Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Apollo 13 BX
Apollo 13 BX is a mostly sativa cultivar developed by SubCool’s The Dank to capture and stabilize the fabled cerebral spark of the original Apollo 13. As the name implies, the BX designation signifies a backcross, a breeding method used to lock in key aromatic, structural, and effect traits. The result is a fast-finishing, high-energy flower prized by growers and connoisseurs who want a soaring headspace without sacrificing resin coverage or modern potency.
While the original Apollo 13 earned a reputation for rocket-like uplift, Apollo 13 BX refines the experience into a more uniform garden performer. Expect vigorous growth, medium-stacked colas, and a terpene bouquet that leans bright and terpinolene-forward. It is frequently described as a creative sativa with a surprisingly robust resin profile for its lineage.
For data-driven cultivators, Apollo 13 BX offers strong KPI benchmarks: 56–70 days to finish indoors, moderate to high terpene output (1.5–3.0% by dry weight), and THC typically in the 19–23% range with select phenotypes pushing higher. Proper environment and training can lift indoor yields into the 450–550 g/m² range under optimized lighting. It is a classic that rewards careful dialing-in with unmistakable high-energy results.
History and Breeding Background
Apollo 13 BX was bred by SubCool’s The Dank as an homage and refinement of the Apollo line that first rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s. SubCool’s objective was to stabilize the distinctive sativa-led headspace, citrus-pine aromatics, and speedy finish associated with Apollo 13 while making selection and cultivation more consistent. The BX, or backcross, approach involves reintroducing genetics from the original mother line to anchor desired traits.
The Apollo family’s early history is intertwined with legendary breeder cuts and sativa-forward selections from that era. Historical accounts often reference ties to the “Genius” line and Cinderella-family genetics, which are known for terpinolene-rich bouquets and electric, clear-headed effects. SubCool’s work aimed to preserve that signature creative lift while extending bag appeal and resin density for modern markets.
By the late 2000s, Apollo 13 BX had become a staple in enthusiast circles that favored “daytime” sativas with manageable flowering times. The strain carved out a niche because it offered speed and clarity without requiring a 12–14 week flowering cycle typical of some old-school sativas. Its combination of classic headiness and modern garden practicality helped build the cultivar’s lasting reputation.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Apollo 13 BX is a predominantly sativa expression, typically estimated at roughly 70–85% sativa in its phenotypic output. The BX indicates a backcross to solidify the Apollo 13 trait package—namely euphoric energy, citrus-pine top notes, and a swift bloom cycle. While specific proprietary male choices can vary in breeding projects, the target was to anchor the Apollo 13 mother’s hallmarks rather than add heavy indica influences.
As a lineage, Apollo-type cultivars are often associated with terpinolene-dominant profiles, which are more common among classic sativas and certain Jack-leaning cuts. This chemical signal aligns with the buzzy, creative high many users report. Apollo 13 BX carries this tradition forward while enhancing structure for indoor production.
The heritage shines in plants that stretch moderately, stack long calyxes, and finish with a bright, uplifting bouquet. Compared to prolonged-flower tropical sativas, Apollo 13 BX compresses the timeline without losing the light, sparkling headspace. Growers who appreciate sativa clarity but want 8–10 week finish times find this lineage uniquely compelling.
Appearance and Morphology
Apollo 13 BX plants express medium internodal spacing, typically 3–6 cm under high PAR lighting, with a pronounced apical dominance if left untopped. The leaves are slender to medium-narrow, reflecting the sativa heritage, but they rarely become overly sparse. Stems are notably sturdy for a sativa-leaning cultivar, a beneficial trait for managing long colas.
In late flower, buds develop a tapered, spear-like shape with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. Mature clusters display lime to forest-green hues with amber-to-rust pistils that intensify around week eight. Trichome coverage is dense for the lineage, forming a silvery sheen that translates to strong bag appeal.
As the plant approaches harvest, some phenotypes show slight foxtailing—more pronounced in high-heat or high-PPFD conditions—but it usually remains aesthetic rather than problematic. Bract stacks can be long and elegant, rewarding training techniques that increase lateral flowering sites. Overall density is medium, lowering the risk of botrytis compared to ultra-dense indica colas.
Aroma Profile
The aromatic signature of Apollo 13 BX is bright, clean, and vivid, with terpinolene at the helm. Expect top notes of citrus peel, sweet pine, and green apple layered over a floral, slightly herbal midsection. Peppery spice from beta-caryophyllene often emerges when the flowers are broken up or ground.
