Written by Ad OpsOrigins, Breeder, and Historical Context
Mikado x BC Kush traces its roots to the British Columbia breeding scene of the late 1990s and early 2000s, a period known for compact, resin-heavy indicas designed for coastal climates. The cross was developed by Federation Seed Company, a Vancouver Island–based breeder known for stabilizing hardy Canadian lines. Federation’s catalog featured fast-flowering, mold-resistant cultivars that could finish before autumn rains, and Mikado x BC Kush fits squarely within that purpose-driven tradition.
The strain’s heritage is mostly indica, reflecting Federation’s focus on dependable production and potent, relaxing effects. Indica-dominant releases were favored across BC because indoor growers needed shorter, stockier plants to maximize square footage and speed. Outdoor growers likewise benefited from early finishes and dense, high-yielding colas that could be harvested by late September at 49–50°N latitudes.
While individual seed packs can present phenotypic variety, the cross has earned a reputation for uniform structure and survivability. Growers routinely describe vigorous vegetative growth, manageable stretch, and trichome coverage that outpaces average hybrids. In markets that reward bag appeal and curing aroma, Mikado x BC Kush quickly became a dataset-backed option for consistent grams-per-square-meter performance.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
As the name suggests, the cultivar combines Mikado with the classic BC Kush line, both historically maintained by Federation Seed Company. Mikado is widely recognized among legacy growers for its speed and capacity to yield in short seasons, with indica-dominant gene expression producing dense clusters and rapid calyx formation. BC Kush, in contrast, is known for heavier, sedative resin and an earthy-kush terpene backbone, often rich in myrcene and caryophyllene.
The union aims to stack fast finish times with high resin mass and a kush-forward terpene blend. In filial crosses of indica-dominant lines, breeders typically observe reduced internodal spacing and a high incidence (>60%) of short-stature phenotypes in F1 populations. That pattern maps to grower reports for Mikado x BC Kush, where 65–80% of plants exhibit compact frames and a modest 1.2–1.6x stretch after transition to 12/12 lighting.
Inheritance also manifests in resilience to humidity swings common in coastal grows. Anecdotal grow logs note tolerances to RH fluctuation from 45–65% without dramatic botrytis outbreaks, provided airflow is maintained. This tracks with the thicker bract-to-leaf ratio inherited from both parents, which supports rapid dry-down time after watering and lighter leaf shadowing inside the canopy.
Appearance, Structure, and Bag Appeal
Mikado x BC Kush typically produces compact plants with thick central stems and lateral branches that form a balanced, bush-like frame. Fan leaves skew broad and dark green, with 7–9 serrations per leaf being most common, and minimal interstitial gap once canopy fill is complete. In flower, bracts swell early and stack into spear-shaped colas with tight node spacing, promoting a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that eases trim time.
Mature buds are medium to large, often 3–6 cm across at the fattest points, with dense cores that resist compressing when handled. Trichomes are abundant, with a frosty, opaque appearance by week 6, shifting to a cloudy/amber mix as harvest approaches. Pistils range from pale peach to copper as they age, creating visual contrast against the sugary green and intermittent violet flecks some phenotypes express under cooler night temperatures.
Bag appeal is strong when buds are carefully dried and cured. The cultivar can hit a classic “silver-glass” look under light due to robust resin heads and even coverage across bracts and sugar leaves. Once trimmed, finished flowers often score high in retail presentation metrics, with consistent shape, minimal stem matter, and terpene-rich stickiness that persists after jarring.
Aroma and Nose Evolution
The aroma opens with a punchy kush base—earth, forest loam, and warm pepper—interlaced with sweet, candied fruit notes inherited from Mikado. Freshly ground material can evoke ripe mango, cherry rind, or stone-fruit jam, which are hallmarks of myrcene and estery secondary volatiles. As the jar breathes, a deeper incense and hashish thread emerges, signaling caryophyllene and humulene interplay.
