Strawberry Cough
Also known as: KKSC, Kyle Kushman's Strawberry Cough, The Cough
Breeder: Unknown (Bridgeport, Connecticut grower; clone-only original). Kyle Kushman popularized the strain but did not breed it.
Strawberry Cough is one of the most recognizable sativa-dominant strains in American cannabis culture. Famous for its unmistakable fresh strawberry aroma and a smooth-but-expansive smoke that reliably induces coughing, it delivers a clear-headed, euphoric, and energetic high ideal for daytime use. The original clone traveled from Connecticut to California in the trunk of Kyle Kushman's rented Buick in 2004, with clones handed out to growers in every state along the way. That cross-country clone run cemented its legend. It has since spawned nearly 100 documented crosses and remains a dispensary staple over two decades later. Strawberry Cough's origin story is intertwined with cannabis folklore. Kyle Kushman received the original clone from a novice grower in Connecticut who had been cultivating it next to commercial strawberry plantations to mask the cannabis aroma. Whether the proximity to strawberries truly influenced the plant's terpene development (as Kushman himself doesn't dismiss the possibility) or the genetics simply expressed a remarkable fruit-forward phenotype, the result was a strain with an unprecedented strawberry character. Kushman later popularized Strawberry Cough through his work with the Buds & Roses Collective in Los Angeles. THC content typically measures 15-25%, with a terpene profile dominated by sweet berry, candy, and fruity notes. The effects are distinctly sativa — uplifting, motivating, and calming simultaneously, making it a beloved daytime strain. The 'cough' in the name references the potent effects that can induce a coughing fit even in experienced users.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Strawberry Fields x Haze
Strawberry Fields: A 100% indica from Vermont, bred for strawberry aroma and a fast finish before first snowfall (~7 weeks). Reportedly grown among strawberry plants for years, developing an intensely sweet berry nose. High yielder but with a body-heavy high that the original breeder wanted to improve with more cerebral genetics. Now believed extinct in its original form. Haze: The legendary sativa landrace-derived line (Colombian Gold x Mexican x Thai x South Indian origins), known for soaring cerebral effects, long flower times, and complex spicy-citrus aromas. The Haze male used in the original cross provided the uplifting, clear-headed euphoria and stretched the flower time compared to the Strawberry Fields mother.
Lineage Dispute
The original Strawberry Cough was a single clone selected from seeds of a Strawberry Fields x Haze cross by an unnamed novice grower in Bridgeport, CT. Kyle Kushman received the clone circa 1999–2000 as a gift for helping the grower. Kushman himself has stated publicly that he never created the strain — he only distributed it. Modern seed versions (e.g., Dutch Passion, Royal Queen Seeds) are reproductions made by crossing the original KKSC clone with other genetics (Sweet Tooth has been implied for the Dutch Passion version). SeedFinder lists the original as clone-only under 'Clone Only Strains.' The Strawberry Fields parent is described as a 100% indica from Vermont, reportedly grown among actual strawberry fields — whether companion planting influenced the aroma is cannabis folklore, not established science.
Terpene Profile
Myrcene — Earthy, herbal, musky foundation
Pinene — Fresh pine, forest-like brightness
Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery warmth
Limonene — Bright citrus, lemon zest
Linalool — Floral, lavender sweetness
Humulene — Woody, hoppy, earthy
Terpinolene — Floral, piney, slightly herbaceous
Aroma: Immediately recognizable fresh strawberry — sweet, ripe, and authentic rather than candy-like. Underpinned by earthy Haze muskiness with sharp pine notes cutting through the sweetness. A subtle peppery spice rounds out the nose. Breaking buds open reveals deeper layers of berry jam and herbal complexity. Nose intensity is high; jars reek through the lid.
Flavor: Sweet strawberry dominates the inhale with a smooth, almost creamy berry quality. Mid-palate brings earthy, slightly skunky Haze undertones. The exhale finishes with a peppery-pine kick and lingering berry sweetness. The smoke is expansive — it fills the lungs quickly and triggers the characteristic cough that gives the strain its name, even among experienced smokers.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Fast-acting sativa headrush within minutes. An almost immediate wave of cerebral euphoria and mental clarity.
Uplifting, euphoric, and social. Promotes creativity, focus, and conversation without anxiety or paranoia. Physically light — no couch-lock. Many report feeling motivated and energized. The Strawberry Fields indica genetics keep the sativa energy from becoming racy or jittery, providing a grounded balance.
Duration: Moderate — typically 2–3 hours. The peak cerebral effects plateau for about an hour before gradually easing into a calm, contented baseline.
