Zkittlez
Also known as: The Original Z, Skittles
Breeder: 3rd Gen Family, Terp Hogz, and Dying Breed Seeds
Zkittlez — now officially marketed as The Original Z following a 2023 trademark settlement with the Skittles candy manufacturer — is celebrated for its exceptionally high terpene concentration and candy-fruit flavor that redefined modern cannabis breeding. It proved that terpene profile could matter more than THC percentage, launching the 'candy strain' movement and inspiring an entire generation of fruit-forward cultivars.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Grape Ape x Grapefruit x undisclosed third strain
Grape Ape (Afghani x Skunk #1 x Mendocino Purps) contributes the indica backbone, grape/berry sweetness, and purple coloration. Grapefruit (a sativa-leaning Cinderella 99 descendant) contributes citrus brightness and mood-elevating quality. The undisclosed third strain is widely believed to anchor the terpene stability. The original genetic material is attributed to 'Gas Station Bob.'
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene — Warm pepper and spice; ~0.6–0.7%
Myrcene — Earthy, musky; ~0.4–0.5%
Limonene — Citrus brightness; ~0.4–0.5%
Aroma: Overripe tropical fruit, grape candy, fresh berries, and citrus zest. Breaking buds releases deeper grapefruit peel and pink peppercorn notes.
Flavor: Intensely sweet grape and tropical citrus inhale. Berry jam mid-smoke. Clean candy-taffy aftertaste. Many consumers describe it as tasting more like actual fruit candy than any other strain.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Quick — 1–3 minutes. Cerebral uplift with colors appearing richer and mood brightening.
Within 15–20 minutes, warmth spreads as body relaxation builds. At moderate doses, consumers remain mobile and social. Not heavily sedating despite its indica dominance — the Grapefruit parent provides enough sativa influence to keep the experience mentally engaged.
Duration: 2–3 hours
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Zkittlez grows like an indica that read a manual on space efficiency. Multiple independent sources — Strainpedia, Grow Guide's platform data across 1,000 tracked journals, and dozens of Growdiaries entries — confirm a compact, bushy plant that rarely exceeds 120 cm indoors. Internode spacing is tight, lateral branching is abundant, and the overall morphology is more Christmas tree than candlestick. Stretch after the 12/12 flip is moderate: expect a 50–75% height increase during the first two weeks of flower. Branch strength is adequate for the bud density this strain produces, though several cultivators report using bamboo stakes or trellis netting in late flower.
Yield
Zkittlez has never been a production strain, and experienced cultivators know it. The consensus ceiling across sources is 400–500 g/m² indoors with a properly trained canopy under 600W+ lighting. Outdoor full-season plants in favorable climates reach 500–600 g/plant. But these are ceiling numbers — Grow Guide's analysis explicitly warns that first-time Zkittlez growers should budget for 200–300 g/m². The Dookie Brothers, who won the 2016 Emerald Cup with this strain, described it as "very finicky" and said they "got lucky" — a revealing admission from competition-winning cultivators running organic soil in Humboldt County. What Zkittlez sacrifices in weight, it compensates with terpene density that justifies premium pricing at retail.
Color Development
Zkittlez inherits its anthocyanin machinery from Grape Ape, and the color expression is real — but not automatic. A peer-reviewed study in the Journal of Cannabis Research (2025) confirms temperatures below approximately 68°F promote anthocyanin accumulation. For Zkittlez specifically, nighttime temperatures below 57°F during the final 2–4 weeks trigger the deepest purple expression. At standard indoor temperatures, most phenotypes stay predominantly green with subtle lavender accents.
If there is one lesson that echoes across every source, it is this: Zkittlez does not want to be force-fed. The strain is demonstrably more nitrogen-sensitive than typical indica hybrids. Multiple cultivators report dark, clawed leaves when following manufacturer-recommended nutrient schedules at full strength. Start at 75% of recommended doses. EC targets run conservative: 0.8–1.4 in veg, 1.4–1.8 in peak flower, tapering to 1.0–1.2 by weeks 7–8 before a 10–14 day plain-water flush. pH at 6.0–6.5 in soil, 5.8–6.2 in coco. In coco or with RO water, CalMag supplementation at 1–2 mL/L from day one is essential.
Growing Media
Grow Guide's analysis reveals 63.2% of Zkittlez growers choose soil as their primary medium. Soil's natural buffering capacity provides a meaningful safety margin against the overfeeding this strain punishes. The Emerald Cup winner was grown in organic soil with compost teas. Coco delivers faster growth and 20–25% higher yield potential, but the margin for error shrinks dramatically.
