Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Master Velvet is a boutique, mostly indica cultivar developed by Up The Hill Creations, a craft-minded breeder recognized for small-batch selections and phenotype stability. Rather than chasing maximal THC alone, the breeding emphasis appears to blend resin density, smoothness on the palate, and reliable garden performance. The result is a cut that feels purpose-built for evening relaxation and aromatherapy-forward appeal, while remaining manageable for home cultivators with limited space.
Although the breeder has not widely publicized a release year or full public testing dossier, grower anecdotes and photosets point to several test runs refining plant height, internodal spacing, and trichome coverage before wider distribution. Boutique breeders frequently run three to five filial generations to stabilize target traits; that cadence is consistent with the uniformity growers report in Master Velvet’s canopy shape. In practice, stabilized indica-dominant lines often show germination rates around 85–95% in optimal conditions, and Master Velvet appears to land in that high-confidence zone based on user grow logs.
Up The Hill Creations’ approach favors phenotypes that “set and forget” under standard indoor regimens with moderate feeding and tight humidity control during late bloom. For home gardens, that means fewer surprises and a shorter learning curve compared to lanky, sativa-leaning varieties. The cultivar’s name hints at a tactile goal: thick, velvety trichome coverage that yields a polished, low-harshness smoke and an inviting bag appeal.
Because it is mostly indica, Master Velvet was built to deliver a gentle but thorough body calm without flattening the mood. This is consistent with consumer preference data showing that indica-leaning chemovars dominate evening use; in dispensary sales analyses, indica-labeled products frequently represent 45–55% of flower units in markets where labeling is tracked. The breeder’s focus on resin and texture further aligns with a modern consumer trend favoring flavorful, terpene-forward experiences over raw potency alone.
Genetic Lineage and Inferred Ancestry
The full parentage of Master Velvet has not been publicly disclosed by Up The Hill Creations as of the latest information. This is increasingly common among boutique breeders who protect proprietary crosses until a line is firmly established. Nonetheless, certain name elements and expressed traits provide clues about the cultivar’s ancestry.
The word “Master” in cannabis naming conventions often nods to the classic Master Kush or related “Master” lines prized for dense buds and sedative body effects. Meanwhile, “Velvet” commonly signals a velvety resin texture and plush mouthfeel rather than a specific parent, though strains with “Velvet” in their names often showcase linalool-, myrcene-, or caryophyllene-forward bouquets. Master Velvet’s morphology—compact nodes, stout branching, and a moderate 20–40% flower stretch—supports the inference of indica-heavy lineage.
Given these clues, Master Velvet is best described as a mostly indica hybrid that likely draws from Kush-leaning building blocks. Its performance characteristics match that profile: short to medium stature, rapid onset of flower development, and dense, conical buds that demand low humidity late in bloom to avoid botrytis. However, without official genetic disclosure, these relationships remain informed inferences rather than confirmed pedigree.
For consumers and growers, the practical takeaway is that Master Velvet behaves like an indica-dominant selection tailored for flavor, resin, and ease of cultivation. Its terpene expression and structural features align with high-resin Kush-type plants, while the “velvet” signature points to unusually smooth smoke for its potency bracket. As a result, it slots comfortably into the evening relaxation niche while retaining broad appeal for connoisseurs chasing mouthfeel and aromatics.
Appearance and Bud Structure
Master Velvet presents dense, spade-shaped buds that trend from golf-ball to medium conical sizes depending on training and light intensity. Indoor-grown flowers commonly show forest green bracts with subtle violet to plum hues when night temperatures dip below 68–70°F during late bloom. A thick frosting of bulbous-cap trichomes gives the flowers a silvery sheen that looks “velveted” at arm’s length, which is likely the inspiration for the cultivar’s name.
Calyx-to-leaf ratios appear favorable for hand trimming, with many growers reporting relatively low sugar-leaf density embedded into the bud. Pistils range from copper to vivid tangerine, and they twine tightly along the bract edges instead of sprawling outward, enhancing the tidy bag appeal. Under macro, you’ll notice abundant intact gland heads, a good indicator of careful handling and a plant that ripens with robust resin formation.
