Written by Ad OpsOrigins, Breeder, and Naming
Blackberry Flambe is a boutique, dessert-leaning cannabis cultivar developed by Clone Only Strains, a breeder known for curating and distributing elite cuts rather than mass seed releases. The name alludes to flambéed desserts, hinting at a profile where blackberry compote, caramelized sugars, and a faint boozy finish mingle. With Clone Only Strains’ emphasis on verified mother plants, Blackberry Flambe circulated primarily as a cutting, helping keep phenotype drift to a minimum across growers who source the authentic clone. That distribution model aligns with connoisseur markets, where consistency and terroir-like repeatability matter as much as novelty.
The cultivar rose alongside the 2020s wave of jammy, fruit-forward hybrids, a period when berry and pastry profiles surged in demand. Retail analytics in legal markets consistently show strong uptake for “dessert” cultivars, with many dispensaries reporting that flavor-first hybrids account for 40–60% of top-shelf sales. Blackberry Flambe fits that lane, delivering a familiar berry base but with a more layered, brûléed sugar undertone that sets it apart. The result is a cultivar prized in jars and on shelves, where aroma and bag appeal can make or break sell-through.
Because it’s a clone-first release, early access generally came through trusted nursery networks and breeder-approved partners. That slows down the spread relative to open seed drops but helps maintain the intended chemotype. Experienced cultivators gravitated toward Blackberry Flambe for its collector-grade presentation and terpene depth, while extractors appreciated its resin density. Over time, the cut has become a whispered recommendation among those chasing top-tier blackberry profiles with high impact.
The naming also signals a sensory roadmap for consumers and growers. “Blackberry” telegraphs the dark-fruit core that many enthusiasts seek, while “Flambe” suggests a caramelized accent and warming spice finish. This duality of dark fruit and brûlé is increasingly rare to find expressed cleanly without harshness. Blackberry Flambe is thus positioned both as an aromatic showpiece and as an every-evening companion strain for those who prize nuanced flavor.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Inheritance
Clone Only Strains has not publicly disclosed a definitive parental cross for Blackberry Flambe, a common practice designed to protect breeder IP and the integrity of the cut. That said, the cultivar’s sensory and growth cues are consistent with berry-forward hybrids linked to myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene dominance. These profiles are commonly found in lineages that trace to Blackberry or Black Cherry-type parents crossed with modern dessert lines like Cookies, Sherbet, or Gelato families. The flambé-like caramel aroma and faint spice often correlate with caryophyllene and humulene contributions.
Without a published pedigree, growers rely on phenotype readouts and chemotype testing to triangulate likely ancestry. Blackberry Flambe tends to present with a hybrid structure, medium internodal spacing, and stout lateral branching, hallmarks of indica-leaning dessert hybrids. The stretch after the flip is typically moderate, often in the 1.6–2.0× range, which matches many Cookies- and Sherbet-adjacent lines. Bud architecture is compact and resin-heavy, which could indicate influence from resin-driven dessert parents.
On the chemical side, berry-forward cultivars often skew toward myrcene as a dominant terpene, with limonene and ocimene lending sweet fruit and citrus lift. Caryophyllene commonly contributes the peppery exhale and can introduce a warming impression that, when paired with caramel-like volatiles, reads as flambé. When lab-terpene totals are robust—frequently 1.5–3.0% by weight in top-shelf flower—the blackberry note comes across as jammy rather than thin. Blackberry Flambe’s name and reputation within connoisseur circles suggest it meets or exceeds that terpene benchmark when grown well.
As with any clone-first release, phenotype stability is a key advantage, assuming clean mother stock and proper handling. Growers report that uniform canopy development and similar bud set across plants are readily achievable from authentic cuts. Variations usually arise from environmental differences, nutrient regimens, and light intensity rather than genotype divergence. That stability supports consistent outcomes for both flower and extract runs, an important factor for brand reliability.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Blackberry Flambe exhibits medium to large colas with tight, golf-ball-to-egg-sized nodes clustered along stout lateral branches. The calyxes stack densely, creating a compact bud with an impressive calyx-to-leaf ratio that eases hand-trimming. Mature flowers often show deep forest green bases transitioning to violet or near-black highlights, especially when nighttime temperatures drop 10–15°F below daytime highs. Burnt-orange pistils combine with a heavy frost of capitate-stalked trichomes to produce striking contrast in the jar.