Secondary notes include hints of mango skin, resinous wood, and a faint effervescence, especially in phenotypes with higher ocimene. Freshly cured jars can release a distinctive “zesty” snap that speaks to the cultivar’s sativa heritage. During late flower, the bouquet intensifies, and careful drying preserves the crispness.
Analytically, total terpene content in well-grown Apollo 13 BX samples commonly falls between 1.5–3.0% by dry weight. Terpinolene-dominant chemotypes often measure 0.4–1.3% terpinolene alone, with beta-caryophyllene and myrcene contributing 0.2–0.8% combined. Proper cure at 60–62% RH helps lock these volatile aromas in place and reduces terpene loss.
Flavor Profile
The flavor rides closely to the aroma but introduces a clearer citrus-pine interplay on the inhale. Many users report a sweet lime or tangerine nip that quickly turns to pine resin and light herbal tea. The exhale can carry a peppered finish, which lingers as a gentle warmth on the palate.
Vaporizers at 175–190°C emphasize the fruit-forward elements, especially the green-apple and mango-skin hints tied to terpinolene and ocimene. Combustion leans the experience into pine-and-spice territory with a slightly drier mouthfeel. Across devices, the aftertaste tends to remain clean and zesty rather than syrupy.
Measured by consumer feedback, flavor intensity is medium-high, scoring well for clarity and repeatability. The cultivar rarely displays the cloying sweetness of dessert profiles, instead favoring a brisk, sparkling character. That balance makes Apollo 13 BX a reliable daytime flavor that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Apollo 13 BX is typically THC-dominant with negligible CBD. Aggregated lab results from dispensary COAs frequently place THC in the 19–23% range, with standout phenotypes reaching 24–26% under optimized conditions. CBD usually registers below 0.5%, often near the analytical limit of detection.
Minor cannabinoids can add nuance, with CBG often appearing between 0.5–1.2% and THCV detectable in trace-to-moderate amounts, commonly 0.2–0.6%. While these concentrations vary by phenotype and cultivation method, they may contribute to the cultivar’s quick onset and crisp, motivational feel. Total cannabinoids often land in the 20–27% range, inclusive of these minors.
For most consumers, that profile translates to a robust but controllable potency band suitable for daytime use. Beginners should start at low doses due to the rapid head rush typical of terpinolene-forward sativas. Experienced users often find that small increments deliver the best clarity without tipping into raciness.
Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry
Apollo 13 BX is commonly terpinolene-dominant, a chemotype associated with several classic sativa families. In mature, well-cured samples, terpinolene can span 0.4–1.3% by dry weight, setting the citrus, pine, and apple-like high notes. Beta-caryophyllene (0.2–0.6%) and beta-myrcene (0.2–0.8%) often form the secondary layer, bridging spice and herbal undertones.
Supporting terpenes include alpha-pinene (0.1–0.4%), limonene (0.1–0.4%), and ocimene (0.05–0.2%), each contributing lift, perceived freshness, and a slight effervescence. Linalool tends to be minor (0.03–0.10%) but can smooth the bouquet and add faint floral-lavender edges. This distribution of volatiles aligns with the reported energetic, clear-headed effects.
Total terpene content varies by garden practice, with 1.5–3.0% being a realistic target in optimized indoor grows. Strategies such as moderate late-flower temperatures (20–23°C nights), gentle air movement, and slow drying (10–14 days) can materially improve terpene retention. Avoiding overly warm cures is critical; temperatures above 22–23°C during storage can accelerate volatile loss.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Expect a rapid, upward onset that many users describe as a clean mental ignition within 2–5 minutes of inhalation. The early phase brings sharpened focus, buoyant mood, and a mild-to-moderate body lightness without sedation. At typical doses, head pressure remains smooth and non-jittery, though sensitive users should moderate to prevent edginess.
The peak commonly arrives around the 30–45 minute mark, with sustained clarity and creative drive lasting 90–150 minutes. Physical heaviness is minimal, making Apollo 13 BX a frequent choice for daytime productivity, brainstorming, and social activities. The comedown is gentle, with little residual fog when hydration is maintained.
Edible preparations show standard sativa kinetics: onset at 45–120 minutes, peak around 2–3 hours, and total duration up to 4–6 hours depending on dose. Because the vibe leans bright and stimulating, evening use may delay sleep for some individuals. Counterbalancing with a myrcene-rich or linalool-leaning cultivar later can help transition into rest.
Potential Medical Uses
Patient-reported outcomes often point to Apollo 13 BX for mood elevation, daytime fatigue, and attentional drift. In community surveys of sativa-leaning cultivars, 60–75% of respondents report perceived improvements in motivation and outlook during the first two hours after use. The fast-onset clarity makes it a candidate for situational anhedonia or creative block.
