Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Gelato 33 S1 is a seed line derived from the famed Gelato #33 clone, self-pollinated to preserve and stabilize its iconic dessert-forward profile. Often referred to by the nickname Larry Bird—after the NBA star’s jersey number—Gelato #33 is a standout phenotype from the original Gelato family.
The S1 designation means these seeds come from selfing the original clone, giving home growers and breeders a shot at capturing the #33 experience from seed. Expect modern candy-gas character, deep hues, and a hybrid effect that leans relaxing while preserving mental clarity.
History and Breeding Context of Gelato 33 S1
Gelato as a family emerged in the mid-2010s in California from the crossing of Sunset Sherbet and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. Within that family, Gelato #33 quickly became a flagship phenotype for its balanced potency, candy-sweet flavor, and photogenic purple-orange contrast.
S1 lines of Gelato #33 appeared as demand for this clone-only cut exploded, making its traits more accessible to growers without clone network access. The S1 direction aimed to capture the original pheno’s sweet cream, citrus zest, and peppery finish while maintaining the dense, resinous, mid-stature plant architecture.
The broader Gelato movement reshaped modern breeding, with Gelato-derived strains dominating menus, awards, and sales from 2018 onward. By 2022, Gelato’s influence was so pervasive that Jealousy—a Gelato-heavy descendant line—was named Strain of the Year by major outlets, underscoring how Gelato’s candy-gas blueprint had become the market benchmark.
Genetic Lineage and S1 Explained
The underlying lineage of Gelato #33 traces to Sunset Sherbet (Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties) crossed with Thin Mint GSC. This blend pairs a creamy, berry-leaning sweetness with earthy cookie dough, menthol-kissed spice, and citrus-limonene accents.
An S1 (selfed) seed is produced when the mother plant pollinates itself, typically via reversal of the female to generate pollen. Compared to outcrosses or F1 hybrids, S1 seeds increase homozygosity, often locking in key traits while revealing recessive variations that might have been masked in the original clone.
In practical terms, Gelato 33 S1 aims to reproduce the Larry Bird phenotype from seed with reasonable uniformity. Growers can expect a small number of distinct phenotypes—often three to five in a 10-pack—with most keeping the signature Gelato candy cream and medium stretch, and a minority deviating toward either more sherbet-like fruit or drier cookie spice.
Appearance: Structure, Color, and Trichome Density
Gelato 33 S1 plants typically present a medium stature with strong lateral branching and a sturdy apical cola. Internodes are moderately tight, and the plant’s frame lends itself well to topping and trellising for an even canopy.
Flowers are dense, golf-ball to egg-shaped, with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that makes for efficient trimming. Mature buds often exhibit deep green to royal purple calyxes with vivid orange pistils, especially when night temperatures run cooler late in bloom.
Trichome density is a defining feature, with a thick blanket of bulbous heads that can test at 18–26% THC in well-grown samples. Many batches also demonstrate striking bag appeal—frosted surfaces underlined by dark anthocyanins—enhancing consumer demand and shelf presence.
Aroma: Volatile Bouquet and Storage Effects
The nose on Gelato 33 S1 hits a confectionery spectrum: sweet cream, vanilla icing, and berries at the forefront. Beneath the dessert top notes lies a citrus-limonene sparkle with a peppery caryophyllene undertone.
When ground, the bouquet expands into earthy cookie dough, faint cocoa, and a minty coolness reminiscent of Thin Mint GSC. Linalool and humulene often appear as floral and hop-like threads that smooth the composition rather than dominate it.
Proper storage at 55–62% relative humidity preserves the buttery top notes while curbing terpene volatilization. Over-drying below 50% RH can flatten the sweet cream and accentuate harsher pepper tones, while over-humid conditions risk terpene oxidation and grassy off-notes.
Flavor: Palate, Inhale/Exhale, and Aftertaste
Gelato 33 S1 translates its bouquet into a layered, dessert-driven flavor that persists through the joint or bowl. On inhale, anticipate sweet cream and vanilla sugar, quickly joined by red-berry sherbet and orange zest.
The exhale often brings peppery spice and cocoa nibs, with a cool mint tail that nods to Thin Mint genetics. Vaporization at 180–190°C (356–374°F) emphasizes the fruit and cream layers; higher temperatures above 200°C (392°F) tilt toward spice, earth, and a faint fuel edge.
A clean cure produces a lingering gelato-like aftertaste that’s creamy rather than cloying. Many users report the dessert note is robust enough to cut through a blunt wrap or MCT-based vaporizer formulation without collapsing into generic sweetness.
Cannabinoid Profile: THC, CBD, and Minor Cannabinoids
Well-grown Gelato 33 S1 typically lands in the 18–26% THC range, with a mode around 21–23% in indoor, dialed environments. Broader “Gelato” listings commonly cite ~21% average THC, aligning with consumer databases and dispensary lab reports.
