Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Key Lime Kush is a modern boutique hybrid bred by Katsu Seeds, a breeder recognized for keeping heirloom Bubba lines alive while exploring citrus-forward crosses. Katsu’s catalog is known for pre-98 Bubba Kush and Katsu Bubba-based projects, which makes the Key Lime Kush name especially fitting. The goal was a sensory-forward Kush that combined dessert-lime aromatics with the reliable structure, resin density, and relaxing body profile associated with classic Bubba genetics. As with many small-batch breeder releases, early distributions were limited, creating a word-of-mouth reputation before broader seed access.
The strain’s development traces to the 2010s and early 2020s era in which connoisseur markets embraced hybrids that tasted like pastry or pie with vivid citrus peels. Key Lime Kush fits this arc by aiming for a lime custard nose layered onto a chocolatey, earthy Kush backbone. Reports from growers who sourced packs directly from Katsu Seeds describe uniform vigor and strong calyx stacking, hallmarks of Bubba-heavy crosses. That consistency attracted both home cultivators and small commercial rooms seeking predictable structure without sacrificing terpene complexity.
While official press materials from niche breeders are often concise, community notes consistently reference Katsu’s Bubba influence and a lime-forward parent. The strain’s reputation grew through forum journals and dispensary drops with high repeat-purchase rates, which is a proxy for consumer satisfaction. Subsequent phenohunts kept the core profile intact while allowing for selection toward sharper lime, creamier vanilla, or heavier kush spice, depending on the environment. Today it is regarded as a connoisseur Kush that stays faithful to its name in both nose and flavor.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Variability
Key Lime Kush is widely understood to descend from a Key Lime Pie-type parent and a Bubba Kush line from Katsu Seeds. Key Lime Pie is a known Girl Scout Cookies offshoot with tart lime, graham, and mint tones, while pre-98 Bubba and Katsu Bubba are Afghani-leaning Kushes known for dense flowers and a calming body feel. In practical terms, this means Key Lime Kush plants tend to adopt Bubba’s structure and resin behavior while borrowing citrus-lime terpenes from the Key Lime Pie side. Many cultivators report a 60/40 indica-leaning effect profile despite the hybrid lineage.
Phenotypic spread is moderate, with two notable expressions showing up in hobby gardens. One pheno leans bright-lime with a strong limonene push, presenting lighter lime-green calyxes and a zest-and-vanilla nose that reads like dessert. The other pheno expresses deeper kush notes, with caryophyllene and humulene more prominent, a darker olive hue, and an earth-coffee exhale. Both phenos keep the lime note present, but the balance between citrus, spice, and cocoa varies by cut and setup.
Growers who run 6-10 seeds routinely report finding at least one keeper cut with standout terpenes, suggesting a favorable keeper rate. This is reinforced by relatively tight internodes, a predictable 1.4-1.7x stretch, and buds that retain their density without becoming foxtail-prone under higher PPFD. Environmental stress can shift the terpene balance, with higher temperatures boosting the citrus top notes but risking monoterpene loss if post-harvest is rushed. Breeding-wise, Key Lime Kush also sets a stable platform for further crosses focused on dessert-citrus expressions.
Visual Appearance and Bud Structure
Key Lime Kush typically produces dense, golf ball to egg-shaped buds with high calyx-to-leaf ratios. The structure leans Bubba: thick bracts stacked tightly along a sturdy central cola, complemented by well-filled lateral branches. Colors range from bright lime and forest green to occasional lavender flecking under cooler nights, which accentuates the lime theme. Abundant resin glands create a glassy frost that telegraphs potency and bag appeal.
Sugar leaves are usually minimal and tuck neatly against the flowers, making trimming efficient even after a slow-dry. Pistils begin pale peach and mature to copper-orange, providing color contrast against a silvery trichome layer. Under magnification, capitate-stalked trichomes cluster densely on the calyx tips, a desirable feature for solventless extraction. This resin density contributes to above-average yields in hash, often cited as a selling point by home hash-makers.
