Black Widow

For three decades, Black Widow has consistently topped the charts in the category of sativa-dominant hybrids, garnering international acclaim and numerous awards. These slender, high-yielding plants are known for their rapid maturation, producing airy yet massive, resin-soaked buds with a striking appearance.

Genetics and Characteristics

The renowned breeder with the nickname Shantibaba is the mastermind behind this strain. He used Brazilian sativa as the mother plant to forge this standout in the cannabis breeding world. He intricately blended it with a distinctive indica landrace native to the southern regions of India. This innovative cross endows the strain with a harmonious fusion of traits from its parent strains. With a slight dominance of sativa (65/35), it has a characteristic 'Christmas tree' shape, wide internodal spacing, and long, firm buds. Conversely, its indica lineage emerges prominently when savoring the dried and cured buds, offering a rich and complex experience.

The plants will generously flower for 8-10 weeks, delighting the eye with an abundance of buds. Indoors, they yield 300-450 g/m² (11-16 oz) – a highly impressive result, considering their maximum height is only up to 90 cm (35 inches). Outdoors, a two-meter-tall Black Widow plant can produce up to 400-500 g (14-18 oz) of high-grade buds with a THC content of 20-24%, along with approximately 1.2% CBG, and 1% CBD.

Flavor and Aroma

The intricate terpene profile unfolds into a refined flavor palette, encompassing citrus, pine, and ripe fruits, intertwined with the robust essence of pungent skunk, and delicate sweet floral notes. This is further enriched by subtle undertones of spices, earth, and moist wood. As the experience concludes, the flavor gracefully transitions, leaving a satisfying nutty aftertaste upon exhalation.

Recreational and Medicinal Use

The initial effect of this strain unleashes an intense and invigorating sativa euphoria, lifting you into an effortless flight high above the ground. Shortly thereafter, the powerful indica side takes over, gently steering the experience towards a state of meditative tranquility and all-encompassing relaxation. Medically, this strain is widely utilized in treating psychoemotional disorders and eating disturbances, offering relief from chronic pain and insomnia. In smaller doses, Black Widow enhances concentration and heightens alertness. The effects can vary based on the dosage and individual tolerance to cannabinoids.

Cultivation

The hybrid responds positively to all known cultivation techniques, and its stable genetics easily forgive common mistakes made by beginners, within reasonable limits, of course. The robust immunity and high concentration of flavonoids in Black Widow's buds reliably protect the plant from insects, fungal infections, and mold, greatly increasing the chances of success for novice growers.

Indoors, maintain a stable microclimate, use full-spectrum LED lighting, and grow organically in pots of at least 20 liters (5.3 gallons). When training, consider using LST, topping, mainlining, and gentle defoliation during the vegetative stage, followed by SoG or ScrOG during the flowering stage. Regularly monitor the pH/ppm levels of both the nutrient solution and the runoff water, and Black Widow will undoubtedly reward you with your best crop of fragrant buds ever.

For outdoor cultivation, the best conditions include a mild climate with stable temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and low humidity. Watering should be based on soil moisture saturation, and fertilization should be on a consistent schedule. Don't be a helicopter parent to your plants, and avoid overfeeding. When using mineral nutrients, be sure to perform a root system flush 7-10 days prior to harvest.

FAQ

What is the best location to grow this strain?

Black Widow will thrive in any environment, but it performs best when grown indoors.

When is the time for the outdoor harvest?

With timely planting in the spring, you can enjoy the long-awaited harvest by the end of September.

What are the primary terpenes in this strain?

Limonene, linalool, pinene, and terpinolene contribute to the therapeutic potential and complex flavor and aroma of Black Widow.