Written by Ad OpsOrigin and Breeding History
Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 originates from Seed Junky Genetics, a California-bred house known for the “Mints” lineage and high-THC, bag-appeal-forward cultivars. Seed Junky helped popularize phenotypes like Wedding Cake, Animal Mints, and Kush Mints, and the #11 cut of Kush Mints in particular became a staple in West Coast gardens. Crossing the citrus-leaning Keylime Mints with the ultra-resinous Kush Mints #11 was a logical attempt to intensify both flavor and frost while preserving the family’s calming, indica-leaning effect profile.
Public documentation on this cross is intentionally lean, which is common for breeder-protected projects. However, third-party genealogy catalogs list the strain under Seed Junky Genetics, affirming its existence in connoisseur circles and seed lists. SeedFinder’s lineage and hybrid pages often group it alongside experimental or lightly documented entries, reflecting how private breeders guard specific parental details during early releases.
The most consistently reported trait in grower notes is the cross’s “mostly indica” architecture and finish, matching the indica-heavy reputation of both parental lines. The Kush Mints side, especially the #11 selection, is widely recognized for dense, trichome-caked colas and a cool mint, sweet-cream finish. Keylime Mints adds a sharper lime-zest nose and a brighter top note, helping the blend stand out from standard gassy dessert cultivars.
As with many Seed Junky releases, Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 appeared first in limited drops and private pheno hunts. Early adopters focused on stabilizing a cut that retained the lime-forward aroma without compromising the heavy frosting that makes the Mints family a hash-washer favorite. Over time, the strain has quietly moved from clone circles into broader craft cultivation programs.
Genealogy databases reflect the strain’s emerging footprint. For example, SeedFinder includes entries such as “Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 (Seed Junky Genetics)” on pages that also mention unrelated experiments like “Unknown Strain (Original Strains) x Goku SSJ4 (Grow Today Genetics)” and “St Lucian …,” illustrating how mixed cataloging can obscure otherwise legitimate crosses. The key takeaway is that while the public paper trail is thin, the breeder identity and family traits are well-aligned with Seed Junky’s portfolio.
In short, the history is consistent with Seed Junky’s playbook: leverage a proven house cut (Kush Mints #11), add a flavor-forward counterpart (Keylime Mints), and select for high resin output, lime-mint complexity, and sedating comfort. The result is a cultivar that feels familiar to Mints fans yet distinctly livelier in the nose. It is best understood as an evolution within the Mints ecosystem rather than a sharp departure.
Genetic Lineage and Phenotypic Expectations
The cross pairs Keylime Mints with Kush Mints #11, a prized phenotype from the Kush Mints line. Kush Mints, widely reported as a Bubba Kush x Animal Mints hybrid, is known for a dense morphology and heavy trichome coverage. The #11 selection is an internal standout cut favored for resin, uniformity, and the clean mint-cream finish that defined the line’s popularity.
Keylime Mints is less publicly documented, but the naming convention suggests a lime-forward Cookies-family influence. Many “Key Lime” or “Key Lime Pie” expressions trace back to Girl Scout Cookies phenotypes that express lime, cream, and dessert notes. When combined with the Mints family, breeders typically aim to amplify bright citrus terpenes (notably limonene and citral-related compounds) while preserving the cool mint, cookie-cream backbone.
Phenotypically, growers should expect a mostly indica presentation with medium internodes, broad leaflets in veg, and a moderate stretch into early flower (commonly 1.2–1.8x). Buds are conical to golf-ball dense, often finishing with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that makes trimming efficient. Purple anthocyanin expression is likely under cooler nights and moderate phosphorus management.
Chemotypically, the strain tends to show THC-dominant profiles with minor cannabinoids in trace to modest amounts. In the Mints family, typical lab reports in legal markets often land in the 20–28% THC range, with total cannabinoid content sometimes exceeding 30% in standout crops. CBD is usually negligible (<1%), while CBG and CBC can appear between 0.1–1.5% combined, depending on phenotype and maturity.
Terpene dominance is expected to lean toward beta-caryophyllene and limonene, with supporting roles from myrcene, linalool, fenchol, and occasionally eucalyptol for a mint-cool sensation. Grower feedback frequently highlights total terpene content around 1.5–3.0% by weight when cultivation is optimized. As always, precise figures are phenotype- and environment-dependent, but the lime-mint signature is consistently reported across well-selected cuts.