Plant architecture is consistent with mostly indica genetics: broad leaflets, short internodes (often 2–4 cm), and a modest stretch during weeks 1–3 of flower. In a SCROG or well-managed canopy, tops line up easily, and side branches can produce uniform secondary colas when topped once or twice in veg. Indoor heights typically finish between 28–48 inches (70–120 cm) in 3–5 gallon pots, depending on veg time and light intensity.
Color expression can intensify with cool nights, stable root-zone temps, and slightly elevated potassium in late bloom. Anthocyanin visibility is most pronounced when nighttime temperatures are lowered by 5–10°F compared to daytime highs. This technique must be balanced against botrytis risk—dense indica flowers need strong airflow and controlled humidity to keep the visual perks without compromising integrity.
Aroma and Nose
Master Velvet leans into a layered nose that mixes earthy, sweet, and lightly spiced tones with a clean, almost plush finish. Before grinding, expect a soft cushion of loam, cedar shavings, and distant cocoa wrapped in faint floral top notes. Once broken apart, the bouquet blooms into a richer medley: warm pepper, sweet citrus peel, and a hint of lavender or violet-like perfume.
The aroma profile is consistent with a myrcene–caryophyllene–limonene axis supported by linalool and humulene. Myrcene brings earth and ripe fruit undertones, while beta-caryophyllene contributes peppery spice and a savory depth. Limonene’s bright lift helps keep the nose from feeling too heavy, and linalool adds a faintly powdery floral facet that likely contributes to the “velvet” character.
Total terpene content in carefully grown, hand-cured indica-dominant flowers commonly ranges between 1.5% and 3.0% by dry weight, with boutique efforts sometimes exceeding 3.0%. Master Velvet appears capable of landing in the mid range of that spectrum when grown under optimized conditions (stable VPD, moderate EC, and a slow, cool cure). Differences in cure length of just 7–10 days can noticeably shift the nose from zesty and bright to mellow and cocoa-forward.
In jar tests, the first sniff tends to emphasize sweet-earth layers, followed by a spice-and-citrus bloom after agitation. As the jar airs for 30–60 seconds, floral and woody facets surface, giving a rounded, balanced impression. This evolution with exposure suggests a diverse monoterpene–sesquiterpene mix rather than a single terpene dominating the bouquet.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
True to its name, Master Velvet shines in the mouthfeel department, offering a smooth, low-harshness draw even at higher potency. On the inhale, expect a rounded, semi-sweet earthiness with a thread of citrus oil and light herbs. The exhale amplifies warm pepper and cocoa nibs, finishing with a faint lavender or violet hint that lingers on the palate.
The initial two pulls are often the brightest, with limonene and other volatiles popping before the more resinous tones take center stage. As the session progresses, the flavor shifts toward deeper wood and spice, consistent with caryophyllene and humulene contributing to the base. Good cures accentuate the chocolate–cedar finish and tamp down any grassiness from residual chlorophyll.
Water-cooling and low-temperature vaporization preserve the floral and citrus high notes exceptionally well. In contrast, high-temperature dabs of solventless extracts derived from Master Velvet tend to emphasize pepper, wood, and cocoa while sacrificing some of the delicate top-end brightness. Many connoisseurs report the “velvet” sensation as a lack of throat bite and a pleasantly plush mouth-coating after a slow, controlled draw.
Flavor stability correlates strongly with moisture content and water activity in the cured flower. A target moisture content of 10–12% and water activity around 0.58–0.62 aw helps maintain terpenes while discouraging microbial growth. At these benchmarks, flavor tends to remain stable for 60–90 days in airtight storage away from light and heat.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Metrics
As a mostly indica selection, Master Velvet typically registers a THC-dominant chemotype with minimal CBD. In mature flowers, growers and consumers should expect THC to commonly range between 18% and 24% by dry weight under optimized indoor conditions. Well-cultivated but less dialed-in runs may present closer to 16–18%, while exceptional phenotypes and extraction inputs could test higher.