Environment and Climate
The strain's competition pedigree is sungrown — the Emerald Cup is a historically outdoor-focused event. Zkittlez performs beautifully in Northern California's Mediterranean climate: warm, dry summers with cool fall nights that trigger color expression right as the plant finishes in late September to early October. Indoors, humidity must be held at 40–50% during flower and dropped to 30–40% in late flower. The dense bud structure is an open invitation for botrytis.
Lighting
Zkittlez is classified as a "medium-light" strain. Multiple sources report bleaching on upper canopy sites when PPFD exceeds the strain's comfort zone. Target 700–900 µmol/m²/s during flower without CO2 (DLI approximately 35–45 mol/m²/day). With CO2 at 1,000–1,200 ppm, PPFD can be pushed to 1,000–1,200, but this is advanced-operator territory.
Every source agrees
Zkittlez's reputation lives and dies in the dry room and cure jar. Hang dry 7–14 days at 64–70°F and 55–60% RH in total darkness until stems snap cleanly. The candy-fruit terpene notes — dominated by caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene — intensify dramatically around weeks 4–5 of cure. Minimum cure is 3–4 weeks; consensus optimum is 6–8. For solventless extraction, Zkittlez is prized for flavor but is an inconsistent washer — fresh-frozen yields of 2–5% WPFF are variable compared to purpose-bred hash cultivars. The resulting rosin is notably volatile with high monoterpene content. Pressing temperature for flower rosin runs 175–195°F through a 25–37µm bag.
History & Origin
Emerged from Mendocino County, California in the early 2010s. Its arrival — emphasizing terpene density over raw THC — permanently shifted the cannabis conversation toward flavor-forward breeding. In 2023, the name was changed to 'The Original Z' as part of a legal settlement with the Skittles candy manufacturer.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2015: Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup (San Francisco and Michigan)
- ●2016: 1st Place Overall Flower — Emerald Cup (grown by Dookie Brothers, from 650+ entries)
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Zkittlez as a parent:
Frequently Asked Questions
7 common questions about Zkittlez
What is Zkittlez and what are its genetics?
Zkittlez is a indica cannabis strain (70% Indica / 30% Sativa) bred by 3rd Gen Family, Terp Hogz, and Dying Breed Seeds. It is a cross of Grape Ape x Grapefruit x undisclosed third strain, testing at 15–25% THC. Zkittlez — now officially marketed as The Original Z following a 2023 trademark settlement with the Skittles candy manufacturer — is celebrated for its exceptionally high terpene concentration and candy-fruit flavor that redefined modern cannabis breeding. It proved that terpene profile could matter more than THC percentage, launching the 'candy strain' movement and inspiring an entire generation of fruit-forward cultivars..
What does Zkittlez smell and taste like?
Zkittlez's dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene. The aroma is described as overripe tropical fruit, grape candy, fresh berries, and citrus zest. breaking buds releases deeper grapefruit peel and pink peppercorn notes.. The flavor profile features intensely sweet grape and tropical citrus inhale. berry jam mid-smoke. clean candy-taffy aftertaste. many consumers describe it as tasting more like actual fruit candy than any other strain..
What are the effects of Zkittlez?
Quick — 1–3 minutes. Cerebral uplift with colors appearing richer and mood brightening. Within 15–20 minutes, warmth spreads as body relaxation builds. At moderate doses, consumers remain mobile and social. Duration is typically 2–3 hours. Commonly reported uses include Stress relief, Anxiety management, Evening unwinding, Appetite stimulation.
How hard is Zkittlez to grow?
Zkittlez is rated intermediate difficulty. It flowers in 8–9 weeks, reaches short-medium (60–120 cm) in height, and yields 400–500 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor preferred environments.
What are the parent strains of Zkittlez?
Zkittlez is a cross of Grape Ape and Grapefruit. Grape Ape (Afghani x Skunk #1 x Mendocino Purps) contributes the indica backbone, grape/berry sweetness, and purple coloration. Grapefruit (a sativa-leaning Cinderella 99 descendant) contributes citrus brightness and mood-elevating quality.
What strains were bred from Zkittlez?
Zkittlez has been used as a parent in several notable crosses, including Runtz, Moonbow, Rainbow Belts, Watermelon Zkittlez. Its genetics contribute to a wide range of modern cultivars.
Has Zkittlez won any cannabis awards?
Yes. Zkittlez has received recognition including 2015: Best Indica — High Times Cannabis Cup (San Francisco and Michigan); 2016: 1st Place Overall Flower — Emerald Cup (grown by Dookie Brothers, from 650+ entries).
