Written by Ad OpsOrigin and Breeding History
Apollo 13 Puffs Cut x TGA Vortex comes from Duke Diamond’s Vault, a breeder respected for reviving elite, old‑school American genetics with modern vigor and uniformity. The cross pairs a selected Apollo 13 “Puffs Cut” clone with TGA/Subcool’s celebrated Vortex, a cultivar that won High Times 2010 Sativa of the Year. The intent behind this combination is clear: intensify the electric, cerebral energy of Apollo lines while layering tropical terpenes, resin density, and structure from the Vortex side.
The Apollo 13 “Puffs Cut” is regarded among connoisseurs as an especially clean, high‑terpinolene expression—zesty, piney, and fast to finish. Vortex, meanwhile, is known for a kaleidoscopic fruit bouquet (mango, pineapple, passionfruit) and soaring uplift. Duke Diamond’s Vault selected this pairing to capture a mostly sativa experience with improved yield and a tighter, more uniform bud set.
Historically, Apollo-family genetics trace back to work popularized by Brothers Grimm, who set the standard for fast‑finishing, sativa‑leaning cultivars suited to indoor environments. TGA/Subcool’s Vortex itself descends from Apollo and Space Queen heritage, reinforcing the sativa profile with intense terpinolene chemotypes. By combining a clone‑only caliber Apollo 13 cut with a proven TGA sativa, the project aims at consistency, aroma density, and a lively effect profile favored by daytime consumers.
In community circles, growers report that Duke Diamond’s selections are characterized by strong vigor, readily recognizable phenotypes, and solid stress tolerance. This aligns with the intended outcome here: a cultivar that keeps the high‑energy sativa spark but is easier to tame in modern tents and controlled‑environment rooms. The result is a standout mostly‑sativa hybrid that respects its lineage while landing in a commercially viable lane.
Genetic Lineage and Heritable Traits
The genetic backbone blends Apollo 13 (Puffs Cut) with TGA Vortex, making this a mostly sativa cultivar. Apollo 13 is widely associated with pronounced terpinolene dominance, citrus‑pine aromatics, and a clear‑headed rush that hits quickly. Vortex contributes tropical fruit esters, more color possibilities, and a history of award‑winning potency and euphoria.
From a heritable‑traits perspective, expect high calyx‑to‑leaf ratios, medium internode spacing, and a moderate stretch that can double plant height in early bloom (1.6–2.0x is typical). Resin density tends to be above average for a terpinolene‑forward line, with trichomes stacking particularly well on upper third colas. Buds often finish with a lime‑green base and amber to cream pistils; cooler nights can encourage hints of rose‑gold or faint lavender tones from the Vortex side.
Chemically, progeny often present terpinolene as a lead terpene, with limonene and ocimene close behind, and supporting roles from myrcene, beta‑pinene, and linalool. This mirrors population trends observed in Apollo‑derived cultivars where terpinolene frequently tops the profile in 35–60% of phenotypes. Vortex can tilt some expressions toward fruit‑punch bouquets and slightly sweeter finishes, opening the door to mango‑pineapple noses in a subset of plants.
Growers should also anticipate a preference for steady calcium and magnesium inputs, a trait commonly reported in Apollo‑leaning hybrids. Nitrogen sensitivity late in flower is likewise common; excessive N beyond week 4–5 bloom can suppress aroma intensity and delay ripening. Overall, the cross inherits a rapid, assertive sativa character stabilized by Duke Diamond’s eye for robust, manageable structure.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Nugs are typically medium‑density with a tapered, spear‑like silhouette and high calyx‑to‑leaf ratios that make for efficient trimming. Expect lime to spring‑green hues with a silvered frost of gland heads that read as sugary even under low light. Pistils emerge pale apricot to orange and darken with maturity, sometimes leaning copper near harvest.
While some terpinolene‑dominant sativas can foxtail under high heat or excessive PPFD, this cross tends to maintain tighter flower sets if environmental parameters are dialed. Colas form in candles of 10–20 cm, with lateral buds stacking in a consistent, symmetrical pattern. Under SCROG or multi‑top manifolds, the canopy can produce uniform colas that finish with a pleasing, photographic consistency.
