Written by Ad OpsIntroduction
Cherry Bomb is one of those cultivar names that sparks instant recognition among growers and consumers, but it also hides a surprising amount of nuance. The name has been used by multiple breeders for distinct lineages, which means the experience and plant traits can vary depending on which cut or seed line you encounter.
This guide focuses primarily on the widely available Bomb Seeds Cherry Bomb feminized line while noting how other Cherry Bomb variants fit into the broader picture. Expect a deep dive into origin stories, chemistry, sensory character, effects, medical potential, and a full, data-rich cultivation roadmap.
History and Naming
Cherry Bomb as a name first gained traction in the 1990s and early 2000s cannabis scene, where "cherry" denoted a sweet, bright, candy-like bouquet often paired with berry or fuel undertones. Multiple breeders subsequently released their own interpretations under the same moniker.
Among the best-known modern offerings is Cherry Bomb by Bomb Seeds, promoted as a high-yielding, predominantly indica cultivar that maintains a fruity, cherry-forward aromatic identity. Parallel to this, older community lore also references cherry-scented Hawaiian lines that circulated in underground markets, though not all of these made it into stabilized commercial seed lines.
Genetic Lineage and Breeder Variants
Because Cherry Bomb has more than one breeder origin, lineage accounts differ across seedbanks and regions. In the Bomb Seeds version, Cherry Bomb is positioned as an indica-leaning hybrid selected for production weight and a sweet cherry profile, with modern hybrid vigor and robust indoor performance.
The name has also been used in the genetics of new crosses, underscoring its influence as an aromatic donor. Leafly’s New Strains Alert notes a hybrid called Cherry Thunder Fuck that was created by using a Cherry Bomb mother crossed with a Maple Leaf Indica × (additional line) father, reflecting how breeders leverage Cherry Bomb’s cherry-forward nose in multi-parent projects.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Indoors, Cherry Bomb plants from indica-leaning seed lines typically stay compact to medium in height. Expect main stems to be thick and supportive, with medium internodal spacing that favors dense flower stacking under high light.
Mature buds tend to be chunky and semi-dense, with pronounced calyx development and a generous frost of glandular trichomes. Pistils often mature from cream to orange, and some phenotypes may show pink or dark cherry highlights when night temperatures are kept 3–5°C lower than daytime during late flower.
Aroma
The defining aromatic theme is sweet cherry layered over berry-candy accents. Well-grown flowers release a fruit-punch top note initially, followed by deeper tones of soft wood and warm spice as the bud is broken apart.
Hashish and rosin presses from this cultivar often amplify the cherry-syrup aspect, with a rounder, more confectionary nose. In some phenos, a hint of skunk or diesel peeks through on the backend, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit core.
Flavor
Cherry Bomb generally follows its name on the palate, offering a bright cherry-candy inhale. The mid-palate can shift to red berry and light citrus zest, accompanied by a faint pepper or clove tickle from sesquiterpenes like beta-caryophyllene.
On the exhale, a soft woodiness and cocoa-bark nuance may appear, especially in cured flower that’s been jarred for 3–8 weeks. Vaporization at 175–185°C tends to preserve the juiciest cherry top notes, while combustion highlights the spice and wood.
Cannabinoid Profile
Lab-labeled retail samples marketed as Cherry Bomb commonly land in the high-teens to low-20s for Δ9-THC. In many markets, that translates to roughly 17–22% THC by dry weight, with CBD typically below 1% and total cannabinoids often around 18–24% depending on phenotype and cultivation.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC are usually present in trace quantities (0.1–0.6% combined in many hybrid lots). As always, exact figures depend on the specific Cherry Bomb cut and the cultivar’s growing conditions, harvest timing, and cure.