During early cure (days 7–14), the nose often skews brighter, with limonene and ocimene popping as top notes. By weeks 3–5, those volatiles settle into a rounded kush bouquet with a creamy sweetness and mild floral lift, consistent with small but influential linalool fractions. In blind-smell tests among experienced consumers, the cultivar’s aroma is frequently described as a 60/40 split between classic kush earthiness and confectionary fruit.
Environment and cure method shift the nose considerably. Jars maintained at 62% RH and 18–20°C preserve terpene breadth better than fast dries above 23°C; growers commonly report 10–20% stronger perceived aroma intensity with a 10–14 day slow dry. Mechanical trimming can slightly mute the high notes, while careful hand-trim retains the fruit-forward edge and peppery low end.
Flavor and Combustion Characteristics
On inhale, the flavor carries dense kush earth layered with sweet malt and fruit candy, offering a rounded, mouth-coating profile. Mid-palate, pepper and clove nudges appear with caryophyllene, while a resinous pine finish points to humulene and minor pinene fractions. Exhale leaves a lingering cream-sweet note that softens the spice and deep soil tones.
Combustion is typically smooth after a proper cure that stabilizes water activity between 0.58 and 0.65. Vaporization at 175–185°C highlights the fruit-and-floral front end, whereas combustion at higher temperatures tilts the experience toward spice, hash, and wood. Users who prefer terpene-forward sessions often report optimal flavor intensity in the first two draws of a 180°C vape session before heavier cannabinoids dominate.
Tolerance to repeated puffs is good, with flavor retaining definition longer than average kush lines. When rolled, the joint burn tends to be even, producing light-gray ash when the feed regimen is balanced and salt buildup is minimized. In bongs and bubblers, the candy-sweet layer resurfaces as the bowl nears completion, suggesting a thermal release pattern consistent with limonene and linalool volatilization curves.
Cannabinoid Profile: THC, CBD, and Minor Compounds
As an indica-leaning hybrid bred for potency and resin density, Mikado x BC Kush commonly tests with total THC in the 18–24% range when grown under optimized conditions. Select phenotypes, particularly those expressing heavier kush traits, have been reported to push toward 26%, though this is less frequent and dependent on environment and cure. CBD levels are typically low, often below 0.5–0.8%, keeping the chemotype firmly in the Type I category (THC-dominant).
Minor cannabinoids, while variable, can include measurable CBG and trace CBC. In side-by-side runs, CBG percentages between 0.3–0.8% appear attainable, particularly with harvest windows timed to maximize cloudy trichomes. THCV is usually present in only trace amounts (<0.2%) unless a rare phenotype is selected that expresses elevated varin production, which is uncommon in kush-forward lines.
Total terpene content often lands between 1.2–2.5% by mass in well-cultivated flower. This terpene density correlates with perceived flavor intensity and can modulate subjective effects via entourage interactions. For users, the practical implication is a robust psychoactive profile with strong sensory markers and a potency curve that remains consistent across multiple sessions when dosing is held constant.
Terpene Profile: Dominant and Secondary Terpenes
Myrcene is frequently dominant, with finished flower commonly showing 0.4–0.9% myrcene content, lending mango, sweet earth, and a relaxed body feel. Beta-caryophyllene often follows at 0.20–0.50%, contributing pepper, clove, and endocannabinoid system modulation via CB2 receptor affinity. Limonene typically occupies the third slot at 0.15–0.35%, injecting citrus brightness that consumers perceive as mood-elevating.
Secondary terpenes include humulene (0.10–0.25%), adding herbal, woody dryness and complementing caryophyllene’s peppery edge. Linalool (0.05–0.15%) appears in some phenotypes, correlating with floral top notes and a slightly more sedative feel. Trace pinene and ocimene may surface, sharpening the inhale and amplifying the fresh-fruit elements detected when cracking open a cured bud.
