Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos is a mostly indica hybrid developed by Philosopher Seeds, a European breeder known for boutique dessert and OG-forward crosses. The pairing marries a citrus-laced phenotype of the Cookies family with one of the most influential modern OG derivatives. Released during a wave of cookie- and OG-dominant hybrids, this cross reflects a broader market shift toward confectionary aromas with tangible potency.
Context from mainstream consumer guides helps frame its appeal. Leafly’s 2025 Top 100 list highlights effect-based groupings and the enduring popularity of dessert-gas cultivars, the very ecosystem that birthed both Key Lime Pie and Do-Si-Dos. Similarly, Leafly Buzz roundups from 2022 underscored the velocity of strains like Jokerz and Rainbow Belts, signaling appetite for candy-citrus profiles that this cross captures in a more indica-leaning, body-forward direction.
Philosopher Seeds targeted a tight, resin-soaked structure and a vivid lime-cookies bouquet with this project. The breeder’s intent was to preserve the tart, bakery-shop top notes of Key Lime Pie while layering in Do-Si-Dos’ dense calyx build and tranquil, heavy-hitting finish. The result is a cultivar positioned for connoisseurs who prioritize terpene intensity without sacrificing yield or bag appeal.
The strain also speaks to improved breeder transparency in an era when genealogy can become murky. While resources like SeedFinder catalog countless entries with partial or "unknown" parentage, Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos is straightforward: a Cookies phenotype crossed to a documented OGKB x Face Off OG lineage. That clarity helps growers plan for structure, feed, and finish windows with fewer surprises.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Key Lime Pie is widely considered a phenotype expression from the Girl Scout Cookies line, selected for a pronounced lime-zest and sugary dough profile. Expect inheritance of cookie-style leaf morphology—broad leaflets with a sometimes clawed, dark-green fold—and a tendency for dense, golf ball to spade-shaped colas. Anthocyanin potential is moderate to high, with cool-night purples often visible in late flower.
Do-Si-Dos descends from OGKB (a Cookies offshoot) and Face Off OG, contributing formidable resin production and a calm, body-centered experience. This branch generally tightens internodal spacing to 3–6 cm indoors and pushes calyx-to-leaf ratios favorable for trimming. The OG influence also confers a subtle fuel undercurrent below the citrus-cookie top notes.
When combined, the cross typically produces medium-height plants with a 1.3–1.7x stretch after flip. Growers report a phenotypic spread where about two-thirds lean into indica structure—compact stature, thick lateral branching, and dense tops—while one-third shows more vertical OG reach. This distribution can vary by environment and selection, but the indica-leaning bias is consistent with breeder descriptions and user outcomes.
Trait consolidation trends favor high resin density, lime-forward terpenes, and a relaxed, long-lasting effect. The cross also stabilizes bag-appeal features like heavy trichome coverage and contrasting pistil colors. Taken together, these inheritance patterns make Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos both commercial-friendly and pheno-hunt worthy.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Plants commonly finish at 90–140 cm indoors without heavy training, presenting a sturdy central cola and organized satellites. Lateral branches hold weight well, with medium internodal spacing that fills efficiently under SCROG. The canopy can be easily shaped for even light distribution due to predictable branch symmetry.
Buds are dense, resinous, and often exhibit a speckled lime and forest green palette with occasional lilac or purple flares in weeks 7–9. Calyxes stack tightly, producing a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that streamlines post-harvest work. Pistils begin pale peach to tangerine and typically mature to copper or rust tones.
Trichome coverage is a standout trait, often forming a frost that makes colas appear sugar-dusted. Under magnification, capitate-stalked heads dominate with 80–120 µm diameters common in mature samples. Resin saturation extends into sugar leaves, a visual cue of hash-making potential.
In dialed-in rooms, expect uniform cola girth and minimal fox-tailing unless pushed by excessive heat or PPFD. Plants respond well to strategic defoliation in weeks 2–3 of bloom, which showcases the handsome, stacked flower sites. The finished bag appeal aligns with consumer preferences for sparkling, tightly trimmed nugs that hold shape in jars.
Aroma and Bouquet
The nose opens with bright, freshly zested lime and a hint of vanilla custard reminiscent of an actual key lime pie. Beneath the citrus, there’s a buttery bakery note—graham cracker crust, powdered sugar, and a subtle dough that evokes the Cookies lineage. As flowers mature, a low hum of earth and fuel reinforces the OG ancestry.
