Written by Ad OpsOrigin and Breeding History
Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble is a boutique hybrid created by Greyskull Seeds, a breeder known for resin-forward, surf-culture-inspired selections out of the West Coast. The cross marries the dessert-forward intensity of Key Lime Pie with the tangy fuel of Sour Dubble, creating a mostly indica-leaning offspring with hybrid vigor. Greyskull’s goal with this pairing has been described by growers as a pursuit of bold lime-citrus aromatics anchored by dense Cookies structure and a clean, uplifting fuel note. The result is a cultivar that feels modern, potent, and purpose-built for both flavor and production.
Key Lime Pie is widely accepted as a selected phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies, emphasizing sharper lime, mint, and graham-cracker notes within the Cookies family. Sour Dubble, frequently attributed to BOG genetics, is commonly reported as Sour Diesel crossed with Sour Bubble, though documentation varies by source. That ambiguity is not unusual in legacy-era breeding, but the sensory signatures—sour citrus, gasoline, and a soft bubblegum undercurrent—are consistent across gardens. In blending these, Greyskull Seeds captured both sides of the hybrid spectrum and refined them toward resin quality.
Market interest in this cross has grown alongside the broader consumer shift toward terpene-driven experiences. According to U.S. retail data, more than 60% of consumers report choosing cannabis based on aroma and flavor cues, with citrus-forward profiles ranking among the top three preferences. This strain’s limonene-dominant bouquet checks that box while preserving the body-heavy comfort that many evening users seek. That balance has helped the cultivar develop a following among small-batch indoor growers.
Because Greyskull Seeds works primarily in limited releases, batch-to-batch expression can vary slightly as phenotypes are selected by different cultivators. Nonetheless, most keeper cuts trend indica-dominant in structure and effect, aligning with the breeder’s intent. Multiple grow reports describe a flowering window around 60 to 65 days, which is consistent with the parentage. As more growers lock in stabilized cuts, the phenotype variability narrows and quality becomes more predictable.
The reputation of Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble is also bolstered by its resin density. Hashmakers routinely point to return rates in the 4% to 6% range from fresh frozen wash when dialed in, which is favorable for a dessert-fuel hybrid. That puts it in competitive territory with modern resin champs while offering a distinctive flavor lane. In short, the cross stands at the intersection of connoisseur taste and production practicality.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Key Lime Pie contributes the Cookies framework: dense inflorescences, high calyx-to-leaf ratio, and a dessert-forward terpene profile dominated by limonene and caryophyllene. Phenotypically, this side leans toward tighter internodes and more pronounced anthocyanin expression under cool nights. Key Lime Pie’s reputation for potent THC levels (often 20% to 26% in flower) sets a high baseline for potency. It also brings a slightly minty, pastry-like nuance that softens sharper diesel notes.
Sour Dubble injects sour citrus, petrol, and a kinetic, buzzy top-end that prevents the cross from becoming overly sedative. As a likely hybrid of Sour Diesel and Sour Bubble, it contributes both vigor and a classic East Coast sour character. Sour Dubble’s typical flowering time sits near 8 to 9 weeks, and it often displays medium stretch and a stickier, oilier resin. That translates into a tactile, greasy trichome head favored in hydrocarbon and rosin extraction.
In the progeny, the indica heritage is dominant, consistent with reports describing the cross as mostly indica. Expect a compact to medium plant with a 1.3x to 1.7x stretch after flip, trending toward the lower end in cooler rooms. The Cookies backbone confers density, while the Sour lineage loosens the structure just enough for better airflow. That balance reduces mold risk compared to ultra-dense Cookies cuts.
Chemically, the cross is predisposed to limonene and beta-caryophyllene as primary terpenes with a secondary layer of myrcene and humulene. Limonene articulates the bright key-lime top note, while caryophyllene adds a peppery, woody bass that reads as graham-cracker crust in the bouquet. Myrcene may contribute to the strain’s perceived body effects, particularly at higher doses. Humulene can sharpen the herbal finish and may temper appetite stimulation in some users.
From a breeder’s perspective, Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble is a classic case of complementary inheritance. One parent offers dessert complexity and density; the other supplies sour sparkle and a lively uplift. Together, they deliver a more balanced chemotype that plays well in both flower and concentrates. This makes the cultivar a dependable anchor in mixed gardens and a rewarding pheno hunt for flavor-driven growers.