Trichome coverage stands out on bract surfaces and sugar leaves, with bulbous heads apparent at maturity. Many growers note that the resin has a slightly “greasy” appearance rather than sandy, which favors solvent extraction yields. In jars, cured buds hold their structure well, and a properly dialed dry retains a springy texture without crumbling.
Aroma (Nose) and Bouquet
On first crack, the jar often releases a zesty terpene blast: lemon zest, green pine, and a snap of fresh herbs. As the bouquet unfolds, Vortex’s tropical layer shows up—mango nectar, pineapple rind, and a passionfruit tang. In certain phenos, a sweet‑tart candy note appears that reads like lime sherbet or citrus soda syrup.
Secondary notes often include crushed stems, white pepper, and faint floral hints reminiscent of orange blossom. Some plants show an airy, ozone‑like top note—common in terpinolene‑heavy cultivars—that gives the nose an effervescent feel. Myrcene‑leaning phenos can add a soft, musky cushion beneath the citrus, rounding the edges and calming the sharp pine bite.
During grind, the profile intensifies by 20–40% subjectively, as volatile monoterpenes are liberated from gland heads. The mango‑pineapple theme becomes juicier, and a pine‑lemon brightness rides the top. If cured on the cooler side (58–62% RH), the bouquet stays saturated and stable, with minimal terpene flattening over 60–90 days.
Flavor, Mouthfeel, and Combustion Characteristics
The flavor tracks the aroma closely: bright lemon‑lime on the front, a quick shift to pineapple candy, and a pine‑resin exhale. On glass or clean quartz, expect a crisp, high‑definition citrus snap in the first 1–2 pulls. Combustion in flower form burns to light ash when properly flushed and dried, with little throat scratch.
Mouthfeel is light to medium‑bodied, leaning sparkling rather than creamy. Terpinolene’s effervescence creates a lifting sensation on the palate, while limonene prolongs the citrus echo through the finish. Some phenos deliver a subtle herbal bitterness—a tonic‑water quality—that pairs well with the sweet tropical core.
In concentrates, especially hydrocarbon extracts, the fruit‑punch character becomes more saturated. Live resin often emphasizes pineapple‑mango underpinned by pine and sweet lemon candy. Rosin from fresh‑frozen material can preserve the bright top notes, though yield can vary based on resin head maturity and cut timing.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
As a mostly sativa hybrid with Apollo/Vortex lineage, this cultivar commonly tests in the mid‑ to high‑teens up to low‑20s for THC. In community COAs shared for comparable Apollo‑leaning crosses, ranges between 18–26% THC are reported, with a central tendency around 20–23%. CBD is usually minimal (<0.3%), while minor cannabinoids like CBG often land between 0.3–1.0%.
Total cannabinoids in well‑grown batches tend to hit 20–28%, depending on environment, maturity, and post‑harvest handling. Growers who run moderate CO2 (900–1,200 ppm) and sustain stable VPD often see 5–15% improvements in potency and yield compared to ambient, all else equal. Overfeeding nitrogen late bloom can depress measured THC by 1–2 percentage points in some runs, reflecting delayed senescence.
The chemotype frequently aligns with terpene‑rich sativa profiles, where terpene content of 1.5–3.5% total is attainable. Reports from similar Apollo/Vortex expressions suggest terpinolene‑dominant labs in ~40–60% of phenos, with some leaning limonene‑dominant or ocimene‑forward. Because cannabinoid and terpene outputs are environment‑sensitive, dialed dry/cure (60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days) can preserve up to 20–30% more measurable monoterpenes versus hot, fast dries.
Terpene Profile, Ratios, and Volatile Chemistry
The leading terpene is typically terpinolene, often representing 0.4–1.2% of dry weight in high‑expressers. Limonene commonly ranges 0.2–0.8%, while ocimene variants (beta‑ocimene) can show at 0.1–0.5%. Supporting terpenes include beta‑myrcene (0.1–0.6%), beta‑pinene (0.1–0.4%), linalool (0.05–0.2%), and humulene/caryophyllene in smaller amounts.
Terpinolene contributes the fresh, citrus‑pine, and slightly floral ozone lift. Limonene reinforces lemon‑lime edges and contributes to the perceived euphoria that users describe. Ocimene layers a sweet, green, and sometimes slightly herbal fruitiness, often interpreted as tropical or stone‑fruit adjacent.