Anthocyanin expression is phenotype- and environment-dependent, but this cultivar responds reliably to modest thermal differentials. Many growers note enhanced purple hues when nights run 64–68°F and days 75–80°F, provided there is no nutrient or stress-induced color artifact. The purple is authentic and pigment-driven rather than a sign of deficiency, and it usually deepens in the final two weeks of flower. As a result, Blackberry Flambe has the kind of photo-ready appeal that draws immediate attention at retail.
Trichome coverage is notable in macro photography, where resin heads present with bulbous, translucent caps that transition from clear to cloudy as ripeness approaches. Mature head diameters in modern dessert-dominant cultivars often measure in the 70–100 µm range, and Blackberry Flambe follows suit. That head size is valuable for solventless extraction because it enhances sieve performance and yields. The dense frost layer also contributes to the glassy, sparkling sheen that connoisseurs associate with top-tier flower.
Dried buds maintain shape retention and a resilient hand-feel when properly cured. A well-finished lot shows minimal sugar leaf protrusion and trims down to rounded, nugget-like clusters. Expect 10–12% mass loss during the first week of drying as water weight drops, with an additional 2–5% over the second week, depending on conditions. Final moisture content and slow cure preserve color and prevent the purple hues from dulling.
Aroma and Bouquet Development
Open the jar and Blackberry Flambe releases a wave of dark fruit reminiscent of blackberry jam or compote. Beneath that sits a layer of caramelized sugar and toasted note—a brûlé-like accent that gives the variety its signature flambé character. The aroma is sweet but not cloying; a lift of citrus-peel brightness and faint greenery keeps it from feeling heavy. When densely cured, the nose reads layered rather than one-dimensional.
Breaking or grinding a bud intensifies the bouquet by exposing resin and intracellular volatiles. At this stage, additional facets may appear: a black pepper spark consistent with beta-caryophyllene, and sometimes a hint of cocoa or cola syrup. The citrus brightens to candied orange or Meyer lemon, likely linked to limonene and possibly valencene trace levels. Many users report that the grind transforms the nose from jammy to dessert-like, as if a sauce just hit the pan.
Aromatics in well-grown fruit-forward cultivars typically reach terpene totals of 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, and Blackberry Flambe slots into that range when dialed in. Myrcene often drives the berry sweetness and plush mouthfeel, while limonene adds candied lift. Caryophyllene and humulene contribute spice and toasted undertones that can read as caramel crust, especially after a slow cure. Non-terpenoid volatiles—esters and aldehydes—may add impressions of brandied fruit or caramel, even if they’re only present in trace amounts.
Curing is critical for bouquet stability and clarity. A 10–14 day slow dry at ~60°F and ~60% RH, followed by a 3–6 week cure at 58–62% RH, preserves top notes while mellowing green edge. Under those conditions, many growers observe a 15–25% subjective increase in perceived aroma intensity by week three of cure. Conversely, hot, fast drying can volatilize limonene and ocimene, blunting Blackberry Flambe’s signature jam-brûlé duet.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On inhalation, Blackberry Flambe delivers a concentrated blackberry note that reads more like reduced fruit sauce than fresh berry. That richness is balanced by a ribbon of caramelized sugar, and on some cuts a crème brûlée crust impression lingers on the palate. The exhale introduces gentle pepper and toasted spice from caryophyllene and humulene, creating a warming finish true to the flambé theme. The overall experience is dessert-like without becoming syrupy or harsh.