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Strawberry Cough is a sativa-dominant hybrid (approximately 75-80% sativa) with a near-mythical origin story. Developed by Kyle Kushman — award-winning cultivator and former cultivation editor at High Times — the strain traces back to a mystery clone discovered in Connecticut that had been grown alongside wild strawberry plantations, reportedly absorbing the surrounding fruit aromatics over generations. Kushman recognized the potential, crossed it with Haze to stabilize the genetics, and introduced Strawberry Cough to the broader market through seed production in Holland. It remains one of the most celebrated sativa-dominant strains in cannabis history.
Growth Structure and Training
For cultivation, Strawberry Cough is remarkably beginner-friendly despite its sativa heritage. The plants develop stout, bushy frames with plenty of healthy foliage and strong side branches — more manageable than many pure sativas thanks to its indica content from the Strawberry Fields parent. However, growers must plan for significant stretch: the plants can double in height during the transition to flower. Topping during veg is strongly recommended to control height, and LST or SCROG techniques help create a more even canopy that maximizes light exposure across all bud sites. Indoor plants reach 100-150 cm when properly managed; outdoor plants can extend to 200 cm.
Flowering Time and Harvest
Flowering runs 9 to 11 weeks — on the longer side compared to indica-dominant strains, which is the main challenge of growing Strawberry Cough. Budget for the extended cycle in your grow plan, particularly if you're running multiple rooms or calculating per-cycle costs. Most growers find the sweet spot at 10-11 weeks for optimal bud development. Indoor yields range from 350-500 g/m2, with some sources reporting up to 500 g/m2 under optimized conditions. Outdoor plants produce 600-650 g each, finishing in early October.
Growing Media
The strain performs best in organic soil with natural nutrients — synthetic fertilizers work but organic growing noticeably enhances the signature strawberry terpene expression. Feed nitrogen well into the fourth week of flowering (unusual for many strains), then transition to bloom nutrients for the remainder. Temperature should hold at 72-85°F during the day with nighttime drops of no more than 15°F. The plants tolerate heat well and prefer semi-arid conditions. Humidity management during the extended flowering period is critical: maintain 40-50% RH during flower to prevent mold, especially in the final weeks when bud density increases.
Pest and Disease Resistance
Strawberry Cough shows good natural resistance to most pests and molds, making it forgiving for less experienced growers. Regular pruning is necessary because the bushy growth pattern can block light from reaching lower bud sites. SOG and SCROG setups give the best yield results. The plants have strong enough stems to support their own blooms without supplemental support in most cases, though supercropping can further improve yields. Dutch Passion's version has been specifically selected for slightly reduced stretch compared to the original, making it more manageable for indoor growers. The incredible strawberry aroma that fills the grow space during the final weeks of flower — intensely sweet, fruity, and unmistakable — is one of the true rewards of growing this strain.
History & Origin
Circa 1999–2000: An unnamed novice grower in Bridgeport, Connecticut crossed a Strawberry Fields female (Vermont indica grown among strawberry plants) with a pure Haze male. Kyle Kushman, then a cultivation columnist for High Times magazine, visited the grower and received a small clone as a thank-you gift. Back in Brooklyn, Kushman opened the box and was struck by the powerful strawberry aroma — he nearly discarded the scraggly clone but the smell convinced him it was special. He grew it out and it became his personal favorite. In 2004, Kushman relocated from New York to California, packing several hundred Strawberry Cough clones in the trunk of a rented Buick. He gifted clones to growers in cities across the country along the way, earning an informal 'Johnny Appleseed of cannabis' reputation. The strain exploded in popularity. High Times named it Strain of the Year in 2005. Kyle's veganic-grown version (using his Vegamatrix nutrient line) won multiple Cannabis Cup awards. Kushman has consistently stated on the record that he never claimed to breed Strawberry Cough — he only made it famous. The original clone has been preserved through tissue culture into the 2020s.
Awards & Recognition
- ●High Times Strain of the Year, 2005
- ●1st Place Best U.S. Flower — High Times Cannabis Cup Seattle, 2013 (Veganic Strawberry Cough, Kushman Genetics / Buds & Roses LA)
- ●Sativa Flower placement — High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup Denver, 2015 (Veganic Strawberry Cough, 28.31% THC)
- ●Featured three times in High Times 'Strongest Strains on Earth' list (2012, 2015, 2016)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Strawberry Cough as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Strawberry Cough
What is Strawberry Cough and what are its genetics?