From a use-profile standpoint, anticipate an initial buoyant mood lift from the citrus top notes, followed by an indica-leaning descent into body ease. The Kush Mints #11 parent tends to deepen the body load and lengthen the finish, while Keylime Mints injects sparkle up front. The net effect is balanced for evenings and late afternoons, with headroom for daytime microdosing among experienced consumers.
Visual Morphology and Bag Appeal
Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 presents dense, crystalline flowers with thick trichome coverage that appears frosted even under room light. Calyxes stack tightly, forming medium to large spears that break into nuggety lobes without crumbling. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is typically favorable (>2:1 in many phenos), speeding up trimming while preserving a sugared, boutique texture.
Coloration trends toward mint-green with frequent violet or lavender marbling, especially if night temperatures are held 4–6°C lower than day during weeks 5–8. Pistils tend to emerge bright tangerine and mature into amber, contrasting sharply against the frost. Sugar leaves are short and coated, often trimmed close for a showpiece finish.
Under magnification, glandular trichomes are abundant with well-formed heads in the 75–120 µm range, making the cultivar attractive for solventless processing. Resin heads are typically bulbous with sturdy stalks, a trait inherited from Kush Mints lines known to wash well. In optimized environments, it is common to see a blanket of opaque, cloudy heads by the harvest window.
The structure is stout and symmetrical with lateral branches that fill in readily if topped once or twice. Internodal spacing is medium, allowing enough airflow to deter botrytis but still stacking weight. Expect a moderate stretch of roughly 1.2–1.8x, which makes it manageable in tent and room grows without aggressive height control.
On the scale, the buds feel heavier than they look due to density and water-retentive calyx mass. When properly dried to 10–12% moisture content, they maintain a pleasant hand-feel without collapse. The final jar appeal is high, with glistening trichomes and vibrant contrasts that align with premium shelf expectations.
Aroma Spectrum and Volatile Chemistry
The nose opens with a pronounced lime-zest top note reminiscent of fresh key lime peel. This brightness is likely driven by limonene and citral-adjacent compounds, which convey sharp citrus and candy-lime impressions. A cool mint undertone follows, evoking mint cream or mentholated confection, a profile common to the Mints family.
Supporting aromas include sweet cream, vanilla-cookie dough hints, and a light earthy kush base. Beta-caryophyllene contributes a peppery warmth that keeps the bouquet from skewing overly sugary. Myrcene and linalool often add floral-herbal facets that round the citrus-mint core.
Some phenotypes suggest faint eucalyptus or camphor nuance, likely from eucalyptol and related monoterpenes in low concentrations. Although eucalyptol is frequently measured below 0.1% of total terpene mass in cannabis, its odor threshold is quite low, making it detectable to many noses. Fenchol can also impart a fresh, green-cool lift that layers well with mint cues.
In cured flower, the aroma typically concentrates as chlorophyll disperses and moisture stabilizes. A 10–14 day slow dry at 60°F/60% RH followed by a 2–4 week cure often pulls the lime and cream forward. Over-drying can mute the mint and shift the profile toward generic “sweet kush,” underscoring the importance of controlled post-harvest.
When agitated—such as during a grind—the bouquet intensifies and tilts gassier with more pronounced kush-caryophyllene spice. This shift is common in high-caryophyllene cultivars as cell walls rupture and volatiles aerate. Expect the grinder lid to carry strongly aromatic residues after a single use.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On inhale, Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 delivers a zesty lime snap up front, quickly cushioned by sweet cream and mint. The first impression can feel like lime sherbet or a mint-lime cookie, especially in vapor where sugars are not charred. On the exhale, a gentle kush spice and cool menthol echo linger on the palate.
Combustion tends to bring forward the caryophyllene spice and a baked-cookie depth, while vapor accentuates lime brightness and floral hints. A clean white-gray ash often coincides with a proper slow-dry and balanced mineral profile, though ash color alone is not a definitive quality metric. Ideal flower moisture of roughly 10–12% supports smooth smoke and full flavor expression.
For vaporization, many users find the citrus-mint ensemble most vivid between 180–195°C (356–383°F). Limonene volatilizes readily at the lower end of that range, while caryophyllene and linalool shine a bit higher. Staggering temperatures across a session can reveal layered flavors without harshness.
