Written by Ad OpsOverview
Knock-Out! is a boutique hybrid bred by Square One Genetics, a US-based breeder known for terpene-forward cultivars and vigorous modern genetics. As the name hints, this strain leans into heavy, end-of-day relaxation while still carrying hybrid vigor in the garden. Its heritage is indica and sativa, and most growers will experience a stout, manageable structure with dense, resin-caked flowers under moderate-to-high light levels.
In effect and aroma, Knock-Out! targets the contemporary preference for high-impact flower that still tastes refined. On today’s legal shelves, top-shelf indoor hybrids commonly test between 22% and 28% THC, and Knock-Out! is positioned to compete in that range depending on phenotype and cultivation conditions. Expect a terpene-rich experience, with total terpene content frequently landing around 1.5% to 3.0% by dry weight when grown skillfully.
The strain’s branding resonates with a broader 2024–2025 market narrative where the phrase knock-out is used for deeply relaxing, flavor-saturated cultivars. Industry roundups of the year’s hardest-hitting flowers frequently praise strains that are both euphoric and blissfully soothing, echoing exactly the experiential lane that Knock-Out! occupies. Consumers looking for a nightcap flower with modern bag appeal will find Knock-Out! checks the right boxes in aroma, potency, and structure.
History and Breeding Context
Square One Genetics released Knock-Out! into a market hungry for heavy, flavorful hybrids that finish in about eight to ten weeks of flowering. Over the last five years, consumer demand has favored resinous cultivars with layered terpenes that pair gas, fruit, and dessert notes. The breeder’s approach typically marries reliable structure and above-average resin density with profiles that hold up through a full two-week cure.
In 2024, multiple media features highlighted the enduring appeal of knock-out style buds: dense, oil-rich, and tuned for evening relaxation. Listicles celebrating America’s best 4/20 strains often call out cultivars described as knock-out, oozing with flavor and sedating in higher doses. That language helps frame Knock-Out! among its peers, not as a couch-lock relic, but as a modern, terpene-forward hybrid that is powerful without sacrificing nuance.
Culturally, the term knock-out evokes classic heavy indicas like Northern Lights and newer dessert-gas crosses that elevate myrcene and caryophyllene. It also signals a shift back toward functional nighttime comfort after a surge of buzzy, daytime sativa-dominant hybrids in the late 2010s. Knock-Out! fits this recalibration by offering a reliable after-work glide that transitions smoothly into sleep for many users.
Genetic Lineage
Knock-Out! is identified as an indica/sativa hybrid, but Square One Genetics has not broadly published a definitive parentage for this specific name at the time of writing. That is not uncommon in the craft seed world, where limited releases and test batches precede formal lineage disclosures. Growers should consult official breeder channels for any subsequent lineage updates when making long-term production plans.
Even without published parents, the structure and terpene cues suggest a hybrid bred for resin saturation and flavor stability across different environments. Square One Genetics regularly focuses on combining modern dessert-forward or gelato-adjacent terpene stacks with older, sturdier frames for garden reliability. The aim is often to capture both high yield potential and a terpene profile that stands out in competitive retail markets.
When evaluating a package of Knock-Out! seeds or a clone, pay attention to phenotypic signals that point to parent influences. Tight internodes, darker olive foliage, and early trichome onset in week three of flower can signal indica-leaning architecture. Meanwhile, a broader terpene range with bright top notes of citrus or tropicals can suggest a sativa-side influence strengthening aroma complexity and effect lift on the front end.
Appearance and Structure
Knock-Out! typically presents as a medium-height plant with lateral branching that responds well to topping and low-stress training. Expect internodal spacing to sit in the short-to-moderate zone, lending to cola stacking under high PPFD and good airflow. In flower, bracts swell densely and frequently show heavy trichome coverage by weeks four to five.
Mature flowers usually cure down to compact, spear-shaped nugs with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that trims quickly. Coloration can range from lime to forest green with amber pistils, and cooler night temperatures often pull hints of lavender or deep plum into the sugar leaves. Under optimized conditions, resin heads are abundant and intact, making the strain appealing for both flower consumers and hash makers.
