Afternoon Tea (Cannabis Strain)

A striking expression of rich purple pigmentation and dessert-forward aromatics defines Afternoon Tea, an indica-dominant hybrid cultivar (approximately 70% indica / 30% sativa) developed by agricultural genetics firm Phylos Bioscience. Formulated by crossing a high-performing (Biscotti × Gelato) framework with EZBake AF, Afternoon Tea combines commercial-grade crop uniformity with elite boutique bag appeal.

Dense, short-stature colas completely soaked in glittering capitate-stalked trichome heads turn dark violet and plum-purple under cool finishing temperatures. The bouquet opens with a sweet layer of baked vanilla cake, ripe berries, and tart citrus peel, backed by damp earth and subtle herbal spice. Upon consumption, it provides a gentle, uplifting cerebral glow that smoothly deepens into a peaceful, full-body physical tranquility. The information below is provided strictly for scientific and botanical reference.

Quick Facts

Scientific & Botanical Overview

Afternoon Tea exhibits a compact, sturdy growth morphology engineered for canopy density and structural uniformity. Plants feature thick main stalks, short internodes, and dark emerald fan leaves that readily transition into deep purple under lower night temperatures. During photoperiod bloom, it undergoes a manageable, light stretch before developing rock-hard calyx clusters with minimal foxtailing.

Chemically, Afternoon Tea is anchored by a rich terpene ensemble dominated by beta-myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-ocimene, alpha-bisabolol, and alpha-humulene. This specific combination yields a sweet, pastry-like aroma balanced by tart citrus, herbal tea nuances, and floral earth. Its dense coverage of capitate-stalked trichome heads makes it an excellent candidate for both fresh flower production and solventless extraction.

Effects & Use-Cases (Reported)

Commonly reported effects: An initial wave of calm, lighthearted mental euphoria and clear-headed mood elevation that gently resolves into deep physical relaxation.

Use-case context: Afternoon Tea lives up to its name as an ideal late afternoon or evening cultivar. It is frequently selected by consumers seeking to release daily physical stress, ease muscle tension, and unwind comfortably without experiencing instant heavy cognitive fog.

Note: These observations are anecdotal reports and should not be interpreted as medical claims.

Aroma & Flavors

Aroma: Sweet vanilla cake dough, ripe dark berries, and fresh citrus peel supported by herbal tea leaves, floral blossom, and subtle peppery earth.

Flavor: The smoke coats the palate with sweet pastry cream and berry glaze on the inhale, leaving a clean, herbal-citrus and soft peppery spice finish on the exhale.

Terpene associations: Beta-Myrcene, Beta-Caryophyllene, Beta-Ocimene, Alpha-Bisabolol, and Alpha-Humulene.

Tested Cannabinoid & Terpene Ranges

*Ranges reflect lab-tested craft harvests and may vary based on phenotype, grow environment, harvest timing, and analytical equipment.

Cultivation Notes

• Light Cycle: Standard 18/6 light schedule during vegetative growth; switch to 12/12 photoperiod to initiate flowering. Fast, predictable bloom transition.
• Humidity Targets: Maintain 50–55% RH during early bloom, reducing strictly to 40–45% during weeks 6–9 to protect dense, compact flowers against mold.
• Nutrition: Moderate feeder; benefits from steady Nitrogen in veg and responsive Phosphorus, Potassium, and Calcium-Magnesium (Cal-Mag) inputs during flowering weeks 3–7.
• Training: Performs exceptionally well in high-density sea-of-green (SOG) setups due to its short, compact stature and minimal lateral splay.
• Harvest Window: Early October in Northern Hemisphere outdoor climates.

Grower Notes (Week-by-Week Snapshot)

• Weeks 1–3 (The Stretch): Mild 1.2x to 1.3x vertical stretch. Branches remain sturdy and compact with predictable internodal structure.
• Weeks 4–6: Rapid flower cluster formation and trichome accumulation. The room fills with a loud bouquet of sweet cake dough, berries, and citrus.
• Weeks 7–9: Nugs swell and harden into rock-solid clusters. Lowering night temperatures to 15–17 °C triggers striking all-purple plant and flower coloration.
• Post-Harvest: Slow hang dry whole plants at 15–16 °C and 55–60% RH for 12–14 days. Jar cure for 4–6 weeks to lock in volatile monoterpenes and refine the smoke.

Genetic Lineage

Afternoon Tea combines two notable modern breeding lines created by Phylos Bioscience:

(Biscotti × Gelato) supplies rich pastry sweetness, dense trichome head coverage, and heavy-hitting hybrid potency.

EZBake AF contributes compact growth architecture, reliable crop uniformity, and vivid purple pigment expression.

Research Insights

Afternoon Tea exhibits an entourage profile driven by Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Ocimene, and Bisabolol acting alongside Δ9-THC levels (22–26%). Myrcene interacts synergistically with THC to induce deep body relaxation, while Ocimene and Bisabolol provide a soothing, sweet floral aroma that promotes mental tranquility without intense cognitive confusion. Caryophyllene engages CB2 receptors to relieve physical bodily strain.

Horticulturally, the cultivar forms strong cuticle layers and dense capitate-stalked trichomes with high head stability, translating to excellent resistance against foxtailing and strong post-harvest quality retention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Afternoon Tea an indica or sativa strain?

Afternoon Tea is an indica-dominant hybrid (70% indica / 30% sativa) delivering gentle cerebral mood elevation paired with deep physical relaxation.

What does Afternoon Tea taste like?

It tastes like sweet vanilla cake and berry cream on the inhale, leaving a subtle citrus peel, herbal tea, and peppery earth finish on the exhale.

Who bred Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea was bred by Phylos Bioscience by crossing a (Biscotti × Gelato) line with EZBake AF.

How difficult is Afternoon Tea to grow?

It is rated beginner to intermediate; its compact stature, high genetic uniformity, and resistance to foxtailing make it easy to manage in both personal and commercial grows.

Educational Disclaimer

This page is provided for scientific and horticultural reference only. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction; always ensure compliance with local regulations.