Edible and concentrate formats preserve the lime-cream DNA but can intensify the mint’s cooling finish. Solventless rosin from this line often retains a dessert-lime profile with a minty afterglow, particularly when pressed from fresh-frozen bubble hash. Expect a persistent aftertaste that pairs well with sparkling water or citrus-forward beverages.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Statistics
While chemovars vary by phenotype and cultivation, Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 typically expresses a THC-dominant profile. In markets where the Mints family is common, finished flower frequently tests between 20–28% THC by weight, with exceptional indoor lots occasionally pushing higher. Total cannabinoids can hover around 22–32% in strong runs, reflecting the cross’s resin-forward genetics.
CBD is generally minimal (<1%), aligning with a recreational potency profile rather than a balanced THC:CBD ratio. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC may appear in trace to moderate quantities—often between 0.1–1.5% combined—depending on maturity and the selected cut. THCV is typically negligible, though occasional Cookies-line phenos show measurable but low amounts (<0.3%).
The psychoactive intensity correlates with dose and route of administration. Inhaled onset usually occurs within minutes, with peak effects arriving around the 20–40 minute mark and total duration lasting 2–4 hours. Edibles produce a longer arc of 4–8 hours and can feel significantly heavier due to 11-hydroxy-THC metabolism.
Tolerance and set/setting can modulate perceived potency by a large margin. In survey data from legal-market consumers across indica-dominant strains, a majority report strong relaxation and moderate to strong euphoria at THC concentrations above 20%. Users sensitive to THC should start with small inhaled doses (one to two draws) or low-dose edibles (2.5–5 mg THC) to assess response.
Given the cultivar’s reputation for resin density, concentrate yields can be robust. Flower rosin yields of 18–25% are achievable from well-grown, properly dried material, and fresh-frozen bubble hash yields in the 4–6% of fresh weight range are attainable in dialed-in phenos. These figures, while variable, are consistent with solventless performance reported in Mints-adjacent genetics.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Terpene expression in Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 commonly centers on beta-caryophyllene and limonene as primary drivers. In optimized indoor grows, beta-caryophyllene often measures around 0.3–0.8% by weight, while limonene can sit in the 0.2–0.7% range. Myrcene, linalool, fenchol, and small amounts of eucalyptol or humulene typically fill out the spectrum.
Total terpene content of 1.5–3.0% is a realistic expectation for high-quality indoor flower, with elite batches occasionally exceeding 3%. Outdoor expressions may trend slightly lower in percentage but can exhibit excellent complexity and unique seasonal nuances. Cure quality can swing measured totals by 10–30% due to volatility and handling.
Beta-caryophyllene contributes pepper-spice and binds to CB2 receptors, which has been investigated for anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical studies. Limonene provides citrus brightness and has been associated in human observational research with elevated mood and alertness. Linalool and myrcene add floral and herbal depth; myrcene is frequently linked to sedative qualities in surveys, although human causal evidence remains mixed.
Fenchol and eucalyptol, while often present in low absolute percentages, can shape the mint-cool sensation and fresh green facets. Eucalyptol’s odor threshold is low, meaning even 0.02–0.08% can be noticeable in the bouquet. These compounds synergize with the core caryophyllene-limonene axis to produce the recognizable lime-mint signature.
From a process perspective, terpene preservation benefits from lower drying temperatures and controlled humidity. Maintaining 60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days, minimal handling, and quick jar sealing after the stem snap point helps retain monoterpenes. Post-cure storage below 21°C (70°F), in the dark, and under minimal headspace further reduces volatilization and oxidation.
For extraction, fresh-frozen material often retains more monoterpenes compared to dry-cured inputs. Bubble hash and live rosin from this cultivar can present a remarkably vibrant lime top note with a cool, creamy finish. Terpene-rich rosin typically tests between 5–12% total terp content, with the higher end reflecting meticulous cultivation and cold-chain handling.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
The first 10–15 minutes commonly bring a bright, clear uplift as the lime-forward top note syncs with inhaled onset. Many users describe a mood lift with eased worry and a lightening of the shoulders. Focus remains intact at small doses, with a gentle bloom of creativity.
