Sherbinskis). It is a cross of Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies, testing at 20–25% THC. Gelato #33 is the most iconic and widely distributed phenotype from the original Gelato breeding project. Selected from a pheno-hunt concluded at a private tasting on June 16, 2014, it earned the nickname 'Larry Bird' because its phenotype number matches the NBA legend's jersey number.
What does Gelato #33 smell and taste like?
Gelato #33's dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene. The aroma is described as pungent mix of sweet citrus zest and creamy vanilla up front, with a bakery/sugar-cookie mid-note and a distinct fuel/gas finish. earthy lavender and faint mint undertones emerge when buds are broken open. nose intensity increases dramatically in the final two weeks of flower.. The flavor profile features sweet berry and citrus cream on the inhale with peppery spice from the caryophyllene. exhale delivers vanilla ice cream, subtle mint-chocolate, and a gassy diesel finish that lingers. smooth smoke with minimal harshness when properly cured 3–4 weeks..
What are the effects of Gelato #33?
Fast onset within 5–10 minutes via inhalation. Begins with a warm cerebral uplift — mood brightens, focus sharpens, and sensory perception heightens. Physical relaxation emerges shortly after, spreading as a warming sensation from the shoulders outward. Clear-headed euphoria without racing thoughts. Socially engaging and creatively accessible at moderate doses. Duration is typically 2–4 hours total; tapers gradually rather than abruptly with a gentle return to baseline.. Commonly reported uses include Chronic pain, Stress, Anxiety, Muscle tension.
How hard is Gelato #33 to grow?
Gelato #33 is rated moderate difficulty. It flowers in 8-10 weeks, reaches medium (125-150 cm) in height, and yields 500-600 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor, outdoor environments.
What are the parent strains of Gelato #33?
Gelato #33 is a cross of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Sunset Sherbet (GSC x Pink Panties) contributes creamy citrus-berry flavor, calming body effect, and the signature 'sherbet cream' bouquet. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies (OG Kush x Durban Poison, Thin Mint pheno) provides rigid bud structure, tight internodes, minty-menthol undertones, and upbeat cerebral euphoria..
Does Gelato #33 turn purple?
Yes. Gelato #33 is known to express purple coloration, with reported colors including Deep green to purple calyxes, Bright orange pistils, Full purple expression with cool nights. Cooler nighttime temperatures during late flowering typically intensify anthocyanin expression.
What strains were bred from Gelato #33?
Gelato #33 has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including 33 Mintz, Cookies Gelato, Gelato #33 x Wedding Cake, Gelato #33 x GMO Cookies, Gelato #33 x Biscotti. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Gelato #33 won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Gelato #33 has received recognition including Universally recognized as one of the most influential cultivars of the modern era; ranked among top hybrids across multiple industry publications since 2015; Multiple High Times Cannabis Cup placements; Best All-Around Strain recognition from major craft grower publications.
Sources & References (23)
- SeedFinder.eu — Gelato #33 (Sherbinskis) strain page
- SeedFinder.eu — Gelato #33 genealogy (Unknown/Legendary)
- Leafly / WeedMaps — Cookies family strain genealogy article
- WeedMaps — Gelato strain page
- Conception Nurseries — Gelato 33 library entry
- CalmEffect — Gelato 33 Larry Bird strain profile
- Blimburn Seeds — Gelato 33 growing guide
- Strainpedia — Gelato #33 page
- Hypno Seeds — How to Grow Gelato 33
- Gelato Seeds — Gelato 33 grow seeds reference
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://hypnoseeds.com/the-blog/how-to-grow-gelato-33-seeds/
- https://leaf.expert/strain/gelato-33
- https://www.nysohigh.com/post/gelato-33-strain
- https://blimburnseeds.com/gelato-33/
- https://gelatoseeds.com/gelato-33-grow-seeds/
- https://weedmaps.com/strains/gelato
- https://www.calmeffect.com/strains/gelato-33-larry-bird
- https://conceptionnurseries.com/library/gelato-33/
- https://www.strainpedia.com/gelato-33/
- https://app.jointcommerce.com/blog/category/cannabis-101/larry-bird-strain-a-comprehensive-strain-guide/
- https://www.leafly.com/strains/gelato
- https://www.growdiaries.com/strains/gelato-33
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