This terpene layout helps explain common user reports: a quick glide into warm relaxation without immediate couchlock, followed by a deeper body calm after 30–45 minutes. The myrcene–caryophyllene–limonene triad is well documented in indica-dominant kush hybrids that balance euphoria with physical ease. In Mikado x BC Kush, that equilibrium is expressed in a profile that reads 60–70% base terpenes (myrcene/caryophyllene/humulene) and 30–40% accent terpenes (limonene/linalool/pinene/ocimene) in many lab-tested samples.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
Users commonly report a fast onset within 5–10 minutes when inhaled, with peak effects arriving at 30–45 minutes and plateauing for roughly 60–90 minutes. The early phase is characterized by a warm head buzz and mood lift, often described as gently euphoric but grounded. As the session progresses, a body-centered calm builds, easing muscle tension and settling into a classic indica relaxation without immediate sedation for most consumers.
At moderate doses (5–15 mg inhaled THC equivalent), functional relaxation and stress reduction are typical, with creativity and task engagement remaining viable. Higher doses (20–35 mg and above) tilt toward heavier eyes, time dilation, and an urge to recline, especially in phenotypes with higher myrcene and linalool fractions. Total duration often spans 2–4 hours, with a softer tail that encourages sleep if consumed late in the evening.
Side effects fall within expected cannabis norms: dry mouth and eyes are common, and overeager dosing can occasionally produce short-lived dizziness or anxiety in THC-sensitive users. Keeping hydration on hand and spacing puffs can mitigate uncomfortable spikes. Consumers who prefer a more energizing profile may aim for smaller, terpene-forward hits or daytime microdoses around 2–5 mg THC equivalent.
Potential Medical Applications and Evidence Base
Given its indica heritage and terpene balance, Mikado x BC Kush is often chosen by patients for stress, pain, and sleep-related concerns. Myrcene-heavy chemotypes are traditionally associated with muscle relaxation, while caryophyllene’s CB2 affinity suggests potential anti-inflammatory benefits. Limonene and linalool can modulate mood and perceived anxiety, complementing the analgesic synergy many patients report.
Evidence from broader cannabis research supports these use patterns. The 2017 National Academies review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults and moderate evidence for improving short-term sleep outcomes. Observational data sets indicate that patients using THC-dominant chemotypes often report 30–50% reductions in pain scores within the first 90 minutes of dosing, though individual results vary.
In practice, patients may find relief for neuropathic discomfort, low back pain, tension headaches, and insomnia. Start-low, go-slow dosing is recommended, especially for new users or those sensitive to THC; beginning with 2–5 mg and titrating upward reduces the risk of side effects. As always, medical decisions should be guided by a clinician familiar with cannabinoid therapy, particularly when other medications are involved.
Cultivation Overview: Growth Habits and Timelines
Mikado x BC Kush grows with classic indica efficiency: compact stature, fast vegetative development, and a swift transition into flower. Indoors, expect a flowering time of roughly 7–8 weeks (49–56 days) from the onset of 12/12, with phenotypes on the kush-leaning side finishing toward week 8. Outdoors at temperate latitudes (45–50°N), harvest typically falls between late September and early October, beating autumn rains in many regions.
Yields are competitive for a compact plant. Under optimized indoor conditions with training, 450–600 g/m² is a reasonable target, with top-tier rooms reporting 600–700 g/m² when light intensity, CO2, and VPD are dialed in. Outdoors, single plants can produce 600–1200 g per plant in 100–200 L containers if fed well and kept within ideal environmental ranges.
Height is manageable: 0.8–1.2 m indoors after training and 1.5–2.2 m outdoors depending on veg length. The cultivar’s low to medium internodal spacing makes it ideal for SCROG or SOG methods. Dense flowers call for good airflow to avoid microclimates that can invite botrytis, especially in the last two weeks of bloom.
Environment, Lighting, and Climate Parameters
Indoors, aim for day temperatures of 22–27°C and night temperatures of 18–21°C to maintain metabolic efficiency without driving excessive stretch. Relative humidity should be kept at 60–70% in early veg, 50–55% in early flower, and 40–45% in late flower. Vapor pressure deficit (VPD) targets of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in bloom support optimal stomatal conductance.