Appearance and Morphology
Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble typically presents as medium-height plants with robust lateral branching. Internodes are moderately tight, helping create a stout, bushy canopy that responds well to topping and SCROG techniques. Fan leaves are broad with a deep emerald tone, often darkening during mid-flower as nitrogen fades. Under cooler nights closer to harvest, purple highlights commonly show on sugar leaves and calyx tips.
Colas develop into heavy, golf-ball to soda-can nuggets with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that simplifies trimming. The bud structure mirrors Cookies density but with slightly better spacing, reducing the risk of botrytis in humid environments. Pistils mature from pale peach to a rich tangerine, adding contrast against lime-green calyxes. Trichome coverage is pronounced, with bulbous heads that cloud over quickly in late bloom.
Visual resin density is a hallmark, with plants often appearing frosted by week 6 of flower. This early trichome push is useful for producers aiming at live rosin, as quality can be captured at optimal windows. Under high-intensity LED lighting, resin production can increase by 10% to 20% in measurable coverage compared to insufficient PPFD, according to controlled grow logs. The cultivar tolerates light intensities of 800 to 1000 µmol/m²/s in mid-flower when environmental parameters are dialed.
The canopy tends to fill out evenly, especially after a single or double topping in veg. Side branches often keep pace with the main cola, leading to a uniform horizon that maximizes light distribution. With light low-stress training, apical dominance is easy to manage. The plant’s manageable stretch makes it a good fit for tents and small rooms.
At harvest, expect nugget density in the 0.5 to 0.8 g per cubic centimeter range for top colas, which compares favorably with typical Cookies hybrids. Trim waste is relatively low due to the high calyx ratio, boosting post-trim yield percentage. Visual bag appeal is excellent, scoring well with retail buyers who prioritize color, frost, and structure. These aesthetic strengths translate directly to consumer interest and price resilience.
Aroma and Bouquet
The first impression is a sharp, zesty lime that rises quickly from the jar. It reads more as key lime than generic citrus, with a confectionary roundness instead of pure tartness. Within seconds, a creamy pastry tone emerges, evoking graham crust and a hint of vanilla. Beneath that, a clean petrol cut from the Sour Dubble side adds depth and edge.
Cracking a dense flower often unleashes a layered array of volatile compounds. Top notes include bright lime peel, lemongrass, and sweet mint. Mid notes lean into baked dough, toasted sugar, and cracked pepper. Base notes settle into cedar, damp earth, and a faint smoky resin.
Terpene analytics from comparable lime-forward hybrids suggest limonene often lands around 4 to 8 mg/g, with total terpenes commonly in the 15 to 25 mg/g range. Beta-caryophyllene frequently tracks at 2 to 5 mg/g, supporting the spicy backbone. Myrcene and humulene together may account for another 3 to 6 mg/g. Trace linalool and ocimene can contribute a floral-fresh lift on the finish.
Agitation changes the bouquet significantly. A gentle grind leans pastry-sweet and lime-zest bright, while an aggressive grind awakens more diesel and pepper. This duality makes the aroma dynamic in a social setting, where repeated jar passes keep revealing new edges. Many users describe the profile as both nostalgic and modern, blending dessert and fuel in equal measure.
Storage and curing practices strongly influence the aromatic balance. When cured at 60% to 62% RH for 3 to 4 weeks, the creamy dessert layer becomes more pronounced. Faster dries or over-dry jars accent the fuel and pepper at the expense of candy-like lime. For retailers, proper cure can increase perceived quality scores by two to three points on standard 10-point aroma rubrics.
Flavor and Palate
On the inhale, expect a bright lime zest that dances at the tip of the tongue. The sweetness is measured, leaning toward candied citrus rather than sugary frosting. As vapor or smoke expands, a creamy, buttery pastry tone surfaces, reminiscent of a classic key lime pie. Fuel and pepper tickle the palate on the back end.
The exhale tightens into sour-citrus and gasoline, with a lingering graham-cracker finish. A faint herbal-mint thread cools the palate, a likely nod to Key Lime Pie’s Cookies lineage. This mint is subtle, more palate-cleansing than mentholated. The aftertaste persists for 1 to 3 minutes, particularly in low-temperature vaporization.
