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Stardawg: Get to Know This Skunky Strain
Cannabis is all about the terpenes and cannabinoids, right? Sure, most of the time. But Stardawg brings an often overlooked groups of chemicals to the fore: volatile sulphur compounds. High levels of these molecules in Stardawg's buds make for an unusual yet moreish taste of diesel and skunk. Oh, and you'll enjoy a potent, stimulating high!
Say hello to Stardawg. No, she ain’t just another sweet and fruity strain. This sativa-dominant hybrid will transport you back a couple of decades. Brace yourself for an energising experience and some serious skunk—you’ve been warned.
Contents:
The History of Stardawg Genetics
Stardawg, also known as Star Dog, has gained a stellar reputation among cannabis users, for various reasons. Even her place of origin is enough for most growers to immediately give her a try. Bred in the Bay Area, she’s one of many legendary strains to emerge from the breeding hub of California. Her creators aimed to craft a variety that offered energising effects alongside funky, skunky, and chemical aromas—they achieved just that.
To start the project on the right foot, they selected Chemdawg #4 as the first parent strain. This powerhouse hybrid has gained a huge following in the United States, and beyond, for its massive THC levels and citrusy tastes.
Next up, they introduced Tres Dawg into the fold. Known for her hunger-inducing and stoning effects, this strain descends from Afghani genetics. She passed down some skunky aromas and great productivity to Stardawg.
In crossing these parent strains and stabilising a reliable phenotype, breeders created a balanced hybrid with 60% sativa genetics and 40% indica.
How Did Stardawg Become So Popular?
Stardawg became famous largely thanks to her legendary lineage. Chemdawg has sustained a huge influence on the industry worldwide. At one point, High Times even deemed the strain the strongest on Earth. Of course, it secured its fair share of awards.
As you’ve learned, the Stardawg strain descends from Chemdawg #4, a particular phenotype of the potent legend. Naturally, many smokers and growers are curious to try cultivars that stem from Chemdawg and her array of popular phenotypes.
Stardawg quickly ascended to great heights following her release. Cannabis users in the UK have developed a particularly strong affection for the strain, where it now ranks alongside national classics such as Cheese.
What Is Stardawg Like to Grow?
With a mix of sativa and indica genetics, Stardawg grows to a medium height of 120cm. This makes her suitable to grow indoors, outdoors, or in greenhouses. If you’re pressed for space, you can keep her at around 80cm by applying a range of training techniques. Pair LST with main-lining to encourage lateral growth and the formation of an open and even canopy.
This hungry photoperiod strain requires consistent feeding throughout the growing cycle. Start off with good-quality compost in your potting mix. Add worm castings or bokashi for an extra boost of nitrogen and beneficial microbes. Then, switch to more phosphorus-heavy feeds during flowering, such as the formulas found in our Bio Flowering Booster Pack.
Overall, you can expect to harvest a medium yield indoors under good lights. Outdoors, prepare to harvest and process up to 200g/plant.
Stardawg: Cultivation Difficulties
Stardawg requires heavy feeding throughout the entire growing cycle, with the exception of flushing during the last 2–3 weeks. Make sure you routinely feed her liquid formulas high in nitrogen during the veg phase, when she needs it most. Get lazy with your protocol, and you’ll experience signs of deficiency, such as yellowing foliage.
Stardawg also lacks the pest resistance of more recent genetics, such as F1 hybrids. Consider implementing integrated pest management strategies to lower the risk of infestation. Try out companion planting, and apply predatory insects as needed.
Flavour and Aroma of Stardawg
Stardawg offers something very different when it comes to taste and smell. Unlike most modern varieties, she doesn’t overwhelm the senses with notes of sweetness and sugar. In fact, she offers the total opposite. High levels of volatile sulphur compounds underpin her dominant notes of skunk and fuel. If you’re a fan of old-school flavour profiles, Stardawg will serve as a source of nostalgia.
Stardawg: A Look at Her Terpenes
If you’re a keen cannabis grower or smoker, you’ve at least heard of terpenes by now. Alongside other chemical compounds, these molecules are responsible for the unique scent and taste that each strain has to offer. However, terpenes fall into the background somewhat in the case of Stardawg; her profile is dominated by sulphur compounds. With that said, terpenes still contribute to the effects of the strain. Familiarise yourself with Stardawg’s major terpenes below:
- Caryophyllene: This interesting molecule is classed as both a terpene and a cannabinoid. It produces a soothing and relaxing effect that contrasts with the otherwise energetic nature of Starsdawg’s high.
- Limonene: As you can probably tell by its name, this terpene is found in citrus fruits, including lemon. It creates a clear-headed and cerebral effect, and works side by side with THC to drive the Stardawg experience.
- Myrcene: This chemical shows up in high quantities in hops, mango, and lemongrass. It adds a physical element to Stardawg’s high; get ready to feel your bodily tension dissipate.
Effects of Stardawg
Overall, Stardawg offers an energising, cognitive, and cerebral high; smoke these buds whenever you need a pick-me-up. Her blend of THC and terpenes will improve your focus and motivation while unleashing pent-up creativity. A THC content of 22% means you get plenty of bang for your buck. It only takes one rip from a bong or a small joint to reap her rewards.
RQS Strains Related to Stardawg
By this point, you’re probably pretty tempted to grow and smoke Stardawg, and we can understand why. She’ll become a fast favourite for anyone looking for skunky flavours and a heady high. If you’ve already tried this strain, or you’re struggling to find seeds, then we can provide you with one of her close cousins.
Kali Dog, the progeny of Chemdawg and Sour Diesel, offers very similar traits. Also created in the United States, this strain offers an uplifting and clear-headed high. Take a puff, and you’ll experience tastes of diesel, skunk, and citrus light up your taste buds. Enjoy a fantastic yield of up to 500g/m² indoors and 500–550g/plant outdoors.
Kali Dog
|
Chemdawg x Sour Diesel |
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450 - 500 gr/m2 |
|
90 - 160 cm |
|
8 - 10 weeks |
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THC: 18% |
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Sativa 55% Indica 45% |
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500 - 550 gr/plant |
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175 - 210 cm |
|
Late October |
|
Clear, Uplifting |
Stardawg: Old-School Flavours and Energising Highs
Stardawg isn’t your typical modern strain. Sure, she contains high levels of THC, but her taste is closer to those of the classics. You’ll enjoy unusual but pleasant flavours of skunk and diesel with every hit. Plus, her cognitive high will leave you wanting to get some work done or hit the gym. This strain requires close attention during the growing cycle, but makes up for her neediness when it’s time to blaze!