The visual bag appeal is elevated by intact, glassy trichomes and a sticky hand feel after a 10–14 day slow dry. A proper cure tightens the bud structure while preserving the volatile monoterpenes that deliver the first pop on the dry pull. Consumers often associate such visual cues with potency, and Knock-Out! tends to live up to the look when grown well.
Aroma
Knock-Out! leans toward a saturated, layered bouquet that balances base notes of earth and fuel with sweet high notes. In many cuts, the jar opens with caryophyllene-driven spice, then unspools into myrcene and humulene woodiness. Limonene or terpinolene elements can flash early, offering citrus zest or pine-laced brightness before the denser aromatics take over.
The broader cannabis scene often uses knock-out to describe incense-heavy profiles, and church-like frankincense is a descriptor that regularly appears in related cultivars. Fans of classic piff-style aromatics may recognize that resinous, cathedral-resin note in certain phenotypes of heavy night strains. While Knock-Out! is its own cultivar, this context explains why some noses will read parts of its profile as both nostalgic and modern.
Aroma intensity typically scales with cultivation quality and post-harvest handling. Flowers dried around 60 degrees Fahrenheit at 58–62% RH for 10–14 days retain the volatile top notes that disappear in fast dries. Expect aroma to deepen and sweeten after three to four weeks in cure, peaking around the six-week mark if stored in airtight containers out of light.
Flavor
On the palate, Knock-Out! usually mirrors its nose with a two-act flavor profile: a bright, zesty front and a cushioned, gassy finish. Dry pulls highlight citrus, pine, or herbal top notes that quickly give way to a peppered, chocolate-earth base. Burn quality is best when flowers are properly flushed and cured, yielding a clean, oil-rich smoke that lingers without harshness.
The exhale often emphasizes caryophyllene spice and faint diesel, with some phenotypes showing sugared berry or pastry frosting accents. These dessert-adjacent hints are common across contemporary hybrids and are a magnet for connoisseurs seeking both power and refinement. Vaporizing at 350–390 F can reveal more of the nuanced sweetness and wood, while combustion at higher temps emphasizes the gas and spice.
Flavor retention correlates strongly with terpene preservation, which declines with heat, oxygen, and time. Consumers who grind only what they need and store the rest at 58–62% RH report a longer-lived flavor arc across the jar. In properly grown and cured samples, the last gram tastes remarkably close to the first gram even weeks after opening.
Cannabinoid Profile
In modern regulated markets, top indoor hybrid flower most often tests at 20–28% THC, with a smaller fraction surpassing 30% under ideal conditions. Knock-Out! belongs to the power-forward set, and well-grown phenotypes should reliably land in the 22–27% THC band. Total cannabinoids often measure 23–30% depending on cultivation, with minor cannabinoids usually in the low single digits.
CBD is typically negligible in THC-dominant hybrids like Knock-Out!, commonly testing below 1%. Trace CBG in the 0.2–1.0% range is not unusual and may enrich the entourage effect. Keep in mind that cannabinoid content varies by environment, feed, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling, sometimes by 3–5 percentage points between runs.
For extractors, fresh-frozen Knock-Out! material can return robust cannabinoid yields, especially when the flower is dense and resin heads are large. Hash makers generally target cultivars with bulbous capitate-stalked trichomes that separate cleanly; Knock-Out! often displays that trait in optimized rooms. Solventless extraction yields in the 4–6% range from fresh-frozen are realistic for top phenotypes, while hydrocarbon extraction can push higher total cannabinoid recovery.
Terpene Profile
Total terpene content for premium indoor flower typically sits around 1.0–3.0% by dry weight, and Knock-Out! usually expresses in the 1.5–3.0% window. Dominant terpenes are most often beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with humulene and linalool as notable secondaries. In some phenos, a terpinolene flicker surfaces, shifting the top notes toward pine, citrus rind, and green mango.
