Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Context
Apollo Black Cherry is a modern hybrid developed by SeedStockers, the Barcelona-based breeder known for scaling Dutch breeding know‑how to large, reliable seed batches. SeedStockers publicly catalogs Apollo Black Cherry as an indica/sativa heritage strain, positioning it squarely as a balanced hybrid rather than a narrow chemotype. While the exact year of release has not been formally dated, appearances in breeder catalogs and grow reports place its commercial emergence in the late 2010s to early 2020s.
The strain’s name signals two intentions: Apollo implies energetic lift and spacey clarity, while Black Cherry points to a dark-fruit aromatic profile. Many SeedStockers hybrids aim for high-yield vigor that remains manageable for newer growers, which aligns with community reports around Apollo Black Cherry’s structure and training tolerance. In practical terms, this positions the cultivar as a candidate for both tent-scale growers and professional rooms looking for a fruit-forward profile with commercial bag appeal.
Evidence of Apollo Black Cherry’s utility in breeding projects shows up in independent genealogy trackers. SeedFinder’s lineage index lists crosses such as {Watermelon Zkittlez (Dying Breed Seeds) x Unknown Strain (Original Strains)} x Apollo Black Cherry (SeedStockers), indicating the cultivar’s use as a parental contributor to candy-forward, contemporary palettes. That same data cluster also includes references like Unknown Strain (Original Strains) x Goku adjacent to Apollo Black Cherry lines, underscoring that the SeedStockers cut has been considered viable stock material by outside breeders.
Genetic Lineage and Hybrid Heritage
SeedStockers lists Apollo Black Cherry as an indica/sativa hybrid, and the breeder has not publicly disclosed exact parents. In the absence of official parental disclosure, the most accurate description is balanced hybrid with phenotypic variance leaning either slightly indica or slightly sativa depending on selection. Growers often speculate that the Black Cherry moniker signals anthocyanin-rich ancestry and a terpene stack tilted toward berry, spice, and citrus, though those are sensory parallels rather than verified genetics.
The Apollo component of the name evokes the cerebral or uplifted effects that many consumers associate with classic Apollo-tagged lines, but naming similarities do not confirm shared ancestry. Breeders commonly use evocative naming to communicate effect and flavor expectations rather than literal lineage. For practical purposes, treat Apollo Black Cherry as a modern polyhybrid built for resin production, mid-height internodal spacing, and fruit-driven aroma.
Despite the intentionally opaque lineage, downstream activity provides useful inference. When third-party projects select Apollo Black Cherry as a parent, they typically chase layered candy-fruit notes and good flower structure over an 8 to 10 week bloom window. That pattern suggests consistent transmission of flavor intensity and bag appeal, traits often prioritized in SeedStockers’ hybridization strategy.
Visual Morphology and Bag Appeal
In cured form, Apollo Black Cherry typically shows medium-dense calyx stacking with bracts that swell into slightly spear-shaped colas. Expect calyx-to-leaf ratios that make for efficient trimming, particularly on phenotypes that lean sativa in structure yet retain indica-density in the tops. Many growers report a satin-white trichome frost across the bract surfaces, with glandular heads that hold up well to dry trimming.
Pigmentation varies with environment, but cooler nights during late flower can coax plum to near-black anthocyanin hues at the tips and sugar leaves. The underlying greens are often olive to forest, accented by amber pistils that darken as harvest approaches. Under high-intensity lighting, resin lenses shimmer and contribute to a sanded, sugary appearance that photographs well and elevates retail shelf appeal.
Bud size is responsive to training, with properly topped and scrogged plants producing uniform mid-size colas and 3 to 5 primary tops per plant in a 7 to 11 week veg. Branches are moderately rigid; staking or a trellis layer is advised once flowers hit peak mass to prevent lodging. In commercial rooms, this translates into strong bag appeal with a boutique look, especially when color expression is encouraged by a 3 to 5 Celsius day-night temperature differential in late bloom.
Aroma and Volatile Bouquet
Apollo Black Cherry earns its name from a layered fruit core that many describe as black cherry, blackberry syrup, and tart stone fruit. Secondary notes often include cocoa shell, cedar shavings, and a peppery zest that hints at beta‑caryophyllene dominance. On warm grind, a candied, almost soda-like sweetness can rise, reminiscent of cherry cola with a faint herbal finish.
