Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding by Exclusive Seeds
King's Custard is a contemporary dessert-leaning cannabis cultivar credited to Exclusive Seeds, a breeder known for boutique releases that focus on rich terpene expressions and resin-forward phenotypes. In the current market, boutique breeders typically trial dozens to hundreds of pairings before stabilizing a keeper line, and King's Custard fits that mold as a dialed-in, flavor-first selection. While many dessert strains are hyped by name alone, King's Custard distinguishes itself with consistent bag appeal and a dense trichome frost that signals serious potency.
Exclusive Seeds positions strains to balance modern potency with connoisseur flavor, and King's Custard reflects that design philosophy. Breeder-driven selections often prioritize resin gland size and density because these traits correlate with both potency and extraction yield. Given this focus, King's Custard tends to perform well for both flower and concentrates, offering a compelling option for solventless rosin and hydrocarbon extractors.
Although some breeders publicize every parental cross, Exclusive Seeds has not widely publicized a definitive parental pairing for King's Custard. This is not unusual; in competitive markets, breeders sometimes hold lineage details to protect IP and preserve differentiating value. What is documented and clear is the cultivar's sensory identity: a creamy, vanilla-forward dessert profile with layered spice and citrus that resonates with modern consumer demand.
Genetic Lineage and Naming Logic
Exclusive Seeds has not released a verified, public genetic pedigree for King's Custard as of the latest available information. The 'Custard' naming convention in cannabis typically signals a dessert profile often associated with Kush-forward or Cake/Gelato-adjacent lineages. Such lineages commonly carry limonene, caryophyllene, myrcene, and linalool in the top five terpenes, producing sweet, creamy, and spice-tinged bouquets.
It is important to avoid claiming a specific cross without primary breeder confirmation. That said, naming hints can guide expectations: many 'custard' or 'cream' cultivars in the market derive from crosses that include dessert parents like Gelato, Wedding Cake, Cookies phenotypes, or vanilla-leaning Kush lines. These parental groups tend to yield THC-dominant chemotypes above 20% THC with terpene totals between 1.5% and 3.0% by weight when grown under optimized conditions.
From a chemotaxonomy perspective, the 'custard' perception is likely a sensory gestalt rather than the presence of true dairy-associated compounds. Cannabis does not biosynthesize vanillin at meaningful levels for most cultivars; instead, creamy notes emerge from the interplay of myrcene, linalool, nerolidol, and humulene with a relatively soft pinene expression. This pattern would be consistent with the flavor reports associated with King's Custard, even in the absence of a public pedigree.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Visually, King's Custard typically develops medium to large colas composed of tight, golf ball to spade-shaped buds with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. The structure leans indica-hybrid, with compact internodes and weighty top flowers that can require support in late bloom. Mature buds display a thick carpet of capitate-stalked trichomes, often giving the nug a sugared, glazed appearance in normal room light.
Color expression ranges from lime to forest green with golden pistils; cooler night temperatures (a drop of 2–4°C) late in flower can coax anthocyanin hues, introducing lavender speckling in some phenotypes. Sugar leaves near the bud can show a darker green, and resin heads often appear milky-white even before full maturation. The trim reveals dense, crystalline bracts that are sticky to the touch and prone to leaving visible resin on gloves.
Bag appeal is high, with intact trichome heads visible under a simple jeweler's loupe at 30–60x magnification. Well-grown samples achieve a uniform bud size and shape, enhancing presentation and ease of retail packaging. The stickiness and trichome coverage also make King's Custard popular for hand-trimmed, top-shelf flower SKUs.
Aroma and Bouquet
The dominant aromatic theme is sweet cream and vanilla custard, underscored by soft baking spice and citrus zest. Many noses pick up a faint caramelized sugar note, reminiscent of crème brûlée, alongside a gentle herbal base. On grind, the bouquet opens quickly within 3–5 seconds, suggesting a robust terpene load and good volatile release.