Between 30–60 minutes, the Kush Mints #11 backbone asserts itself with deeper body relaxation. Tension release and physical comfort anchor the experience while cognition stays pleasantly anchored and unhurried. At moderate to larger doses, the sensation trends sedating, encouraging couchtime or quiet activities.
Duration for inhaled flower typically spans 2–4 hours, with the most functional window in the first 90 minutes at low to moderate dosing. Concentrates deliver a faster onset and can be substantially stronger, compressing the ramp-up and extending the back-end heaviness. Edibles markedly lengthen the arc and are best reserved for planned downtime.
Common side effects mirror those seen across THC-dominant indica-leaning cultivars. Dry mouth and dry eyes are frequently reported, affecting an estimated 30–60% of users anecdotally in consumer surveys. Occasional dizziness or anxiety can occur in sensitive individuals or at high doses, so titration is recommended.
Pairing and context matter. Early evening sessions pair well with light, repetitive tasks, music, or creative sketching before transitioning to rest. Hydration, a snack, and a comfortable setting further smooth the ride and reduce the chance of overconsumption discomfort.
Potential Therapeutic Applications and Considerations
Given its mostly indica heritage and caryophyllene-limonene-linalool axis, Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 may appeal to users seeking relief from stress and body tension. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity has been examined in preclinical models for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, although clinical validation for specific conditions in cannabis flower is still developing. Limonene’s association with uplifted mood may complement this comfort profile for situational anxiety and low mood.
Individuals with sleep difficulty often prefer indica-leaning strains, and this cross’s sedating finish can be helpful for sleep latency. In user reports across similar Mints cultivars, evening dosing improves perceived sleep onset and subjective sleep quality. As always, tolerance and individual neurochemistry greatly influence outcome, and consistent bedtime routines remain key.
For mild to moderate pain, especially musculoskeletal tension, the body load can provide meaningful relief for some users. Caryophyllene and myrcene have been discussed in the context of pain modulation, but results vary widely between people and conditions. Combining low-dose THC with non-pharmacological supports (stretching, heat therapy) can enhance overall benefit.
Appetite stimulation is a common feature of THC-dominant lines and may assist those with decreased appetite. With limonene present, some find nausea relief, though individual responses differ. Edibles can be helpful in this context but require mindful dose control to avoid over-sedation.
Potential cautions include THC-related anxiety, orthostatic lightheadedness, and short-term memory impairment. Newer users should start low (1–2 inhalations or 2.5–5 mg THC in edible form) and increase slowly only as needed. Patients using prescription medications should consult a clinician, as THC can interact with sedatives and affect coordination.
For medical-use note, evidence is strongest for THC in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, appetite stimulation, and certain chronic pain scenarios, though dosing and formulation matter. Flower variance means batch-specific lab results should guide clinical decision-making. Tracking symptoms in a journal helps correlate dose, time-of-day, and relief quality to refine an individual regimen.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Clone/Seed to Cure
Growth habit and vigor: Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 grows as a compact, mostly indica plant with medium internode spacing and sturdy lateral branching. Expect a moderate stretch of 1.2–1.8x at transition, allowing easy canopy control in tents and rooms. The cultivar accepts topping and low-stress training readily without stalling.
Environment targets: Veg thrives at 24–28°C (75–82°F) with 60–70% RH and a VPD of 0.8–1.1 kPa. Early flower prefers 22–26°C (72–79°F), 55–60% RH, VPD 1.1–1.3 kPa; late flower finishes well at 20–24°C (68–75°F), 45–50% RH, VPD 1.3–1.6 kPa. During the last 7–10 days, dropping RH to 40–45% reduces botrytis risk in dense colas.
Lighting and PPFD: Without supplemental CO2, target 600–800 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD in late veg and 700–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in flower. With 1,000–1,200 ppm CO2, the cultivar can utilize 900–1,100 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, improving yield and resin density. Maintain even distribution; hotspots can cause foxtailing and terpene volatilization.
Substrate and pH/EC: In coco/hydro, run pH 5.8–6.0; in soilless/peat, 6.0–6.2; in living soil, 6.2–6.5. Vegetative EC of 1.6–2.0 mS/cm and flower EC of 2.0–2.4 mS/cm suit most phenos, though heavy feeders can tolerate slightly more late bloom if leaf tips remain intact. In organic systems, build a balanced base with adequate calcium and magnesium and side-dress with phosphorus/potassium in early flower.
