Written by Ad OpsOverview
Moonbow 112 IX is a boutique hybrid from Archive Seed Bank that distills the modern candy-and-gas trend into a highly polished cultivar. Bred off the celebrated Moonbow line, it combines Zkittlez sweetness with Do-Si-Dos power, then tightens those traits through an in-cross that locks in the #112 selection’s best expressions. The result is a balanced indica/sativa heritage that leans euphoric and heady up front, with a pronounced, cushioned body finish. In dispensaries and private menus, it is often spotlighted for its vivid bag appeal, high test results, and a terpene bouquet that reads like rainbow candy cut with OG dough and diesel.
The strain broke into wider public view in 2022 after several years of targeted selection and refinement. Leafly’s May 2022 Buzz highlighted Moonbow #112 IX as the culmination of three years of work, calling attention to its elite pedigree and the broader wave of Z-forward breeding. Archive Seed Bank’s reputation for dialed-in OG and Zkittlez hybrids helped propel Moonbow 112 IX into the conversation for connoisseur flower that performs in both aroma jars and lab reports. It has since remained a fixture in circles that chase saturated flavor alongside knockout potency.
While Moonbow 112 IX is versatile, it is not a beginner’s strain in potency or cultivation. Lab results frequently place total THC in the mid-20s, with many top phenotypes reporting 24% to 28% THC and total cannabinoids in the 26% to 32% range. The cultivar responds well to training and precise environmental control, rewarding careful craft with dense, trichome-caked colas. For consumers and growers alike, its appeal lies in the blend of reliable performance and distinct, memorable character.
History and Breeding Journey
Archive Seed Bank developed Moonbow 112 IX as a focused refinement of the original Moonbow, a cross that merged Zkittlez with Do-Si-Dos. The Moonbow line immediately gained attention for translating classic Zkittlez candy terps into a denser, gassier format anchored by Do-Si-Dos’ OGKB lineage. Within that program, selection number 112 stood out for its combination of saturation, resin output, and structural consistency. The designation IX refers to an in-cross, a breeding strategy used to reinforce and stabilize the specific traits of the #112 selection.
According to Leafly reporting from May 2022, Moonbow #112 IX represents roughly three years of iterative work. The process likely involved multiple rounds of progeny testing, back-crossing or in-crossing, and data-driven keeper culls. Archive’s approach with IX projects has been to narrow the expression window so that growers see fewer outliers and more plants seated in the desired flavor and resin profile. This helps the market enjoy the target phenotype reliably, rather than hunting through wide variance.
Moonbow 112 IX entered the spotlight as part of a broader wave of Zkittlez-influenced cultivars hitting elite competitions and showcases. In parallel coverage of exotic cannabis contests in Los Angeles, commentators noted Moonbow 112 IX as one of Archive Seed Bank’s headline offerings for 2022. The chatter underscored how much Zkittlez genetics had permeated top-shelf menus, with Moonbow 112 IX standing out for its candy-to-gas arc rather than leaning entirely fruit-forward. That balance continues to define the strain’s place among contemporary heavy hitters.
This history matters because it explains why Moonbow 112 IX feels so complete in the jar and on the palate. It was not a one-off cross but a multi-year project to fix specific highs and sensory notes. The strain’s credibility owes as much to that breeding discipline as it does to the fame of its parents. In the era of hype strains, Moonbow 112 IX remains tethered to methodical selection and repeatable outcomes.
Genetic Lineage and In-Cross Rationale
Moonbow 112 IX descends from Moonbow, itself a cross of Zkittlez and Do-Si-Dos. Zkittlez contributes the iconic candy rainbow profile with layered tropical and stone fruit notes. Do-Si-Dos, bred from OGKB and Face Off OG, injects raw potency, dense resin glands, and a doughy, earthy, sometimes minty gas. This pairing created a canvas where bright esters meet peppery, kush-laden depth.
The number 112 refers to a standout selection found in the Moonbow line during a sizable pheno hunt. That #112 cut was preserved for its terpenic saturation, early vigor, and consistently dense flower set. By using an in-cross, Archive Seed Bank effectively doubled down on the #112 genotype to reduce the chance of drifting away from its ideal expression. The result is a narrower phenotype range that emphasizes candy, cream, and gas over leaner citrus-only profiles.