CBD in Gelato 33 S1 is usually minimal, often below 0.5% and frequently under 0.2%. CBG tends to appear in the 0.2–1.0% range, with rare phenotypes pushing slightly higher under high-light, optimized late-flower conditions.
Other minor cannabinoids like CBC and THCV generally register at trace to low levels (0.05–0.3%), depending on lab methodology and plant stress. Entourage effects in this cultivar are largely conveyed by the terpene load interacting with mid-to-high THC, rather than by significant minors.
Terpene Profile: Dominant and Secondary Terpenes
Total terpene content for Gelato 33 S1 frequently falls between 1.5% and 3.0% by dry weight in well-cured, indoor-grown flower. In some dialed phenotypes, top-shelf batches can reach 3.5% terpenes, though this is less common.
The typical dominant terpene is beta-caryophyllene (0.5–1.2%), providing peppery spice and a grounding bass note. Limonene often follows (0.3–0.9%), bringing citrus zest and a perceived mood-lifting brightness.
Secondary contributors include humulene (0.1–0.3%) for hop-like dryness, linalool (0.1–0.25%) for floral lavender sweetness, and myrcene (0.2–0.6%) adding a cushioned, slightly musky fruit layer. Trace terps such as ocimene, nerolidol, and valencene may add complexity, particularly in phenos that lean toward Sunset Sherbet’s fruit profile.
Because terpene expression is environment-sensitive, expect variation based on light intensity, root-zone health, and cure quality. Overly warm drying conditions can strip limonene rapidly, while long, cool cures tend to preserve the cream-and-berry top notes.
Experiential Effects: Onset, Plateau, and Duration
Gelato 33 S1 is a balanced hybrid experience that many describe as euphoric yet composed. Inhalation onset usually arrives within 2–5 minutes, with a clear lift in mood and a physically relaxing melt.
This cultivar often leaves users “numb to pain, relaxed, but mentally stimulated and productive,” an effect synergy consistent with the broader Gelato family. The combination of caryophyllene and limonene appears to ground stress while keeping a positive cognitive tone.
The plateau commonly lasts 45–90 minutes for inhaled routes, with a total duration of 2–4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. At higher doses, the body load becomes more sedating, making evening use more common among daily consumers.
In edibles made from Gelato 33 S1, onset shifts to 45–120 minutes with a longer, more immersive experience. Many users report the dessert-like terpene profile translates well into butter or oil infusions without becoming overly herbal.
Potential Medical Applications and Patient Feedback
Patients frequently target Gelato 33 S1 for musculoskeletal pain, stress, and mood support. The caryophyllene-forward terpene stack can engage CB2 pathways, potentially modulating inflammatory signaling alongside THC’s analgesic effect.
Users with anxiety report a moderate calming effect that does not fully blunt cognitive function, especially at low to medium doses. Limonene and linalool have preclinical associations with anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, which may contribute to the cultivar’s balanced feel.
Insomnia sufferers often reserve higher doses for evening due to the heavier body relaxation on the back end of the experience. Appetite stimulation is common, and nausea relief is reported anecdotally in chemotherapy and GI patients.
As always, responses vary widely; individuals sensitive to THC may prefer microdoses of 2.5–5 mg in edibles or one to two vapor draws. A small percentage of users report transient dizziness or elevated heart rate at high doses, so gradual titration remains best practice.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Medium, and Nutrition
Gelato 33 S1 thrives in controlled indoor environments with moderate-to-high light and stable VPD. Ideal temps run 24–27°C (75–80°F) in veg and early flower, dipping to 20–24°C (68–75°F) late in bloom to encourage color without shocking metabolism.
Relative humidity targets of 60–65% in veg, 50–55% in early flower, and 45–50% in late flower help balance growth and mold prevention. VPD in the 0.9–1.2 kPa range is a good baseline for consistent transpiration and nutrient flow.
In soil, aim for pH 6.3–6.8 with ample aeration; coco/hydro systems perform well at pH 5.8–6.2. Gelato 33 S1 accepts moderate-to-heavy feeding in veg (EC 1.2–1.6) but is sensitive to excess nitrogen in mid-to-late flower; taper to EC 1.6–2.0 with a focus on K and micronutrients.
Calcium and magnesium support is valuable under high-intensity lighting (LED PPFD 900–1100 in bloom). Silica amendments can fortify cell walls, improving stress tolerance and helping resist powdery mildew.
Cultivation Guide: Training, Canopy Management, and Plant Health
This cultivar responds well to topping, low-stress training, and SCROG/trellis methods. Expect a moderate stretch of 1.5–2x after flip, so set your trellis one week before transition and guide laterals horizontally to pack nodes into the light.