Most samples express a terpene-rich bouquet in the 12–30 mg/g total terpene range (approximately 1.2–3.0% by weight) under optimized cultivation. Limonene and beta-caryophyllene tend to anchor the profile, supported by linalool, myrcene, and humulene. A minority of phenotypes introduce a minty or eucalyptus-like lift tied to trace pulegone and eucalyptol.
When broken up, the scent intensifies toward candied lime peel and sugar cookie frosting. The grind can also release a creamy, almost marshmallow density that many associate with the Cookies family. In sealed jars, a cool citrus top note lingers, suggesting strong monoterpene retention.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On the inhale, expect a burst of lime zest and sweet cream that lands like pie filling over a crisp crust. The exhale pulls warmer bakery tones—graham, vanilla, and light caramelized sugar—with a faint diesel hush. Some tasters report a cooling mint ping on back-palate that keeps the finish lively.
Vaped at 175–190°C, the expression leans toward limonene brightness and floral-linalool silkiness. At higher temperatures (195–205°C), the gas, spice, and woody-humulene notes become more pronounced. Combustion preserves the signature lime-cookie identity but can mask its nervy floral detail.
Mouthfeel is smooth and slightly oily due to resin richness, with a lingering sweet-tart aftertaste. The citrus acidity balances the cookie sweetness, preventing cloying buildup over multiple pulls. This balance makes the strain suitable for prolonged sessions without palate fatigue.
Cannabinoid Chemistry
Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos is THC dominant, reflecting both parents’ potency pedigrees. In competent hands, total THC commonly ranges between 20–28% by dry weight, with elite selections flirting with or exceeding 30% in optimal, CO2-enriched rooms. Total cannabinoids typically land in the 22–31% range, with minor cannabinoids filling the remaining fraction.
CBD content is generally below 1.0%, often 0.05–0.5% in flower, aligning with modern dessert hybrids. CBG appears intermittently at 0.4–1.2%, offering a gentle rounding to the effect profile. THCV can present in trace amounts (0.1–0.4%), though not reliably as a dominant feature.
For extractors, high trichome density translates to robust returns. Hydrocarbon and rosin processes commonly yield 18–25% from premium, fresh-frozen material, with top washes of fresh-frozen hash showing 4–6 star potential when pulled cold. Decarboxylation curves are standard: THC-A conversion completes near 105–115°C with sufficient time, important for edible formulations.
As with all chemotypes, results depend on phenotype and cultivation. Environmental stress, nutrient imbalances, and late harvest can skew the acidic-to-neutral cannabinoid ratios and perceived potency. Careful handling preserves the acidic forms for those targeting specific decarb strategies in post-processing.
Dominant Terpenes and Minor Aromatics
The terpene backbone is typically led by limonene at approximately 0.4–0.8% w/w, delivering the citrus zest that defines the nose. Beta-caryophyllene often follows at 0.3–0.7%, lending peppery warmth and potential CB2 receptor activity. Linalool is frequent in the 0.1–0.3% band, adding a floral-lavender softness that tempers sharp citrus.
Supporting roles include myrcene at 0.2–0.6%, reinforcing herbal-sweet depth and contributing to the relaxed body feel. Humulene, often 0.1–0.3%, threads woody, resinous undertones that complement caryophyllene. Trace ocimene (0.05–0.2%) can sharpen the fruit impression, while nerolidol (0.05–0.15%) sometimes emerges in later cure for a tea-like nuance.
Total terpene content typically aggregates to 1.8–3.2% in optimized indoor runs, with soil-grown, organic programs sometimes accentuating secondary esters and aldehydes. Boiling points vary—limonene near 176°C, linalool around 198°C—so consumption temperature management shapes the perceived spectrum. Proper cure and storage protect these volatiles from oxidation, preserving that fresh-baked lime dessert bouquet.
Compared to other citrus-led cultivars, its profile sits between candy-lime brightness and cookie-bakery depth. This balance mirrors contemporary favorites that deliver both fruit and confection, as seen in broader market trends. Like Happy Valley’s Overtime feminized—which showcases tangy citrus and glistening resin—the Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos expression similarly leverages high monoterpene retention for striking aroma.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
The onset is quick via inhalation, with initial head lift and sensory brightening landing within 2–5 minutes. A warm, body-centric calm builds steadily over 15–25 minutes, settling into shoulders and lower back. Peak effects generally sustain for 45–90 minutes before tapering into a smooth, drowsy plateau.
