Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Americanna / Super Skunk is a photoperiod hybrid bred by AK Bean Brains, a breeder recognized for working old-school lines with modern selection rigor. As the name suggests, this cultivar leans on the classic Super Skunk family while wearing a distinctly American selection profile: punchy potency, robust structure, and a straightforward growth habit. The strain's heritage is indica/sativa, reflecting a balanced blend of broad-leaf and narrow-leaf genetics that translates to adaptable morphology and versatile effects.
Growers and consumers consistently characterize Americanna / Super Skunk as a reliable, skunky-sweet performer with above-average resin production. In practice, that means dense, sugar-coated flowers suited to both top-shelf flower and solventless extraction. Expect a signature bouquet of ripe funk, sweet cream, and peppery spice anchored by classic Skunk notes, with distinct phenotype variation toward fruit-forward or earth-forward aromatics.
For potency, this line typically competes in the modern marketplace with total THC commonly in the high teens to low-mid 20s by percentage. CBD is generally trace-level, which places the experience squarely in the potent psychoactive category. The terpene output tends to be generous, with total terpenes often falling in the 1.5 to 3.0 percent by dry weight range when grown optimally under high-intensity lighting and dialed-in environmental conditions.
While data specific to this named cut remain limited in public registries, the Super Skunk backbone provides a strong predictive model for agronomy and chemistry. Consumers seeking a reliable throwback profile with contemporary potency find Americanna / Super Skunk checks both boxes. For cultivators, this hybrid is forgiving enough for intermediate growers yet responsive to advanced canopy management for competitive yields.
History and Breeding Background
AK Bean Brains is known for curating and preserving vintage lines, often with a straightforward, no-gimmicks breeding philosophy. Americanna / Super Skunk fits neatly in that ethos, aligning classic Super Skunk funk with a selection approach favoring vigor, resin density, and uncomplicated cultivation. The strain was curated as a workhorse hybrid capable of performing in both traditional soil and modern hydroponic environments.
Super Skunk itself dates to the late 1980s and early 1990s as a refinement of Skunk #1, typically described as a Skunk #1 x Afghani hybrid. That pedigree produced heavier yields, stronger odor, and a slightly shorter flowering time than Skunk #1 alone. Americanna / Super Skunk channels those goals while updating the expression to meet current market expectations for potency and bag appeal.
Public genealogy databases frequently categorize boutique or proprietary selections as unknown or partially undisclosed. This is a common reality in the seed world, and resources that map unknown strain ancestries show how often breeder selections are intentionally opaque. As an example of industry context, SeedFinder maintains an Unknown Strain genealogy section, underscoring that a lack of fully public lineage does not preclude consistent performance or quality in the garden.
In short, Americanna / Super Skunk occupies a pragmatic place in the modern scene: it is lineage-transparent enough to infer agronomy and chemotype from its Super Skunk heritage, yet retains the breeder's signature curation. This balance often yields dependable, repeatable results across different cultivation styles. The outcome is a cultivar that honors its roots while suiting contemporary expectations for potency and resin.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Americanna / Super Skunk draws principally from the Super Skunk line, which is historically rooted in Skunk #1 crossed with an Afghani indica. Skunk #1 itself is a tri-continental hybrid derived from Colombian, Mexican, and Afghani stock, stabilized through selection for uniformity and aroma. The Afghani contribution in Super Skunk pushes toward denser floral clusters, improved resin production, and an accelerated finish compared to pure Skunk.
Because AK Bean Brains selections sometimes involve proprietary pheno choices rather than public pollen donors, exact parent identifiers for Americanna / Super Skunk are not widely published. This is common with working lines where phenotype and performance take precedence over named parent clones. Growers should therefore interpret the strain as a Super Skunk-anchored hybrid tuned for vigor and skunk-forward chemistry.
Practically, the indica/sativa heritage manifests as a medium stature plant with sturdy lateral branching and a calyx-forward bud structure. Internodal spacing is moderate, reducing stretch risk while leaving enough airflow to manage humidity. The result is an easy-training hybrid that can be topped, low-stress trained, or scrogged without excessive recovery time.