Minor volatiles like aldehydes and esters likely enhance the candy‑like finish, especially in Vortex‑leaning cuts. The combined terpene matrix supports a fast‑onset, head‑focused effect consistent with sativa‑dominant chemovars. Practically, cold‑chain handling from harvest to cure can reduce terpene loss by 15–25% relative to warm trims, preserving the cultivar’s signature pop.
Experiential Effects and Situational Use
Most users describe a rapid onset within 2–4 minutes via inhalation, with a noticeable mood lift and increased mental clarity. The headspace can feel buoyant and curious, favoring brainstorming, writing, music appreciation, or detailed craft work. Compared to heavier myrcene cultivars, this one stays upright and sparkling, with low body sedation at typical doses.
At moderate doses, expect pronounced focus, enhanced sensory detail, and a productive energy that pairs well with daytime tasks. Social use is common, as the tropical‑citrus nose contributes to an uplifting set and setting. Those with sensitivity to racy sativas should dose conservatively, as the terpinolene/limonene combination can feel stimulating.
The duration of peak effects commonly spans 60–90 minutes for flower, extending to 120+ minutes for dabs depending on tolerance. Comedown is generally clean with minimal grogginess, especially when harvested with mostly cloudy trichomes. Compared to hazy landrace sativas, the line is more manageable and less jittery, provided intake is paced.
Potential Medical Uses, Contraindications, and Tolerability
Patients seeking daytime relief from fatigue, low mood, or anhedonia often report value in terpinolene‑dominant sativas. Uplift and motivation can support activity scheduling or behavioral activation techniques, with users noting a 20–40% subjective improvement in energy and outlook. The limonene presence may bolster mood elevation, making this cultivar a candidate for depressive symptoms without heavy sedation.
For attention‑related challenges, some users find short‑term focus improvements at low to moderate doses. The clear head and sensory engagement can aid in task initiation, though overstimulation is possible in sensitive individuals. As always, titration is key—small, frequent doses may outperform single large doses for productivity.
Analgesia is moderate and more neuropathic/central than deep‑tissue, consistent with many sativa‑leaning chemovars. Anti‑nausea effects are plausible via THC’s CB1 activity, with users citing reduced queasiness and improved appetite. However, individuals prone to anxiety or palpitations should proceed cautiously; rapid‑onset sativas can transiently increase heart rate by 10–20 bpm.
Contraindications include a history of panic attacks, uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions, or sensitivity to stimulatory strains. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, and mild transient dizziness can occur at high doses. Medical users should consult clinicians, start low, and monitor interactions with medications, particularly sedatives or SSRIs.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Nutrition, Training, Harvest, and Post-Processing
Growth habit and vigor: Apollo 13 Puffs Cut x TGA Vortex exhibits strong early vigor and a moderate sativa frame. Expect 1.6–2.0x stretch during the first 2–3 weeks of flower. Internode spacing is medium; topping and lateral training produce uniform cola arrays.
Cycle length: Vegetative periods of 21–35 days are typical indoors, depending on plant count and canopy filling strategy. Flowering finishes in roughly 56–70 days, with many keepers landing in the 60–65 day window. Vortex‑leaning fruit‑punch phenos can require a few extra days for full terpene saturation.
Environment: Target 78–82°F (25.5–28°C) lights‑on and 68–72°F (20–22°C) lights‑off in veg; 76–80°F (24–27°C) in early flower; 72–77°F (22–25°C) in late flower to protect monoterpenes. Maintain VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.1–1.4 kPa in flower. Relative humidity can progress 65% (early veg) → 55% (late veg) → 50% (early flower) → 45% (late flower).
Lighting: Provide 500–700 PPFD in veg and 800–1,000 PPFD in flower for soil/coco; advanced growers with CO2 at 900–1,200 ppm can push 1,000–1,200 PPFD. Daily Light Integral (DLI) targets around 35–45 mol/m²/day in veg and 45–55 mol/m²/day in flower are appropriate. Monitor leaf surface temps and back off intensity if tacoing or foxtailing appears.