In jars, properly cured Key Lime Kush retains a premium look even after several weeks. The buds stay compact and avoid the airy look that can plague higher-stretch hybrids. A gentle squeeze releases a sharp lime zest layered over earthy cacao and spice, which is often the moment consumers recognize the Kush pedigree beneath the citrus. For retailers, the appearance supports a top-shelf positioning with minimal handling required to showcase the flower’s aesthetic.
Aroma and Bouquet
The name sets expectations, and Key Lime Kush delivers a tart, zesty lime nose supported by a creamy, graham-crust sweetness. On the first pass, most noses pick up limonene-driven zest that suggests lime peel rather than generic citrus. As the flower breaks down, caryophyllene and myrcene bring in warm spice and soft earth, while a vanilla-cocoa undertone peeks in from the Kush side. Many users compare the bouquet to key lime pie with a dusting of cocoa powder and cracked pepper.
Nose complexity expands noticeably after a 10- to 14-day slow dry at 60°F and 60% relative humidity. During cure, terpene expression rounds out, moving from sharp lime to a layered lime-sherbet, crème anglaise, and faint coffee chorus. Linalool and humulene add floral-lush and hoppy-woody subnotes that become evident at 3-4 weeks in jars. A properly cured sample has a clean, high-tone lime that remains intact upon grinding rather than volatilizing immediately.
Consumers sensitive to volatile monoterpenes should note that limonene can be aroma-dominant but also fragile at elevated temperatures. Keeping grinders and storage containers out of direct light and heat preserves the top note. Anecdotally, stem-snapping and gentle hand-trimming contribute to retention of the lime peel character. The bouquet pairs well with beverages featuring citrus, ginger, or vanilla to echo and amplify the aroma set.
Flavor and Palate
On inhalation, Key Lime Kush delivers a tart lime entry akin to fresh zest or lime oil. The mid-palate fills with a creamy sweetness reminiscent of vanilla custard or condensed milk, reflecting the dessert lineage. On exhale, the Bubba side asserts itself with earthy cocoa, mild coffee, and peppery spice that lingers pleasantly. The aftertaste is clean and citrus-forward, often described as lime sorbet on a graham crust.
The citrus top notes are best preserved at moderate vape temperatures between 350°F and 365°F. At higher temperatures or in combustion, the profile grows spicier, highlighting caryophyllene and humulene while muting some of the delicate lime. Water pipes fitted with diffusion can soften the pepper kick and allow the creamy vanilla notes to shine. For edibles or rosin, low-temp presses and gentle decarb protocols preserve the lime character better than aggressive heat.
Blind tastings with experienced consumers often find high consensus on the lime-custard theme. In small panels, the majority describe distinct lime versus generic lemon or orange, which supports the pie-style positioning. Pairings with sparkling water, citrus bitters, or light roasted coffee accentuate both the bright and dark facets of the flavor. Overall, Key Lime Kush’s palate is balanced enough to satisfy fruit-forward fans and Kush loyalists alike.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Lab results for Key Lime Kush vary by phenotype and cultivation environment, but a reasonable range for total THC is 18% to 26%. Many indoor, dialed-in runs center around 21% to 24% THC with total cannabinoids 22% to 28%. CBD is typically low, at or below 0.5%, while CBG often appears between 0.3% and 1.2%. Minor cannabinoids such as CBC and THCV are usually present in trace amounts (0.05% to 0.5%), contributing subtly to the effect ensemble.
From a consumer perspective, potency sits comfortably in the modern top-shelf bell curve. For inhalation, new users may feel robust effects from as little as 5 to 10 mg total THC per session, while experienced users often prefer 10 to 25 mg depending on tolerance. The qualitative experience leans into euphoria and relaxation without immediate couchlock at moderate doses. At higher doses, the Bubba influence can push toward deeper body sedation and a heavy-lidded calm.
Producers note that total terpene content often lands between 1.5% and 3.0% by weight when grown in optimal conditions. This aligns with the intense aroma observed in top cuts and helps explain the flavorful vapor and smoke. Because monoterpenes like limonene are volatile, post-harvest handling meaningfully impacts real-world potency perception. Retaining terpenes through slow-dry and extended cure can make a 21% THC sample feel subjectively stronger than a harsher, terpene-depleted 24% sample.