Freshly cured flower tends to push brighter top notes first, while jars that have rested for 4 to 8 weeks display deeper jam and spice. The bouquet intensifies significantly after a proper slow-dry at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 58 to 62 percent relative humidity for 10 to 14 days. Failure to hit these post-harvest targets often flattens the fruit and leaves only generic sweetness.
Terpene totals for comparable fruit-forward hybrids commonly range from 1.5 to 3.0 percent by dry weight, and Apollo Black Cherry frequently shows up in that neighborhood based on community lab panels. Within that total, caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene are the usual top three, often joined by linalool, ocimene, or humulene. A minority of phenotypes can present a greener, herbaceous cut-grass edge in early cure that typically rounds off by week three.
Flavor and Consumption Dynamics
Flavor tracks the nose closely, with a first hit of dark cherry and blackberry that quickly spreads into sweet-tart syrup and faint cola spice. On glass or clean quartz, the mid-palate reveals cocoa nib, cedar, and black pepper, supported by a subtle floral tone when linalool is prominent. The finish is medium-long, often leaving a cherry-cocoa echo and a mild tingle on the tongue.
Vaporizer temperature strongly influences the sensory read. At 175 to 190 Celsius, limonene and ocimene lift a high, sparkling cherry-candy top, while below 165 Celsius the flavor thins but remains clean. Above 200 Celsius, heavier sesquiterpenes and caryophyllene dominate, shifting the profile toward spiced wood and dark chocolate.
Combustion can mute nuance if the material is overdried, so target water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 for a resilient, flavorful burn. In joint form, a light white ash is achievable with proper mineral balance and full maturation. Tincture and rosin derived from Apollo Black Cherry retain a convincing berry-spice identity, and live rosin from fresh-frozen material can present a brighter cherry soda edge due to preserved monoterpenes.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As with many contemporary polyhybrids, Apollo Black Cherry commonly tests in the mid-to-high THC bracket, with THCA totals often reported between 18 and 27 percent by dry weight. After decarboxylation, that typically yields 16 to 24 percent THC depending on moisture content and analytical method. CBD is usually trace, often below 1 percent, while minor cannabinoids like CBG can appear in the 0.1 to 0.7 percent range.
The dominance of THCA means raw flower will express a psychoactive profile consistent with modern dispensary standards. A standard 0.33 gram joint at 20 percent THC delivers approximately 66 mg total THC, of which an estimated 30 to 50 percent may be bioavailable via inhalation depending on combustion efficiency and user technique. For new consumers, starting inhaled doses at one or two 1‑second puffs, or around 2.5 to 5 mg THC, is a conservative approach to gauge tolerance.
Oil and concentrate made from Apollo Black Cherry can exceed 65 to 80 percent total cannabinoids, with terpene content in hydrocarbon extracts often landing at 4 to 8 percent by weight. Live rosin or live resin preparations tend to present elevated monoterpene fractions, which can feel subjectively stronger even at similar THC percentages. As always, lab certificates of analysis should be referenced to confirm batch-specific potency and composition.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Nuance
While batch-specific data varies, the terpene map for Apollo Black Cherry most often centers on beta‑caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. Typical proportions seen in similar fruit-forward hybrids run caryophyllene at 0.2 to 0.7 percent, myrcene at 0.3 to 0.8 percent, and limonene at 0.2 to 0.6 percent of dry flower weight. Supporting contributors like linalool, ocimene, humulene, and alpha‑pinene often appear in the 0.05 to 0.3 percent band each.
Caryophyllene’s peppered wood character helps anchor the cherry sweetness and is unique as a dietary cannabinoid-terpene that can engage CB2 receptors, albeit at concentrations that may be modest in flower. Myrcene’s earthy fruit character softens the mid-palate and is frequently implicated in the classic stony body feel reported by many users. Limonene provides the zip that makes the cherry read as bright and candy-like rather than dusky.
Volatile sulfur compounds and norisoprenoids sometimes contribute to the perception of dark fruit in cannabis, though their measurement is less common in routine lab panels. Post-harvest handling significantly alters the terpene balance, with aggressive drying capable of driving monoterpene loss exceeding 30 percent within the first week. Gentle handling and cold storage can therefore make the difference between a soda-pop nose and a muted, generic sweet scent.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Consumers generally describe Apollo Black Cherry as a balanced hybrid effect that starts with an upbeat mental clarity and gradually grounds into a calm, warm body feel. Onset with inhalation is typically within 2 to 10 minutes, with peak effects at 20 to 40 minutes and a total duration of 2 to 3 hours. Many report sociable mood elevation at low doses and contented, introspective relaxation at moderate doses.