Light intensity goals depend on stage: 300–500 µmol/m²/s PPFD in veg and 700–1000 µmol/m²/s in flower produce strong growth. Daily light integrals of 20–30 mol/m²/day in veg and 35–45 mol/m²/day in bloom are achievable with modern LEDs. If supplementing CO2 to 900–1200 ppm, ensure PPFD is sustained near 900–1100 µmol/m²/s and temperatures rise 1–2°C to maximize assimilation; yield increases of 20–30% are common in such controlled conditions.
Outdoors, the strain performs best in regions with warm days and low late-season humidity. Wind breaks, morning sun exposure, and strategic defoliation in weeks 4–6 of flower help prevent moisture pockets in dense colas. In coastal climates, spacing plants to at least 1.2–1.5 m between centers and using oscillating fans in greenhouses reduces disease risk.
Feeding, Media, and Irrigation Strategy
The cultivar is a moderate-to-hungry feeder with a preference for steady macro and micronutrient supply rather than aggressive spikes. In coco or hydro, keep electrical conductivity around 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in veg and 1.6–2.0 mS/cm in bloom, adjusting based on leaf color and runoff. In soil, a living or amended medium with a balanced Ca:Mg ratio (roughly 2:1) and supplemental silica supports structural integrity and terpene development.
pH targets should track the medium: 5.8–6.2 for hydro/coco and 6.2–6.8 for soil to maximize nutrient availability. Irrigation frequency should aim for 10–20% runoff in inert media to prevent salt accumulation, while soil growers can use the weight-of-pot method to avoid overwatering. During peak flower, plants typically drink 5–10% of container volume per day indoors; watch transpiration against room VPD to tune volumes.
Adding extra magnesium (30–50 ppm) in mid-bloom can prevent interveinal chlorosis common in high-output indica hybrids. Phosphorus and potassium demand ramps from week 3 to week 6 of flower; beware of pushing P above 80–100 ppm if terpenes begin to flatten. Foliar feeding is best restricted to veg; discontinue foliar applications two weeks before flower onset to avoid residue on buds.
Training, Canopy Architecture, and Yield Optimization
Topping once at the 4th–6th node produces 4–8 strong leaders and a wider canopy suitable for SCROG. Low-stress training (LST) combined with light supercropping during early bloom can even colas and reduce apical dominance. Because the cultivar’s natural internode gaps are short, lollipopping the lowest 15–25% of growth improves airflow and boosts top-site density.
In sea-of-green (SOG) setups, 9–16 plants per square meter in 3–5 L containers can produce uniform single-cola plants with minimal veg time. For SCROG, 1–4 plants per square meter in 11–25 L containers let branches fill the net in 10–21 days of additional veg. Growers often report 5–12% yield gains from defoliating fan leaves that shade bud sites around day 21 and day 42 of bloom, but avoid heavy stripping past week 5 to preserve resin output.
Uniform PPFD across the canopy is critical for resin density and even ripening. Target no more than ±10% PPFD variation from center to corners in the flowering zone. If hotspots exceed 1100 µmol/m²/s without CO2 supplementation, raise fixtures or dim to maintain consistent photosynthesis without light-stress foxtailing.
Integrated Pest and Pathogen Management
Dense indica flowers can attract botrytis if humidity and airflow are mismanaged. Maintain strong, oscillating air movement across and through the canopy and prune small inner growth that never reaches the top light. Keep late-flower RH below 48% where possible, and avoid large temperature drops at lights-off that can push dew point against the buds.
Common pests include fungus gnats, spider mites, and occasionally aphids. Prevent gnats by allowing surface layers to dry between irrigations and using biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) in the root zone. For mites, an IPM rotation in veg—such as weekly releases of Phytoseiulus persimilis and Amblyseius californicus combined with horticultural oils—can keep populations below threshold.
Powdery mildew is less frequent in well-ventilated rooms but should not be overlooked. Sulfur vaporization during veg (never in flower) and consistent leaf-surface airflow reduce outbreak risk. Outdoors, caterpillars can burrow into dense colas; applying Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki) according to label in pre-flower and early bloom prevents hidden rot later.
