OG Kush: A Staple Cannabis Strain from California
The OG Kush cannabis strain is a household name. It’s been around long before there were legal dispensaries. This Indica-dominant hybrid is noted for its unique characteristics and potent effect. The “OG” in the strain name stands for “Ocean Grown,” a reference to the strain’s Californian origin, while “Kush” is for the Hindu Kush mountain region in Asia, where some of the most potent Indica strains come from. Below, find out more about OG Kush, why it’s so famous, and what can you expect from growing and smoking this cannabis strain.
Everything You Need to Know About OG Kush Cannabis
OG Kush cannabis first appeared in California in the beginning of the 1990s. It quickly gained prominence, becoming one of the most famous cultivars to ever emerge from the West Coast. OG Kush is noted for its high levels of THC, which usually vary between 20% and 26%, providing a strong and long-lasting effect. The strain is also highly appreciated for its medicinal value, helpful in pain treatment, stress and anxiety.
Genetics: The OG Kush cannabis strain is 75% Indica and 25% Sativa. There’s a debate about its true genetics. It’s widely believed that the strain is a mix of Chemdawg, Lemon Thai and Pakistani Kush. But other theories have also been proposed, with one saying that it’s just a special cutting of Chemdawg from the early 90s.
Taste and flavor: The aroma of OG Kush is one of its most appreciated characteristics. It is best described as a mixture of citrus, fruits, and pine, with an earthy and spicy touch thanks to its three main terpenes.
Terpenes: OG Kush contains Myrcene - responsible for the earthy aroma, Limonene - that brings fresh, citrus touch, and Caryophyllene that gives a punch of spiciness.
Effect: As a hybrid, OG Kush combines effects of both Indica and Sativa cannabis. However, its most pronounced upshot is the deep and calming relaxation typical for indicas. Effects also number mild euphoria that improves the mood and has slight cerebral stimulation, which might be just what you need for creativity. Like other weeds, it can make you happy, hungry, sleepy.
Medical uses: For pain relief, against stress and anxiety. Can improve sleep and help with depression. Recommended for those seeking to relieve physical and mental tension.
Side effects: Dry eyes, cottonmouth, and in rare cases - paranoid thoughts.
Growing Difficulty: OG Kush can be a bit challenging to grow, but with proper care and correct environment it’s attainable to get good-quality buds. Knowledge in how to deal with pests and disease is essential. SCROG and SOG methods are recommended for indoor setups to improve yield and bud size.
Flowering: 8 weeks and gives moderate yields or 18 ounces per plant on average. Outdoor plants usually flower in early October.
How to Grow OG Kush Plants?
OG Kush can be grown both indoor and outdoor. It can generate nice results given that you take good care of it, however, for less experienced growers it might be a tricky plant to deal with.
Optimal Temperature and Humidity Level
Cultivating OG Kush outdoors would require a warm and dry climate with around 12 hours of direct sunlight every day. There would be no problem with growing in colder temperatures during the night. But if plants are seeded in less than ideal climate, things can go wrong quickly.
If you cultivate indoors it’s important to have a well-functioning air circulation system in place. OG Kush plants are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew, which can seriously mess up your entire grow operation.
The ideal temperature for OG Kush plants is between 65 and 80°F (18-27°C). The recommended humidity range is between 40% and 60%. As plants enter flowering it should be lowered to 40-50%. Anything above 60% could spell disaster. Dry environment in general works best for OG Kush plants. Always remember, OG Kush wants and needs warmth.
Feeding
For healthy growth, ensure that your OG plants receive enough Nitrogen-rich feed in vegetation and Potassium-rich feed in flowering. Plants should be regularly watered and the soil may remain slightly moist, but don’t let it be soaking wet. Mandatory micronutrients needed: Calcium and Magnesium. Compost tea preparations can help you fight powdery mildew in OG Kush.
OG Kush cannabis also available as disposable pen.
How to Deal with Pests and Diseases in OG Kush?
OG Kush is one of those strains that are more prone to succumb to pests and disease, which may compromise harvest. One of the main enemies to watch for is powdery mildew. The fungal infection is visible as white or gray coating on the leaves and other plant parts. There could also be wilting and yellowing leaves, and in the end reduced bud sites and yield.
Steps you can take to protect OG Kush from powdery mildew:
- Trim and prune affected areas of the plant to stop spreading the infection.
- Clean all gardening tools you use with a sanitizing agent.
- Adjust room humidity and make sure there is no excess moisture.
- Avoid watering plants overhead. You always want to water the soil below the plants.
- Use compost tea preparations that help fight the outbreak.
- Sterilize the grow room with natural solutions to kill any surviving mold spores.
- Make regular inspections to prevent future outbreaks.
Powdery mildew may not be the only problem that can occur with OG Kush plants, however. Watch also for root rot and bud rot, which also happen due to excess humidity. Prevention is the best strategy for dealing with pests and disease. Therefore, make sure you always work in a clean environment, have good ventilation system in the grow room, and correct humidity levels to avoid pest problems.
Read more tips on how to control infestations in the grow room HERE.
Other Important Recommendations for Cultivating OG Kush
What else is important to know about growing OG Kush plants? Let’s sum up here:
Choose indoors if you can, as this way you have more control over the environment.
Select well-draining soil and ensure the pH is always correct.
If you want to grow stronger OG Kush plants that are more resilient to disease, a hydroponic setup is even better.
- Training methods that you can use: SCROG and SOG. It will increase bud size and output.
- Incorporating CO2 could also benefit OG Kush plants, making them yield more.
What Are the Best Known OG Kush Varieties?
If you are looking to try the best varieties of OG Kush, here are some of the most outstanding ones.
OG Kush by Barney’s Farm
With THC levels of 23% to 26%, this version is potent and irresistible, ideal for deep relaxation and relief of pain and stress. Perfect for those seeking intense and long-lasting experience.
Dutch Passion Master Kush
This is an original Kush variety from the 80s. A pure indica famous for its calming and powerful effects, free of paranoia. It used to be a customer favorite decades before Kush strains like OG Kush became so popular. An excellent choice for growers seeking total relaxation of the body and mind.
El Dorado OG by Paradise Seeds
El Dorado OG combines OG Kush and Thin Mint GSC, offering a balanced experience with physical relaxation and mental clarity. It is a versatile variety suitable for both daytime and nighttime use.
Who Should Try OG Kush Weed?
Perhaps you’ve already tried OG Kush or some of its sister varieties. If you haven’t and if you are into cannabis this is one of those must-try cannabis strains. It’s legendary and one of the most appreciated cannabis strains in the world. Its Indica dominance, potent effects and unique aroma make it an ideal choice for any occasion. Or as they say - an evergreen!
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