At higher intake, the caryophyllene‑anchored profile can lean sedative in the back half of the experience, particularly in phenotypes with higher myrcene. Users sensitive to THC should watch for the typical side effects: dry mouth, dry eyes, and transient anxiety. Survey data across high‑THC strains commonly show dry mouth in roughly 60 to 70 percent of reports, dry eyes around 15 to 25 percent, and anxiety or racing thoughts in 5 to 15 percent, depending on dose and setting.
As a daytime worker, Apollo Black Cherry is best at microdoses that harness the bright mood without tipping into couchlock. For evening use, many consumers prefer a two-stage approach, starting with a small inhalation followed 30 minutes later by a second hit to fine‑tune intensity. Edibles formulated with Apollo Black Cherry will extend the timeline significantly, often running 4 to 6 hours with a 60 to 120 minute onset, so newcomers should adhere to the 2.5 to 5 mg THC start-low protocol.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
Although clinical evidence is still evolving, the chemical profile commonly associated with Apollo Black Cherry suggests several potential use cases. The presence of beta‑caryophyllene, which can act at CB2 receptors, has been studied for its role in modulating inflammation in preclinical models. Myrcene and linalool are frequently explored for their sedative and muscle‑relaxant properties, which could align with anecdotal reports of relief from tension-related discomfort.
Patients with stress and mood-related complaints may find the limonene‑driven uplift helpful, particularly at low to moderate doses where anxiety risk is lower. Appetite support is another common theme in high‑THC hybrids, with many users noticing increased hunger within 30 to 90 minutes. For sleep, sedative effects are more likely when dosing later in the evening or choosing phenotypes that lean myrcene-heavy.
Caution is warranted for individuals with a history of anxiety, panic, or psychosis, as higher THC exposure can exacerbate those conditions. Start with minimal doses, track symptom response, and consult a clinician familiar with cannabis before integrating it into a treatment plan. Drug interactions, especially with sedatives, SSRIs, or medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes, should be reviewed with a healthcare professional.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Genotype and selection: Apollo Black Cherry is a balanced indica/sativa hybrid bred by SeedStockers, generally exhibiting moderate stretch and strong apical dominance. Expect a 1.5x to 2.0x stretch after flip in most indoor scenarios, so plan canopy height accordingly. When hunting from seed, a 5 to 10 seed lot typically yields one to two keeper phenotypes with standout fruit intensity and bag appeal.
Germination and early growth: Aim for 24 to 26 Celsius with stable moisture for germination, and target 95 to 100 percent media saturation for 24 hours before first irrigation cycle. Seedlings thrive under 200 to 300 µmol m‑2 s‑1 PPFD with a VPD around 0.8 to 1.0 kPa and relative humidity near 65 to 70 percent. In coco or peat, keep pH at 5.8 to 6.2; in soil, 6.2 to 6.8 is a safe target.
Vegetative phase: Run an 18/6 photoperiod with 300 to 500 µmol m‑2 s‑1 PPFD for compact structure, rising to 600 µmol as plants mature. Maintain temperatures at 24 to 28 Celsius with RH at 60 to 65 percent for strong leaf expansion; this maps to a VPD of roughly 0.9 to 1.2 kPa, ideal for rapid growth. Feed a balanced 3‑1‑2 NPK in veg, building EC from 1.2 to 1.8 depending on media and plant response.
Training: Top at the fifth node and implement low‑stress training for a flat canopy; Apollo Black Cherry responds well to SCROG with 5 to 8 cm mesh spacing. A light defoliation at week 3 of veg and again at week 3 of flower opens the canopy without overstripping. Plan for one to two trellis layers, as stacked colas can gain significant mass in weeks 6 to 8 of bloom.
Flowering timeline: Most cuts finish in 56 to 70 days from flip, with 63 days a common midpoint. Set day temperatures at 24 to 26 Celsius and night at 19 to 21 Celsius; the 3 to 5 degree drop encourages color expression in anthocyanin‑prone phenos. RH should run at 50 to 55 percent in early bloom, stepping down to 42 to 48 percent from week 6 onward to mitigate botrytis risk.