Harvest Windows, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Optimal harvest generally occurs when trichomes are 70–90% cloudy with 5–15% amber for a relaxing but not overly sedative effect. Terpene retention is strongest when lights-off harvest and cool handling are practiced. Many growers start flushing 7–10 days before chop in salt-based systems, targeting runoff EC near input.
Dry in a dark space at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days, maintaining gentle airflow that does not directly hit hanging branches. Once small stems snap, trim and jar at 62% RH, burping daily for the first 10–14 days to off-gas chlorophyll volatiles. Water activity in the 0.58–0.65 range supports stable curing while preserving monoterpenes.
Curing over 4–8 weeks elevates the sweet-candy and kush-spice layers, with the bouquet maturing as chlorophyll degrades. Store finished flower in airtight, lightproof containers at 16–20°C to limit terpene oxidation; a 5°C increase can roughly double oxidation rate in some fractions. Avoid freezing cured buds unless vacuum-sealed, as ice crystals can rupture trichome heads and reduce bag appeal.
Phenotype Hunting and Seed Selection
Within seed packs, expect two primary expressions: a candy-forward Mikado-leaning phenotype and a heavier, earthy-spice BC Kush-leaning phenotype. The former tends to finish a few days faster and offers an accentuated fruit nose, while the latter often brings slightly larger bracts and a deeper sedative arc. Rough distributions reported by growers suggest a 40–50% split for each main type, with a minority intermediary group blending traits.
Selection criteria for production runs should include internodal uniformity, lateral branch strength, and resin head size. A simple lab snapshot for terpenes after a micro-harvest can reveal whether a plant’s aroma retains fruit brightness throughout cure. For potency, look for phenotypes with consistently opaque trichomes by day 49–52 and minimal fox tailing under high PPFD, indicating strong stress tolerance.
Cloning is straightforward; cuttings typically root in 10–14 days under 24°C and 80–85% RH with mild hormone application. Choose mothers that rebound quickly post-cut and maintain tight node spacing under 18/6 light. Over successive cycles, cull any phenotypes showing chronic susceptibility to mites or late-flower botrytis to stabilize your production environment.
Comparative Positioning Among Indica Hybrids
Against other indica-dominant hybrids, Mikado x BC Kush holds an edge in speed-to-finish and ease of canopy control. Compared with heavier OG Kush derivatives, it generally stretches less and stacks earlier, easing the pressure on trellising and late-stage defoliation. Versus dessert-forward modern hybrids, it trades some frosting theatrics for a deeper kush base while retaining a noticeable candy top note.
In practical terms, this means tighter production windows without sacrificing resin quality. Growers seeking 56-day turns will find this cultivar more cooperative than many 63–70 day kush-leaning lines. For consumers, the effect profile skews calmer and more body-centric than many contemporary sativa-leaning dessert strains, with a reliable glide into restfulness.
From a cost-of-production standpoint, shorter flowering times can reduce energy and nutrient inputs by 10–20% per cycle versus longer-bloom competitors. When combined with robust yields, this improves grams-per-kWh and grams-per-dollar metrics. For small-scale hobbyists, the forgiving training response and compact structure make it a straightforward first indica project.
Consumer Guidance, Tolerance, and Pairings
For new consumers, start with 1–2 small puffs or a 2–5 mg THC vapor dose, wait 15–20 minutes, and reassess. Experienced users often settle into 10–20 mg sessions for a balanced glide between mental calm and physical ease. Nighttime use is common, although many report functional relaxation for early evening wind-down without immediate couchlock at moderate doses.
Flavor pairings emphasize the candy-and-earth dichotomy. Herbal teas with citrus or lavender notes amplify limonene and linalool, while dark chocolate underscores the kush-spice backbone. Terpene refresher hits at lower device temperatures (175–185°C) can re-center the fruity top notes before closing the session at higher heat.
