Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Amethyst Bud originates from Soma Seeds, the Amsterdam-based breeder renowned for terpene-rich, visually striking cultivars. The strain name nods to its gem-like purple hues and dense crystalline finish, a hallmark of Soma’s aesthetic emphasis. While Soma Seeds has bred both indica-leaning and sativa-leaning cultivars, Amethyst Bud was positioned as a balanced indica/sativa hybrid, intended to combine flavorful complexity with a composed, uplifting experience.
Soma Seeds rose to prominence in the early 2000s with cultivars like Lavender (Soma #10) and Somango, both known for fragrant profiles and reliable indoor finish times. The breeder’s catalog often reaches full maturity in 8–10 weeks, and Amethyst Bud follows this practical timeline in most indoor conditions. This consistent finishing window aligns with the breeder’s commercial-friendly approach, balancing artisan quality and predictable schedules.
Although the exact parent lines are not fully publicized, Amethyst Bud fits squarely within Soma’s design language: fruit-forward, floral, and resinous. The color expression that inspired the “Amethyst” moniker reflects selective breeding for anthocyanin-rich phenotypes. Across multiple reports from cultivators, the strain demonstrates a steady mix of indica robustness and sativa clarity, making it versatile for both artisan and production gardens.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
The published heritage for Amethyst Bud is indica/sativa, reflecting an intentional balance of structure and effect. Soma Seeds frequently works with lines tied to Afghani, Hawaiian, Skunk, and Korean landrace-influenced pools, especially through flagship strains like Lavender and Somango. Many growers familiar with Soma’s work describe Amethyst Bud as a Lavender-adjacent phenotype group, with pronounced purple coloration and floral-laden aromas.
From a functional standpoint, the lineage manifests as a slightly indica-leaning hybrid, often approximated at 60/40 indica:sativa in phenotypic expression. The indica side imparts dense bud formation, shorter internodes, and strong lateral branching, while the sativa influence contributes a lucid, creative mental effect. This mix tends to favor everyday usability, distinguishing it from heavier couch-lock varieties that share similar coloration.
Comparative benchmarks within the breeder’s portfolio help contextualize expectations. Somango, for example, is documented as finishing in 8–10 weeks with creative, focused, relaxed, and uplifted effects, and a myrcene-forward terpene base. Amethyst Bud often resembles this schedule and mood profile, substituting Somango’s tropical-citrus notes with a deeper floral-grape axis typical of purple phenotypes.
Botanical Appearance and Morphology
True to its name, Amethyst Bud frequently displays deep violet to royal purple bracts under cool-night conditions and adequate phosphorus and potassium. The buds are chunky and conical, with densely stacked calyxes and a heavy dusting of glandular trichomes. Mature pistils range from burnished orange to copper, offering strong color contrast against dark sugar leaves and frosted resin.
Internodal spacing indoors typically falls between 2–6 cm, reflecting moderate node stretch and controllable structure. Plants exhibit thick lateral branches and a compact apical cola, making the strain receptive to topping and screen-of-green (SCROG) canopies. In soil or coco, expect indoor heights of 80–120 cm without aggressive training and 150–200 cm outdoors in full sun.
Leaf morphology skews broad with slightly serrated margins, a phenotype consistent with indica-leaning hybrid heritage. During late flower, anthocyanin expression intensifies when night temperatures run 3–5°C below daytime highs. In practice, growers report the starkest color development when evenings dip to 17–19°C while daytime canopy temperatures hover near 24–26°C.
Aroma (Nose) and Bouquet Development
Amethyst Bud has a layered aroma that blends floral lavender, sweet grape, and dark berry over an earthy-hashy base. On the first grind, a plume of linalool-forward perfume emerges, followed by a round, jammy fruit character. As it breathes, peppery and woody undertones surface from caryophyllene and humulene, adding depth.
The bouquet evolves significantly between week 6 and week 9 of flower as terpene biosynthesis peaks. Myrcene and linalool intensify with a ripening sweetness, while ocimene and pinene provide a bright, volatile top note. Long cures—4 to 8 weeks—accentuate the grape-lavender interplay and reduce raw chlorophyll, making the nose cleaner and more distinct.
Compared to sister lines like Somango—known for citrus, earthy, and tropical notes—Amethyst Bud leans more floral and purple-fruit. The divergence is apparent in late-cure jars: where Somango projects mango-citrus, Amethyst Bud presents an incense-lavender sweetness. This profile also contrasts with the sugary berry thrust of Strawberry Cough, which is famous for a sharper, cough-inducing top note that Amethyst Bud typically does not replicate.
