Sour Diesel is an energizing and stimulating sativa strain that gained worldwide notoriety in the 1990s. Otherwise known as ‘Sour D’, this strain is believed to be descended from a cross between Super Skunk and Chemdog 91. Its lively and invigorating effects have made it one of the most popular daytime strains around.
Sour D’s exact origins are a mystery. While Chemdog 91 and Super Skunk are generally accepted to be its primary parents, some experts believe that Northern Lights may have lent some genes to this strain as well. Additionally, it is believed that some phenotypes of this strain have been crossed with an unknown Skunk strain. For most, the mystery surrounding its exact origins only adds to the allure of this infamous strain.
The High
As an 80/20 sativa, Sour Diesel exhibits overwhelmingly stimulating sativa effects. Daytime smokers often compare its exhilarating effects to those of a morning cup of coffee. Unsurprisingly, this strain is a favorite of morning smokers. There are few strains that are more suitable for a morning wake-n-bake than Sour Diesel.
The most commonly reported effects of Sour Diesel are happiness, uplifting creativity, and energizing euphoria. The intense cerebral euphoria and energizing properties of this strain will have you going about your day with a smile on your face. Sour Diesel’s psychoactive effects will simply elevate you to a heightened mental state that can last for hours.
When it comes to the medicinal properties of Sour Diesel, this strain is best used for psychological relief. The most common medical uses of Sour Diesel are for the improvement of depression, the elimination of stress, and the mitigation of psychological pain like headaches and migraines. Because of this strain’s predominantly sativa effects, it does not seem to make most people sleepy or hungry at any point during their trip.
Sour Diesel is considered to be an incredibly potent strain. Its THC levels have been regularly measured at between 20% and 25%. When combined with its intensely stimulating sativa effects, its potency makes it a poor choice for beginner smokers. Strong sativas are well-known for producing or exacerbating feelings of anxiety, and this one is no different. As such, inexperienced smokers looking for a relaxing high will have to look elsewhere.
Along from anxiety, this strain can also sometimes produce sensations of paranoia. Since these two conditions are so closely related, experts believe that the paranoia produced by strong sativas is usually just an extreme form of anxiety. Panic attacks are not unheard of when it comes to strains like Sour Diesel. Some smokers have also reported sensations of dizziness, although this occurrence is extremely rare. The only other side effects of Sour D are dry mouth and dry eyes, however, these side effects are common to almost every marijuana strain.
Appearance And Flavor
The flower buds produced by this strain take on a bright-green hue with hints of yellow. When grown correctly, it is typically covered in bright red and orange hairs that give its buds a classic cannabis look. After the plant is harvested and dried, the final result is usually a king’s ransom of round, medium-sized buds laced with dark green sugar leaves. While the outsides of these buds may not be covered in trichomes, breaking them open will reveal a hidden cache of crystals.
Just one whiff of this strain’s sticky green buds and you will immediately know how it got its name. Sour Diesel is named for its seemingly chemical aroma that is reminiscent of gasoline. This acrid stench has earned it a reputation as one of the most pungent and funky smelling strains in existence. If you ever get your hands on this strain, it is strongly recommended that you store and carry it in an airtight bag or container. Otherwise, it will certainly alert others to its presence.
Along with its fuel-like aroma, Sour Diesel also features zesty, citrusy, sour tones. Altogether, this strain smells like a combination of fuel, fruit, and skunk. Despite this well-developed flavor profile, Sour Diesel’s skunky and fuel-like characteristics steal the show. When smoked, they completely overwhelm the other tones, relegating them to mere bystanders.
Sour Diesel is known to produce harsh smoke that is hard on the throat. So make sure to keep some water on hand when smoking this strain. Especially if vaping it or smoking it out of a bong.
How To Grow Sour Diesel
Sour Diesel can be successfully grown both indoors and outdoors. However, as a sativa, this strain tends to grow awfully tall and lanky. As such, it can be incredibly problematic for indoor growers.
When grown indoors, this strain can be expected to flower within 9 to 10 weeks. Sour Diesel is a heavy yielder. Indoors, these plants can produce nearly 18 ounces of gorgeous buds per square meter. When grown outdoors, Sour Diesel can yield as much as 25 ounces per plant.
Outdoors, this strain thrives in warm and sunny weather. Adequate exposure to sunlight is an especially important consideration when growing Sour Diesel outside. Ideally, this strain should be grown throughout the fall, only being harvested in late October or even early November. Because it finishes so late, this strain is best suited to a climate where conditions remain relatively consistent throughout the seasonal transition from late summer to early fall.
Sour Diesel is considered to be a relatively difficult strain to grow. In order for it to thrive, high-intensity light will most likely be necessary. Furthermore, it has been known to be susceptible to powdery mildew. As such, it is important to grow Sour Diesel in a sterile environment where it can be protected as best as possible.
Additionally, because of its size, Sour Diesel is a strain that requires an abundant source of nutrients and a regular feeding schedule. Heavy feeding is required during the flowering stage in order to make sure buds reach their full potential. Moreover, finishing nutrients are recommended before a final flush so as to really maximize yield before harvest.
Similar Strains
Some strains that are similar to Sour Diesel include:
- Green Crack
- Jack Herer
- Durban Poison
- Strawberry Cough
- Lemon Haze