Beta-caryophyllene, commonly 0.3–0.8% of dry mass in terpene-rich hybrids, imparts peppery spice and interacts with CB2 receptors in vitro. Myrcene, which can land at 0.3–0.7%, is widely associated with musky, herbal aromas and a sedative edge when paired with higher THC. Limonene, often 0.2–0.6%, brightens the profile with citrus zest and can lend a mood-lift in the first 30 minutes post-inhalation.
The ensemble effect matters more than any single terpene. Caryophyllene plus humulene and linalool tend to deepen body relaxation, especially later in the session. When limonene or terpinolene are present, many users report a clearer first 20 minutes before the heavier myrcene-caryophyllene base takes the wheel.
Experiential Effects
True to its name, Knock-Out! is tailored for evening or off-duty sessions where relaxation is the goal. The onset is often a balanced wave: a moment of uplift and sensory focus followed by a progressive body melt. In dose ranges of 5–10 mg inhaled THC equivalent, many users report a noticeable reduction in muscle tension and racing thoughts within 15–20 minutes.
At higher doses, the strain shifts toward a sedative, couch-lock style ride, with eyelid weight and time dilation becoming more likely. This is not typically a functional workday cultivar; complex tasks may feel unnecessarily challenging as the session deepens. Users who are sensitive to THC should titrate carefully, starting with one or two small inhalations and waiting at least 10 minutes before taking more.
Session duration commonly runs 2–3 hours for experienced consumers and can be longer for infrequent users. Pairing with a calm setting, hydration, and a light snack reduces common side effects like dry mouth and orthostatic lightheadedness. As with comparable night strains highlighted in 2024 best-of lists, the combination of flavor and relief makes Knock-Out! an ideal companion for movies, music, or pre-sleep routines.
Potential Medical Uses
While formal medical claims cannot be made without clinical trials on this specific cultivar, Knock-Out! aligns with patient-reported goals around sleep, pain, and stress. THC-dominant hybrids rich in myrcene and caryophyllene are frequently chosen for evening analgesia by chronic pain patients. In practice, users often cite reductions in neuropathic zings, muscle spasm frequency, and postural aches within the first hour after inhalation.
For sleep, many consumers report easier sleep onset and fewer awakenings on nights when they dose 60–90 minutes before bed. Heavy hybrids that mirror this terpene stack are commonly used as an alternative to sedative-hypnotics due to lower next-day grogginess in moderate dosing. Patients should consult clinicians, especially when combining THC with other CNS depressants.
Anxiety responses to THC are highly individual, but the presence of linalool and humulene may temper edge for some users. Microdosing strategies, such as 1–2 small puffs every 15 minutes until relief is reached, can minimize overshooting into jitter or dissociation. As always, those new to cannabis should start low and go slow, tracking dose, timing, and effects in a simple journal for pattern recognition.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Harvest
Knock-Out! performs strongly in controlled indoor environments and greenhouses with attention to airflow and humidity. From seed, most growers veg 4–6 weeks, topping twice to encourage an even canopy and 8–12 main colas per plant. A flowering window of 56–70 days is typical, with many phenotypes finishing best between days 63 and 67.
Target a vegetative environment of 75–82 F with a VPD of 0.9–1.2 kPa to drive healthy transpiration. In flower, step temperatures to 72–78 F day and 62–70 F night with a VPD of 1.1–1.5 kPa, biasing slightly higher VPD in early flower and tapering in the final two weeks. Keep RH 55–60% in weeks 1–3 of flower, 50–55% in weeks 4–6, and 45–50% in weeks 7–10 to preserve resin while preventing botrytis.
With optimized lighting and CO2, expect indoor yields of 450–650 g/m², with top rooms pushing 700+ g/m² in dialed hydro or coco. Without supplemental CO2, 1.0–1.5 g per watt is a realistic target under LED fixtures supporting 800–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD at canopy. A slow dry at 60 F and 60% RH for 10–14 days followed by a 4–8 week cure will unlock the cultivar’s full terpene potential.
Indoor Cultivation Details
Under LED lighting, aim for 400–600 PPFD in early veg and 700–900 PPFD in late veg for sturdy internodes. In flower, 900–1100 PPFD is ideal without CO2, while 1200–1500 PPFD is feasible at 1000–1200 ppm CO2 if irrigation and nutrients keep pace. Maintain a consistent canopy distance based on your fixture’s photometric map, using a PAR meter to avoid hot spots.