Top notes are typically limonene-forward citrus and a floral lift that hints at linalool. Middle notes present as creamy, nutty, and faintly buttery, a sensory synergy of myrcene and nerolidol with the peppery-sweet push of beta-caryophyllene. The base is a warm kushy-spiced tone from caryophyllene and humulene, sometimes with a trace of earth depending on cultivation inputs and cure.
Terpene intensity varies with cultivation and curing technique, but well-cured batches frequently occupy the 1.5–3.0% terpene range by weight. Growers report that a slow dry at 60°F (15.5–16.5°C) and 58–62% RH preserves the subtle custard character, reducing terpene loss that can be as high as 30–50% in overly warm or fast-dried rooms. Aroma transfer into sealed packaging is strong, and headspace analysis after seven days in jars often feels richer than day one, reflecting esterification and continued moisture homogenization.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
Inhalation flavor mirrors the aroma with a creamy vanilla entry layered over soft citrus and light brown sugar. The mid-palate reveals a gentle baking-spice character that reads as cinnamon-nutmeg-adjacent without becoming sharp. Exhale finishes smooth and custard-like, with a lingering sweetness and faint pepper that persists 30–60 seconds after the hit.
Vaporization at 175–185°C (347–365°F) emphasizes sweetness and floral tones, highlighting limonene and linalool while keeping caryophyllene's pepper subdued. At 190–200°C (374–392°F), flavor tilts toward spice and cream, bringing out humulene and myrcene for a denser mouthfeel. Combustion can still present cleanly when the cure is correct, but high-temp dabs or hot dry-herb bowls will mute the vanilla nuance.
For edible infusions, the cultivar's resin density produces robust flavor carryover into butter and coconut oil, particularly in slow infusions under 95°C (203°F). In extraction, hydrocarbon live resin preserves the top-note citrus and cream best, while rosin often amplifies the spice-cream body at the expense of sparkling citrus. Across formats, the flavor cohesiveness stands out, making King's Custard a versatile dessert-forward option.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
King's Custard typically expresses as a THC-dominant chemovar with low CBD. In optimized indoor conditions, well-grown samples commonly test between 20–26% THC by dry weight, with total cannabinoids of 22–28%. CBD is usually trace to low (0.05–0.5%), while CBG often lands between 0.2–0.8%.
In practical terms, 22% THC equates to approximately 220 mg THC per gram of dried flower. For concentrate production, solventless rosin yields of 18–25% from quality fresh-frozen material are realistic when resin heads are large and well-formed. Hydrocarbon extraction can exceed 70% total cannabinoids in live-resin formats, depending on the cut and harvest timing.
Potency variance of ±2–4 percentage points is common across phenotypes and environments, so pheno selection and dialed cultivation are key. Nutrient balance, light intensity, and harvest timing can shift potency and minor cannabinoids notably, with late harvests (amber-heavy trichomes) sometimes showing lower THCA percentage due to decarboxylation and degradation. Terpene totals are typically 1.5–3.0%, and total volatile content correlates positively with perceived potency and effect richness.
Terpene Spectrum and Chemistry
A representative terpene distribution for King's Custard often features beta-caryophyllene (0.3–1.0%), limonene (0.2–0.8%), myrcene (0.4–1.2%), linalool (0.1–0.4%), and humulene (0.1–0.4%) as recurrent anchors. Ocimene and nerolidol can appear in the trace-to-minor range (0.03–0.2%), adding sweetness and a rounding floral character. Total terpene content frequently measures 15–30 mg per gram of flower, contributing materially to aroma and effect.
Caryophyllene is notable as the only common terpene that directly interacts with CB2 receptors, offering an anti-inflammatory angle that complements THC. Limonene's citrus snap aligns with mood-elevating subjective reports and may enhance absorption of other volatiles via olfactory-mediated pathways. Myrcene provides a soft, musky fullness often associated with perceived 'creaminess' and sedative synergy at higher doses.