Nutrient emphasis: The Mints family often requests steady Ca/Mg to avoid interveinal chlorosis under high light. Provide 120–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg in fertigated programs, and avoid excessive nitrogen after week 5 of flower to preserve burn quality. Supplemental sulfur in early bloom can subtly enhance terpene synthesis when kept balanced.
Irrigation cadence: Aim for frequent, small irrigations in coco with 10–20% runoff to prevent salt accumulation. In soil, allow a light dry-back to encourage oxygen exchange; overwatering will reduce aroma intensity and increase disease risk. Monitor pot weight rather than calendar days to dial in timing.
Canopy management: Top once or twice by week 3–4 of veg to create 8–12 primary colas per plant under a SCROG net. Perform a light defoliation and lollipop at day 21 of flower to improve airflow and bud set, and consider a second clean-up around day 42. This cultivar’s dense flowers benefit from proactive airflow and trellising to prevent microclimates.
Pest and disease IPM: Due to thick, sugary bracts, powdery mildew and botrytis are primary concerns late flower. Maintain continuous airflow with oscillating fans, keep leaf surfaces dry, and avoid large swings in temperature and humidity. Introduce beneficials (e.g., Amblyseius swirskii for thrips, Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites) preemptively in integrated programs.
Flowering time and yield: Indoors, expect 8–9 weeks to maturity for most phenotypes, with 63–67 days common for a balanced head/body finish. Under optimized conditions, yields of 450–650 g/m² are attainable; large, dialed rooms can surpass this with CO2, tight environmental control, and high DLI. Outdoors, harvest windows typically fall from early to mid-October at temperate latitudes, with 600–1,200 g per well-trained plant feasible.
Phenohunting notes: Select for a loud lime nose at stem rub by late veg; the keeper should retain lime through dry and cure without collapsing into generic sweet kush. Look for trichome heads that stay intact at ripeness and resist premature ambering, a good sign for solventless washing. Keep an eye on uniformity of bud density on lower branches—superior phenos stack weight beyond the top third of the canopy.
Hash and rosin: The Mints lineage is famed for washability, and this cross continues that trend. Fresh-frozen bubble hash yields of 4–6% (fresh weight) and flower rosin yields of 18–25% are realistic benchmarks in skilled hands. Cold water wash with careful agitation preserves head integrity; 90–149 µm bags often capture the sweetest, lime-forward fractions.
Harvest cues: For a balanced effect with preserved citrus top notes, harvest when ~90% of trichomes are cloudy with 5–10% amber. Waiting for 15–20% amber deepens sedation and slightly warms the flavor, leaning into kush and cream. Track maturity across multiple colas; this cultivar can finish unevenly if canopy density differs.
Drying and curing: Follow the 60/60 method—60°F, 60% RH—for 10–14 days until small stems snap cleanly. Jar at 62% RH and burp as needed for the first week; total cure of 3–4 weeks dramatically smooths the smoke and elevates lime brightness. Avoid over-drying below 55% RH, which dulls mint and amplifies generic hay notes.
Troubleshooting tips: If lime character is weak, review late-flower temperatures and cure; excessive heat and aggressive de-leafing can strip monoterpenes. If buds are airy, increase PPFD and ensure sufficient P/K from weeks 3–6 while managing canopy density. If mildew pressure appears, increase airflow, dehumidify to 45–50% RH, and remove infected tissue promptly.
Compliance and testing: In regulated markets, aim for water activity of 0.55–0.62 a_w to minimize microbial risk while preserving terpenes. Potency, terpene, and microbial panels guide post-harvest decisions; many top-shelf buyers look for >2.0% total terpenes as a quality signal alongside appearance. Proper handling can maintain 85–90% of the aromatic intensity present on harvest day, substantially boosting perceived value.
Context and documentation: The breeder of record is Seed Junky Genetics, and the cultivar trends mostly indica in structure and effect. Genealogy indexes such as SeedFinder catalog Keylime Mints x Kush Mints #11 among numerous crosses, sometimes amidst entries flagged as “unknown strain,” reflecting limited public breeding notes rather than questionable provenance. In practice, the agronomic and chemical performance aligns with what Mints-line growers expect: dense frost, dessert-citrus aroma, and a restorative, body-forward finish.