Genetically, the Zkittlez side stems from a complex hybrid background often summarized as Grape Ape x Grapefruit with an undisclosed third parent. This lineage is associated with unusual ester and terpene ester formation that drives candy-like perceptions at relatively low odor thresholds. Do-Si-Dos, on the other hand, carries OGKB’s resin-heavy morphology and Face Off OG’s fuel-laden backbone. Together, they produce a chemotype rich in beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool, with supporting humulene and ocimene.
The IX strategy in Moonbow 112 IX serves the market demand for consistency without sterilizing the line’s charm. Growers seeking predictable training response and harvest windows tend to prefer IX or BX populations to reduce surprises. Consumers benefit through more reliable flavor across batches, which strengthens brand identity and repeat purchases. In short, the in-cross ties the strain’s identity closely to #112’s sensory and agronomic sweet spot.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Moonbow 112 IX buds are medium to large, with dense, golf-ball calyx stacks and minimal excess leaf. The flowers usually present a lime-to-forest green base mottled with deep purples, especially in cooler rooms that push anthocyanin expression. Thick trichome coverage gives the buds a sugar-frosted look, with resin heads that sparkle under light. Amber pistils contrast the cooler tones, accenting the candy aesthetic.
Structure-wise, the cultivar sits in the modern hybrid sweet spot: not overly lanky but not so compact that airflow is impossible. Internodal spacing is moderate, often 1.5 to 2.5 inches, which translates to even light penetration after training. Calyx-to-leaf ratio is favorable, improving trim efficiency and preserving intact trichome heads during post-harvest. Visual density translates to real weight, which becomes obvious when the nugs hit the scale.
In fresh jars, Moonbow 112 IX often exhibits small resin heads clustered so tightly that the flower looks glazed. Under magnification, many batches show bulbous, medium-diameter heads on sturdy stalks, a trait hashmakers appreciate. The overall presentation is high-end, photographing well for menus and social feeds. Buyers frequently note that the bag appeal sets expectations for a candy-gas profile the nose quickly confirms.
Aroma: From Rainbow Candy to Gas
The dominant aromatic thread is a vivid candy spectrum reminiscent of fruit chews and sherbet. This top note often blends ripe berry and tropical hints with grapefruit rind and a subtle floral halo. As the grind exposes deeper layers, the Do-Si-Dos heritage pushes out doughy kush, earthy spice, and a measured diesel sting. Together they create a layered aroma that reads both playful and powerful.
Many batches open with sweet esters and monoterpenes before pivoting into peppery, woody, and gassy sesquiterpenes. Beta-caryophyllene’s black pepper and warm spice appear on the exhale, while limonene lifts citrus candy brightness on the inhale. Linalool drifts in as a calming lavender-like perfume that softens the edge. Humulene and ocimene can add green, herbal snapshots that keep the aroma lively and not purely dessert-like.
When the flower is properly cured, the jar smell blooms within seconds of opening, often filling a small room quickly. Growers and retailers report that even 2 to 3 grams can perfume a space in under a minute, a practical measure of aromatic intensity. This throw is enhanced by good moisture management and stable storage temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Poorly dried batches may mute the candy top note and amplify the earth and fuel, so post-harvest technique matters.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
Moonbow 112 IX delivers a flavor arc that mirrors the nose but with more pronounced candy front and kushy finish. Initial pulls bring out sugared tropicals and berry sherbet, closely followed by citrus zest. Mid-palate, a creamy cookie-dough note emerges with earthy OG spice and a clean fuel tickle. The aftertaste lingers as a sweet, slightly peppered glaze on the tongue.
On glass or clean ceramic, vapor tends to taste fruitier and more delicate than combustion. Joints and blunts emphasize the doughy gas and pepper from the Dosi side, especially in the final third. In concentrates, the strain preserves a strikingly sweet inhale that transitions to heavy kush after three to five seconds. Hash and rosin often lean creamier and more vanilla-like, with subtle violet floral hints.