The cultivar’s relatively low sedative footprint means it can be compatible with activity-based symptom management, such as pairing with light exercise, creative therapy, or occupational tasks. Some users with migraine prodrome report early-phase relief when dosed at the first sign, though controlled data are limited. A subset also notes mild tension reduction without heavy couchlock.
Caution is warranted for individuals prone to anxiety or panic, as higher doses of terpinolene-forward chemotypes can feel stimulating. For those populations, titration in 1–2 inhalation increments or low-dose oral formats (2.5–5 mg THC) may improve tolerability. As with all cannabis use, personalized medical guidance is recommended, especially when combining with other medications.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Training, and Nutrition
Apollo 13 BX thrives in warm, well-ventilated environments with moderate humidity. Daytime canopy temperatures of 24–28°C and nighttime lows of 18–21°C maintain metabolism without driving excessive stretch. Ideal VPD targets are 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg, 1.2–1.5 kPa in early flower, and 1.0–1.2 kPa late flower for terpene preservation.
Under LED fixtures, aim for PPFD of 400–600 µmol/m²/s in late veg and 750–950 µmol/m²/s in mid flower, tapering to 650–800 µmol/m²/s during the final 10–14 days. With supplemental CO₂ at 800–1,200 ppm, PPFD can be safely pushed to 1,000–1,200 µmol/m²/s, often increasing yield by 15–30%. Keep leaf surface temperatures in check to avoid terpenoid volatilization and stress foxtailing.
Feeding is moderate; over-fertilization, particularly nitrogen after week three of flower, can dull aroma and slow maturation. In soilless or hydro, a solution EC of 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg and 1.6–2.0 mS/cm in flower is a sensible band, with pH 5.7–6.0. In living soil, focus on balanced top-dressings and calcium/magnesium availability to support sturdy, resin-heavy bracts.
Structurally, Apollo 13 BX responds very well to topping and low-stress training (LST). Top once at the 4th–5th node, then train laterals outward to build 6–10 strong tops per plant in a 3–5 gallon container. A single layer SCROG at 15–25 cm above the canopy helps capture stretch and creates a level flowering plane.
Defoliation should be measured rather than aggressive. Remove large interior fans that block airflow in late veg and around day 21 of flower, but avoid stripping more than 20–25% of leaf mass at any one time. This approach keeps the plant breathing while preventing larf and humidity pockets.
Irrigation frequency is best set by container size and root vigor, allowing 10–20% runoff in coco/hydro to avoid salt buildup. In soil, water to full saturation, then wait for 50–70% pot weight loss before repeating to encourage oxygen exchange. Enzyme products or beneficial microbes can help maintain rhizosphere health over multiple cycles.
Flowering, Harvest Timing, and Post-Harvest Handling
Apollo 13 BX has a typical indoor flowering window of 56–70 days, with most phenotypes finishing between days 60 and 66. Stretch after flip is moderate at 1.5–2.2×, making pre-emptive canopy management important. Colas lengthen rapidly from weeks 3–5 before focusing on calyx swell and resin output in the final three weeks.
For an energetic, sparkling effect, harvest when trichomes show roughly 5–10% amber, 70–80% cloudy, and the remainder clear. Allowing a higher amber percentage (15–20%) rounds the headspace slightly and softens the edge, at a minor cost to the top-end brightness. Pistils typically turn from pale to orange-rust by week eight; rely on trichomes, not hair color, for the final call.
Dry at 15–18°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days, targeting a water activity of 0.60–0.65 for stable storage. Gentle air circulation that does not directly hit the flowers reduces terpene loss and prevents case hardening. Once stems snap and buds feel leathery on the outside, move to a long cure.
Cure in airtight glass at 60–62% RH, burping daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly thereafter. Flavor clarity usually peaks at 4–6 weeks post-dry, with continued refinement up to 10–12 weeks. Properly cured Apollo 13 BX retains a crisp, citrus-pine bouquet that reads as clean and uplifting even months after harvest.
Yield Expectations and Grower Benchmarks
Indoor yields for Apollo 13 BX typically range from 400–500 g/m² under 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD, rising to 450–550 g/m² with optimized CO₂, dialed nutrition, and canopy training. Single-plant yields in 3–5 gallon containers often land between 85–150 g when using topping and SCROG. In larger, high-root-volume setups, 200 g per plant is achievable with strong veg and even light distribution.
Outdoors, expect 400–700 g per plant in mild, low-humidity climates when planted early and trellised. The cultivar’s medium-density flowers lower the risk of rot, but late-season rains still warrant canopy thinning and airflow. Latitude and daylength influence finish; in temperate zones, mid-to-late October is common.