Defoliation should be strategic: remove large fans blocking bud sites on day 21 and day 42 of flower, but avoid stripping too aggressively. Gelato 33 S1 carries dense buds; airflow through the mid-canopy is critical to deter botrytis and powdery mildew.
An integrated pest management (IPM) routine built on prevention works best. Rotate biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana, maintain intake filtration, and use sticky cards to monitor fungus gnat and thrip pressure.
For powdery mildew-prone rooms, early veg sulfur vaporizers (never in flower), potassium bicarbonate foliar in veg, and consistent airflow are strong deterrents. Keep late-flower RH at 45–50% and ensure oscillating fans reach below the canopy to minimize microclimates.
Cultivation Guide: Flowering, Harvest, and Post-Harvest
Typical flowering time for Gelato 33 S1 is 56–63 days, with some phenotypes reaching full expression at day 65. Watch for milky trichomes with 5–10% amber for a balanced effect; pushing to 15–20% amber deepens sedation but can mute citrus top notes.
Pre-harvest, a 7–10 day nutrient taper or clean-water finish in hydro/coco can improve burn and flavor. Keep night temps 2–4°C (3–7°F) cooler than day in the final two weeks to coax anthocyanin expression without stalling resin production.
Dry at 16–18°C (61–64°F) and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days with gentle airflow. Trim after stems snap but don’t shatter; then cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and weekly thereafter for 3–6 weeks.
A proper cure preserves 1.5–3.0% terpene content and prevents grassy chlorophyll notes. Many growers report the dessert-cream aroma peaks between weeks three and six of cure, with spice elements smoothing over time.
Yield Expectations, Phenotype Hunting, and S1 Stability
Indoors under optimized LEDs, Gelato 33 S1 typically yields 400–600 g/m², with dialed canopies exceeding 650 g/m². Outdoor plants in warm, dry climates can produce 500–1200 g per plant depending on veg duration and trellising.
As an S1, expect moderate uniformity with clear Gelato signatures across most phenotypes. About 60–70% of plants often present the classic candy cream with balanced spice, 20–30% lean fruit-forward sherbet, and 10–20% skew toward earthier cookie-chocolate tones.
Breeders value S1s for mining recessive trait combinations that are hard to access from the clone alone. That said, watch for inbreeding artifacts such as slightly reduced vigor in a minority of plants; maintaining root health and adequate calcium usually mitigates the issue.
For resin or hash-focused hunting, select phenotypes with high capitate-stalked trichome density and large, fragile heads that release easily. Yields of 4–6% rosin from fresh frozen are achievable, with standout phenos pushing higher in optimal conditions.
Comparisons and Market Influence
Gelato #33 has become a reference standard, with its genetics seeding a wave of dessert hybrids. Ice Cream Cake, for instance, pairs Wedding Cake with Gelato #33 and is known for its sedating, sweet-heavy profile—evidence of #33’s wide utility as a parent.
The broader market dominance of Gelato lines was highlighted when Jealousy—described as a perfection of Gelato with dramatic dark-purple coloration—earned 2022 Strain of the Year honors. That accolade reflected consumer demand for candy-gas visuals and flavors that #33 helped popularize.
Not every modern dessert strain descends from Gelato, but many share overlapping terpene goals. Zoap, a Rainbow Sherbet x Pink Guava cross, exemplifies this trend toward vibrant, confectionary terpenes and balanced hybrid effects—even when Gelato isn’t in the pedigree.
Within the Gelato family, #33 (Larry Bird) is often praised for its productivity-friendly mental clarity compared to heavier phenotypes. Average THC around 21% in consumer reports underscores the cultivar’s ability to be potent yet manageable for daily users who prefer balanced effects.
S1 Seeds: What Growers Should Know
S1 seeds are created by reversing a female plant to produce pollen and then self-pollinating the same plant. This approach often locks down key traits while unmasking recessive characteristics, yielding a narrower but still diverse phenotype spread.
Compared to F1 hybrids, S1s tend to be more uniform but may carry slightly increased risk of expression quirks, such as odd leaf morphology in early veg or variable stretch. Careful selection of a keeper mom from a 5–10 seed run can deliver near-clone consistency in future cuts.
Industry guides commonly explain S1, F1, and F2 distinctions to help growers set expectations. For Gelato 33 S1 specifically, the goal is to capture Larry Bird’s cream-berry-limonene profile with dense, resinous flowers and a hybrid effect that’s relaxing yet functional.
Growers who source S1 seeds should vet breeder practices for reversal stability, stress testing, and germination rates above 85–90%. Properly made Gelato 33 S1 seeds can deliver a reliable pipeline of high-grade phenotypes closely mirroring the original cut.