Mouthfeel is plush, aided by abundant resin that coats the palate. Properly flushed and cured flower smokes smooth, with many connoisseurs reporting minimal throat bite until the final puffs. The flavor retains clarity across the session, which is not always the case with dessert-forward cultivars. For most palates, the balance of fruit and fuel makes Moonbow 112 IX an easy repeat choice.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Lab reports for Moonbow 112 IX frequently show high potency, with total THC commonly in the 24% to 28% range. Select top-shelf batches may push to 30% THC, though this is less common and depends on phenotype, cultivation, and testing methodology. Total active cannabinoids often land between 26% and 32%, reflecting minor cannabinoid contributions. CBD is typically trace, commonly below 0.5% in flower.
CBG presence tends to be moderate for a modern dessert hybrid, often 0.4% to 1.0%. When present above 0.7%, some users report a clearer headspace in the early phase of the high. CBC and THCV are usually minor or trace, often under 0.2% each, though occasional outliers occur. The low CBD-high THC ratio contributes to the strong psychoactive profile and rapid onset.
For onset dynamics, inhaled formats usually register noticeable effects in 2 to 5 minutes. Peak effects arrive around 30 to 45 minutes and persist notably for 90 to 150 minutes in most consumers. Oral forms such as edibles reach peak psychoactivity at 90 to 150 minutes and can last 4 to 6 hours. Because of the potency, new consumers should start very low: in inhalation terms, one to two light puffs, or 2.5 to 5 mg THC for edibles.
Tolerance and set-and-setting significantly shape outcomes with Moonbow 112 IX. In controlled, relaxing environments, the high often feels celebratory and emotionally buoyant before it eases into a comfortable, heavy-bodied calm. In stimulating or anxious settings, the intensity can feel overwhelming at higher doses. Respecting dose size and hydration can mitigate common adverse events like dry mouth and racy heartbeats.
Terpene Profile and Minor Volatiles
While exact terpene percentages will vary by grow and lab, Moonbow 112 IX typically expresses a caryophyllene-forward profile with strong limonene and meaningful linalool. Typical ranges observed across comparable Moonbow-line batches include beta-caryophyllene at 0.5% to 1.2%, limonene at 0.3% to 0.8%, and linalool at 0.1% to 0.4%. Supporting terpenes often include humulene at 0.1% to 0.3% and ocimene or myrcene in 0.1% to 0.4% traces. The combined terpene load frequently totals 1.5% to 2.5% by weight in well-grown flower.
Caryophyllene’s presence is tied to the peppery finish and may contribute to perceived stress relief through CB2 receptor activity, though clinical effects in whole cannabis remain complex. Limonene’s citrus lift is frequently associated with improved mood ratings in consumer surveys, particularly at 0.3% and above. Linalool supports the calming contour and is well studied for its anxiolytic potential in aromatherapy contexts. Together, these terpenes help explain why the strain can feel bright yet soothing at once.
Minor volatile compounds likely influence the candy character familiar to Zkittlez descendants. Esters and aldehydes, present at low parts-per-million or parts-per-billion levels, can substantially shape perceived sweetness. While thiols are better documented in gassy cultivars and certain tropical profiles, trace sulfurous notes sometimes add bite to Moonbow 112 IX’s finish. The end result is an aroma-flavor synergy that persists strongly after exhale.
Grower decisions impact terpene expression substantially. Cooler night temperatures in late flower can preserve monoterpenes, while excessive heat can volatilize the most delicate fractions. Slow, controlled drying at 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity for 10 to 14 days tends to protect terpenes and deliver a louder jar. Poorly controlled dry rooms can collapse terpene totals by several tenths of a percent, which is perceptible to experienced consumers.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Moonbow 112 IX produces a hybrid effect that begins with an energetic, mood-lifting pop before settling into a warm, contented body feel. The first 10 to 20 minutes can feel creative, sensory, and sociable, with music and flavors taking on extra depth. As the session continues, the Dosi heritage steers the experience toward tranquility and body heaviness without a full knockout at moderate doses. At high doses, couch lock becomes more likely, especially in low-stimulus settings.
Inhaled onset is fast, and cumulative redosing can compound quicker than expected. To avoid overdoing it, many users find success with a simple timing rule: wait at least 10 minutes between puffs to assess changes. Consumers with low tolerance often report that a single 2 to 3 second inhale is sufficient for noticeable effects. This conservative approach minimizes unwanted side effects like transient anxiety or a racing mind.