For phenotype outcomes, expect a two-lane expression: an Afghani-leaning pheno with heavier earth, pepper, and diesel-skunk tones; and a Skunk-leaning pheno with sweeter, slightly fruity funk and brighter top notes. Both express the skunky base, but the ratio of sweet to spice shifts with environment and selection. This variability gives cultivators options for either classic loud funk or a slightly more confectionary skunk aroma.
Morphology and Appearance
Americanna / Super Skunk typically grows to 90–150 cm indoors depending on veg time and container size, with a moderate stretch of 1.3x–1.8x after flip. Branching is sturdy and supportive, with lateral arms that keep pace with the main cola under even light distribution. Leaves are medium-broad with a slightly serrated edge, signaling the balanced indica/sativa heritage.
Buds form in dense, golf-ball to soda-can sized clusters with a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio, simplifying trim. The resin layer is conspicuous by mid flower, and trichome heads typically range from 70–120 microns, a useful span for ice water hash and rosin extraction. Under cool nights near the end of flower, some phenotypes display faint anthocyanin blushes at the tips of sugar leaves.
Pistils tend to mature from cream to vivid tangerine, offering strong visual contrast against lime-to-forest green calyces. In ideal conditions, bag appeal is boosted by a uniform frost coat and tightly stacked bracts that resist excessive fox-tailing. Heat stress can induce mild fox-tailing late in flower, so managing canopy temperatures and vapor pressure deficit will preserve finish quality.
For processing, expect wet-to-dry weight loss in the 72–78 percent range, typical for dense indica-leaning hybrids. Hand trim times average 0.8–1.2 labor hours per pound dry with an experienced crew due to the favorable calyx ratio. Visual presentation scores well on retail shelves thanks to the combination of density, shine, and classic orange pistils.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aroma opens with unmistakable skunk—sharp, sulfuric top notes layered over warm earth and pepper. Many phenos deliver a sweet finish akin to caramel or condensed milk, likely reflecting a caryophyllene and myrcene-dominant terpene ensemble. Some expressions add a citrus rind twist, suggesting limonene synergy with lighter esters.
A consistent thread across samples is the presence of volatile sulfur compounds that modern research links to the classic skunk smell. Compounds such as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol and related thiols are now recognized as primary contributors to the skunk signature, even in small concentrations. These molecules can be highly potent to the nose, which is why low ppm levels can still broadcast loudly from a sealed jar.
During cultivation, odor control is essential from week 5 of flower onward. Carbon filtration with boosted air exchanges is recommended, and many growers add a secondary scrubber in the dry room to manage post-harvest off-gassing. In legal commercial facilities, negative pressure and 20–30 room air changes per hour in flowering rooms are common odour-control baselines.
After curing, the bouquet typically deepens, shifting from sharp top notes to rounder, pastry-like sweetness and a polished earthy base. The most sought-after jars retain that heady skunk snap while showcasing a creamy, almost vanilla-adjacent softness in the background. Proper curing preserves these layers and prevents the funk from collapsing into one-dimensional musk.
Flavor and Palate
On the palate, Americanna / Super Skunk delivers a robust skunky base with pepper, nutmeg, and toasted earth. Many cuts show a sweet-cream mid-palate that evokes malted milk or toffee, making the exhale surprisingly dessert-like for a skunk-forward cultivar. Secondary notes can include citrus zest, faint berry, or resinous pine depending on phenotype and cure.
Combustion tends to yield a thick, satisfying smoke that coats the mouth without acrid bite if dried and cured correctly. Vaporization at 175–190 Celsius tends to spotlight the sweeter elements and temper the sharper skunk edges. As temperature increases past 200 Celsius, the peppery and earthy notes become more pronounced.
Flavor persistence is above average, with the skunky-sweet character lingering through multiple draws. Terpene retention hinges on gentle drying and a slow cure; rushing the process can flatten the dessert-like undertones. In blind tasting panels, well-cured samples often rate high for identity—tasters can identify the skunk backbone quickly and consistently.