Terpene Profile and Minor Volatiles
Key Lime Kush is typically dominated by limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene, a trio that explains its lime-forward, spicy-earthy character. In reported tests, limonene often falls in the 0.4% to 0.9% range, caryophyllene in the 0.3% to 0.8% range, and myrcene in the 0.2% to 0.7% range. Supporting terpenes commonly include linalool (0.1% to 0.3%), humulene (0.1% to 0.3%), and small amounts of ocimene or terpinolene (0.05% to 0.2%). Total terpene content frequently totals 1.5% to 3.0% by weight, yielding an assertive but nuanced bouquet.
The limonene spike is responsible for the sharp lime zest and mood-brightening first impression. Beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist, contributes black pepper and warm spice, while potentially modulating inflammation. Myrcene rounds the palate with soft earth and a mild sedative undertone commonly associated with classic Kush. Linalool provides a faintly floral, creamy lift that supports the dessert-like middle.
Minor volatiles such as aldehydes and esters add to the pie-crust and vanilla suggestions. While not typically quantified on standard terpene panels, these compounds influence how the lime reads as custard rather than purely citrus-rind. Post-harvest technique strongly determines whether these delicate notes persist into the finished product. In practice, low-temperature handling preserves a sweeter, pie-like lime; overly warm dries skew the profile sharper and more one-dimensional.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Key Lime Kush’s effect profile is balanced but leans indica, offering an uplifting onset that transitions into tranquil body comfort. Most users report a mood elevation within the first 5 to 10 minutes of inhalation, peaking at 20 to 30 minutes and tapering over 2 to 3 hours. The headspace is clear enough for light conversation or creative brainstorming, particularly at small to moderate doses. Past that threshold, the body relaxation becomes pronounced and can encourage rest or screen-time lounging.
Commonly reported subjective effects include happiness, stress relief, and muscle ease. In informal consumer surveys, dry mouth is the most frequent side effect, cited by roughly 20% to 35% of users, with dry eyes close behind. Anxiety or racing thoughts are less common than with high-terpinolene or high-THC sativa-dominant strains, but sensitive users may experience unease if dosing aggressively. For new consumers, starting with one to two small inhalations or 2.5 to 5 mg THC in edibles is a prudent path.
Use cases include winding down after work, social relaxation, creative tasks that benefit from a calm but engaged mindset, and pairing with light snacks or desserts. The citrus profile makes it a natural fit for summer evenings, though the steady body comfort plays well in cooler months too. Many report that it complements music, cooking, and low-intensity exercise like stretching or evening walks. Heavy late-night use may promote sleepiness, particularly in phenotypes with higher myrcene expression.
Potential Medical Applications
While formal clinical research on specific cultivars is limited, Key Lime Kush’s chemistry suggests several practical applications for medical cannabis patients. THC in the 18% to 26% range provides robust analgesic potential, which may help with neuropathic pain, joint soreness, and menstrual cramps. Caryophyllene’s CB2 activity is often associated with anti-inflammatory effects, and myrcene may contribute to muscle relaxation. Limonene has been studied for mood-elevating and anxiolytic properties in certain contexts, aligning with the strain’s uplifting onset.
Patients frequently report benefits in stress management, anxiety reduction, and low mood. In patient surveys across medical programs, roughly 55% to 70% of respondents cite reduced anxiety or improved relaxation with citrus-forward hybrids, though individual responses vary. Sleep improvements are reported more often when dosing in the evening or at higher amounts, likely due to the Kush lineage. Conversely, daytime microdoses can offer calm focus without sedation for some patients.
For dosing, cautious titration is recommended. New patients might start at 1 to 2.5 mg THC, increasing by 1 to 2 mg per session until desired effects emerge without significant impairment. Inhalation provides faster feedback and easier titration, while edibles offer longer-lasting relief but a slower, stronger onset. As always, patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional, especially if they take medications that interact with cannabinoids.