CO2: Supplementation to 900–1,200 ppm can increase dry yield by 10–20% and improve secondary metabolite density when matched with adequate light and nutrition. Ensure airtight rooms and proper safety monitoring. Reduce CO2 to ambient the last 7–10 days to avoid excessive stretch late.
Media and pH: In coco, maintain pH 5.8–6.0; in soilless peat mixes, 5.9–6.3; in living soil, aim for 6.2–6.8 and healthy microbial activity. This line appreciates consistent oxygenation; fabric pots or air‑pruning containers help. Avoid waterlogging; allow 10–15% runoff in salt‑based systems to prevent salt accumulation.
Nutrition (EC/PPM): Start veg around 1.2–1.6 EC (600–800 ppm 0.5 scale). Early flower 1.6–1.8 EC; mid flower up to 1.9–2.1 EC if plants are thriving. Pull nitrogen back after week 4–5 bloom and emphasize K, Mg, and sulfur for terpene synthesis.
Calcium and magnesium: Maintain a Ca:Mg ratio near 3:1. Supplement 0.3–0.5 EC of Ca/Mg in RO setups, especially under high PPFD. Magnesium deficiency (interveinal chlorosis) can appear fast in terpinolene‑heavy lines—address early to preserve aroma.
Irrigation cadence: In coco, frequent smaller irrigations (2–4/day in flower) stabilize EC and prevent peaks that can mute terpenes. In soil, water deeply but less often, allowing the top inch to dry between. Aim for 10–15% runoff in inert media to maintain root zone balance.
Training and canopy: Topping once or twice creates 6–12 main sites per plant; SCROG nets to 60–70% fill before flip optimize uniformity. Lollipopping the lower third improves airflow, reduces larf, and concentrates energy on top colas. Defoliate moderately—remove large fans that shade bud sites, but avoid aggressive strips that can stall growth.
IPM: Maintain clean intakes, sticky traps, and weekly scouting. Preventative rotations of biologicals (e.g., Bacillus-based foliar in veg only, Beauveria bassiana where legal) help deter mites and thrips. Terpinolene lines can mask early pest pressure; scout undersides of leaves with a 60–100x loupe.
Flowering cues: By week 3–4, pistils should stack with visible calyx expansion. Aroma ramps notably in week 5–7; keep temps and RH steady to avoid terpene volatilization. If foxtailing appears, reduce PPFD by 10–15% and ensure night temps aren’t exceeding day temps.
Yield expectations: In dialed indoor rooms, expect 450–600 g/m² dry with multi‑top canopies and moderate CO2. Single‑plant training in 5–7 gallon containers commonly yields 90–160 g per plant, depending on veg time. Outdoor plants in favorable climates can exceed 500 g per plant with proper structure and season length.
Harvest timing: For an energetic, bright effect, harvest at mostly cloudy with 0–5% amber trichomes. For a more balanced finish, wait for 10–15% amber. Pistil color alone is insufficient—use a jeweler’s loupe to inspect gland heads on bracts, not sugar leaves.
Flush and finish: In inert media, 7–10 days of reduced EC or plain water can improve burn quality and ash color. In living soil, taper inputs and allow the soil food web to ride out senescence naturally. Excess nitrogen late will mute flavor and extend dry time.
Dry and cure: Aim for 60°F and 60% RH for 10–14 days with gentle airflow. After bucking to jars or bins, burp daily for the first week, then taper; stabilize at 58–62% RH. A proper cure preserves 15–30% more monoterpenes than a fast, warm dry and keeps the lemon‑tropical pop alive for months.
Extraction notes: Hydrocarbon extraction often returns 15–20% from quality dried material; live runs can vary. Ice‑water hash yields may be modest (2–4% WTM) due to greasy resin, but select phenos can surprise with 4–6%. Rosin presses benefit from precise maturity and 90–120 μm bags to capture larger heads while maintaining fruit clarity.
Common grower pitfalls: Overfeeding nitrogen past week 5 bloom, insufficient magnesium under high PPFD, and inadequate airflow leading to terpene loss or microclimates. Correct by trimming for airflow, dialing VPD, and maintaining a clean IPM routine. This line rewards stability—consistent parameters translate directly into sharper aroma and more uniform structure.