Terpene Profile
Cherry Bomb’s cherry-forward bouquet generally correlates with a terpene ensemble featuring beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene as frequent top contributors. In quality-controlled flower, total terpene content often falls in the 1.5–3.0% range by weight, with beta-caryophyllene commonly 0.3–0.8%, myrcene 0.2–0.7%, and limonene 0.1–0.5% as ballpark figures.
Secondary terpenes can include linalool, humulene, and ocimene, with occasional terpinolene-leaning phenotypes offering a more sparkling, candy-fruit scent. The cherry sensation is a gestalt created by this terp mix plus trace aroma compounds; while cannabis doesn’t produce benzaldehyde in meaningful amounts like stone fruits, certain monoterpenes and esters can mimic that cherry-candy impression.
From a practical standpoint, handling and cure dramatically shape terpene outcomes. Slow drying at 15.5–18.5°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days tends to retain the bright fruit top notes, while an aggressive, warm dry reduces total terpenes and mutes the cherry signature.
Experiential Effects
User reports commonly describe an initial mood lift and sensory brightness, followed by a calm, body-centered ease. Many find it functional at low to moderate doses, offering a clear head with softened stress and a mild, upbeat push.
Despite Bomb Seeds’ predominantly indica characterization, some Cherry Bomb phenotypes are listed among energizing daytime options in consumer guides, underscoring lineage variability across breeders. Leafly’s seasonal “energizing strains” roundups have included Cherry Bomb alongside other lively profiles, which aligns with cherry-forward lots that skew limonene- or ocimene-rich.
Onset after inhalation is typically 2–10 minutes, with peak effects lasting 60–120 minutes and tail effects tapering over 2–3 hours. Oral ingestion can stretch effects to 4–8 hours with a 30–120 minute onset window, so titration is advised for new users.
Potential Medical Uses
Cherry Bomb’s uplifting tone with body ease may appeal to patients managing stress-related mood symptoms and daytime discomfort. The National Academies (2017) concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, and Cherry Bomb’s THC-led profile aligns with this evidence base when dosed judiciously.
Beta-caryophyllene, frequently abundant here, is a dietary cannabinoid that binds to CB2 receptors and has been studied for anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models. When paired with myrcene and limonene, patients often report a combination of muscle relaxation and mood brightening, which can be useful for tension-type discomfort.
Sleep outcomes can depend on dose and timing. Lower evening doses may shorten sleep onset latency for some, but higher THC doses can increase nighttime awakenings in sensitive individuals; conservative titration is prudent.
For nausea and appetite, THC’s orexigenic effect is well documented, with clinical use cases in chemotherapy-induced nausea and cachexia. Cherry Bomb’s fruit-forward flavor profile can also improve palatability for patients who struggle with the taste of more fuel-forward cultivars.
Anxiety responses remain individualized. Light dosing (e.g., one to two inhalations or ≤2.5 mg THC orally) is generally a safer starting point for anxious patients, as higher THC can escalate heart rate and unease in some users.
This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Patients should consult clinicians familiar with cannabinoid therapy for individualized guidance, especially when combining cannabinoids with other medications.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Cherry Bomb’s commercial popularity owes much to its production metrics. Bomb Seeds’ feminized Cherry Bomb is advertised as a heavy indoor yielder, with reported yields of 600–650 g/m² in optimized environments, and its growth habit suits both SCROG and multi-top canopies.
Germination and seedling establishment are straightforward. Aim for 22–26°C substrate temperature, 70–85% RH, and gentle light intensity of 150–250 µmol/m²/s to prevent stretch and maintain tight internodes.
Vegetative growth proceeds best under an 18/6 photoperiod with day temperatures of 24–28°C and nights 20–22°C. Maintain VPD at 0.8–1.2 kPa and RH at 60–70% during early veg, tapering to 55–65% as plants harden.
Nutrient strategy in veg should target an N-forward profile with balanced micronutrients. In coco or hydro, many growers succeed with EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm, rising to 1.6–1.8 as plants accelerate; soil growers typically feed every other irrigation and monitor runoff EC to avoid salt buildup.