Lighting and DLI: Increase PPFD to 700 to 1,000 µmol m‑2 s‑1 in mid flower if CO2 is ambient, and 900 to 1,200 µmol with CO2 enrichment at 900 to 1,200 ppm. Aim for a daily light integral (DLI) of 35 to 45 mol m‑2 d‑1 in bloom for dense flowers without bleaching. Monitor leaf surface temperatures; a leaf temperature of 23 to 25 Celsius generally maps to optimal enzymatic activity under white LEDs.
Nutrition in bloom: Transition to a bloom profile around week 3 with a 1‑2‑3 style ratio and sufficient Ca/Mg for cell wall integrity. EC in bloom commonly ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 depending on cultivar appetite; Apollo Black Cherry tends to accept 2.0 to 2.2 EC in coco with strong runoff management. A PK push from weeks 4 to 6 can improve density, but avoid overshooting potassium, which can lock out calcium and magnesium and lead to tip burn.
Irrigation and root zone: In soil, irrigate to 10 to 20 percent runoff every 2 to 4 days as pots dry to about 50 percent of container weight. In coco, smaller but more frequent irrigations maintain oxygen availability; two to three feeds per light cycle are common at peak flower. Keep root zone dissolved oxygen high and avoid stagnant saucer water to prevent Pythium pressure.
Integrated pest management: Maintain clean intakes and positive room pressure where possible. Apollo Black Cherry’s dense tops are attractive to botrytis and powdery mildew under high humidity; weekly preventative applications of biologicals like Bacillus subtilis or B. amyloliquefaciens can reduce risk. For mites or thrips, rotate beneficials such as Amblyseius swirskii and Amblyseius andersoni, and employ sticky cards at a density of 1 per 1.5 square meters for early detection.
Harvest readiness: Target harvest when trichomes show roughly 5 to 10 percent amber, 70 to 85 percent cloudy, and the balance clear for a balanced effect. Pistils will have receded, and calyxes should appear swollen and waxy under magnification. A 7 to 10 day plain-water finish in soilless media can help reduce residual salts without changing internal cannabinoid totals.
Drying and curing: Dry at 60 Fahrenheit and 58 to 62 percent RH for 10 to 14 days until small stems snap and flower water activity stabilizes near 0.60. Trim cold if possible to preserve terpenes, then cure in airtight containers burped daily for the first two weeks, and weekly thereafter for 4 to 8 weeks. Proper cure preserves monoterpenes better and tends to push total terpene readings 0.2 to 0.5 percentage points higher compared to rushed processes.
Yield expectations: In dialed indoor conditions, Apollo Black Cherry can achieve 450 to 600 g m‑2 under 600 to 800 W of high-efficiency LED lighting in a 1.2 x 1.2 m tent. Skilled commercial cultivators have reported higher yields with CO2 and optimized irrigation schedules, although quality should remain the lead metric. Outdoors in a Mediterranean climate, 700 to 1,200 g per plant is realistic for well‑trained bushes with ample root volume.
Environmental nuances: This cultivar rewards moderate night drops late in bloom for color and aroma concentration but can foxtail under excessive heat above 29 Celsius at high PPFD. Keep VPD at 1.1 to 1.4 kPa in mid bloom to balance transpiration and resin production. Watch calcium needs closely if using soft water; 100 to 150 ppm Ca and 40 to 60 ppm Mg in solution are good ballparks for coco.
Phenotype notes: Fruit‑dominant phenos display denser top colas and a sweeter cherry syrup nose, while spice-leaning phenos show stronger wood and cocoa with slightly airier structure. Both types hash well; ice water extraction often returns 4 to 6 percent of input weight as full-melt from resin-rich material, with dry-cure sift yielding 10 percent or more of clean heads on dialed runs. For flowers, the fruitier phenotype tends to capture broader consumer interest on retail shelves.
Legal and sourcing: Apollo Black Cherry is bred by SeedStockers; always verify that seeds are sourced from reputable vendors and comply with local laws. SeedStockers frequently offers both feminized photoperiod and autoflowering versions across its catalog, though availability can change seasonally. Check current product descriptions to confirm the exact format and flowering time before planning a production cycle.
Breeding relevance: External genealogy indexes, including SeedFinder’s Original Strains line pages, show Apollo Black Cherry appearing as a parent in modern crosses such as {Watermelon Zkittlez x Unknown Strain} x Apollo Black Cherry. That pattern indicates breeders value its aromatic overlay and structure as donor traits. If your program aims for candy fruit with market-ready density, Apollo Black Cherry represents a practical contributor to polyhybrid projects.