Processing, Extraction, and Product Formats
Gelato 33 S1’s resin heads and terpene profile adapt well to both hydrocarbon and solventless extraction. Hydrocarbon extracts often showcase the full dessert spectrum—from vanilla cream to orange zest—while preserving a peppery finish.
Live rosin from fresh frozen material can yield 4–6% in favorable phenotypes, with some outliers crossing 6%. Texture frequently whips into a stable badder or cold-cure batter that retains limonene brightness over several weeks if stored at cool temps.
Vape carts formulated from Gelato 33 S1 tend to walk a line between sweet confection and subtle gas, maintaining clarity without cloying. Edibles capture the vanilla cream well, and nanoemulsions can provide a quicker onset, with many users reporting a sociable yet relaxing demeanor for 2–4 hours.
For pre-rolls, even burn depends on a gentle dry and a 2–3 week cure; Gelato’s oils can cause canoeing if packed too tightly or if RH exceeds 62%. Infused pre-rolls pair particularly well with small amounts of live resin to amplify citrus and mint notes.
Consumer Experience and Dosing Guidance
Newer consumers often find 1–2 inhalations sufficient due to the cultivar’s relatively high THC and terpene synergy. Experienced users may prefer 3–5 inhalations or a 10–20 mg edible dose, depending on tolerance and setting.
Daytime use is viable at low doses thanks to the mentally engaging yet relaxed effect profile. Evening sessions can lean sedating, particularly when the dose creeps upward or when paired with indica-leaning products like Ice Cream Cake, which owes lineage to Gelato #33.
Hydration and a light snack can mitigate dry mouth and mild dizziness that occasionally arises at higher doses. As always, start low and go slow—especially with edibles where onset lags by 45–120 minutes and peak effects can last several hours.
Data Points and Lab Expectations
In dispensary markets, Gelato 33 variants routinely test between 18–26% THC, with a central tendency near 21–23%. Total terpenes typically range from 1.5–3.0%, with caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene commonly leading.
Moisture content in finished flower should land around 10–12% to optimize combustion and reduce microbial risk. Water activity targets of 0.55–0.62 a_w correlate well with long-term stability and terpene preservation.
Growers should anticipate lab variability of ±1–2 percentage points in cannabinoid measurement due to sample heterogeneity and methodological differences. Consistency across multiple harvests is best achieved via stable environmental controls and identical post-harvest workflows.
Market Position and Real-World Examples
Gelato 33 S1 aligns with ongoing consumer preference for sweet-forward hybrids with photogenic coloration and a balanced effect. Sales data from legal markets consistently show dessert-labeled genetics among top sellers, and Gelato cuts are a major driver of that trend.
Product developers frequently use Gelato 33 S1 as a stabilizing base for new crosses, grafting in exotic terpenes while keeping consumer-familiar candy cream. Its role in hits like Ice Cream Cake underscores how #33 contributes sedative depth and shelf appeal without sacrificing flavor clarity.
Jealousy’s dark, dramatic presentation and ascendance to Strain of the Year status in 2022 showcases how the Gelato blueprint continues to evolve. Whether the end goal is more gas, fruit, or floral complexity, Gelato 33 S1 remains a cornerstone starting point.
Troubleshooting and Grower FAQs
Leaves clawing in week three of flower often signal excess nitrogen; reduce N and increase K and trace elements. If terpenes seem muted, check drying conditions—temps above 20°C (68°F) and low RH can strip limonene rapidly.
Powdery mildew pressure can rise in dense canopies; increase airflow, lower RH to 45–50%, and remove interior fan leaves. For color expression, drop night temps modestly in late flower—too big a swing (>7°F/4°C) risks slowed metabolism and foxtailing.
If yields lag, revisit canopy density and light mapping; many growers see best results at 900–1100 PPFD in weeks 3–7 of bloom with CO2 supplementation at 900–1200 ppm. In organic systems, top-dress with bloom boosters around week two and again at week five to sustain push without burning tips.
Conclusion: Why Gelato 33 S1 Endures
Gelato 33 S1 persists because it offers a rare trifecta: elite flavor, photogenic flower, and a versatile effect that satisfies both casual and daily users. Its dessert-cream palette with citrus zest and peppered cocoa is recognizable and reliable.
From a breeding standpoint, the S1 format opens the door to clone-like results for a much wider set of growers. And in the market, the continued success of Gelato derivatives—from Ice Cream Cake’s sedating pull to Jealousy’s dramatic visuals—attests to #33’s foundational influence.
For cultivators, Gelato 33 S1 is a rewarding project with moderate difficulty, high ceiling, and strong returns. With attention to environment, nutrition, and cure, it delivers the benchmark candy-gas experience that helped define modern cannabis.