Linalool and nerolidol contribute to the dessert-floral lift and may underlie the cultivar's calm, decompressing effect profile. Humulene brings a woody spice and may modulate appetite in some users, though responses vary. The net effect is a terpene matrix that supports a soothing yet euphoric experience, consistent with consumer descriptors for dessert hybrids.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
Users commonly describe King's Custard as a balanced, indica-leaning hybrid delivering a calm body melt with a cheerful, clear headspace. Initial onset tends to arrive within 3–8 minutes after inhalation, with full peak around 15–25 minutes. The head effect is gently euphoric and stress-relieving rather than racy, while the body effect spreads as a warm, heavy blanket.
At moderate doses, the strain supports conversation and creative focus without overwhelming sedation. Higher doses, especially in the evening, tilt the experience toward couchlock and sleep readiness, consistent with a terpene profile rich in myrcene and linalool. At peak, sensory saturation and music appreciation are often reported, with tactile comfort and appetite stimulation following.
Duration varies by route: inhalation typically sustains 2–4 hours with diminishing tail effects up to 6 hours, while edibles extend active effects to 4–8 hours. Users sensitive to caryophyllene-heavy profiles should start lower, as the synergistic body effect can feel heavier than the THC percentage alone suggests. The overall signature is soothing, flavorful, and restorative without a sharp comedown.
Potential Side Effects and Responsible Use
Common transient side effects include dry mouth (reported in roughly 30–60% of users across THC-dominant strains), dry eyes (10–30%), and mild orthostatic dizziness in the first 30 minutes. In susceptible individuals, higher doses may provoke anxiety or rapid heartbeat, though King's Custard's calming terpene balance appears to mitigate that risk for many. Start-low, go-slow dosing strategies remain prudent, particularly for new or infrequent consumers.
Given a typical 20–26% THC range, titration in 2.5–5 mg THC increments is advisable for edibles and 1–2 inhalations for flower. Individuals with cardiovascular concerns, a history of psychosis, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a clinician and generally avoid high-THC products. Combining with other CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol, opioids) can potentiate sedation and is best avoided without medical oversight.
Hydration, light snacks, and a calm environment help minimize discomfort if overconsumption occurs. If anxiety arises, consider deep, paced breathing (four seconds in, six seconds out) and a low-stimulus setting until symptoms subside, typically within 30–90 minutes for inhaled routes. Black peppercorn sniffing is anecdotally helpful due to caryophyllene aroma but evidence is mixed; still, the familiar scent can be grounding.
Potential Medical Uses and Evidence-Informed Rationale
The soothing, body-forward profile of King's Custard aligns with common therapeutic targets such as chronic pain, muscle tension, and sleep initiation difficulty. THC has demonstrated analgesic effects in multiple patient populations, while caryophyllene's CB2 activity may contribute to anti-inflammatory benefits. Linalool and myrcene further support anxiolysis and sedation, respectively, offering a multifaceted symptom-management approach.
In survey-based studies of medical cannabis users, large cohorts frequently report meaningful improvements in pain and sleep metrics, with average reductions in symptom severity often in the 30–50% range after titration to effect. Although outcomes vary and controlled trials remain limited for strain-specific claims, THC-dominant, sedating hybrids are commonly chosen for evening pain relief and insomnia. King's Custard's experiential profile suggests suitability for such use cases when matched to patient tolerance and timing.
Potential secondary applications include appetite stimulation, stress-related GI discomfort, and post-exercise recovery. As with all cannabis therapies, individual response is highly variable; careful dosing, journaling of effects, and clinician guidance improve outcomes. Patients should monitor for daytime grogginess and adjust timing or dose to avoid residual sedation.
Cultivation Overview: Growth Habits and Cycle Planning
King's Custard grows as a compact to medium-height plant with strong apical dominance and sturdy lateral branching. Internode spacing is tight, especially under high-intensity LED lighting, and the plant responds very well to topping and low-stress training. Expect vigorous vegetative growth and a notable stretch of 1.5–2.0x during the first three weeks of 12/12.
Indoors, a typical flowering window is 8–9 weeks (56–63 days) from the flip, with some phenotypes pushing to 9.5 weeks for maximal resin density. Average indoor yields range from 450–600 g/m² in dialed rooms, with advanced growers exceeding 600 g/m² via SCROG and CO2 supplementation. Outdoors, single plants can yield 600–900 g when started early and grown in 50–100 L containers or raised beds.