Common positive effects include uplifted mood, stress relief, and sensory enhancement that makes movies, music, and food more engaging. Body-wise, users describe a gentle uncoiling of tension in the neck and shoulders followed by an all-over exhale feeling. Focus can improve for low-stakes creative tasks within the first half hour. After the peak, many feel pleasantly heavy and ready to relax or sleep.
Adverse effects are typical of strong THC cultivars. Dry mouth and dry eyes are reported by approximately 30% to 50% of users in informal surveys, especially without adequate hydration. A minority, perhaps 5% to 10% in anecdotal reports, experience transient anxiety at high doses or in stimulating environments. Snacks, water, and a calm setting help mitigate these possibilities.
Potential Medical Applications
The high-THC, caryophyllene-limonene-linalool matrix in Moonbow 112 IX aligns with several commonly reported symptom targets. Patients seeking relief from stress, low mood, and appetite loss may find the euphoria and flavor-forward profile particularly supportive. The body relaxation can also be useful for mild to moderate pain and tension. For sleep, the strain tends to help when taken later in the evening or at higher doses.
Cannabinoid and terpene synergy is relevant to proposed mechanisms. Beta-caryophyllene has been studied as a dietary cannabinoid with CB2 affinity, which may be linked to perceived anti-inflammatory effects in some users. Limonene is associated with positive mood ratings, and linalool is studied for anxiolytic properties in aromatherapy and animal models. While human clinical data with whole-plant Moonbow 112 IX are not available, these component findings provide a framework for rational selection.
Dosing guidance for new medical users should be conservative due to the common 24% to 28% THC readings. For inhalation, start with one small puff and reassess after 10 minutes; for oral routes, start at 2.5 to 5 mg THC. Many patients do well in the 5 to 10 mg oral range for evening use, while daytime relief may require microdoses to avoid sedation. Patients sensitive to THC may prefer vaporization at lower temperatures to emphasize flavor with a gentler onset.
Potential cautions include exacerbation of anxiety at high doses and short-term memory impairment during the peak window. Those with cardiovascular concerns should consult providers before using high-THC products, as heart rate can transiently increase. As with any cannabis product, interactions with medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes are possible. A medical professional’s guidance is recommended for those with complex conditions or polypharmacy.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Phenotype behavior and vigor: Moonbow 112 IX tends to grow with medium height and robust lateral branching. Expect a 1.5x to 2.0x stretch after the flip to flower under high-intensity lighting. Two common phenotypes emerge: a candy-leaning Zkittlez-forward type with extremely loud aroma, and a Dosi-leaning gas type with slightly heavier resin and structure. Both can perform at a high level with training and canopy management.
Environment and climate: Ideal daytime temperatures run 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit in veg and 72 to 78 in flower. Nighttime drops of 5 to 10 degrees encourage color and terpene preservation without stalling growth. Relative humidity targets should shift from 65% to 70% for seedlings, to 55% to 60% in veg, and 45% to 50% in early flower, tapering to 40% to 45% late flower. Vapor pressure deficit should track roughly 0.8 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in bloom for steady transpiration.
Lighting and DLI: In veg, target 300 to 500 PPFD with a daily light integral of 20 to 30 mol per square meter per day. In flower, Moonbow 112 IX typically thrives at 700 to 900 PPFD, where DLI approaches 40 to 50 mol per square meter per day. Some growers push to 1000 PPFD with added CO2 around 900 to 1200 ppm, but watch leaf temperature to stay below 82 degrees. Light saturation without CO2 often leads to diminishing returns and terpene burn-off.
Nutrition and EC: Maintain a mild to moderate feed in veg at 1.2 to 1.6 EC, scaling to 1.8 to 2.2 EC in peak bloom depending on medium. Calcium and magnesium supplementation is recommended, particularly in coco and RO water systems. Keep nitrogen moderate after week two of flower to avoid leafy buds and terpene dilution. A phosphorous-potassium push from weeks three to six typically supports dense set and oil production.
Training and canopy control: Topping once or twice in veg at the fifth or sixth node creates an even table for SCROG or netting. Low-stress training spreads branches and keeps colas in the prime PPFD band. Defoliation should be light to moderate, removing inner and lower fans before and around week three of bloom to improve airflow. Excessive stripping can stunt the candy-leaning phenotype, which prefers some leaf mass for resin production.