Flavor intensity holds well across devices. At 180 to 190°C in a dry herb vaporizer, the lime and pastry notes dominate and remain stable for multiple draws. Combustion shifts the balance toward fuel and spice, raising perceived bitterness slightly in the final third of a joint. In concentrates, especially live rosin, the lime-fuel axis is amplified, with dessert notes rounding out the mid-palate.
Water-cured or over-dried flower can mute the pie-like sweetness, so careful moisture control is key. Keeping jar RH at 58% to 62% helps retain estery brightness and prevents terpene volatilization. Users report higher flavor satisfaction scores with slow-cured batches versus quick turns, often by a margin of 15% to 25% in informal tastings. For frequent consumers, the repeatability of the lime-fuel balance is a key draw.
Pairing suggestions include sparkling water with lemon peel, green tea, or a lightly sweetened cream soda. These beverages complement the citrus and pastry spectrum without overwhelming the palate. Savory pairings, like herbed crackers or mild cheeses, can also work by highlighting the peppery caryophyllene edge. Avoid heavily hopped beers, which can overshadow the delicate lime sweetness.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
While batch-specific lab results vary, Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble reliably trends potent. Across reported tests of comparable phenotypes, total THC in flower commonly ranges from 20% to 26%, with top cuts occasionally breaking 27%. Total cannabinoids often land between 22% and 30%, reflecting minor contributions from CBG and trace CBC. CBD content is typically low, under 0.5%, reinforcing a THC-dominant chemotype.
CBG is a meaningful minor player, often tested in the 0.3% to 1.2% range in resinous Cookies-influenced hybrids. In this cross, growers and lab reports from analogous lime-fuel cultivars often note CBG around 0.5% to 0.9%. That may subtly shape perceived clarity and mood lift. CBC is usually trace, often below 0.2%.
In concentrate form, especially live rosin or hydrocarbon extracts, THC percentages of 65% to 80% are common. High terpene extracts can show 8% to 15% terpene content, boosting flavor while slightly lowering cannabinoid concentration due to formulation balance. Potency perception is not linear with THC percentage, and the terpene ensemble modulates experience. Consumers often report this cross as feeling stronger than the number alone suggests due to limonene-driven uplift followed by myrcene-weighted body calm.
Onset and duration follow standard inhalation kinetics. Effects begin within 2 to 5 minutes, peak at 15 to 30 minutes, and taper over 2 to 3 hours for most users. Edible or tincture formats extend the window to 4 to 6 hours, with onset at 45 to 120 minutes. Dose-response curves are steep for inexperienced users, making careful titration important.
From a product development standpoint, the chemotype supports both daytime microdosing and evening macro use. At 2.5 to 5 mg THC inhaled equivalent, the mood and sensory effects are noticeable without heavy sedation. At 10 to 20 mg inhaled equivalent, body ease and appetite stimulation predominate. These ranges are averages and should be adjusted for individual tolerance.
Terpene Profile and Aroma Chemistry
The dominant terpene in most expressions of Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble is limonene. Typical measured ranges in comparable lime-forward hybrids sit between 4 and 8 mg/g, contributing the bright, citrus-zest top note. Limonene has been associated with elevated mood and perceived energy in user surveys, which aligns with reported effects. It also improves the volatility and perceived sweetness of the bouquet.
Beta-caryophyllene is usually the second-most abundant terpene at 2 to 5 mg/g. As a CB2 receptor agonist, caryophyllene is of interest in discussions about inflammation modulation, although in vivo effects vary. Sensory-wise, it adds pepper, wood, and a warm, bakery-like spine that reads as crust in the pie analogy. In combustion, caryophyllene is robust and survives higher temperatures better than monoterpenes.
Myrcene frequently occupies the third slot at 1.5 to 4 mg/g, interplaying with humulene at 0.5 to 2 mg/g. Myrcene is often linked with body-heavy effects in consumer lore, though controlled evidence remains mixed. In this cultivar, myrcene seems to deepen the relaxing phase after the initial limonene lift. Humulene sharpens herbal notes and can impart a dry, slightly bitter counterpoint that balances sweetness.
Secondary and trace terpenes include linalool, ocimene, and nerolidol in small amounts, often 0.1 to 0.6 mg/g each. Linalool can contribute a soft lavender-floral halo that becomes more apparent at low-temp vaping. Ocimene and nerolidol add green, floral, and woody nuance that prevent the profile from collapsing into single-note citrus. This complexity is a hallmark of premium flavor cultivars.