CBD in indica-dominant contemporary cultivars often falls below 1%, and Master Velvet follows suit, with most expressions likely in the 0.05–0.8% CBD range. Minor cannabinoids such as CBG may appear between 0.2% and 1.0%, and trace THCV is occasionally detectable at <0.2%. Total cannabinoids (sum of THC, CBD, and minors) generally land around 20–27% in strong indoor flowers.
It’s important to note that lab-reported THC often reflects THCA content converted via a standard factor (THC = 0.877 × THCA + Δ9THC). Moisture content and sample homogeneity can introduce 5–10% relative variance in reported values; grinding the sample uniformly and maintaining 10–12% moisture helps reduce error. For decarboxylated products, expect roughly 87.7% of THCA to convert to Δ9THC by mass during proper heating.
From a dosing perspective, one average-sized joint (0.5 grams) of 20% THC flower contains about 100 milligrams of total THC. Combustion bioavailability is variable and typically estimated in the 10–35% range, so the absorbed dose can span roughly 10–35 milligrams depending on session style. For new consumers, two modest puffs often equate to 2–5 milligrams absorbed, a reasonable starting point for gauging Master Velvet’s potency.
Terpene Composition and Chemistry
Master Velvet’s sensory signature aligns with a myrcene-forward profile backed by beta-caryophyllene and limonene, and accented by linalool and humulene. In well-grown, slow-cured samples, a plausible distribution might appear as myrcene 0.4–0.9%, beta-caryophyllene 0.3–0.7%, limonene 0.2–0.5%, linalool 0.05–0.15%, humulene 0.05–0.20%, and trace ocimene or nerolidol up to 0.10%. Total terpene content often falls between 1.5% and 3.0% in premium jars, with outliers exceeding 3.0% under exceptional cultivation.
Myrcene is associated with earthy, musky, and ripe fruit notes and is frequently the dominant terpene in indica-leaning cultivars. Beta-caryophyllene contributes pepper and clove facets and is a unique dietary cannabinoid that can engage CB2 receptors, aligning with anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical studies. Limonene lifts the top end with citrus brightness, while linalool introduces floral calm; humulene adds woody-herbal dimensions and may contribute to perceived dryness on the palate.
Boiling points and volatility affect both aroma and inhaled flavor. Monoterpenes like myrcene and limonene volatilize at relatively low temperatures (166–176°F for myrcene, ~349°F for limonene), which is why lower-temp vaping preserves bright aromatics. Sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene and humulene volatilize higher (~266–320°F and ~222–250°F, respectively), so they tend to dominate at higher vape settings and during combustion.
From an entourage perspective, a myrcene–caryophyllene–linalool combination often supports relaxing effects with perceived body comfort. Caryophyllene’s CB2 activity complements THC’s analgesic potential, while linalool’s anxiolytic profile can soften racing thoughts at moderate doses. The result is a terpene chemistry that supports Master Velvet’s reputation as a relaxation-forward evening strain without muting mood or flavor.
Experiential Effects and Onset Timeline
Inhaled Master Velvet typically takes effect within 2–5 minutes, with a perceptible softening of body tension and a gentle uplift in mood. Peak effects arrive around 30–45 minutes post-inhalation and settle into a steady plateau for 90–150 minutes, depending on dose and individual tolerance. The overall arc is consistent with indica-dominant hybrids known for calm, body-centered relief and a smooth comedown.
Subjectively, expect loose shoulders, a quieting of background stress, and a warm, lightly euphoric glow. Mental clarity remains workable at low to moderate doses, but higher intake can encourage couch time and introspective calm. Many users reserve Master Velvet for late afternoon or evening activities—reading, low-stakes social time, movies, or sleep prep.
Common side effects mirror those of THC-dominant flower more generally. Dry mouth affects roughly one-third of users, and dry eyes are reported in about one-fifth, especially at higher doses. Occasional dizziness or transient anxiety can occur in sensitive individuals, particularly if consumption outpaces comfort; deliberate pacing mitigates these risks.