Through a clean glass piece, the flavor clarity is highest in the first two pulls, where the citrus-laced top notes shine. Vaporization at 180–200°C (356–392°F) preserves volatile monoterpenes like limonene and ocimene, carrying candied fruit nuances. At the upper end of that range, sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene and humulene express more fully, reinforcing the spiced finish. Many users find a sweet spot around 190°C (374°F), balancing lift and depth.
Combustion highlights the caramelized and pepper components and may slightly mute delicate citrus. A white or light-gray ash and an even, cool burn suggest proper flush and cure, helping the flavor remain clean across the session. Poorly finished flower can taste grassy or acrid and will quickly obscure the more nuanced brûlé notes. For the truest read on Blackberry Flambe’s dessert profile, a slow, controlled draw works best.
In concentrates, especially solventless rosin, the cultivar’s flavor compounds concentrate, often amplifying the jammy layer. High-quality rosin pulls may show 2.5–4.0% terpene content, translating to dense, persistent flavor on a low-temp dab. Many extractors target 480–520°F (249–271°C) surface temperatures for optimal flavor retention. At those temps, the flambé character is vivid, with fruit, caramel, and spice landing in clear sequence.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Expectations
As a modern dessert-leaning hybrid, Blackberry Flambe is typically high in THCa with minimal CBD. Retail COAs for comparable berry-dessert cultivars in legal U.S. markets commonly report total THC in the 18–26% range by dry weight, with some exceptional lots exceeding 28%. CBD is usually sub-1%, often in the 0.05–0.5% trace band, while minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC may collectively account for 0.2–1.5%. Actual values vary by cultivation method, environment, and harvest timing.
When interpreting COAs, note that THCa converts to THC during decarboxylation at an approximate mass-yield factor of 0.877. For example, a flower testing at 25% THCa by weight will theoretically yield ~21.9% THC post-decarb, not accounting for minor thermal losses. This conversion is relevant for edibles and for any calculation of psychoactive potency. Blackberry Flambe’s heady, enveloping effect suggests dense THCa in mature resin heads.
For dosing context, new consumers often report comfortable effects at 2.5–5 mg THC in edible form, with experienced users landing between 10–20 mg per session. Inhalation delivers faster onset and often requires fewer milligrams to reach perceived equivalence due to absorption kinetics. Across general cannabis user surveys, dry mouth and red eyes are the most common acute effects, each reported by roughly 30–50% of participants after moderate THC exposure. Blackberry Flambe follows those norms, with intensity correlating to cannabinoid content.
If processing this cultivar for concentrates, expect solventless rosin returns in the 18–24% range from premium, fresh-frozen material, assuming ideal harvest timing. Hydrocarbon extracts may yield higher by mass due to broader solvency but will vary with biomass quality. Minor cannabinoid enrichment is sometimes observed in late-harvest material as biosynthesis and degradation equilibria shift. However, pushing harvest too late can dull the top-end aromatics despite marginal changes in minor cannabinoids.
Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry
While specific lab data for Blackberry Flambe will vary by grow, its sensory fingerprint points to a terpene stack led by myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. In well-grown, fruit-forward hybrids, myrcene often lands between 3–8 mg/g, limonene 2–6 mg/g, and beta-caryophyllene 1.5–4 mg/g. Supportive terpenes typically include humulene (0.2–1.0 mg/g), linalool (0.5–2.0 mg/g), and ocimene (0.5–3 mg/g). Total terpene content of 15–30 mg/g (1.5–3.0% by weight) is a common benchmark for connoisseur-grade flower.
Myrcene contributes the plush, jammy fruit and can enhance perceived body relaxation in combination with THC. Limonene adds a candied citrus lift that keeps the profile from feeling heavy, while ocimene can contribute sweet, green-fruit tones that read as fresh blackberry. Beta-caryophyllene introduces peppery warmth and interacts with CB2 receptors, which may influence the perceived body effect. Humulene and linalool round out the toasted spice and soft floral edges, respectively.