Training is key to maximizing the cultivar’s yield potential. Top once at the 4th–6th node and apply low-stress training to spread the canopy; a single-layer SCROG can raise light-use efficiency by creating 20–30 uniform tops per square meter.
Transition to flower at the desired canopy footprint and switch to 12/12 lighting. Early-flower environmental targets include 24–27°C day, 20–21°C night, RH 50–60%, and VPD around 1.1–1.3 kPa; increase PPFD to 700–900 µmol/m²/s for most LED rooms and up to 1000–1100 µmol/m²/s with supplemental CO₂.
Flowering time for indica-leaning Cherry Bomb lines commonly runs 8–9 weeks from flip, with some phenos finishing closer to day 56–60. Watch for calyx swell in weeks 6–8 and monitor trichomes; many growers harvest when 5–15% of gland heads turn amber for a balanced effect.
In mid to late flower, reduce RH to 40–50% to mitigate botrytis risk in dense colas. Keep a steady canopy temperature and strong, well-directed airflow; two to three oscillating fans per 1.2 × 1.2 m tent is a practical baseline.
Nutrient emphasis should shift toward P and K from week 3 onward. Many successful programs target EC 1.8–2.2 mS/cm in peak bloom, easing to 1.2–1.4 in the final 7–10 days to encourage smooth burn and flavor.
CO₂ enrichment to 1000–1400 ppm during weeks 2–6 of flower can materially boost photosynthesis if paired with high PPFD and adequate nutrition. Keep temperatures at the higher end of the target range under CO₂ to maintain efficient stomatal function.
Outdoors, Cherry Bomb performs best in temperate to warm climates with low late-season humidity. In the Northern Hemisphere, plan for a late September to early October harvest window in most regions; provide 6–8 hours of direct sun and ample soil volume (50–100 liters minimum in containers) to support yield.
Pest and disease notes include vigilance for powdery mildew and botrytis due to the cultivar’s dense flower structure. Integrated pest management should combine weekly scouting, canopy sanitation, silica supplementation for tissue resilience, and biologicals like Bacillus subtilis where permitted.
Defoliation and lollipopping are most effective if completed by the end of flower week 3. Avoid heavy defoliation beyond that point to preserve photosynthetic area during bulk and ripening.
Irrigation best practices include achieving 10–20% runoff in inert media to prevent salt accumulation. In soil, water to full pot capacity and allow an appropriate dryback; aim for a wet–dry cycle of 24–72 hours depending on container size and plant demand.
For growers targeting color expression, drop night temperatures 3–5°C below day temps in the final two weeks. This can encourage anthocyanin development in cherry-leaning phenotypes without sacrificing resin production.
Yield, Harvest Metrics, and Post-Harvest
Under optimized indoor conditions, Bomb Seeds’ Cherry Bomb feminized has published yields of 600–650 g/m², which align with 0.9–1.4 g/W in well-tuned LED rooms. For example, a 500 W LED canopy delivering 900 µmol/m²/s over 1 m² can reasonably hit 450–650 g when environment, nutrition, and training are on point.
Top colas become dense late, so harvest timing should incorporate both trichome maturity and bud density to avoid mold pressure. A common target is cloudy trichomes with 5–15% amber for balanced effects; earlier harvests (1–3% amber) emphasize brightness, while >20% amber leans sedative.
Drying at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days preserves terpene content and reduces chlorophyll harshness. If space or climate pushes faster drying, aim to keep RH above 50% and extend the cure to compensate.
Curing for 3–8 weeks in airtight containers at 58–62% RH allows the cherry and berry notes to bloom. Monitor jar RH using small hygrometers and burp only when internal RH rises above 65% during the first week.
Properly dried and cured Cherry Bomb should grind to a fluffy consistency without turning to powder. Finished water activity between 0.55 and 0.62 supports shelf stability while retaining mouthfeel and aroma.