Edible or tincture-based consumption lengthens onset to 30–120 minutes with a duration of 4–8 hours. Beginners should start with 2.5–5 milligrams of THC and wait the full two hours before redosing. With inhalation, micro-sessions of one to two modest puffs allow users to calibrate effects while retaining the “velvet” smoothness that defines the cultivar.
Potential Medical Uses
Master Velvet’s mostly indica profile makes it a candidate for evening symptom management across several domains. Users commonly report relief from stress, muscle tension, and difficulty falling asleep, with a calm body load that is supportive rather than over-sedating at moderate doses. The strain’s smoothness improves inhalation tolerance, which can matter for those sensitive to harsher smoke.
For pain, THC-dominant cannabis has moderate-quality evidence supporting benefits in neuropathic and musculoskeletal discomfort. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 engagement may add complementary anti-inflammatory support, while myrcene is associated with perceived muscle relaxation. A starting inhaled dose equating to approximately 2–5 milligrams absorbed THC can be sufficient for mild pain, with gradual titration as needed.
Anxiety and sleep complaints often respond to strains with linalool and myrcene in the supporting terpene profile. While THC can exacerbate anxiety for some users if overdosed, careful, low-dose titration plus the soothing terpene composition can improve sleep latency and nighttime relaxation. Observational surveys in medical cannabis populations frequently report sleep improvement rates exceeding 60% when patients find a sedative-leaning chemovar that suits them.
As with all cannabis use, individual variability is significant. Patients with a history of anxiety sensitivity, cardiovascular issues, or medication interactions should consult a qualified clinician. Non-combustion routes—such as vaporization at lower temperatures or tinctures—allow for fine-grained dosing and may improve symptom targeting with fewer respiratory irritants.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Master Velvet is designed for manageable indoor cultivation with indica-typical vigor and dependable structure. Expect a compact canopy, a 20–40% stretch during the first three weeks of bloom, and dense flowers that demand humidity discipline late in flower. With a dialed environment, indoor yields often land around 450–600 g/m², while outdoor plants in warm, dry climates can achieve 600–900 g per plant.
Environment and VPD: During veg, target 75–82°F (24–28°C) with 60–70% RH for a VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa. In bloom, reduce to 70–78°F (21–26°C) with 45–55% RH the first half, and 40–50% RH in late flower to achieve 1.2–1.5 kPa. For the final two weeks, many growers tighten to 66–74°F (19–23°C) nights to encourage color while maintaining 40–45% RH to minimize botrytis risk.
Lighting and CO2: Veg responds well to 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD at 18/6. Flower thrives at 700–1,000 µmol/m²/s PPFD on 12/12; if running the upper end, consider supplemental CO2 to 800–1,200 ppm for improved photosynthesis. Maintain uniform canopy height; a SCROG net helps keep tops in the same PPFD band for consistent bud development.
Medium and pH: Master Velvet performs well in buffered coco or high-quality living soil. In coco, run pH 5.8–6.1; in soil, pH 6.2–6.8. Fabric pots of 3–5 gallons promote air pruning and a dense root zone; in coco, frequent fertigation with 10–20% runoff reduces salt accumulation.
Nutrients and EC: Target EC 0.6–0.8 for seedlings, 1.2–1.6 for veg, 1.6–2.2 for flower, with a gentle taper in the final 10–14 days. Provide Ca:Mg in roughly a 2:1 ratio; 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–70 ppm Mg prevents common deficiencies in coco-heavy systems. Silica at 30–50 ppm supports cell wall strength and helps leaves withstand VPD swings.
Macro ratios and timing: In veg, aim for an N-P-K ratio near 3-1-2, shifting to about 1-3-2 during early bloom to support flowering initiation. Mid-to-late bloom can trend to 1-2-3 while keeping nitrogen modest to avoid leafy buds. Sulfur in the 50–80 ppm range supports terpene synthesis, and a steady potassium supply in weeks 5–7 boosts density without promoting foxtails.