For pairings, the strain works well with aged cheeses, charcuterie, dark chocolate, and citrus desserts. The sweet-funk profile stands up to bold flavors without being lost, a quality prized by enthusiasts who enjoy cannabis as part of culinary experiences. Beverage pairings include dry cider, American pale ales, and unsweetened iced tea with lemon.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
In line with many Super Skunk derivatives, Americanna / Super Skunk typically expresses high total THC with low CBD. Expect harvest-time flower to test around 18–24 percent total THC by weight under optimized indoor conditions, with occasional outliers on either side. CBD commonly lands below 0.5 percent, often closer to trace levels under 0.2 percent.
Minor cannabinoids can include CBG in the 0.2–1.0 percent range and CBC near 0.05–0.3 percent depending on harvest timing and stressors. The acidic forms dominate in raw flower, with THCA comprising the vast majority of reported THC values prior to decarboxylation. Post-decarb, total THC availability follows typical conversion efficiency, with lab-reported total THC reflecting the calculable THCA-to-THC factor.
From a performance standpoint, potency is competitive for contemporary markets where the median retail flower tests in the 18–22 percent total THC range. Consumers should begin with conservative dosing if unfamiliar with skunk-leaning hybrids, as the combination of high THC and peppery terpenes can feel more intense than the number alone suggests. For inhalation, onset is often within 2–5 minutes, peaking by 30–45 minutes with a 2–4 hour tail depending on individual tolerance.
For extraction, solventless rosin yields of 18–25 percent from quality material are achievable, particularly from Afghani-leaning phenotypes with larger resin heads. Fresh frozen inputs for live rosin benefit from high terpene retention and can produce robust flavor at 3–8 percent terpene content in concentrate form. Hydrocarbon extraction can further boost yields, although preservation of nuanced dessert-like notes depends heavily on purge and post-processing parameters.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Total terpene content in optimally grown Americanna / Super Skunk commonly falls between 1.5 and 3.0 percent by dry weight. Dominant terpenes frequently include myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene, forming an earthy, peppery backbone. Secondary contributions from limonene and linalool are regular players that brighten and smooth the profile.
Myrcene is known for its musky, herbal character and is one of the most prevalent terpenes in cannabis broadly. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid that interacts with CB2 receptors, offers spicy and woody notes while potentially moderating inflammatory pathways. Humulene adds a hoppy, resinous component and can subtly suppress appetite perception in some users, though effects vary.
Skunk character also relates to trace volatile sulfur compounds, which are not terpenes but profoundly influence aroma at low concentrations. The presence of compounds such as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol has been documented in skunk-forward cultivars and can be detectable into late cure. Managing dry room conditions helps preserve terpenes while keeping sulfurous top notes balanced rather than overwhelming.
In sensory analysis, the terpene ensemble often produces a sweet-funk bell curve: bright citrus at the start, creamy mid-palate, and peppery, earthy finish. This structure mirrors the dominant and secondary terpene contributions described above. A long, cool cure tends to tilt the balance toward the creamy-sweet axis, while a warm, fast cure emphasizes spice and earth.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Americanna / Super Skunk presents a classic hybrid experience: an initial mood lift and head clarity that gradually settles into full-body ease. Many users report a wave of calm paired with sensory sharpening, making it suitable for late afternoon into evening use. Overconsumption can shift the experience toward couchlock, typical of Afghani-influenced hybrids with high THC.
Inhalation onset typically arrives within minutes, with the primary effects cresting by the half-hour mark. Peak effects are often sustained for 60–90 minutes, followed by a gentle taper over 2–3 hours. Edible or tincture use extends both onset and duration, commonly 45–90 minutes to onset with a 4–6 hour arc.
At moderate doses, the strain is often described as sociable and centering rather than racy. The peppery terpene profile may feel grounding, while the sweet notes provide a pleasant cognitive softness. At higher doses, expect heavier eyelids, bodily relaxation, and an increased desire for ambient, low-stimulus activities such as music or film.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, with occasional reports of transient lightheadedness in low-food or low-hydration states. Individuals sensitive to THC may experience short-lived anxiety if dosing aggressively; a lower dose and a calm environment typically mitigate this. As with any potent flower, titration and self-awareness are the surest paths to a comfortable session.
Potential Medical Applications
While formal clinical trials rarely identify a single cultivar as the variable, the chemical profile typical of Americanna / Super Skunk aligns with several potential therapeutic goals. High THC with myrcene and caryophyllene dominance may support short-term relief of stress, low mood, and muscle tension. Users also report utility for appetite stimulation and sleep onset when dosing later in the day.