Side effect management is straightforward: hydration for dry mouth, preservative-free eye drops for dryness, and mindful dose control to avoid transient anxiety. Those sensitive to limonene-heavy profiles may prefer lower temperatures for vaping to soften the top notes. Because CBD content is typically under 0.5%, adding a separate CBD product can balance the experience for those who desire it. Overall, Key Lime Kush aligns with use cases involving mood, mild to moderate pain, and evening relaxation.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Outdoors, and Greenhouse
Indoors, Key Lime Kush thrives in controlled environments that emphasize stable VPD and moderate feeding. Expect a 1.4x to 1.7x stretch after flip, with flowering typically finishing in 60 to 67 days for the lime-forward pheno and 63 to 70 days for the heavier Kush pheno. Ideal temperatures range from 76°F to 82°F in early flower, tapering to 70°F to 75°F late, with relative humidity stepping from 55% down to 45% by the final two weeks. Maintain VPD around 0.9 to 1.2 kPa for best resin and terpene expression.
Lighting intensity of 700 to 900 µmol/m²/s PPFD in mid-flower, rising to 900 to 1,050 µmol/m²/s with added CO2 (800 to 1,200 ppm), produces dense, terpene-rich flowers. Daily light integral targets of 35 to 45 mol/m²/day are appropriate under high-efficiency LEDs. The strain responds well to topping and SCROG, with two to three toppings in veg leading to a flat canopy that prevents oversized mains. Defoliation at day 21 and day 42 of flower is usually sufficient for airflow without stalling bud development.
Outdoors, Key Lime Kush performs best in Mediterranean-like climates with warm, dry late seasons. In the Northern Hemisphere, expect harvest between late September and mid-October depending on latitude and phenotype. With ample root space and trellising, outdoor plants can yield 600 to 900 grams per plant, given 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. Mold pressure increases in humid regions; a proactive canopy management strategy is crucial to avoid Botrytis in dense colas.
Greenhouse cultivators can take advantage of light dep to finish in 56 to 63 days from first day of flower under excellent conditions. Passive cooling combined with dehumidification helps to hold RH below 55% in mid to late flower, protecting against powdery mildew. Roll-up sides and horizontal airflow fans help keep microclimates in check. In all environments, a well-timed sulfur burn in veg (not in flower) can pre-empt PM issues.
Cultivation Details: Nutrition, Training, and IPM
Key Lime Kush is a moderate-to-hungry feeder, especially for calcium and magnesium during peak growth. In coco or hydro, target an EC of 1.4 to 1.8 mS/cm in late veg, rising to 1.8 to 2.2 mS/cm in mid-flower, then tapering to 1.2 to 1.5 in the final two weeks. Maintain pH between 5.8 and 6.2 in soilless and 6.3 to 6.7 in living soil or peat mixes. A Ca:Mg ratio around 2:1 prevents interveinal chlorosis and supports firm calyx formation.
Training methods that excel include topping twice by week three of veg, low-stress training to spread mains, and a net for SCROG around week one of flower. Internode spacing is naturally tight, so minimal supercropping is needed, but selective leaf tucking improves light penetration. Avoid excessive nitrogen after week three of flower to preserve lime-dominant terpenes and reduce chlorophyll-heavy flavors in the jar. Silica supplementation at 50 to 100 ppm supports stem strength and may improve drought tolerance.
For integrated pest management, adopt a layered approach. In veg, weekly applications of neem or thyme-based oils, alternating with BT for caterpillars, keep populations low. Predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius swirskii can prevent spider mite and thrip outbreaks, particularly in warm greenhouses. Sticky cards and weekly scouting with a 60x loupe inform early interventions before economic thresholds are crossed.
Disease prevention centers on airflow and humidity control. Prune lower larf and interior fan leaves to open the canopy, and maintain oscillating fans at multiple heights. Keep RH under 60% in mid to late flower and avoid foliar sprays after week two of bloom. If powdery mildew appears, remove affected leaves promptly and correct climate drivers; avoid sulfur or systemic fungicides in flower to protect terpene integrity.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Timing harvest is crucial for preserving the lime-forward profile while delivering the desired effect curve. Many growers target trichomes at mostly cloudy with 5% to 15% amber for a balanced uplift and body calm. Harvesting earlier, around mostly cloudy with minimal amber, accentuates the citrus top end and a lighter effect. Later harvests deepen the Kush body and may nudge sedation, which some patients prefer for nighttime use.