Training: Top once or twice by week 4–5 of veg to produce 6–10 strong colas in a 3–5 gallon container. Low-stress training and a single-layer SCROG deliver even light distribution and reduce popcorn nugs. Defoliate lightly at day 21 of flower to open bud sites, and again around day 42 if needed; avoid over-defoliation as indica leaves contribute appreciably to bud swell.
Irrigation cadence: In coco, irrigate once daily early on, moving to two to three smaller fertigations per photoperiod as root mass increases. In soil, water to full saturation with 10% runoff, then wait for a light pot and 50–70% dryback before the next event. Maintaining consistent oxygenation and avoiding waterlogged conditions is key to preventing root pathogens.
Pest and pathogen management: Dense indica flowers are susceptible to botrytis and powdery mildew in stagnant air. Keep gentle, indirect airflow across and above the canopy, and prune interior larf to improve circulation. An IPM program might include weekly scouting, sticky cards, and rotational biologicals (Bacillus subtilis for PM pressure; Beauveria bassiana for soft-bodied pests) in veg; discontinue foliar sprays by week 3 of bloom.
Beneficial insects: Amblyseius swirskii or A. cucumeris help with thrips, while Neoseiulus californicus or Phytoseiulus persimilis target spider mites. Hypoaspis (Stratiolaelaps) mites patrol the media for fungus gnat larvae. Introductions are most effective preventively or at the very first sign of pest presence.
Flowering time and harvest: Expect 8–9 weeks of flower for most phenotypes under 12/12. Harvest timing by trichome color is reliable—aim for predominantly cloudy with 5–15% amber for balanced potency and body effect. More amber (20–30%) may deepen sedation at the slight expense of bright top notes.
Stretch and spacing: Anticipate a 1.2–1.4× height increase during the first three weeks of bloom, consistent with a 20–40% stretch. Space plants 9–12 inches apart in a SCROG or 2–3 per 2×4 ft tent depending on veg length and pot size. Keep internodal distances tight with high-blue veg lighting or close LED placement, staying within safe PPFD.
Germination and cloning: Use a 70–80°F (21–27°C) root zone for germination with lightly moistened media; most viable seed pops in 24–96 hours. For clones, maintain 75–85% RH under a dome, aim for 72–78°F media temperature, and use 0.2–0.6% IBA gel for quick callus. Rooting typically occurs in 7–14 days; transplant promptly to avoid nutrient stress.
Outdoor considerations: In temperate climates, choose a site with full sun (6–8+ hours direct) and good air movement. Because of dense bud structure, late-season rains elevate botrytis risk—use rain covers, prune for airflow, and harvest promptly if prolonged wet weather arrives. Organic top-dress regimes with slow-release inputs (e.g., a 4-4-4 veg blend followed by a 2-8-4 bloom blend) work well when paired with compost teas for microbial diversity.
Post-harvest handling: Dry at 60°F (15.5°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days with gentle airflow that does not ruffle the flowers. Target a slow, even dry until small stems snap and larger stems bend with slight resistance. Cure in airtight containers at 62% RH, burping daily for the first week, every other day in week two, then weekly; stabilize at 0.58–0.62 aw for long-term flavor retention.
Quality control and yield optimization: Consistency in VPD and root-zone EC is the strongest predictor of resin-rich yields. Many growers see a 10–20% yield swing tied to canopy uniformity alone; using a single-layer net and frequent micro-adjustments to plant height pays dividends. Under high PPFD with CO2 enrichment and disciplined IPM, indoor yields of 550–650 g/m² are achievable without sacrificing terpene expression or the characteristic “velvet” smoothness.
Troubleshooting cues: Dark, clawed leaves in mid-bloom indicate nitrogen excess—dial back N and increase K. Pale interveinal chlorosis often signals Mg deficiency in coco systems; a 50–70 ppm Mg supplement usually resolves it. Bud rot requires immediate removal of affected material, RH reduction to 40–45%, and increased airflow; prevention remains the best defense for a dense indica like Master Velvet.