The cultivar's dense flowers require vigilant environmental control in late bloom to prevent botrytis and powdery mildew, especially in high-humidity climates. Wide, even canopies with ample airflow are recommended to keep microclimates dry. Given its resin production, nutrient strength should be balanced to avoid tip burn while still supporting high metabolic demand.
Environment, Light, and Climate Targets
Vegetative environment goals: 24–28°C daytime, 20–22°C nighttime, with 60–70% RH to hit a VPD of 0.8–1.2 kPa. Flowering targets: 22–26°C daytime, 18–20°C nighttime, with 50–55% RH in early bloom and 40–45% RH late bloom to maintain a VPD around 1.2–1.6 kPa. Maintain robust horizontal and vertical airflow with oscillating fans to minimize boundary-layer moisture.
Light intensity in veg at 300–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD produces compact, healthy nodes; in flower, 800–1,050 µmol/m²/s PPFD is a strong baseline for non-CO2 rooms. Under 1,100–1,400 µmol/m²/s with 1,000–1,200 ppm CO2, King's Custard can increase photosynthetic capacity and yield if nutrition and irrigation are optimized. Aim for a DLI of 30–40 mol/m²/day in veg and 40–60 mol/m²/day in flower.
A day-night temperature differential of 2–4°C enhances color expression and resin density without stalling metabolism. Dehumidification capacity should be sized for 3–5 L/day per m² of canopy in late flower to handle peak evapotranspiration. Keep intake air filtered (MERV 8–13) and consider UV-C or HEPA scrubbers in high-risk facilities for pathogen suppression.
Media, Nutrition, and Irrigation Strategy
Soilless blends such as 70/30 coco-perlite provide excellent oxygenation and rapid growth; organic living soils also perform well if built with adequate aeration and balanced mineralization. In coco, target pH 5.8–6.2; in soil, pH 6.2–6.8. Maintain runoff EC to track root-zone salinity, keeping 10–20% runoff per fertigation event in coco to prevent salt buildup.
Nutrient guidelines for coco: veg EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm, early bloom 1.6–1.8, peak bloom 1.8–2.2, tapering to 1.0–1.2 before harvest. Nitrogen can be reduced by 20–30% after week 3 of flower while phosphorus and potassium are slightly increased to support bud development. Cal-mag supplementation is essential in coco; 150–200 ppm Ca and 50–80 ppm Mg are common targets.
Irrigation frequency should keep media evenly moist but well-aerated; in coco, 2–4 small feeds per day under high PPFD often outperforms one heavy watering. In soil, water to substantial runoff less often, allowing the top inch to dry slightly between events to discourage fungus gnats. Monitor leaf-tissue analysis where possible to fine-tune micronutrients like Fe, Mn, and Zn.
Training, Canopy Management, and Yield Optimization
King's Custard responds predictably to topping, FIM, and LST, making it ideal for SCROG canopies. Top once at the 5th node, then again in a week if space allows, to create 8–16 principal colas per plant in a 5–10 gallon container. Even spacing under a net ensures light uniformity and reduces larfy lower growth.
Lollipopping the lower third of the plant pre-flip and again at day 21 of flower concentrates energy toward top sites. A light defoliation on days 18–24 and an optional second on days 38–45 increase airflow and improve light penetration; avoid excessive stripping that can stall growth. With these practices, many growers hit 450–600 g/m² in 9-week runs without CO2.
Plant density targets: 1–1.5 plants per square foot (10–16 plants per m²) in small pots for sea-of-green, or 1–4 plants per m² in larger pots for SCROG. Stake or trellis heavy tops by week 6 to prevent leaning and micro-tearing that can invite pathogens. Maintain uniform canopy height within ±5 cm to keep PPFD consistent across colas.