Yield expectations are competitive for a boutique dessert Kush. Indoors, well-run LED rooms often report 450 to 600 grams per square meter, with top-performers approaching 1.5 to 2.0 grams per watt depending on environmental control and CO2 use. Outdoor plants in 50- to 100-gallon containers commonly produce 600 to 900 grams per plant when climate cooperates. Resin quality is a standout; solventless yields of 4% to 6% fresh frozen are realistic targets, with some cuts exceeding that in dialed rooms.
Drying should be slow and cool to prevent monoterpene loss. A 10- to 14-day dry at 60°F and 60% RH is the gold standard, with gentle airflow that does not directly hit hanging branches. Aim for 11% to 12% moisture content and a water activity of 0.58 to 0.62 before moving to cure. Avoid fast dehydration, which can lock chlorophyll and mute the pie-like lime.
Curing for 4 to 8 weeks unlocks the dessert complexity and softens any green edges. Burp jars minimally during the first 10 days, then less frequently as water activity stabilizes. Use 58% to 62% RH packs if your environment swings, and store in opaque glass away from heat and light. Properly cured Key Lime Kush maintains strong lime on crack and a creamy-spicy exhale months later.
Post-Harvest Potency, Storage, and Shelf-Life
Cannabinoids and terpenes degrade over time, especially with heat, oxygen, and light exposure. At room temperature in clear containers, THC can oxidize to CBN at rates that reduce total THC by an estimated 10% to 15% within a year. Terpene losses can be faster, with monoterpenes like limonene dropping significantly in the first three months if storage is suboptimal. These realities make storage practices key to preserving the Key Lime Kush signature.
Optimal storage uses airtight, opaque glass at 55% to 62% RH, 60°F to 68°F, and minimal headspace. Nitrogen-flushing jars or using oxygen-absorbing packets can slow oxidation in commercial settings. Avoid frequent opening and closing, which cycles in humid air and volatilizes top notes. For long-term storage beyond three months, cooler temperatures down to 50°F can further slow degradation, provided RH is stable and condensation is prevented.
Pre-ground flower and exposed trichome heads degrade fastest. Keeping buds intact, avoiding unnecessary tumbling, and limiting grinder time to just before consumption preserves the lime zest top note. For rosin or extracts, cold storage in the 35°F to 45°F range can hold terpene ratios more faithfully over time. Across formats, thoughtful storage extends shelf life and preserves the dessert-lime hallmark that defines this cultivar.
Market Position, Availability, and Comparables
Key Lime Kush occupies a premium niche within the dessert-citrus Kush category, appealing to consumers who value both flavor and body comfort. Its breeder lineage from Katsu Seeds adds cachet among collectors who seek authenticity and classic Kush architecture. Availability can be sporadic due to limited-run seed drops and the tendency for boutique cultivators to keep keeper cuts close. As a result, regional market presence varies widely, and many consumers encounter it through small-batch releases rather than national brands.
Online menus and databases sometimes reflect this scarcity with partial entries and placeholders. Notably, Leafly’s chemistry similarity tools have surfaced Key Lime Kush alongside other terpene-similar cultivars, such as on pages like The Glove, where Key Lime Kush appears in related listings with check back later notes. This highlights both the strain’s chemical relevance and the current gaps in public lab data aggregation. As more cultivators lab-test and publish results, expect more consistent, searchable analytics to populate.
Comparable strains for shoppers include Key Lime Pie, Kush Mints, Biscotti, and Lemon Cherry Gelato for those seeking dessert-citrus vibes with a Kush body. From a terpene-angle, limonene-dominant hybrids with caryophyllene and myrcene secondaries often land in a similar experiential zone. For patients prioritizing body relief with brighter top notes, it sits between classic Bubba cuts and fruit-forward Cookie hybrids. In short, Key Lime Kush blends verifiable Kush comfort with a rare, truly lime-centric nose, making it a sought-after option when it appears on shelves.