Quality metrics to monitor include bud density (medium), calyx-to-leaf ratio (above average), and trim time (efficient due to sparse sugar leaf). Total terpene content of 1.8–2.6% is a realistic benchmark for well-run rooms, with top-tier gardens surpassing 2.8–3.0%. Lab-verified THC in the 20–23% band is common and tends to align with the cultivar’s expected effect profile.
Phenotype Variation and Selection Tips
Apollo 13 BX expresses a relatively uniform terpene axis—terpinolene-led with pine-citrus lift—but growers can still encounter two practical phenotypes. The first finishes slightly faster (day 58–63), with very bright citrus and lighter green buds. The second runs a week longer, stacking denser colas with a touch more spice and wood in the nose.
When selecting mothers, look for internodal spacing of 3–4 cm under your lighting, strong apical vigor after topping, and resin onset by the end of week four of flower. A desirable keeper should finish with minimal larf when trained and produce a clear, energetic effect that does not edge into anxiety at moderate doses. Test each candidate across at least two cycles to confirm stability under your environment.
Analytical testing can sharpen selection. Favor samples with terpinolene above 0.6% and total terpenes over 2.0% if available, as these often correlate with the classic Apollo 13 BX uplift. Monitor minor cannabinoids like CBG (≥0.7%) and THCV (≥0.3%) as potential contributors to the crisp, motivational headspace.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM)
Apollo 13 BX’s sativa-leaning architecture promotes airflow, which helps reduce some disease pressures, but consistent IPM is still essential. Maintain preventive scouting for spider mites and thrips, which favor vigorous, lighter-leaf canopies. Yellow sticky cards and weekly leaf inspections under magnification help catch early populations.
Foliar IPM during veg can include alternating biologicals like Beauveria bassiana and Isaria fumosorosea, paired with botanical oils at low rates as needed. Discontinue oily sprays by week two of flower to protect trichomes and flavor. Soil-dwelling pests are deterred by healthy microbial communities and proper irrigation practices that avoid constant saturation.
Powdery mildew pressure is moderate; keep leaf surfaces dry with strong but indirect airflow and maintain night temps within 3–5°C of day temps to reduce dew point swings. Botrytis risk rises in late flower if RH climbs above 60%—thin inner foliage and maintain consistent exhaust. Clean, HEPA-filtered intakes and strict sanitation between runs materially lower incident rates.
Context, Credibility, and How Apollo 13 BX Fits Today
SubCool’s The Dank developed Apollo 13 BX specifically to lock in the uplifting Apollo experience while improving consistency for modern growers. In the broader market, the cultivar stands as a counterpoint to dessert-forward indica hybrids, appealing to consumers who prioritize daytime function and clarity. Its chemistry—often terpinolene dominant with moderate minors—supports that niche.
In dispensary data sets, sativa-classified flowers command steady demand among daytime consumers and creatives. Apollo 13 BX’s 8–10 week finish gives producers a reliable turn compared to longer tropical sativas, helping maintain production cadence. For home growers, the combination of manageable stretch and resin density makes it a reliable project strain with a rewarding cure.
Given its heritage and breeder pedigree, Apollo 13 BX remains a reference point for bright, motivating flowers that do not require extreme cultivation timelines. It is a reminder that classic profiles can be modernized without losing their soul. For many, it remains the archetype of “get-things-done” cannabis with a flavor to match.
Conclusion
Apollo 13 BX distills the Apollo mythos—speed, clarity, and citrus-pine lift—into a grower-friendly package from SubCool’s The Dank. Its mostly sativa heritage shows in the canopy architecture, terpene leadership, and energetic effect, while a tightened flowering window makes it practical indoors. For data-minded cultivators, it delivers consistent metrics: 56–70 day finish, 19–23% THC typical, and 1.5–3.0% terpenes with terpinolene out front.
Consumers seeking creativity, mood elevation, and daytime function will find a reliable companion in this cultivar. By managing dose and environment, the experience remains bright without tipping into overstimulation. In a market crowded with candy and dessert notes, Apollo 13 BX’s crisp, zesty profile and rocket-like onset continue to feel refreshingly purposeful.
Whether you are selecting a mother, dialing canopy density, or fine-tuning a slow cure to protect volatile chemistry, Apollo 13 BX rewards precision at every step. It honors the lineage that inspired it while meeting today’s expectations for potency and presentation. Few cultivars thread that needle so cleanly, which is why Apollo 13 BX still commands respect among growers and enthusiasts alike.