Total terpene content generally falls into the 15 to 25 mg/g band in well-grown flower. Crops optimized for terpene retention—lower night temps, gentle dry, and long cure—can sit at the top of that range. Rapid post-harvest handling or hot dries may slash terpene content by 30% to 50% relative to slow cures. Careful SOPs thus directly translate to sensory and experiential quality.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Users commonly describe the onset as clear and uplifted, with an immediate brightening of mood. Limonene-forward top notes track with early euphoria and light focus. Within 20 to 30 minutes, a warm body calm sets in, easing muscle tension without fully immobilizing the user at moderate doses. The overall arc is hybrid in feel but leans indica in the back half.
At lower doses, many report enhanced sociability and sensory appreciation. Music and food are often noted as especially engaging, consistent with citrus-dominant strains. Creative tasks can feel more fluid during the first hour before the heavier body effects settle. Visual stimulation and color saturation seem modestly enhanced for some users.
At higher doses, couchlock is possible, along with pronounced appetite stimulation. Dry mouth and dry eyes occur in roughly 30% to 60% of users based on general cannabis side effect surveys. Anxiety is less common than with racy sativas but can appear in THC-sensitive individuals, particularly above 20 mg inhaled equivalent. A comfortable set and setting, hydration, and paced dosing reduce adverse events.
Functionally, the strain fits late afternoon through evening use for most people. It can bridge social relaxation, dinner, and a movie night with ease. Some experienced users may find it suitable for daytime microdosing when tasks are flexible and not safety critical. For sleep, the calming back half can help with wind-down, especially when combined with good sleep hygiene.
Pairing the strain with gentle activities can maximize benefits. Stretching, a warm bath, or a slow walk pairs well with the body calm. Light cooking can be enjoyable as aroma and taste sensitivity are enhanced. For work requiring precision or high-stakes decisions, a lower dose or an alternative chemotype may be more appropriate.
Potential Medical Applications
As a mostly indica hybrid with a strong THC backbone, Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble may be relevant for pain, stress, and sleep support. The 2017 National Academies review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults. THC-dominant products can reduce pain intensity by 30% or more in some neuropathic conditions, though individual responses vary. The caryophyllene content may further contribute to perceived relief through CB2 activity.
Anxiety relief is more nuanced. While limonene-rich profiles are often reported by users as mood brightening, high THC can exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals. A low-and-slow titration strategy—starting at 1 to 2 mg inhaled THC equivalent—minimizes risk. Pairing small doses with breathing exercises or mindfulness can enhance benefits.
For sleep, the cultivar’s back-half heaviness can assist with sleep initiation. Observational studies suggest THC reduces sleep latency but may decrease REM at higher chronic doses. Intermittent, moderate use may balance benefits while limiting tolerance. Combining evening use with good sleep hygiene is recommended.
Appetite stimulation is a consistent effect, which can be helpful in cachexia or during treatments that suppress appetite. In clinical contexts, 5 to 10 mg THC oral equivalents are common starting points, adjusted based on tolerance and treatment goals. For nausea, inhaled routes act faster, often within minutes, which is valuable during acute episodes. As always, medical supervision is prudent for complex conditions.
Patients should consider potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications. THC can interact with CNS depressants and may affect metabolism of drugs via CYP450 pathways. Dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, and short-term memory impairment are the most common non-serious side effects. Individuals with a history of psychosis or unstable cardiovascular disease should avoid high-THC products without physician oversight.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Key Lime Pie x Sour Dubble performs well indoors and in controlled greenhouses, with outdoor success in temperate, low-humidity climates. Expect a flowering window of 60 to 65 days from flip, with some phenotypes finishing as fast as day 58 under optimized conditions. The plant is compact to medium in stature, with a 1.3x to 1.7x stretch. Final indoor height often lands between 90 and 140 cm when vegged for 3 to 5 weeks.
Vegetative growth is straightforward. Maintain 22 to 26°C canopy temperature, 60% to 70% RH, and a VPD of 0.7 to 1.0 kPa. Feed a balanced vegetative NPK around 3-1-2, with EC 1.2 to 1.6 (700 to 1100 ppm 500-scale), and pH 5.8 to 6.2 in hydro or 6.2 to 6.6 in soilless/soil. Supplement calcium and magnesium early, as Cookies-leaning phenos can be Cal-Mag hungry under LEDs.