Flavor and Combustion Characteristics
On the palate, Amethyst Bud delivers a lavender-forward opening with a sweet grape finish and mild spice on the exhale. The mid-palate reveals dark berries and a hint of sandalwood or incense, reminiscent of classic Soma Seeds florals. Vaporization at 175–185°C preserves linalool brightness and reduces throat bite relative to higher-temperature combustion.
When smoked, the strain is generally smooth, with a medium-weight mouthfeel and a slightly dry finish. The caryophyllene edge provides a peppery tickle without the sharp chest expansion that Strawberry Cough is known for. Extended cures of 6–8 weeks lower harshness further by reducing residual sugars and moisture to 10–12% in the flower.
Compared to Somango’s citrus-tropical sweetness, Amethyst Bud’s flavor is more violet and confectionary, trending toward grape candy and herbal tea. If combusted at higher temperatures, expect the spice and wood facets to dominate the tail-end of the exhale. Optimal flavor expression is achieved with slow draws and temperatures under 200°C in convection vaporizers.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
Amethyst Bud commonly tests as a THC-dominant chemotype with total THC in the range of 16–23% by dry weight. At 20% THC, a single gram contains roughly 200 mg total THC before decarboxylation. Accounting for THCA to THC conversion using the 0.877 factor, 20% THCA corresponds to approximately 17.5% THC after full decarb.
CBD content is typically low, often between 0.1–0.5%, while total CBG may land in the 0.2–1.0% range depending on phenotype and harvest timing. Minor cannabinoids such as CBC (0.05–0.2%) and THCV (trace to 0.1%) make supporting contributions without dominating the effect profile. In total, secondary cannabinoids typically add 0.5–1.5% to the overall assay.
Potency is strongly influenced by cultivation variables and harvest maturity. Under high-intensity lighting with CO2 enrichment (1,000–1,200 ppm), optimized fertigation, and careful IPM, labs commonly record total cannabinoids above 20%. Conversely, environmental stress, nutrient lockouts, and late-season pest pressure can depress totals by 10–20% relative to genetic potential.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Drivers of Scent
The dominant terpene in Amethyst Bud is frequently myrcene, paralleling Soma Seeds’ Somango, which lists myrcene as a lead terpene. Typical total terpene content for healthy, indoor-grown flowers ranges from 1.5–2.5% by weight, with elite phenotypes occasionally surpassing 3.0% under ideal conditions. Within that total, myrcene often occupies 0.4–1.2%, imparting the ripe, fruity baseline.
Linalool is the key floral driver, commonly 0.2–0.6%, providing the lavender perfume that anchors the “amethyst” identity. Beta-caryophyllene at 0.2–0.5% contributes peppery warmth and CB2 receptor activity, while humulene (0.1–0.3%) accents woody-bitter tones. Supporting monoterpenes, such as ocimene (0.1–0.3%) and alpha-pinene (0.05–0.2%), lend volatility, lift, and a touch of resinous brightness.
Curing shifts the terpene balance as the most volatile fractions dissipate. In the first two weeks of curing, ocimene and pinene may drop faster than heavier sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene and humulene. Controlled conditions—18–20°C and 55–60% RH—help preserve overall terpene mass and prevent a 10–30% loss often observed in overly warm or dry cures.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Subjectively, Amethyst Bud balances a tranquil body feel with a clear, upbeat headspace. The onset tends to begin within 5–10 minutes when smoked and 2–4 minutes when vaped, peaking at 30–45 minutes and tapering over 2–3 hours. Many users describe a calm focus suitable for creative tasks, aligning with Soma Seeds’ own themes of creative, focused, relaxed, and uplifted effects reported for Somango.
At low to moderate doses, the strain often enhances mood and light socialization without heavy couch-lock. At higher doses, the indica side asserts itself through muscle relaxation and a warm, weighted body sensation. For daytime use, smaller servings are recommended to maintain productivity and avoid sedation.
Compared to sharper sativa-leaning strains like Strawberry Cough—famous for a bright, energetic launch that can be chesty—Amethyst Bud trades some speed for composure. The effect curve is smoother, with less jitter and a more even emotional tone. This makes it versatile for late afternoon transitions and creative sessions that extend into the evening.