Preclinical and observational data suggest THC can play roles in neuropathic pain modulation, nausea reduction, and spasticity relief. Beta-caryophyllene's interaction with CB2 receptors has been studied for inflammatory pathways, adding theoretical synergy to THC's analgesic potential. Myrcene is frequently associated anecdotally with sedating qualities, which some patients leverage for nocturnal use.
Because CBD is usually minimal in this cultivar, it may not be ideal for conditions where CBD-dominant products are typically preferred. Patients sensitive to THC-related anxiety may want to pair this strain with CBD or opt for lower-THC alternatives. All medical use should be discussed with a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapy, especially when other medications are involved.
Dosing best practices include starting low, waiting adequate time for assessment, and avoiding inhalation if respiratory conditions are present. Vaporization at controlled temperatures may offer a smoother option than combustion for some users. For sleep support, many patients find evening use 60–90 minutes before bed aligns the tapering phase with desired sleep onset.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Americanna / Super Skunk is a photoperiod cultivar that performs well indoors, in greenhouses, and in temperate outdoor climates. Flowering time typically runs 8–9 weeks from the flip, with some phenotypes wrapping closer to 8 weeks under optimized conditions. Outdoor harvests in northern latitudes commonly land late September to early October, aligning with its Afghani-influenced finish.
Start seeds in lightly fertilized media with root-zone temperatures of 20–22 Celsius and 65–75 percent relative humidity. Germination rates above 90 percent are common with quality seed and proper moisture management. Early veg thrives at 24–28 Celsius daytime with a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 0.8–1.2 kPa; avoid overwatering to encourage rapid root establishment.
In veg, provide PPFD of 400–600 micromoles per square meter per second and a daily light integral (DLI) of 25–35 mol/m2/day. A mild feed at EC 1.2–1.6 with a balanced NPK and adequate calcium/magnesium supports sturdy structure. Topping at the fourth to sixth node, followed by low-stress training, builds a flat canopy ideal for scrog netting.
Flip to flower when the trellis is 60–75 percent filled to accommodate 1.3x–1.8x stretch. Early flower prefers PPFD of 700–900 micromoles with VPD 1.2–1.6 kPa, tapering relative humidity from 55 to 50 percent by week 4. Increase feed EC to 1.8–2.2 with a phosphorus and potassium emphasis, while moderating nitrogen to avoid leafy buds.
Late flower (weeks 6–9) benefits from slightly cooler nights to tighten structure and encourage terpene retention. Maintain 40–50 percent relative humidity and stable air movement to reduce botrytis risk in dense colas. Many growers find a mild nutrient taper or flush in the final 7–10 days improves burn quality and flavor, though practices vary.
For mediums, the strain adapts well to living soil, coco, and recirculating hydro. In soil, a pH of 6.2–6.8 is appropriate; in hydro and coco, aim for 5.8–6.2. Supplement with silica for stem strength and sulfur for terpene development, particularly in weeks 3–7 of flower.
Canopy management pays dividends with Americanna / Super Skunk. Defoliate lightly at the end of week 2 and again at week 4 of flower to open interior airflow, but avoid aggressive stripping that can stall bud development. Lollipopping the lower third of each branch drives energy to the main sites and simplifies late-stage humidity management.
Expect indoor yields around 450–600 grams per square meter under high-efficiency LEDs at 700–1000 micromoles PPFD. CO2 enrichment to 800–1200 ppm can push both yield and resin density if other parameters are optimized. Outdoors, well-grown plants in 50–100 liter containers or raised beds can produce 500–900 grams per plant depending on season length and sun exposure.
It is worth noting the distinction between photoperiod cultivation and autoflower systems commonly promoted for quick, easy runs. For example, Dutch Passion's Auto Colorado Cookies is positioned as an easy-growing, indica-dominant auto with fast seed-to-harvest timing. By contrast, Americanna / Super Skunk, as a photoperiod, trades speed for greater training flexibility, canopy control, and potentially higher ceilings on quality and yield with longer veg.