Most phenotypes skew relaxing, aligning with the indica-majority structure of the cross. Consumers frequently describe a balanced start—euphoric and chatty—before a serene, heavy-lidded composure emerges. At higher doses, couchlock can develop, especially in later evening contexts.
Creative focus can appear early in the session, particularly with lower-dose, terpene-forward inhalation. As the body effect deepens, concentration often gives way to a tranquil, introspective mood. This arc pairs well with low-stress activities, ambient music, and gentle media.
Side effects are typical of high-THC indica-leaning cultivars: cottonmouth, mild eye dryness, and dose-dependent sedation. Anxiety is less common at modest doses but can occur at aggressive intakes or in sensitive users. As always, titration and set-and-setting reduce unwanted outcomes.
Potential Medical Applications
With THC commonly above 20%, this cultivar offers substantive analgesic potential for moderate pain, muscle tension, and stress-related somatic discomfort. The caryophyllene-humulene scaffold may complement THC’s effects through CB2 interaction and anti-inflammatory pathways. Patients often report relief that begins quickly and endures for 2–3 hours with inhaled routes.
Sleep support is a frequent use case due to the strain’s reliable transition from calm to drowsy. Low-to-moderate doses about 60–90 minutes before bedtime are commonly reported as helpful. Linalool and myrcene contributions can soften sleep latency without overwhelming early mental clarity at conservative doses.
Anxiety and mood support appear in user narratives when dosing remains controlled, leveraging the limonene-linalool synergy for uplift with calm. However, high-THC cultivars can also exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals if overconsumed. For daytime anxiolysis, microdosing or vaporizing at lower temperatures is often more successful.
Appetite stimulation and nausea support are plausible adjunct benefits, consistent with THC-forward chemotypes. For new patients, 2.5–5 mg THC orally or 1–2 inhalations are sensible starting points, titrating upward by 2.5–5 mg every few sessions. Patient registries consistently indicate pain, anxiety, and insomnia as top therapeutic targets for cannabis, and this strain’s profile aligns with those priorities.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Greenhouse, and Outdoor
Flowering time averages 60–70 days (8.5–10 weeks) indoors, with most phenotypes finishing around days 63–67. Stretch is moderate at 1.3–1.7x, making canopy planning straightforward in tents and rooms. Indoor yields commonly land at 450–600 g/m² under 600–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD, while top growers can exceed 650 g/m² with CO2 between 900–1200 ppm.
Vegetative growth thrives at 24–26°C with 60–65% RH, gradually stepping down humidity to 50–55% during early flower and 42–48% late. Nighttime differentials of 3–5°C can coax anthocyanin coloration without stressing metabolism. Maintain pH near 5.7–5.9 in hydro and 6.2–6.5 in soilless/soil, with runoff EC around 1.6–2.1 in peak bloom depending on media and light intensity.
Feeding behavior is moderately heavy in mid-bloom, with a Cookies/OG calcium-magnesium appetite. NPK ratios of 2-1-2 in late veg and 1-2-3 in mid-to-late flower are reliable baselines, with total nitrogen tapered after week 4 of bloom. Keep a close eye on Ca/Mg; slight tip-burn tolerance allows you to push EC, but back off if leaf margins crisp.
Training responds well to topping at the 5th node followed by low-stress training and SCROG. A 5–8 cm mesh screen helps even the canopy, and a light lollipop up to the first two nodes cleans airflow. Defoliation at day 21 and day 42 concentrates energy and exposes interior bud sites.
IPM should address powdery mildew susceptibility, an OGKB-adjacent risk under high humidity. Proactive measures include canopy thinning, oscillating airflow, and sulfur or biologicals in veg, discontinuing treatments before flower set. Sticky cards, predatory mites, and sanitized intakes reduce pest pressure.
Greenhouse growers can leverage shoulder seasons to keep VPD in range (0.9–1.2 kPa during bloom). Dehumidification at night is key to prevent late-flower botrytis on dense colas. Supplemental lighting at 200–400 µmol/m²/s during low-sun days preserves internode spacing and terpene density.
Outdoors, the strain prefers warm, dry climates and finishes in late September to mid-October depending on latitude. In 30–50 gallon pots with organic super soil and proper trellising, expect 700–1200 g per plant from healthy selections. Wind and sun exposure keep microclimates dry, preserving trichomes and preventing mold in those thick flowers.