Potential Medical Applications and Rationale
The myrcene-linalool-caryophyllene triad in Amethyst Bud suggests several medical-adjacent use cases. Myrcene is frequently associated with muscle relaxation and analgesic potential, while linalool has demonstrated anxiolytic and sedative-like properties in preclinical models. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid, is a known CB2 agonist (Ki in the low hundreds of nanomolar), supporting anti-inflammatory signaling without intoxication.
Patients commonly report relief for stress, mild anxiety, and sleep onset difficulties when dosing in the evening. For pain, the strain may assist with tension-type headaches, low-back discomfort, and post-exercise soreness, particularly when paired with non-pharmacologic measures like stretching and hydration. Inflammation-driven conditions sometimes respond to caryophyllene-rich chemotypes; here, the 0.2–0.5% range is meaningful but not a substitute for medical care.
Because CBD is typically low, those seeking non-intoxicating daytime relief may consider blending with a high-CBD cultivar to adjust the THC:CBD ratio. Individuals sensitive to THC-related anxiety may also benefit from microdosing strategies, such as 1–2 mg THC equivalents titrated upwards. As with all cannabis use, medical patients should consult clinicians, especially when combining cannabinoids with SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or opioids.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Environment, Training, and Schedule
Amethyst Bud thrives in controlled indoor environments with canopy temperatures of 24–26°C by day and 18–20°C by night. Relative humidity targets of 60–70% for seedlings, 50–60% for vegetative growth, and 40–50% for early-to-mid flower help prevent pathogen pressure. In the final 2–3 weeks, dropping RH to 35–45% limits botrytis risk on dense colas.
For lighting, vegetative PPFD of 500–700 µmol/m²/s and flowering PPFD of 900–1,200 µmol/m²/s are effective, with a Daily Light Integral near 35–45 mol/m²/day in veg and 45–55 mol/m²/day in flower. CO2 supplementation to 1,000–1,200 ppm can increase biomass and cannabinoid content by 10–20% when paired with adequate PPFD and nutrition. Without CO2, maintain 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s to avoid light stress.
The strain is responsive to topping at the 4th–6th node, followed by low-stress training (LST) to open the canopy. Screen-of-green (SCROG) methods are particularly effective; aim for a 60–80% screen fill before initiating 12/12. Defoliation should be moderate and staged—remove large fan leaves that shade bud sites 10–14 days before flip and again at day 21 of flower to improve airflow.
Expect an indoor flowering period of 8–10 weeks, consistent with Soma Seeds’ commonly reported finishing windows. Phenotypes with heavier lavender scent often complete closer to week 9, though color-chasing growers who drop night temperatures may extend maturity to maximize anthocyanins. Outdoors, harvest typically falls from late September to early October in temperate zones.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Irrigation, and Media
In coco or hydroponic systems, maintain pH at 5.8–6.2; in soil, 6.2–6.8 is ideal. Early vegetative EC targets of 1.0–1.2 mS/cm support rapid growth, rising to 1.4–1.6 in late veg. In bloom, many growers succeed at 1.6–2.0 mS/cm, tapering back to 1.2–1.4 in the final 10–14 days.
Nitrogen should be robust but not excessive in veg, with a higher K proportion in bloom to support resin and color. Phosphorus should be steady and not spiked excessively; dramatic P boosts risk lockouts and do not reliably increase yield. Calcium and magnesium demand is moderate; supplement at 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg in coco-heavy systems.
Frequent, smaller irrigations that produce 10–20% runoff help maintain root-zone stability in coco and rockwool. In living soil, irrigate to field capacity and allow enough dry-back to maintain oxygenation, monitoring pot weight as a guide. Aim for 10–12% final flower moisture content after drying; starting from good water activity management reduces mold risk and preserves terpenes.
Organic-leaning cultivation—aligned with Soma Seeds’ ethos—works exceptionally well with this cultivar. Rich compost teas, top-dressed amendments, and microbial inoculants promote terpene expression and a cleaner flavor. Growers often report more pronounced lavender-grape notes in organic systems versus mineral-heavy regimens.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Pests, Pathogens, Harvest, and Curing
Dense, purple-leaning flowers warrant vigilant airflow and sanitation to thwart botrytis (gray mold). Oscillating fans at multiple canopy heights and 40–50% RH late in flower mitigate risk. Predatory mites (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus) and regular scouting help manage thrips and spider mites without harsh sprays.