Strawberry Cough is a sativa cannabis strain (80% Sativa / 20% Indica) bred by Unknown (Bridgeport, Connecticut grower; clone-only original). Kyle Kushman popularized the strain but did not breed it.. It is a cross of Strawberry Fields x Haze, testing at 17–24% THC. Strawberry Cough is one of the most recognizable sativa-dominant strains in American cannabis culture. Famous for its unmistakable fresh strawberry aroma and a smooth-but-expansive smoke that reliably induces coughing, it delivers a clear-headed, euphoric, and energetic high ideal for daytime use.
What does Strawberry Cough smell and taste like?
Strawberry Cough's dominant terpenes are Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. The aroma is described as immediately recognizable fresh strawberry — sweet, ripe, and authentic rather than candy-like. underpinned by earthy haze muskiness with sharp pine notes cutting through the sweetness. a subtle peppery spice rounds out the nose. breaking buds open reveals deeper layers of berry jam and herbal complexity. nose intensity is high; jars reek through the lid.. The flavor profile features sweet strawberry dominates the inhale with a smooth, almost creamy berry quality. mid-palate brings earthy, slightly skunky haze undertones. the exhale finishes with a peppery-pine kick and lingering berry sweetness. the smoke is expansive — it fills the lungs quickly and triggers the characteristic cough that gives the strain its name, even among experienced smokers..
What are the effects of Strawberry Cough?
Fast-acting sativa headrush within minutes. An almost immediate wave of cerebral euphoria and mental clarity. Uplifting, euphoric, and social. Promotes creativity, focus, and conversation without anxiety or paranoia. Duration is typically moderate — typically 2–3 hours. the peak cerebral effects plateau for about an hour before gradually easing into a calm, contented baseline.. Commonly reported uses include Daytime productivity, Creative work, Social gatherings, Stress and anxiety management.
How hard is Strawberry Cough to grow?
Strawberry Cough is rated easy to moderate difficulty. It flowers in 9-11 weeks, reaches medium (100-150cm indoor) in height, and yields 350-500 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred, mediterranean outdoor environments.
What are the parent strains of Strawberry Cough?
Strawberry Cough is a cross of Strawberry Fields and Haze. Strawberry Fields: A 100% indica from Vermont, bred for strawberry aroma and a fast finish before first snowfall (~7 weeks). Reportedly grown among strawberry plants for years, developing an intensely sweet berry nose.
What strains were bred from Strawberry Cough?
Strawberry Cough has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Brian Berry Cough, Blueberry Cough, Auto Strawberry Soda, Black Cough, Aqua Verde. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Strawberry Cough won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Strawberry Cough has received recognition including High Times Strain of the Year, 2005; 1st Place Best U.S. Flower — High Times Cannabis Cup Seattle, 2013 (Veganic Strawberry Cough, Kushman Genetics / Buds & Roses LA); Sativa Flower placement — High Times U.S. Cannabis Cup Denver, 2015 (Veganic Strawberry Cough, 28.31% THC).
Sources & References (21)
- SeedFinder.eu — Clone Only Strains: Strawberry Cough (lineage, breeder notes from Texas Kid & Nebu)
- Royal Queen Seeds — Strawberry Cough product page (grow data, terpenes, ratios)
- Cannigma — Strawberry Cough strain review (Kyle Kushman 2017 interview quotes)
- Royal Queen Seeds Blog — Strawberry Cough: A Sweet and Uplifting Sativa (history, origin)
- High Times — Strongest Strains on Earth 2016 (Veganic SC at 28.31% THC, awards)
- Medical Jane — 2013 US Cannabis Cup Seattle results (1st Place Best US Flower)
- Pacific Stone — Strawberry Cough terpene breakdown
- JointCommerce — Strawberry Cough growing guide (trichome structure, yield optimization)
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/feminized-cannabis-seeds/678-strawberry-cough.html
- https://marijuanabreak.com/growing/growing-strawberry-cough-marijuana/
- https://www.cannaconnection.com/strains/strawberry-cough
- https://10buds.com/strain-seeds/strawberry-cough/
- https://dutch-passion.com/en/cannabis-seeds/strawberry-cough
- https://reason.com/2014/10/19/a-look-at-strawberry-cough/
- https://strngseeds.com/learn/why-strawberry-cough-remains-a-favorite-among-sativa-lovers/
- https://leafwell.com/cannabis-strains/strawberry-cough
- https://cornerstonecollective.com/your-guide-to-the-strawberry-cough-strain/
- https://herbnjoy.com/unveiling-the-delightful-strawberry-cough-cannabis-strain/
- https://www.leafly.com/strains/strawberry-cough
- https://www.allbud.com/marijuana-strains/sativa/strawberry-cough
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