Training responds well to topping once at the 5th node, followed by light LST to open the canopy. A single-layer SCROG increases site development and evens the horizon. Defoliate lightly at days 21 and 42 of flower to reduce larf and improve airflow. Avoid aggressive stripping that can slow development, as this cultivar packs dense flowers naturally.
In early flower (weeks 1 to 3), maintain 24 to 26°C daytime, 60% to 65% RH, and VPD near 1.0 to 1.2 kPa. EC can be raised to 1.8 to 2.0 with a bloom-leaning NPK near 1-2-3. Lateral growth is vigorous but manageable, and stake or trellis support prevents cola lean. By week 3, sites are set and aroma begins to intensify.
Mid flower (weeks 4 to 6) is the critical resin window. Drop RH to 50% to 55% with 24 to 25°C daytime temps and VPD around 1.2 to 1.4 kPa. Increase potassium and phosphorus availability, aiming for EC 2.0 to 2.2 if plants are not showing tip burn. Maintain PPFD of 800 to 1000 µmol/m²/s, raising slowly to avoid light stress.
Late flower (weeks 7 to 9) benefits from cooler nights to encourage color and terpene retention. Shift to 21 to 24°C day, 18 to 21°C night, and RH 45% to 50%. Keep VPD at 1.4 to 1.6 kPa and reduce nitrogen, maintaining a clean, carbohydrate-supportive feed. Many growers initiate a 7- to 10-day plain water or low-EC finish to sharpen flavor.
CO2 supplementation to 900 to 1200 ppm during weeks 2 to 6 of flower can increase biomass by 10% to 20% in tightly controlled rooms. Ensure adequate airflow with 0.5 to 1.0 m/s across the canopy to prevent microclimates. The cultivar’s moderately dense structure benefits from good horizontal movement fans. A slight day-night temperature drop of 3 to 6°C supports anthocyanin expression without stressing.
Yields are competitive for a dessert-fuel hybrid. Indoor SOG or SCROG runs commonly report 450 to 600 g/m² under efficient LED arrays at 35 to 45 watts/ft². Outdoor plants in 30- to 50-gallon pots can reach 500 to 900 g per plant with full sun and proper IPM. Resin returns for fresh frozen can hit 4% to 6% with dialed phenos, with sift-friendly dry trim due to heavy resin.
Nutrient management should watch for calcium and magnesium demands and moderate potassium appetite in late flower. Foliar feeds should be limited to early veg to avoid residue on trichomes. In inert media, keep runoff EC within 0.2 to 0.4 of input to prevent salt buildup. In living soil, top-dress with bloom amendments around pre-flip and week 3.
Integrated pest management is essential due to dense flowers. Implement weekly scouting, sticky cards, and preventative releases of beneficials like Amblyseius swirskii for thrips and Amblyseius andersoni for russet mites. Neem alternatives such as mineral oil or potassium salts can be used in veg, with biologicals like Beauveria bassiana for outbreaks. Discontinue sprays by day 21 flower to preserve resin purity.
Harvest timing is best determined by trichome maturity. Aim for 5% to 10% amber heads with the majority cloudy for a balanced effect profile. Harvest windows typically cluster around days 60 to 65, with fuel-leaning phenos finishing slightly earlier. Post-harvest handling strongly influences the lime-pastry expression.
For drying, the 60/60 method—60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH—over 10 to 14 days preserves monoterpenes. Gentle airflow and darkness prevent terpene oxidation and chlorophyll off-notes. After a stem snap test, move to cure jars or bins at 58% to 62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for 3 to 4 weeks. Proper cure can improve perceived aroma intensity by 20% to 40% in side-by-side tastings.
Pheno hunting tips include prioritizing early resin onset by day 28 flower and a lime-dominant aroma when stems are rubbed in late veg. Visual density with slightly looser bract spacing is ideal to balance bag appeal and airflow. Track plant height, stretch ratio, and yield per square foot to select a keeper cut that fits your room. Greyskull Seeds’ mostly indica heritage means the winning cut will likely favor compact structure and a heavy, frosted finish.
For home growers, a practical schedule might include a 28- to 35-day veg, a 60- to 65-day flower, and a 21- to 28-day cure. This timeline produces market-ready flower in roughly 15 to 18 weeks from rooted clone. With consistent environment and nutrition, repeatability from run to run is high. In short, the cultivar rewards attention to detail with elite flavor and reliable production.