Harvest timing should be guided by trichome maturity rather than calendar days alone. Many growers target a mix of 5–15 percent amber heads with the majority cloudy to balance potency and smoothness. Pulling too early can sacrifice the creamy-sweet depth in the aroma and diminish perceived potency.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management
Dense, terpene-rich flowers require proactive disease management, particularly for powdery mildew (PM) and botrytis in late flower. Maintain strong airflow with multiple fans, achieve complete air mixing, and avoid leaf surface wetness, especially during dark periods. A clean intake and HEPA filtration for sealed rooms can reduce spore load significantly over a cycle.
An integrated pest management (IPM) plan should begin in veg with weekly scouting and preventative releases of beneficial insects if needed. Predatory mites such as Amblyseius swirskii or Amblyseius californicus can target common horticultural pests like thrips and mites. Soil-dwelling beneficials such as Stratiolaelaps scimitus help suppress fungus gnat populations.
Cultural practices are the backbone of disease prevention. Keep RH within target bands and avoid significant night-day temperature swings that cause condensation within dense colas. Prune for airflow, sanitize tools, and rotate biologicals or allowable sprays during veg only, ceasing applications by week 2 of flower to protect resin quality.
If PM pressure emerges early, sulfur burners in veg spaces can be effective; however, avoid sulfur exposure in flower, as it can compromise aroma. In high-pressure outdoor regions, cultivar selection and site choice matter—use morning sun aspects to dry dew quickly. Data from commercial operations show that consistent environment control reduces PM incidence dramatically versus reactive treatment alone.
Post-Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Drying and curing make or break the skunk-sweet balance in Americanna / Super Skunk. Target a slow dry of 10–14 days at 15–18 Celsius and 55–60 percent relative humidity with gentle, laminar airflow. Avoid fast, warm dries that strip volatile compounds and emphasize harshness.
After stem-snap, move to sealed glass or pro-cure containers at 58–62 percent internal humidity for at least 3–4 weeks. Burp or manage via one-way valves in the first week to moderate residual moisture and off-gassing. Over the cure, you'll notice the bouquet shift from sharp skunk to a rounder sweet-funk array.
Trimming post-dry preserves trichome heads and improves smoke quality versus aggressive wet-trimming. Machine trim can be used for bulk, but hand-trimmed tops usually maintain better bag appeal and higher shelf scores. Label jars with batch, date, and harvest conditions; small adjustments in finish parameters can produce noticeable differences in final flavor.
For extraction-bound harvests, consider fresh-frozen chopping at peak ripeness to preserve maximum terpenes for live rosin or hydrocarbon live resin. Ice water hash washing works well when resin heads cluster in the 90–120 micron range, a common outcome for Afghani-leaning phenotypes. Expect solventless yields in the mid-teens to mid-20s percentages from quality inputs, with premium melt fractions in the 73–120 micron window.
Comparative Context and Market Position
Americanna / Super Skunk sits in the classic-loud category, competing with other legacy-forward cultivars like Chemdog-derived lines and certain OG Kush expressions. Where it differentiates is in the sweet-cream mid-palate layered over unmistakable skunk, offering a familiar nose with a softer, dessert-adjacent finish. This profile resonates with both old-school smokers and newer consumers seeking bold, identifiable aromas.
In retail markets, flower testing between 18 and 24 percent THC captures the sweet spot for demand without entering the brittle, terpene-degrading territory of ultra-high numbers at the expense of flavor. Consumers increasingly favor transparent cultivation data alongside potency, such as batch harvest date, drying days, and total terpene percentages. Americanna / Super Skunk often performs well in these metrics when grown with care.
From a lineage disclosure perspective, not all breeders publish exhaustive genealogies, and this strain is no exception. Industry databases illustrate how frequently proprietary selections are listed as unknown or partially mapped, which mirrors broader seed market norms. The absence of a fully public family tree has not impeded the cultivar's adoption by growers who prioritize outcome over pedigreed marketing.
Comparing cultivation modes, autoflowers like Dutch Passion's Auto Colorado Cookies serve growers seeking speed and simplicity with seed-to-harvest in roughly 10–11 weeks. Photoperiods like Americanna / Super Skunk typically require longer calendars but reward training and environment control with stronger yields and refined quality. This trade-off informs cultivar choices in both home and commercial settings depending on goals and constraints.
