Sunset Lime (Cannabis Strain) — Strainpedia
Sunset Lime is a terpene-forward Indica-Dominant Hybrid cultivar developed by Umami Seed Co. from the cross of Sunset Sherbert x Limecai. Positioned within the modern “frozen dessert” flavor category, it is recognized for its chunky, tightly stacked colas, high resin output, and a bright citrus-cream aroma often described as lime sorbet or a citrus popsicle. The information below is intended strictly for scientific and botanical reference.
Quick Facts
| Genetics | Sunset Sherbert x Limecai |
|---|---|
| Variety | Indica-Dominant Hybrid (breeder-described) |
| Flowering Time | 8–10 weeks (Photoperiod) |
| Yield Potential | Moderate to High (reported; cultivar performance varies by environment) |
| Plant Height | Medium; strong lateral branching; “baseball-bat” style colas |
| Climate Preference | Warm, Sunny, or Controlled Indoor (stable conditions support terpene retention) |
| Difficulty | Moderate (benefits from canopy management and airflow control) |
Scientific & Botanical Overview
Sunset Lime expresses a vigorous photoperiod growth pattern with reliable lateral branching, making it responsive to standard training approaches. The cultivar is frequently noted for dense, tightly stacked flowers that minimize lower “larf” and concentrate yield into top-tier colas. Late in flower, cooler conditions may amplify coloration, with phenotypes showing deep purples/blues over forest-green structure beneath a heavy frost of oily trichomes. This resin-forward morphology supports premium flower production and may also suit boutique solventless workflows where aroma preservation is prioritized.
Effects & Use-Cases (Reported)
- Commonly reported effects: bright, mood-lifting euphoria with a smooth body calm; often described as “refreshing” and clear rather than heavy.
- Use-case context: versatile for afternoon through early evening; commonly selected for social sessions, creative focus, and unwinding without immediate sedation.
- Note: These are observational reports, not medical claims; outcomes are not guaranteed.
Aroma & Flavors
- Aroma: crisp and “cold” citrus with loud lime zest and prickly pear candy notes, backed by sweet cream and a subtle chem/funk undertone for depth.
- Flavor: sharp lime candy and sweet citrus on the inhale, transitioning to creamy sherbet-like sweetness with a faint chemical edge on the finish.
- Terpene associations: limonene (suggested lead), caryophyllene, myrcene (not universally quantified).
Tested Cannabinoid & Terpene Ranges
| Compound | Typical Range* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Δ9-THC | ~24–28% (often reported; some lots 25%+) | Commonly described as potent with a confident, bright hybrid character. |
| CBD | ~0–1% | Generally present at low, trace levels. |
| Limonene | Not quantified | Implied driver of lime-candy brightness and “refreshing” aromatic lift. |
| Caryophyllene | Not quantified | Associated with peppery/chem depth and body-oriented balance. |
| Myrcene | Not quantified | Often associated with creamy-earthy base notes and physical relaxation. |
| Terpene Profile | Citrus-Cream / Frozen Dessert | Prickly pear candy, lime zest, sherbet sweetness, subtle chem funk. |
*Ranges are literature- and lab-report-informed references and can differ with environment, harvest timing, post-harvest handling, and analytical methods.
Cultivation Notes
- Light Cycle: 18/6 vegetative; 12/12 flowering
- Humidity Targets: 40–50% during flower; maintain strong airflow due to tight stacking colas and heavy resin
- Nutrition: Moderate feeder (often responds well to stable EC and consistent root-zone management); avoid late-flower swings to protect terpene expression
- Training: Topping + LST or trellis support recommended; the plant’s lateral branching supports canopy shaping for even light distribution
- Harvest Window: Late September to mid-October outdoors (Northern Hemisphere), depending on phenotype and finishing time
Grower Notes (Week-by-Week Snapshot)
- Weeks 1–2 (Transition/Stretch): establish canopy structure; top early if desired; begin LST/trellis and maintain clean airflow paths.
- Weeks 3–4: rapid flower set and stacking; light defoliation to open interior sites; maintain stable VPD to prevent moisture issues.
- Weeks 5–7: peak bulking and resin output; aroma intensifies; support “baseball-bat” colas; avoid environmental swings that can mute citrus terpenes.
- Weeks 8–10: ripening phase; color expression may deepen with cooler nights; harvest based on trichome maturity for desired balance (milky to slight amber).
- Post-Harvest: Dry 18–20 °C, 55–60% RH to preserve the bright citrus-cream “frozen dessert” profile; cure slowly for clarity and retention.
Timelines shift with genotype and environment; prioritize plant health markers and trichome maturity over calendar counts.
Genetic Lineage
Sunset Lime was bred by Umami Seed Co. by pairing Sunset Sherbert—valued for creamy, fruit-forward dessert character and dense structure—with Limecai, a citrus-driven cultivar selected to sharpen aromatic intensity and add a tangy, “electric” lime bite. The result is a modern hybrid engineered to deliver high visual appeal (frost + color) alongside a crisp, flavor-first terpene lane that sits between fruity-sweet and citrus-sour.
Research Insights
The “bright and refreshing” experience commonly associated with Sunset Lime is consistent with a terpene-forward entourage effect model. A lime-candy aromatic signature is often linked to limonene, while a deeper chem/spice backbone aligns with caryophyllene, and the creamy, body-calming base is frequently associated with myrcene. When these elements coexist in a high-THC hybrid, reported outcomes often include upbeat mood and clarity paired with balanced physical relaxation—functional enough for social or creative use, yet calming as the session progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sunset Lime an Indica or Sativa?
Sunset Lime is generally described as an Indica-Dominant Hybrid, bred for dense structure, heavy resin, and a balanced hybrid experience.
What does Sunset Lime smell and taste like?
It is commonly described as lime zest and prickly pear candy layered with sweet cream and a subtle chem/funk note—often compared to a lime sorbet or citrus popsicle.
What are the typical effects?
Reported effects include bright euphoria, mood lift, and a smooth body calm that remains relatively functional for a modern, potent hybrid.
How long does Sunset Lime take to flower?
Sunset Lime typically finishes in 8–10 weeks of flowering under indoor photoperiod conditions.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Sunset Lime is generally considered Moderate in difficulty. It responds well to training and benefits from good airflow and stable environmental control to protect its terpene expression.
Educational Disclaimer: This page is provided for scientific and horticultural reference only and does not constitute medical or promotional advice. Cannabis cultivation, possession, and use are regulated by local laws. Always comply with applicable legislation in your region.