Beyond terpenes, non-terpenoid volatiles can shape the flambé impression. Aldehydes and esters, though generally present at trace levels, can suggest caramelized sugar and brandied fruit. Compounds like benzaldehyde (almond/cherry), furfural (caramel), and certain acetate esters are occasionally detected in aromatic analyses of dessert cultivars. While not likely to dominate, their presence helps explain why Blackberry Flambe can smell like a dessert pan just after the flame.
Terpene expression is highly environment-sensitive. Light intensity, sulfur availability, and post-harvest handling are major drivers of total terpene retention. Under optimal conditions—PPFD 700–900 µmol/m²/s in late flower, balanced nutrition, and cool, slow drying—retention is maximized. Rapid, warm drying or aggressive mechanical trimming can shear off trichome heads and volatilize monoterpenes, leading to measurable drops in total terpene content.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
Blackberry Flambe is generally experienced as a relaxing, mood-elevating hybrid with a comforting body tone. The initial onset after inhalation is typically felt within 2–5 minutes, peaking around 30–60 minutes, and tapering over 2–4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. Many users describe a warm, easing body presence paired with a clear, contented headspace that lends itself to music, film, or casual conversation. At higher doses, the body relaxation can become more enveloping, edging into couchlock for some.
The cultivar’s dessert-forward aromatics can prime expectation, and the effect profile usually aligns with that comfort-food signal. Beta-caryophyllene’s warm, peppery finish often correlates with a soothing somatic impression, while myrcene’s plushness has been associated with heavier body feel in many user reports. Limonene adds an uplift that helps keep mood buoyant rather than sedated at moderate doses. This balance explains why Blackberry Flambe tends to be favored as a late-afternoon to nighttime companion.
For edible formats, onset typically occurs between 45–120 minutes, with effects lasting 4–8 hours in many individuals. Because edible pharmacokinetics differ from inhalation, users should start low and titrate slowly to avoid overshooting comfort. In observational data sets, anxiety or racing thoughts are reported in a minority of THC consumers, often 10–20%, particularly at higher doses or in unfamiliar environments. Blackberry Flambe’s rounded terpene profile may help some users feel centered, but individual variability is large.
Common side effects mirror those of similarly potent hybrids: dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasional lightheadedness in sensitive users. Hydration and pacing are practical mitigations. As with all high-THC cannabis, tasks requiring full alertness and coordination should be avoided during acute intoxication. New users are well-served by 1–2 inhalations, pausing 10 minutes to assess, or 2.5–5 mg THC in edible form on first trial.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
While Blackberry Flambe has not been evaluated by regulatory agencies for medical claims, its chemotype suggests potential utility in several symptomatic domains. The myrcene–limonene–caryophyllene stack commonly maps to patient-reported relief in stress, mood, and body tension. Observational surveys of medical cannabis users often show self-reported reductions in pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in the 30–50% range on subjective scales after dosing. Individual response varies, but Blackberry Flambe’s balanced profile makes it a reasonable candidate for evening symptom management.
For sleep, the cultivar’s relaxing body feel may help with sleep initiation and maintenance when taken 60–90 minutes before bedtime. Myrcene-rich chemotypes are frequently chosen by patients for nocturnal use, though controlled trials isolating myrcene’s effects are limited. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is of interest in inflammation-related pathways, which may be relevant for some pain phenotypes. Linalool, if present near the 0.5–2.0 mg/g band, could contribute an anxiolytic and calming edge.
Patients using THC for pain often prefer moderate to high potency, with many landing in the 10–20 mg oral range per session, though inhalation offers faster titration. Blackberry Flambe’s terpene profile may enhance tolerability by softening the subjective edge that some experience with sharp, gassy strains. Nausea and appetite suppression issues sometimes respond to THC-dominant products, and a dessert-leaning flavor may improve adherence compared to harsher-tasting options. Edibles or tinctures derived from this cultivar can extend relief windows into the overnight period.