Yield Expectations and Grower Tips
Indoor yields in dialed rooms often land between 450 and 600 grams per square meter with high efficiency LEDs and competent canopy management. Advanced growers running CO2 enrichment and optimized VPD can exceed these totals, especially with extended veg and robust scrog coverage. Outdoors, plants in full sun with generous root volume routinely hit 500–900 grams per plant.
Key yield drivers include even canopy development, a balanced nutrient profile with ample calcium and magnesium, and steady, moderate defoliation. Overfeeding nitrogen late in flower can inflate leaf mass at the expense of density and terpene retention. Conversely, underfeeding potassium from weeks 4–8 can limit calyx expansion and overall weight.
Irrigation strategy matters: in coco and rockwool, multiple small irrigations with 10–20 percent runoff stabilize EC and root-zone pH. In soil, water deeply but infrequently to encourage oxygenation cycles, always allowing the medium to approach—not reach—dry-back between feeds. A root-zone temperature of 20–22 Celsius supports optimal nutrient uptake and microbial health in living soils.
Monitor leaf surface temperature to infer transpiration and VPD accuracy; IR thermometers are inexpensive and revealing. If leaf temps run 2–3 Celsius above room setpoint, consider adjusting light intensity, airflow, or irrigation timing. Small environment corrections often produce outsized improvements in density and resin quality.
Quality, Testing, and Safety
Third-party lab testing is essential for verifying potency, terpene content, and contaminant-free status. In regulated markets, screening for pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, and microbial impurities is standard. Passing results protect consumers and elevate brand credibility for growers marketing Americanna / Super Skunk.
Consumers should check batch dates and storage conditions since terpenes are volatile and degrade with heat, light, and oxygen. Airtight storage in cool, dark environments markedly slows terpene loss and oxidation of cannabinoids. For best results, aim to consume within several months of harvest or maintain climate-controlled storage.
As with any high-THC product, new or infrequent users should approach with caution to avoid uncomfortable intoxication. Avoid driving or operating machinery after consumption, and consider interactions with other medications. Individuals with cardiovascular, psychiatric, or respiratory conditions should consult healthcare providers before use.
Sourcing and Authenticity Notes
Because Americanna / Super Skunk is associated with AK Bean Brains, sourcing from reputable seed vendors is recommended to ensure authenticity. Breeder-released packs or verified distributors reduce the risk of mislabeled stock, which can lead to divergent phenotypes. Keep receipts and lot numbers; documentation helps with both warranty claims and phenotype cataloging.
When genetic details are partially proprietary, as is often the case with curated skunk lines, growers can rely on cultivar performance metrics to confirm identity. Indicators include the strong skunk-forward aroma by mid flower, dense calyx stacks, and the sweet-cream finish in cured flower. If selections fail to exhibit any skunk character or present unusually long flowering times, evaluate environmental factors and supplier legitimacy.
Public strain genealogy pages frequently contain categories for unknown or undisclosed parentage. This is common across the industry and does not inherently reflect lower quality. What matters most to growers are germination vigor, uniformity across seedlings, and the reproducibility of target chemotypes across runs.
FAQ and Practical Takeaways
How long does Americanna / Super Skunk take to flower? Most phenotypes finish in 8–9 weeks indoors from the flip, with faster finishers at 8 weeks in optimized conditions. Outdoors in temperate zones, plan for a late September to early October harvest.
What does it smell and taste like? Expect loud skunk layered with earth and pepper, wrapped in a sweet-cream or toffee-like finish after a proper cure. Secondary notes like citrus or faint berry appear in certain phenotypes.
How potent is it? Total THC typically tests in the 18–24 percent range, with CBD usually below 0.5 percent. Users should start low, as the terpene ensemble can make the effect feel robust.
Is it easy to grow? Yes, it is forgiving in veg and responsive to training, making it suitable for intermediate growers. Keep humidity and airflow dialed in late flower due to dense colas.
How does it compare to autoflowers? Autoflowers such as Dutch Passion's Auto Colorado Cookies are designed for speed and simplicity with a fixed lifecycle. Americanna / Super Skunk, as a photoperiod, offers greater training control and yield potential at the cost of a longer calendar.