Tolerance builds like any THC-dominant cultivar; 48–72 hour breaks can reset sensitivity for many users. If rest is the goal, pairing with a calm environment and low light supports a smoother descent into sleep. Those prone to anxiety may benefit from slower inhalation pacing and keeping CBD on hand for balance.
Regional Suitability and Outdoor Tips
The cultivar was shaped by British Columbia’s coastal and island climates, making it a strong candidate for similar latitudes. In maritime regions, prioritize morning sun and mid-day airflow to evaporate dew quickly. Mulching and raised beds help prevent root-zone saturation during rainy stretches, while light greenhouse covers can extend finishing windows by 1–2 weeks if needed.
In hot, arid areas, adjust irrigation frequency and consider shade cloth at 20–30% during extreme midday heat to prevent terpene volatilization. Pot-in-pot or fabric containers on pallets improve drainage and root zone aeration, maintaining growth momentum during heat waves. With sensible canopy thinning and caterpillar prevention protocols, dense colas can finish cleanly in the open air.
If frost risk approaches in early October, harvest the top colas first and allow lower bud sites a few extra days where feasible. This staggered approach can salvage up to 10–15% more ripe flower versus a single early chop in borderline weather. Monitor trichomes closely; cold snaps often accelerate ambering and shift the effect toward sedation.
Data-Backed Yield and Quality Benchmarks
In controlled indoor grows using LED lighting at 850–950 µmol/m²/s, growers commonly report 1.4–1.8 grams per watt with SCROG, depending on veg time and CO2. Under similar conditions without CO2, 1.0–1.3 grams per watt is a realistic planning estimate. Across multiple cycles, rooms that maintain consistent VPD and avoid late-flower RH spikes see 5–12% higher average yield and more uniform ripening.
Trim ratio is favorable due to tight calyx formation. Wet-to-dry shrink averages 72–78%, translating to 22–28% dry from wet mass. Hand-trimmed flowers typically grade higher in retail settings, with a 3–7% price premium reported by small-batch craft producers due to better preservation of trichome heads and terpene intensity.
Lab outcomes vary by phenotype and environment, but recurring patterns include THC in the high teens to low 20s and total terpenes above 1.5% in dialed-in rooms. Batches cured for 28–42 days exhibit stronger fruit notes and a smoother smoke, reflected in lower user-reported throat harshness scores. Post-harvest handling remains a major determinant of perceived quality, often rivaling genetics in end-user satisfaction.
Breeder Background and Federation Seed Company Notes
Federation Seed Company built its reputation in western Canada by releasing cultivars designed for short seasons and indoor efficiency. Their breeding programs emphasized stability, early finishing, and mold resistance—traits crucial for Pacific Northwest climates. Mikado and BC Kush are both emblematic of that ethos, pairing reliable structure with resinous, market-ready buds.
The company’s work influenced many legacy growers who sought harvests by late September outdoors and 8-week turns indoors. While modern breeding has introduced more exotic terpene chemistries, Federation’s lines remain competitive for cultivators prioritizing dependable runs and predictable morphology. Mikado x BC Kush stands as a synthesis of those goals, offering a resilient backbone with recognizable kush appeal.
For growers assembling mother libraries, Federation-descended lines often play the role of anchor genetics. They provide structural reliability and timeline certainty, making them ideal for rotation with longer-bloom novelty cultivars. This cross is thus a pragmatic inclusion in any garden that values consistency alongside flavorful kush character.
Safety, Compliance, and Lab Testing Considerations
Producers should adhere to local regulatory requirements for pesticide use, residue testing, and heavy metal thresholds. Avoid spraying any non-approved substances beyond week two of flower to prevent contamination risk. Implementing a pre-harvest test panel 10–14 days before chop helps verify compliance and catch any unexpected issues.
For consumers, purchasing from licensed vendors who provide certificates of analysis ensures clarity around potency and contaminants. Look for COAs that include total THC, CBD, and terpene profiles; a comprehensive panel offers better insight into likely effects. If you are sensitive to THC, consider starting with lower-potency batches in the 16–18% range or mixing with a CBD strain to tailor the experience.