Sources & References (46)
- *Terphogz.com** (breeder's own site) — origin story, breeder attribution
- *Leafly** — terpene profile (Caryophyllene, Linalool, Humulene), THC ~20%, effects, community reviews (40,000+)
- *Dark Coast Seed Co.** — detailed lineage, Cup history, Runtz creation story
- *Mellow Fellow / TerpSourced** — terpene percentages, effects analysis
- *ThisIsWhyImHigh** (47-source aggregate) — terpene percentages, THC range 15–25%
- *Dope Magazine / StuffStonersLike** — 2016 Emerald Cup coverage, Dookie Brothers attribution
- *SeedFinder.eu** — Moonbow genealogy, descendant counts
- *GrowGuide.app / Strainpedia / Sacred Seeds Australia** — cultivation data, environmental parameters
- *Royal Queen Seeds** — growing specs, flowering time, yield ranges
- *Seeds Here Now / Rare Harvest** — offspring catalog, breeder history
- ## Source Conflicts
- Topic — Conflict — Resolution
- Top terpenes — Leafly: Caryophyllene > Linalool > Humulene. Others: Caryophyllene > Myrcene > Limonene — Phenotypic variation; Caryophyllene dominance is universal
- Indica/sativa ratio — Most sources: 70/30. Some: 60/40 — 70/30 is more commonly cited; listed as primary
- Breeder credit — Some say Dying Breed Seeds; others say 3rd Gen Family + Terp Hogz — All three collectives involved due to overlapping membership (Shiloh Massive bridged them). Not a true dispute — a simplification issue
- THC range — Sources vary from 15–25% (wide) to 18–23% (common) — Both are accurate; 15–25% is the full observed range, 18–23% is the typical batch window
- *Overview:**
- Indica-dominant hybrid (70% indica / 30% sativa)
- THC: 15-25% (most commonly 18-23%)
- Now officially "The Original Z" due to trademark settlement
- *Lineage:**
- Grape Ape x Grapefruit x undisclosed third strain
- Breeders: 3rd Gen Family, Terp Hogz, Dying Breed Seeds (overlapping collectives)
- The strain traces back to Gas Station Bob, with key contributors including Green R. Fieldz, Tony Mendo from Terp Hogz, Brandon Parker from 3rd Gen Family, and Shiloh Massive from Dying Breed Seeds. The Grape Ape parent itself comes from Afghani x Skunk #1 x Mendocino Purps, while Grapefruit is a sativa-leaning Cinderella 99 descendant.
- *Terpenes:**
- Caryophyllene leads the profile at around 0.65%, with secondary terpenes still being compiled.
- Total terpene content runs high at 2-4%, though there's some variation between sources on which terpenes rank second and third.
- *Effects:**
- The strain delivers a cerebral uplift that transitions into body relaxation without heavy sedation, making it useful for stress, anxiety, pain, and depression while maintaining focus and alertness.
- *Growing:**
- Flowers in 8-9 weeks with indoor yields around 400-500g/m² and outdoor yields starting around 500g.
- Stays compact and bushy at 80-120cm, though it requires intermediate growing skills and strict humidity control to prevent botrytis.
- LST helps optimize growth, and cooler night temperatures bring out purple coloration.
- *Awards and Genetics:**
- Won multiple Cannabis Cups including Best Indica in 2015 and took first place at the 2016 Emerald Cup.
- Became a parent strain for several popular crosses, most notably Runtz, which combined it with Gelato to create one of the most sought-after modern strains.
- There's some conflicting information across sources on the exact terpene profile and whether it's 70/30 or 60/40 indica-dominant, and the breeder credits vary depending on the source, though it appears Dying Breed Seeds and 3rd Gen Family were connected through the same collective.
- Grower's Notes cultivation sources:
- Strainpedia — Zkittlez strain profile — https://www.strainpedia.com/zkittlez/
- Grow Guide — Zkittlez maximum yield guide (1,000 journals) — https://growguide.app/blog/zkittlez-strain-grow-guide-for-maximum-yield-and-flavor/
- Emerald Magazine — The Dookie Brothers (Emerald Cup 2016 winner) — https://theemeraldmagazine.com/the-dookie-brothers/
- SeedFinder.eu — Emerald Cup 2016 winner data — https://seedfinder.eu/en/database/cup-winner/the-emerald-cup/2016
- Springer Nature — Anthocyanin accumulation temperature optima in Cannabis (2025) — https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42238-025-00311-w
- Los Angeles Hash Co — Hash rosin cultivar comparison — https://losangeleshash.co/category/research/hash-rosin/
- Here 4 The Flavor — Zkittlez hash rosin review — https://www.here4theflavor.com/marijuana-reviews/extracts/zkittlez-hash-rosin
- Coco For Cannabis — CalMag in coco guide — https://www.cocoforcannabis.com/needcalmag/
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