Pest and disease management: Dense nug formation increases susceptibility to Botrytis if humidity spikes late in flower. Maintain strong airflow with oscillating fans at multiple heights and avoid foliar sprays after week two of bloom. Preventive IPM with beneficial insects and periodic softer-contact sprays in veg helps keep mites and thrips in check. A clean, filtered intake and regular sanitation routines reduce inoculum pressure significantly.
Flowering time, yield, and harvest window: Expect a 63 to 70 day flowering period indoors, with many cuts finishing happiest around day 65 to 67. Outdoor in the Northern Hemisphere, plan for early to mid-October harvest in temperate zones. Yields average 450 to 600 grams per square meter indoors under dialed conditions, with 50 to 80 grams per square foot achievable in vertical or high-density setups. Per 1,000-watt-equivalent LED fixtures, 1.5 to 2.5 pounds per light is a reasonable target for capable cultivators.
Medium choice and irrigation: The cultivar performs admirably in high-cation-exchange media like coco blends where frequent fertigation maintains steady nutrition. In living soil, it appreciates a well-cycled bed with robust biology and topdress boosts prior to the bulking phase. Automated drip systems with 10% to 20% runoff maintain stable EC in coco; in soil, dial in dryback to avoid overwatering. Roots respond well to 68 to 70 degree Fahrenheit solution temperatures, which preserve oxygen and prevent pythium.
Harvest, Post-Processing, and Storage
Ripeness indicators include swollen calyxes, a strong candy-forward aroma at room temperature, and milky trichomes with 10% to 15% amber heads. Many growers report the best flavor when harvested in the 65 to 67 day window rather than letting it run past 70. However, the gas-leaning phenotype can benefit from a few extra days for a heavier finish. Always confirm with resin maturity rather than relying solely on breeder timeframes.
Drying should be slow and controlled to safeguard terpene intensity. A 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 60% relative humidity room for 10 to 14 days achieves a gentle moisture migration. Airflow should be indirect to prevent case hardening on the exterior of dense buds. Once stems snap, move to cure bins and burp as needed to stabilize at 58% to 62% RH.
Curing for at least 3 to 4 weeks noticeably improves sweetness and smoothness, with an ideal window often stretching to 6 to 8 weeks. At this point, the candy-to-gas handoff becomes more defined and the finish lengthens. Overly rapid drying or skipping cure dulls the fruit spectrum and accentuates chalky earth. For retail, consistent humidity packs help maintain the target RH during shelf time.
Extraction performance is respectable, though results vary by phenotype. Fresh-frozen hash yields often land around 3% to 5%, with some gas-leaners edging higher thanks to robust heads. Flower rosin yields in the 18% to 24% range are common when pressing properly cured material at 190 to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Concentrates tend to capture the dessert inhale and OG finish particularly well when run at cold temps.
Comparisons and Market Reception
Moonbow 112 IX sits at a crossroads between pure Zkittlez candy and classic OG gas. Compared to straight Zkittlez, it typically presents denser buds, higher THC, and a doughier, spicier finish. Versus heavy OGs, it brings brighter top notes and a more playful, confectionary nose. This duality makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser in diverse menus.
In 2022 coverage, Leafly’s Buzz column surfaced Moonbow #112 IX as one of the year’s talked-about releases after three years of work by Archive Seed Bank. At the same time, Los Angeles exotic contests and showcases repeatedly highlighted Z-inflected champions, with Moonbow 112 IX frequently mentioned among top-shelf offerings. Commentary emphasized how much Z genes were shaping the scene, with Archive’s selection praised for balance and resin. These endorsements helped cement the cultivar as a staple for flavor chasers and potency seekers alike.
Market data from retailers and buyers points to strong sell-through when test results exceed 25% THC and terpenes surpass 2.0%. Visuals matter as well; purple flecking and high frost correlate with repeat purchases in many markets. For brand builders, Moonbow 112 IX offers a consistent story: elite pedigree, candy-gas aroma, and competitive potency. As long as quality remains high, demand tends to be sticky across drops.