Medical users should consider drug–drug interactions and consult clinicians knowledgeable about cannabinoid therapeutics. THC can transiently elevate heart rate and interact with CNS depressants, and it should be used cautiously in individuals with certain cardiovascular or psychiatric histories. Start-low, go-slow titration remains best practice, especially when transitioning from inhalation to oral products. Because this is a THC-dominant cultivar, non-intoxicating daytime needs may be better served by CBD-forward options.
Cultivation Guide: Propagation and Vegetative Growth
As a release from Clone Only Strains, Blackberry Flambe is most authentically acquired as a verified cutting rather than seed. Take 3–5 inch apical or mid-stem cuttings with two nodes, removing lower leaves and dipping in a 0.3–0.6% IBA rooting gel. Place in a high-humidity dome at 75–80°F with gentle light (PPFD 100–200 µmol/m²/s), and maintain 85–95% RH for the first 3–5 days. Many growers see root nubs by day 7 and transplantable roots by days 10–14, achieving 85–95% strike rates with clean technique.
In veg, Blackberry Flambe favors a moderately vigorous pace and readily accepts training. Maintain canopy temperatures at 76–82°F with 60–70% RH, targeting a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa. Deliver a DLI of 35–45 mol/m²/day, which translates to ~400–650 PPFD over an 18-hour photoperiod. Aim for soil pH 6.3–6.7 and hydro/soilless pH 5.8–6.2; EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm is sufficient for healthy vegetative growth.
Topping at the 5th node and low-stress training help create a broad, even canopy. Blackberry Flambe’s lateral branches accept supercropping if needed, but avoid excessive high-stress techniques in the two weeks before flip. In a SCROG, fill 60–70% of the net before initiating flower to account for a 1.6–2.0× stretch. For SOG, plant densities of 4–6 per ft² (43–65 per m²) with minimal veg can produce uniform, spear-like colas.
Nutritionally, provide balanced N with robust calcium and magnesium support to build sturdy cell walls ahead of heavy flower set. A Ca:Mg ratio near 2:1 is a good baseline, and supplemental silica at 50–100 ppm can improve stem strength. Keep media evenly moist; in coco, multiple small irrigations per day with 10–20% runoff prevent salt accumulation. Preventive IPM—sticky cards, weekly scouting, and occasional biologicals—keeps veg clean before the more vulnerable flower stage.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering Strategy, Nutrition, and Training
Flip Blackberry Flambe to 12/12 when the canopy is well-shaped and airflow is unobstructed. Expect a stretch in the 1.6–2.0× range over the first 14–21 days, with most vertical growth concluding by day 21. A strategic day-21 defoliation to clear interior popcorn and improve light penetration can lift yields and reduce microclimate risks. A light lollipop of lower branches also prevents larf and concentrates energy on tops.
A typical flowering duration for dessert-leaning berry hybrids is 8–9 weeks (56–63 days), and Blackberry Flambe aligns with that window in many rooms. Harvest timing should be guided by trichome maturity—cloudy dominant with 5–15% amber for a balanced effect. Pulling at 56–58 days preserves more citrus lift, while 62–65 days deepens body feel and the flambé character. Growers targeting solventless extraction often prefer peak-cloudy windows to maximize head integrity.
Nutrition in early flower can be held at EC 1.5–1.8 mS/cm with elevated K and adequate P to support bloom initiation. Middle flower (weeks 4–6) may climb to EC 1.8–2.0 in high-intensity scenarios, with N tapered and K/P reinforced; avoid overfeeding to prevent tip burn that can suppress terpene output. Late flower (weeks 7–9) benefits from a modest overall EC reduction and focused calcium to sustain cuticle integrity. Keep pH stable—6.3–6.7 soil and 5.8–6.2 hydro/soilless—to optimize nutrient uptake.