Flowering, Maturation, Harvest, and Curing
Expect a 1.5–2.0x stretch during weeks 1–3 of flower, with visible trichome density ramping from week 4 onward. By week 6, glands are typically plump and aromatic intensity spikes, signaling the onset of ripening. Most phenotypes finish between day 56 and day 63, though some growers push to 66–70 days for enhanced oil content.
Trichome maturity is best judged under 60x magnification: a common target for balanced effects is 5–10% clear, 70–85% cloudy, and 10–20% amber. Earlier harvests (more cloudy, minimal amber) emphasize a brighter headspace and citrus top notes, while later harvests deepen body sedation and spice. Flushing practices vary; in coco, a 7–10 day taper with lower EC often improves burn and ash quality.
Post-harvest, aim for a slow dry of 10–14 days at 60°F and 58–62% RH until stems snap. Cure in airtight jars or bins at 60–62% RH for 14–28 days, burping initially daily and then weekly as water activity stabilizes near 0.55–0.62. Proper curing preserves 10–20% more terpene content compared to fast dries and protects the custard profile from flattening.
Pests, Pathogens, and Integrated Pest Management
Dense, resinous colas can be attractive to botrytis in high humidity, so preventative measures are essential. Maintain strong airflow, prune interior shoots, and avoid large day-night RH swings that push condensation in flowers. Sulfur or potassium bicarbonate can be used in veg to deter powdery mildew, but discontinue foliar applications before flowers form.
Common pests include spider mites, thrips, and fungus gnats. For biological control, consider predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus and Phytoseiulus persimilis for mites; Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips) and soil predators (Stratiolaelaps scimitus for gnats). Sticky cards for monitoring and weekly scouting with a 10–20x lens help catch early infestations, reducing the need for harsher interventions.
Sanitation protocols—shoe covers, tool sterilization, intake filtration, and quarantining new clones—reduce pressure dramatically. In hydro and coco, maintain good drainage and avoid standing water to prevent pythium. When chemical controls are required, follow label directions and pre-harvest intervals, prioritizing products approved for food crops in your jurisdiction.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Considerations
Outdoors, King's Custard prefers a warm, temperate season with low late-season humidity to safeguard dense colas. Plant in amended, well-drained soil with high organic matter and consider raised beds to improve aeration. In drying climates, mulch maintains root-zone moisture and moderates soil temperature swings.
Given the 8–9 week indoor finish, outdoor harvests in the Northern Hemisphere typically occur late September to mid-October depending on latitude. Greenhouse growers can pull earlier by light-depping to avoid autumn rains, reducing mold risk. Trellising is recommended to support weight and prevent wind damage.
Feed conservatively compared to aggressive indoor regimens; living soil approaches with top-dressed composts, mineral amendments, and microbial teas keep nutrition steady. Drip irrigation paired with moisture sensors helps avoid overwatering and root disease. Scout consistently for caterpillars (Helicoverpa spp.), which can trigger botrytis in damaged buds if left unchecked.
Phenotype Hunting, Stability, and Selecting Keepers
As a breeder release from Exclusive Seeds, King's Custard is selected for flavor-forward resin, but phenotype variance is still possible, especially from seed. Expect differences in citrus-to-cream balance, bud density, and stretch. A well-designed pheno hunt grows 6–20 seeds, clones each candidate, and blooms the clones side-by-side for a fair comparison.
Keeper criteria typically include high terpene expression (nose saturates the room on grind), strong resin head size and density, and uniform cola development. Lab testing, if available, can quantify total terpenes (target 1.8%+), THC potency (22%+ for top contenders), and minor cannabinoids like CBG. Hash yield testing—washing 2–4% of fresh-frozen mass into six-star or full-melt resin—is valuable for extraction-focused selections.
Stability indicators include consistent internode spacing, predictable stretch, and minimal nanners under late-flower stress. If multiple promising phenos emerge, maintaining 2–3 mother plants provides harvest flexibility and insurance against losses. Documenting feed schedules, VPD, and harvest windows for each clone makes future runs more repeatable and productive.