Foliar applications should cease by week 2–3 of flower to preserve trichomes and avoid residue. If pressure appears, spot-treat with targeted biologicals and increase canopy dilution rather than blanket sprays. Maintain leaf surface temperature in a range that prevents condensation during dark periods, particularly when chasing purple coloration with cooler nights.
Harvest timing can be tuned to effect preference: 5–10% amber trichomes with mostly cloudy heads for balanced potency, or 15–25% amber for a heavier body effect. Many growers report peak flavor between days 60 and 66 of 12/12, with some phenotypes extending to day 70. Trim wet or dry depending on climate; in arid zones, a gentle dry trim retains moisture longer.
Dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days until stems snap but don’t shatter. Cure in airtight glass at 60–62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for 4–8 weeks. A proper cure minimizes terpene loss and can raise perceived aroma intensity by 20–40% compared to rushed drying.
Yield, Economics, and Market Position
Indoor yields for Amethyst Bud are typically moderate, averaging 400–550 g/m² in optimized environments. Single-plant outdoor yields of 500–800 g are common in full sun with large root zones and consistent feeding. While not a raw yield champion, the strain compensates through bag appeal and terpene-driven value.
Purple coloration, heavy trichome coverage, and the distinctive lavender-grape bouquet command above-average shelf interest. In legal markets, purple craft flower can fetch a 10–25% premium over comparable green flower when terpene totals exceed 2.0%. These premiums depend on regional trends and post-harvest quality; sloppy drying can erase the advantage.
From a production standpoint, the 8–10 week finish integrates easily into perpetual systems. Two harvests per 12–14 weeks are feasible with staggered veg rooms, maintaining consistent supply. The cultivar’s moderate nutrient demands and high acceptance of SCROG reduce per-gram inputs and training labor over time.
Comparisons to Similar Strains and Context from Live Information
Soma Seeds’ Somango—which lists an 8–10 week flowering period, average yield, a myrcene-forward profile, and creative, focused, relaxed, uplifted effects—offers a useful baseline. Amethyst Bud mirrors the schedule and the “functional relaxation” theme but swaps Somango’s citrus/tropical flavors for floral-lavender and grape-berry tones. Gardeners familiar with Somango’s training response will find a similar appetite for topping and canopy management.
Strawberry Cough, noted for a sugary berry profile and the tendency to induce coughing even in veteran smokers, sits at the opposite end of the sensory spectrum. Where Strawberry Cough is a bright, zesty wake-and-bake, Amethyst Bud emphasizes smoothness and composure with less throat catch. Users seeking berry sweetness without the chesty sharpness may appreciate Amethyst Bud’s softer terpene-edged inhale.
Within Soma’s broader purple-floral lineage, Amethyst Bud is often compared to Lavender (Soma #10) for its linalool-driven perfume and color potential. The key difference is a somewhat more balanced, day-friendly effect in Amethyst Bud versus the heavier, evening-forward tilt of some Lavender phenotypes. For buyers, the take-home is simple: if you love Soma’s florals and want a purple hybrid that stays productive and clear, Amethyst Bud hits the mark.
Practical Buyer’s and Grower’s Checklist
Breeder: Soma Seeds. Heritage: indica/sativa hybrid with a slightly indica-leaning phenotype expression. Flowering: 8–10 weeks indoors; late September to early October outdoors in temperate climates.
Potency: commonly 16–23% total THC; low CBD (~0.1–0.5%); minor CBG (0.2–1.0%). Terpenes: myrcene-led with significant linalool, caryophyllene, and humulene; total terpene 1.5–2.5% typical. Aroma/Flavor: lavender, grape, dark berry, and mild spice; smooth compared to sharper berry sativas.
Yields: 400–550 g/m² indoors; 500–800 g per outdoor plant in full sun. Plant size: 80–120 cm indoors; 150–200 cm outdoors; internodes 2–6 cm. Best practices: SCROG-friendly, moderate defoliation, cool nights to enhance purple expression, careful RH control to avoid botrytis.
Use cases: creative focus, calm relaxation, late-afternoon productivity; potential for stress relief and mild pain management. Comparators: Somango for schedule and effect balance; Strawberry Cough for contrasting berry sharpness and chest hit. Post-harvest: 10–14 day dry at 18–20°C, 55–60% RH; 4–8 week cure at 60–62% RH for maximum floral-grape clarity.