Knock-Out! appreciates frequent, light irrigations in coco and rockwool and a more deliberate wet-dry cycle in living soil. In inert media, electrical conductivity of 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg and 1.8–2.3 mS/cm in mid flower typically supports robust growth. In organic systems, focus on balanced mineralization and biology: top-dressings at flip and week three, plus supplemental potassium and magnesium in weeks four to six.
Prune lowers aggressively in weeks one and two of flower to concentrate energy on the top third of the plant. Defoliation is best done in two light passes to reduce stress: one just before flip and one at day 21. Install oscillating fans at multiple heights to mitigate microclimates around the dense colas this strain produces.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Cultivation
Outdoors, Knock-Out! favors temperate to warm climates with low late-season humidity. Expect an early to mid-October harvest window in the Northern Hemisphere depending on latitude and phenotype. In greenhouses, light-deprivation schedules that finish in late September can avoid fall storms and maximize quality.
Plant into 50–200 gallon fabric pots with living soil for the best combination of vigor and mineral availability. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sun minimum, and manage canopy height with early topping to prevent shading and promote airflow. Drip irrigation with a simple fertigation schedule keeps feed consistent during heat waves when transpiration rates spike.
Scout weekly for mites, caterpillars, and powdery mildew, which can show up in late flower on tight hybrids with thick resin. Biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillars and predatory mites for spider mites can be layered into an integrated pest management plan. Avoid foliar sprays in late flower; prioritize canopy thinning and dehumidification to keep pathogens at bay.
Nutrition, Irrigation, and Environmental Control
In veg, aim for a balanced N-P-K around 3-1-2 with calcium and magnesium in steady supply to support rapid cell expansion. In early flower, shift toward 1-2-2, increasing potassium into mid flower to drive bud swell while maintaining magnesium to protect chlorophyll under high light. Many growers find supplemental sulfur and trace elements improve terpene expression during weeks four to six.
Irrigation frequency should match root zone oxygenation and media choice. Coco and rockwool thrive with multiple daily pulses delivering 10–20% runoff once roots fill the container, while soil systems prefer a thorough watering followed by a partial dryback. Maintain solution pH around 5.8–6.2 in hydro/coco and 6.2–6.6 in soil to keep micronutrients available.
Environmental control is the hidden yield driver for Knock-Out!, particularly VPD and nighttime temperatures. A 10–12 degree Fahrenheit night drop promotes color expression in some phenotypes and helps tighten flower structure. Keep intake air filtered, clean filters quarterly, and monitor spore counts during late flower if botrytis is a local risk.
Training, Canopy Management, and Maximizing Yield
A classic topping at the fourth or fifth node sets the stage for an even canopy and reduces apical dominance. Follow with low-stress training to spread branches horizontally, creating 8–12 tops per plant that receive balanced light. A single layer of trellis can support colas, while a second layer at week three helps to corral stretch and prevent lodging.
Knock-Out! stretch is medium—often 1.5x to 2x after flip—so plan vertical space accordingly. In rooms with high light intensity, supercropping during week two can even out late stretch and increase light penetration. Keep canopy depth to about 12–16 inches of fully illuminated tops for the highest density of A-grade colas.
Advanced growers can trial SCROG or manifold techniques to maximize surface area and uniform bud development. Quantitatively, even canopy distribution can increase usable top-shelf flower by 10–20% compared to untrained plants in the same footprint. Track grams per square meter, grams per watt, and grams per day to benchmark gains from each training iteration.
Pest, Pathogen, and IPM Strategy
Dense, resinous hybrids like Knock-Out! benefit from proactive IPM before any pest pressure emerges. Start clean with quarantines for all incoming clones for at least 10–14 days and routine inspections under magnification. Sticky cards at canopy and soil level provide early warnings about fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies.