Post-harvest processing like dry sifting or ice water hash tends to yield well due to the cultivar’s trichome coverage. Artisanal rosin often highlights the cherry-candy top note, with press yields of 18–25% from quality flower not uncommon under dialed-in conditions.
Context From Live Information and Market Notes
Bomb Seeds’ feminized Cherry Bomb is described in retail listings as a “predominantly indica” cultivar capable of “incredible yields of up to 600–650 g/m² indoors.” This aligns with the high-output profile reported by many growers and underscores its suitability for SCROG and production-focused rooms.
Leafly’s New Strains Alert has documented a cross leveraging a Cherry Bomb mother with a Maple Leaf Indica × [additional lineage] father to create Cherry Thunder Fuck, highlighting Cherry Bomb’s value as an aromatic anchor in breeding. In consumer-facing features on energizing profiles, Cherry Bomb is occasionally listed among daytime-friendly strains, a nod to phenotype variability across different breeder lines.
CannaConnection’s sitemap shows both Cherry Bomb and Cherry Bomb Autoflowering entries, reflecting its availability in multiple formats for home growers. Autoflower variants can shorten the path to harvest for outdoor balconies or for multi-harvest indoor schedules, though photoperiod versions typically lead in absolute yield and resin density.
Genetic Lineage: What We Know and What Varies
The Bomb Seeds Cherry Bomb is a modern, high-yielding hybrid with indica dominance, selected for production and a distinct cherry fragrance. While the breeder’s exact parental list is not public, the phenotype performance and flowering window suggest a contemporary indica-forward base with a sweet-fruit terpene profile.
Other Cherry Bomb-named lines can differ markedly, with some reflecting more sativa-leaning growth and effects linked to older Hawaiian or sweet-fruit pedigrees. This helps explain why consumer reports range from calm and cozy body effects to brighter, task-friendly focus, depending on the cut.
For buyers, the practical takeaway is to look for the breeder attribution on retail labels. If “Bomb Seeds Cherry Bomb (feminized)” is specified, expect the predominantly indica build and the indoor yield claims of 600–650 g/m² under optimized conditions.
Practical Tips to Hit the Published Yield
Start with an even canopy: top once or twice and spread 20–30 main sites per square meter to maximize light interception. Maintain PPFD of 800–1000 µmol/m²/s across the canopy in bloom, verified by a quantum sensor or reliable PAR map.
Keep substrate EC stable and avoid dramatic feed swings; weekly checks of runoff EC and pH (target 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro, 6.2–6.8 in soil) prevent lockout. Maintain RH at 45–50% in late flower to protect dense colas while supporting steady transpiration.
If using CO₂ enrichment, hold 1100–1300 ppm during mid-flower and raise canopy temps to 26–28°C to capitalize on the elevated assimilation rate. Many growers see a 10–20% boost in dry weight when CO₂, light intensity, and nutrition are all balanced.
Safety, Compliance, and Responsible Use
Always follow local laws for cultivation, possession, and consumption. Home cultivation limits, plant counts, and licensing vary widely by jurisdiction, and penalties can be severe where cannabis remains prohibited.
For consumers, start low and go slow, especially with THC-dominant cultivars like Cherry Bomb. New users should consider 1–2 inhalations or ≤2.5 mg THC orally and wait to assess effects before redosing.
Conclusion
Cherry Bomb occupies a unique niche as both a high-output production cultivar and an aromatic crowd-pleaser. In the Bomb Seeds feminized line, it’s predominantly indica, fast enough for commercial cycles, and legitimately capable of 600–650 g/m² indoors when the environment is dialed.
Sensory-wise, it delivers exactly what the name promises: a burst of cherry candy over warm spice and wood, with effects that balance uplift and physical ease. Whether you are selecting a reliable indoor workhorse or hunting for cherry-forward resin, Cherry Bomb is a proven, data-backed pick that lives up to its explosive reputation.