Storage at stable temperatures (16–20°C) and moderate humidity preserves potency and aroma while minimizing degradation. Exposure to light can reduce cannabinoid content over time—opaque containers help maintain quality. Rotate stock within 3–6 months for best terpene expression, even though cannabinoids themselves degrade more slowly.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Step-by-Step
Germination and Early Veg (Week 0–2): Soak seeds for 12–18 hours or begin in pre-moistened starter cubes at 22–25°C with 80–90% RH. Expect 85–95% germination rates with fresh seed. Provide 200–300 µmol/m²/s light and keep media moist but not waterlogged; roots should appear within 3–5 days and first transplant around day 10–14.
Mid Veg (Week 3–4): Increase PPFD to 350–500 µmol/m²/s and hold VPD near 0.9–1.1 kPa. Top once at the 4th–6th node to promote lateral growth, then begin LST to spread tops. Feed at EC 1.2–1.5 with a balanced NPK and adequate Ca/Mg; target pH 5.8–6.2 (coco/hydro) or 6.3–6.7 (soil).
Pre-Flower and Transition (Week 5): Flip to 12/12 light. Install trellis or netting to support colas and maintain even canopy height. Reduce RH to 50–55% and gradually increase bloom nutrients, emphasizing P and K while tapering N.
Early Bloom (Weeks 1–3 of Flower): Maintain 700–850 µmol/m²/s PPFD and 1.2–1.4 kPa VPD. Light defoliation around day 21 removes large fan leaves shading mid-sites. Watch for early signs of nutrient imbalance; slight tip burn indicates close-to-maximum feed, while pale new growth may flag iron or nitrogen shortage.
Mid Bloom (Weeks 4–6): Push PPFD to 850–1000 µmol/m²/s if canopy health is strong. Maintain steady feed at EC 1.7–1.9 with 30–50 ppm Mg and consistent Ca to prevent blossom-end yellowing on leaves. Consider a second light defoliation around day 42 to open airflow and reinforce disease prevention.
Late Bloom and Ripening (Weeks 7–8): Lower RH to 40–45% and hold night temps within 2–3°C of day temps to minimize condensation. Begin flush 7–10 days before harvest in salt-based systems or taper off feeds in organic systems while maintaining microbe health. Harvest when trichomes are 70–90% cloudy with 5–15% amber, aligning with your desired effect profile.
Post-Harvest (Dry and Cure): Hang branches in darkness at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow for 10–14 days. Trim and jar at 62% RH, burping daily for two weeks, then weekly thereafter. Cure for 4–8 weeks to maximize flavor cohesion and smoothness; measure water activity to keep 0.58–0.65 for stability.
Outdoors: Plant after last frost in 50–100 L containers or raised beds with well-draining, amended soil. Top once and train to a wide, airy canopy; stake early to support weight. Apply Btk before flowers set and monitor RH/weather in September; be ready with a cover if storms are forecast.
Closing Summary and Key Takeaways
Mikado x BC Kush blends Federation Seed Company’s hallmark traits—speed, resiliency, and dense resin—with a kush-forward, candy-kissed sensory profile. Its indica-dominant structure simplifies canopy management while enabling robust yields in 7–8 week bloom cycles. For consumers, effects land in the relaxing, mood-brightening zone, transitioning into body calm that suits evening routines and restful sleep.
Growers benefit from predictable morphology, strong bag appeal, and a terpene profile anchored by myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene. Data-driven environmental control—PPFD in the 700–1000 µmol/m²/s range, VPD around 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower, and RH below 45% late—helps to unlock 450–600 g/m² yields with consistent quality. Post-harvest discipline, including a 10–14 day dry and 4–8 week cure, cements the cultivar’s signature flavor.
Whether you are a craft cultivator seeking reliable turns or a patient seeking stress relief and sleep support, this cross delivers a balanced, evidence-aligned experience. With careful phenotype selection and steady environment management, it performs across indoor, greenhouse, and suitable outdoor settings. The result is a classic BC-bred expression: fast, flavorful, and focused on dependable excellence.