Biocontrols integrate well here: predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus and Amblyseius swirskii can be introduced preventively. For root-zone pests, beneficial nematodes and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis help break life cycles. Always rotate modes of action if resorting to approved sprays in veg to prevent resistance.
Pathogen risk increases after week four of flower as buds densify. Maintain dehumidification capacity that can pull at least 2–3 pints per hour per 1000 watts LED equivalent in sealed spaces. Keep leaf surfaces dry during lights-off, and ensure continuous low-level air movement throughout the canopy to disrupt microclimates.
Harvest, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Harvest timing for Knock-Out! is best determined by a combination of trichome color and calyx swell. Many phenotypes show peak resin and flavor when 10–20% of trichome heads are amber, 70–80% are cloudy, and only a small remainder remain clear. Overripening can diminish top notes and steer the effect toward heavier sedation with less euphoria.
Drying parameters strongly shape the final experience. A slow dry at 58–62% RH and 58–62 F for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes and prevents chlorophyll bite, as measured by smoother smoke and stronger aroma retention. Use whole-plant or large-branch hangs to slow moisture loss and protect delicate trichome heads.
After dry trim, cure in airtight containers at 58–62% RH for a minimum of two weeks, burping lightly in the first week to expel residual moisture. Flavor depth typically continues to improve through weeks three to six, with measurable increases in perceived sweetness and mouth-coating oils. Store finished flower in the dark at 60–68 F to slow terpene volatilization, and avoid long-term refrigeration which can cause condensation and degradation.
Phenotype Selection and Quality Metrics
From a pack of Knock-Out! seeds, expect phenotypic variability in terpene emphasis and stretch, even if structure is broadly consistent. Select for early trichome onset (visible frost by week three), tight nodal spacing, and low larf production. Aroma intensity on stem rub by early flower is a strong predictor of finished flower quality.
Quantify selection with simple metrics: weight of A-grade tops per square foot, trim-to-flower ratio, and final water activity after cure. Top phenotypes often deliver 2.5–3.5 ounces of A-grade per square foot under 900–1100 PPFD without CO2 in small runs. For larger rooms with CO2, consistently chosen keeper cuts can reach 50–70 grams per square foot.
Sensory scoring can be systematized: rate aroma complexity, flavor clarity, smoothness, onset quality, and residue after exhale on a 1–10 scale. Keep the best two phenos through at least three runs to confirm stability across seasons and media. Document environmental set points for each run to tease out genetic versus environmental contributions to performance.
Context in the 2024–2025 Market
The knock-out descriptor gained extra traction in 2024 media features highlighting heavy, soothing strains with big flavor. Editorial roundups celebrated cultivars that are blissfully relaxing, underscoring a broader tilt toward end-of-day experiences. This cultural moment makes Knock-Out! timely as a label and as a sensory promise to consumers.
Comparisons to classic incense-forward profiles like those found in piff-style cuts help explain why some users associate knock-out with churchy, resin-laden aromatics. Meanwhile, heavy-hitter hybrids such as old-school Night Queen and modern bruisers like Blue Rhino have long represented the knock-out lane for medical users. Knock-Out! meets this space with a fresher flavor stack and high resin density suitable for flower and extracts.
For buyers and budtenders, Knock-Out! fits neatly into menus organized by effect where nighttime, relax, and unwind categories are salient. Data from many stores show late-evening hours driving purchases of indica-leaning hybrids with THC above 22% and terpene totals above 1.5%. A cultivar that delivers on both potency and taste tends to earn repeat purchases, and Knock-Out! is built to do just that.
Responsible Use, Tolerance, and Safety
Because Knock-Out! can be potent, new users should start with one or two small inhalations and wait 10–15 minutes before deciding whether to consume more. Most adverse experiences arise from aggressive redosing before the first dose peaks. Keeping a glass of water nearby and a light snack available helps offset dry mouth and sudden hunger.
Those with low THC tolerance may prefer vaporization at lower temperatures to moderate onset and preserve flavor. Avoid mixing with alcohol or other depressants, which can exacerbate dizziness and nausea. As always, never drive or operate machinery after consuming, and store all cannabis securely away from children and pets.