Processing, Extraction, and Product Applications
King's Custard's trichome density and head structure suit both solventless and hydrocarbon extraction. Fresh-frozen whole plant at -18°C or colder preserves volatile monoterpenes; when washed, look for 90–120 µ heads as the primary yield class. Quality material can produce 4–6% fresh-frozen yield to rosin, though 3–5% is a more conservative benchmark.
Hydrocarbon live resin captures the bright citrus top notes effectively, and post-processes like live resin badder or sugar tend to showcase the creamy-spice mid-palate. Distillate formulations will lose the native custard character unless reintroduced with strain-specific or botanically derived terpenes, ideally keeping total terpene content under 8–12% for cart stability. For edibles, low-temperature decarboxylation (105–115°C for 35–45 minutes) reduces terpene loss compared to higher temp protocols.
Product developers can leverage the strain's dessert identity in vanilla, caramel, or citrus-glaze confections. In beverages, terpene-driven flavor can be preserved better in emulsions formulated at cold-fill temperatures. Across product types, transparent labeling of total cannabinoids and terpene percentages helps customers understand potency and profile.
Yield, Economics, and Quality Metrics
In production environments, a dialed King's Custard run can average 450–600 g/m² indoors, with premium batches pushing higher under CO2 and high PPFD. Bud grade distribution often favors A and B buds due to tight structure, improving trim efficiency and sell-through. For solventless programs, resin return metrics are critical; cultivars yielding above 4% fresh-frozen are typically profitable for hash-focused SKUs.
Quality control benchmarks include water activity of 0.55–0.65, moisture content of 10–12%, and terpene retention documented post-cure and post-packaging. Elevated storage temperatures (>25°C) can degrade monoterpenes rapidly, with losses exceeding 20% in a month; cold-chain storage improves shelf life. Consumer satisfaction correlates strongly with flavor intensity, so terpene percentages of 2%+ in flower are a competitive advantage for the cultivar.
From a cost perspective, maximizing grams per watt and grams per labor hour matters. Canopy uniformity, automated irrigation, and preventive IPM reduce rework and loss. For retailers, King's Custard's sensory appeal supports premium tier pricing, but consistent lab results and aroma on open jar day are decisive for repeat purchases.
Safety, Compliance, and Post-Harvest Handling
Maintain compliant pesticide usage with clear documentation of applications and adherence to pre-harvest intervals. In post-harvest, avoid plastic off-gassing in warm areas; use food-grade bins and liners. Monitor water activity with calibrated instruments, and record batch-level data for traceability.
Handle buds minimally during trimming to protect trichome heads; kief loss can exceed 2% if dried material is overhandled or too dry (<9% moisture). Use nitrile gloves and keep trim-room temperatures under 20–22°C to preserve volatiles. Activated carbon filtration helps control aromas and maintain workplace comfort.
For packaging, nitrogen-flushed jars or barrier pouches with terp-safe liners extend shelf life. Include humidity packs (58–62%) if distribution timelines are long or climate swings are expected. For best consumer experience, advise storage in a cool, dark place and resealing promptly after use.
Summary and Buying Notes
King's Custard, bred by Exclusive Seeds, is a dessert-forward hybrid that marries creamy vanilla sweetness with a warm spice-citrus lift. Expect THC in the 20–26% range, total cannabinoids 22–28%, and terpene totals often 1.5–3.0% by weight when cultivated optimally. The experiential profile is calming and euphoric with a smooth body melt, ideal for evening relaxation or flavor-driven sessions.
For medical-minded consumers, the strain's body relief and sleep support potential make it a reasonable candidate when THC-dominant options are indicated and tolerated. Side effects are typical of high-THC flower and generally manageable with conservative dosing and good hydration. As always, clinical consultation is recommended for patients with complex conditions or concurrent medications.
Growers will appreciate manageable structure, strong response to training, and high bag appeal, with an 8–9 week flowering time and generous yields. Careful humidity control in late bloom and a patient 60/60 dry-and-cure protocol protect the custard profile and resin integrity. Whether for connoisseur flower or terp-rich concentrates, King's Custard offers a memorable, crowd-pleasing sensory experience.
