Vanilla Kush is a very strong cross built to withstand the elements of nature
The Strain
Alike 99% of the connoisseur smokers in the world, we have always been big fans of “Kush” and the enormous selection of crosses that we have had the chance to try. When a friend of ours was able to get a pack of Vanilla Kush seeds (created by “Barney’s Farm” in the Netherlands) he pheno hunted and, in time, found his favorite one.
Once it came time to harvest, we had the opportunity and pleasure of trimming fresh, indoor Vanilla Kush. This was the first time we had met, and fallen in love with the strain. Vanilla Kush is a feminized cross of Kashmir x Afghan Kush which together, made magic. The flowers were covered in large crystal heads that seemed to snow onto the table as we broke down these gorgeous buds. This was not your ordinary Kush, it had something unique about the taste and especially the smell. Its flavor was beyond anything we have ever tasted besides real pure vanilla extract, which we imported from a vacation in Mexico. The looks attract your eyes with its golden red and orange hues that overlay pure white trichome coated flowers. We knew this strain was something special, but we were still curious as to how it would perform in the full sun.
The following year we were finally able to see her grow outdoors. Although she wasn’t the biggest plant, the yield was still very impressive. It was really cool for us to see this strain grown by different farmers both inside and out. As well as seeing that the quality of the flower still maintained an all time high. We all know that some strains tend to grow better indoors then outdoors and vice versa, but the Vanilla Kush seemed to perform great in both environments. During the first years of our growing career we were able to try some original Afghan Kush from seed, gifted from a local Mendocino farmer. It was beautiful, with very heavy frosted white buds. Back then we didn’t have any experience with the Kashmir Kush, but having grown the Afghan by itself and seeing how the Vanilla Kush performed, we had to give it a try in our own backyard. We were able to acquire this special girl from our friend and introduced her into our line-up for a solid test under the Northern California sun. Sometimes it is a risk for us to grow heavy Indica dominant genetics outdoors due to mold issues, but we were happy that we did because it performed beautifully! Insanely dense buds, easy to harvest, strong against bugs, molds, and rain. It is grade A+ super fire!
Strain Overview
Vanilla Kush is a very strong cross built to withstand the elements of nature. With its genetics coming straight from the Hyndu mountains, it is a powerful potent creation that we have tested with results up to 28.9% THC. Our first year growing this strain we loved the growth pattern and how much it stacked once flowering began. This was definitely not a stretchy plant, with two indica dominant parents (Kashmir and
Afghan) coming together it gives it a slower growth pattern in veg but backs it up with tremendous strength during bloom. Branches get very strong which enables it to stack buds from top to bottom. Sometimes even producing more than a plant twice its size. We always use cages when growing and the Vanilla Kush loves to be trained and spread open even though she can almost do it herself.
Within just a couple weeks of flowering it begins to push out massive crystal covered pods from the stems, these are perfect to pull off and get that first smell that we all patiently wait for. As the hairs start to form and resin appears, flowers will begin to turn light green with an almost white gold shine complimenting the oversized trichomes. Try to think back when you were just a kid, that wonderful taste of homemade vanilla ice cream…mmmmm. Or the smell of a freshly baked cake that your mother or grandmother used to make, that’s what this amazing strain releases into the atmosphere.
These buds form to be very dense and we believe the Vanilla has a built in resistance against mildew and the dreadful bud rot which so many farmers experience yearly. Even without having a bug or mildew issue you should always treat your plant from the start to keep it clean. Pests like caterpillars, can be prevented without spraying. We use what is called a “Dyna-Trap”, this trap specializes in catching moths, mosquitoes, and any unwanted bugs. It is perfect to have in your outdoor garden to help with pests. We have had major issues with caterpillars in previous years, some flowers are airy or fluffier then others and can be demolished, while the Vanilla Kush flower is almost too dense for them to penetrate inside the bud.
Every branch on this plant was filled with colas. It grew more spread out, and developed amazing buds even on the small inner limbs. With its indica dominant genetics this plant only needs to be topped a few times in its veg cycle, maybe even once could be enough to form a nice wide canopy. Once we had the chance to finally enjoy a blunt of our own personal home grown we were in heaven to say the least. The taste was pure vanilla just like the homemade desserts we have always enjoyed since we were kids. It is not the typical “OG Kush” smell of a gas or earthiness that a lot of people relate to, this baby has an exotic aroma mixed with lavender and pine terps that you will not find in any other
strain. During the recording of “Live In The Garden” we had one Vanilla Kush growing outdoors and it inspired all of us to make a song in dedication to the strain which we titled “Nilla”. This song featured Old E, Mr Blap (Mendo Dope Drummer), and Cheech of Deadstock Records. I can still smell the fresh live resin glands that we had laced on the outside of the blunt that day. Combining the pure Kashmir and Afghan genetics together has created a new lane for the Kush lovers. It has produced extremely high levels of THC and a very unique flavor. This strain is perfect for relaxing, its indica traits will help relieve pain and without a doubt, keep you locked to the couch. Also great for relieving anxiety, this strain will keep you moving at the perfect slow pace and calm your senses. As we learn and go deeper into each strain we have began looking for certain traits that work well for either hash making, rosin pressing or any other methods of extraction. The Vanilla Kush produces a certain texture and size trichome that experienced hash makers like Mr. Bond and Frenchy Cannoli, hunt to find and collect. We would recommend this strain to anyone who enjoys the heavy and more potent effects. However, definitely not for the light smoker.
Breeder: Barneys Farm
Genetics: Kashmir x Afghan Kush
Yield: Heavy
Height: Short to Medium
Harvest: 56 to 60 Days
Indica: 80% Sativa: 20%
Listen to “Nilla” Ft. Mr Blap & Cheech on Mendo Dope’s album “Live In The Garden Season 1”
mendodopemusic.com
Originally published in Weed World Magazine Issue 131