Training should be minimal beyond day-21 cleanup to avoid stress during resin push. Use trellis layers or plant yoyos to support weighty colas, as Blackberry Flambe can pack dense flowers with high water content into week five. Maintain consistent irrigation with 10–20% runoff in inert media, reducing frequency slightly late flower to encourage ripening. A 7–10 day pre-harvest plain-water period (or low-EC solution) can help finish cleanly, though practices vary by cultivator philosophy.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, IPM, Harvest, Dry, Cure, and Yields
Environmental control is pivotal for Blackberry Flambe’s color and terpene retention. In early flower, run 78–80°F day and 68–70°F night with 60% RH; mid-flower, lower RH to 50–55%; late flower, target 45–50% RH to reduce botrytis risk in dense colas. A day–night differential of 10–15°F in late flower can enhance anthocyanin expression without stressing plants. Aim for PPFD 700–900 µmol/m²/s on the canopy in weeks 5–8 under CO2 900–1200 ppm if used; otherwise, 600–800 µmol/m²/s is a safe non-CO2 target.
IPM should be proactive, not reactive. Introduce beneficials such as Amblyseius swirskii or cucumeris in veg for thrips and mites, and consider Hypoaspis miles for soil-dwelling pests. Weekly inspections under leaves, blue/yellow sticky cards, and strict intake sanitation help prevent outbreaks. Dense buds warrant excellent airflow—oscillating fans beneath and above the canopy and a clean dehumidification curve that tracks lights-off humidity spikes.
Harvest when trichomes are predominantly cloudy with 5–15% amber, matching your target effect. Wet-trim or hang whole plants for a slow dry at 60°F and 60% RH for 10–14 days; slower dries correlate with higher terpene retention and smoother smoke. Target a water activity of 0.55–0.62 aw before jarring; cure at 58–62% RH for 3–6 weeks, burping as needed in the first 10 days. Properly cured Blackberry Flambe shows enhanced flambé character by week three, with brightness intact through week six.
Yield potential depends on environment and skill. Indoors, 450–650 g/m² (1.5–2.1 oz/ft²) is achievable under optimized conditions; skilled growers may exceed this in dialed rooms. Outdoors, with full-season veg and strong IPM, 0.9–3.0 kg per plant is realistic in favorable climates. For solventless, expect 18–24% rosin returns from top-grade fresh frozen; hydrocarbon extractions may post higher mass yields but quality hinges on biomass care. Store finished flower at 55–65°F in the dark to minimize terpene loss, which can exceed 20% over 90 days if stored hot and bright.
Connoisseur Notes, Pairings, and Use Scenarios
Blackberry Flambe shines as an evening strain where flavor-first sessions matter. Its jammy fruit core pairs well with dark chocolate, toasted nuts, or a cheese plate featuring aged Gouda and mild blue, which echo the caramelized and spiced facets. Non-alcoholic pairings like black tea with a hint of bergamot, or a spiced hibiscus cooler, amplify the cultivar’s berry-citrus interplay. The flambé theme invites dessert parallels without overwhelming sweetness.
For music and film, rich textures complement the warm, enveloping effect—jazz, downtempo, or lush soundtracks all slot in. Creative tasks that benefit from relaxed focus, like sketching or lyric writing, often pair well with moderate dosing. Socially, Blackberry Flambe suits small gatherings where conversation and sensory appreciation are the focus. For sleep, a slightly later harvest window and an extra pull or two can nudge the experience toward a heavier body wrap.
Home hashmakers will appreciate how the cultivar’s resin behaves in cold-water extraction. A majority of heads often wash in the 90–120 µm range, delivering a potent, full-flavor rosin if harvested at peak-cloudy. Cold-cure techniques can produce a glossy, batter-like texture that preserves the flambé bouquet. In cartridges, terpene preservation hinges on low-temp processing to keep monoterpene top notes vivid.
For the collection-minded, Blackberry Flambe fills a niche between bright berry sativas and cocoa-leaning dessert indicas. It offers fruit and brûlé in one package, avoiding the flatness that can plague simpler berry strains. When sourced from Clone Only Strains’ verified networks, consistency in aroma and bag appeal is a strong selling point. As with any elite cut, terroir expression means a well-grown batch can feel like a limited vintage—one to savor and remember.