Post-harvest resin quality is a highlight, making the cultivar attractive to hashmakers. Cold room harvests and gentle handling protect intact heads, with 45–159 µm screens capturing the best grades. Like other citrus-forward lines, it cures beautifully when dried slowly, rewarding patience with layered aroma.
In comparison to other citrus-resin varietals such as Happy Valley’s Overtime feminized, this cross rivals the "glistening like morning dew" resin sheen described by seed vendors. The difference lies in the dessert-like bakery depth that Key Lime Pie contributes to the nose. That marriage of tang and pastry is what sets this selection apart in both the jar and the press.
Harvest Timing, Curing, and Storage
Trichome observation is the most reliable harvest cue for this cultivar. Aim for mostly cloudy heads with 10–15% amber for a balanced effect, or 20–25% amber for maximum sedation. Harvest windows typically center between days 63–67, with some phenos preferring day 56–60 for a brighter, racier expression.
Dry at 16–18°C with 55–60% RH for 10–14 days until small stems snap. Gentle canopy hang drying preserves bud shape and terpene integrity. Avoid accelerated drying above 20°C or below 45% RH, which risks terpene loss and harsh smoke.
Cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH for 4–8 weeks, burping daily the first week and then weekly thereafter. Track water activity between 0.55–0.65 for optimal stability and mold prevention. Proper cure deepens the pie-crust and vanilla elements while holding the lime zest aloft.
Store long-term in cool, dark conditions at 15–20°C, minimizing oxygen exposure with tight seals or inert gas. For terpene preservation, avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure. When managed carefully, aromatic fidelity can remain vivid for 6–12 months.
Phenotype Selection, Stability, and Clonal Strategy
Run at least 6–10 seeds to sample the line’s breadth; 20–30 seeds is better for commercial keeper hunts. Expect three broad phenotypes: lime-forward cookie pastry with balanced gas; lime-gas OG with sharper fuel and heavier sedation; and a rarer floral-mint variant with lifted top notes. Roughly 60–70% of plants lean into the indica structure ideal for dense indoor canopies.
Keeper criteria often include terpene intensity on the vine, trichome head size uniformity, and calyx stack under medium PPFD. Hashmakers may prioritize clean, sandy melt in 73–120 µm fractions and a bright-lime first wash aroma. Flower-focused growers may prefer the pastry-rich variants that cure into creamy dessert complexity.
Cloning is straightforward with 0.2–0.4% IBA gel or powder; roots generally emerge in 8–14 days at 24–26°C and 70–80% RH. Take cuts from lower to mid branches with pencil-thick stems for faster rooting and uniform vigor. Maintain mother plants on balanced, calcium-forward nutrition to prevent hollow-stem and weak-lignin clones.
Stability is good for a modern dessert cross, but environment can sway expression. High heat and low humidity skew toward gas dominance and reduced pastry sweetness, while cooler, stable rooms enhance citrus-floral nuance. Locking the environment early ensures the phenotype you selected remains consistent across cycles.
Market Position, Cultural Context, and Final Thoughts
Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos fits squarely into the dessert-gas era that has defined the 2018–2025 retail shelf. Consumer roundups such as Leafly’s Top 100 emphasize effect groupings and the rising prevalence of confections, citrus, and fuel across winning cultivars. The Cookies and Do-Si-Dos pedigrees repeatedly show up in hype cycles, supported by trend pieces like Leafly Buzz 2022 that champion candy-leaning, high-resin selections.
What distinguishes this cross is its balanced identity: an unmistakable lime-zest headline wrapped in a buttery cookie body and grounded by OG posture. In an ocean of candy strains, this one retains maturity and complexity across nose, flavor, and effect. It also scales: dense, trimmable flowers for production, and resin quality that justifies hash-focused harvests.
For growers, reliable 60–70 day finishes, 450–600 g/m² potential, and a forgiving feed ceiling make it a pragmatic choice. For consumers, it offers a predictable glide path from uplift to tranquility, a profile tailor-made for evening decompression. If your menu or personal stash leans toward resin-rich desserts with real citrus pop, Key Lime Pie x Do-Si-Dos deserves a front-row jar.
Finally, in a landscape where genealogies sometimes lapse into unknown branches, the clarity of this cross’s parentage is welcome. Breeders like Philosopher Seeds continue to refine cookie-OG marriages with focused terpene goals and commercial practicality. The result here is both contemporary and classic—a slice of key lime pie served with the calm of a Sunday afternoon.
