Written by Ad OpsOverview and Quick Facts
Phnom Penh is a sativa-heritage cannabis cultivar developed by Scott Family Farms, named after Cambodia’s bustling capital. The name nods to Southeast Asia’s storied sativa lineage, famed for cerebral clarity, long flowering cycles, and tropical aromatics. While full lab datasets are still emerging, this cut is generally positioned as a THC-forward, daytime-leaning flower with low CBD and an active, uplifting profile.
Typical potency for modern sativa-dominant flower commonly ranges between 18–24% total THC, with exceptional batches surpassing 25% when grown and cured under optimal conditions. CBD in such chemovars is usually below 1%, and minor cannabinoids like CBG often appear in the 0.2–1.0% range. Expect a terpene profile that leans citrus-herbal and effervescent, with terpinolene, limonene, ocimene, and beta-caryophyllene frequently implicated in the nose.
In terms of morphology, Phnom Penh tends to express the hallmarks of equatorial sativas: tall stature, wider internode spacing, and elongated, spear-like colas. Indoors, careful training is recommended to manage a stretch that can reach 1.5–2.5x after the flip to 12/12. Outdoors, a long season and ample light translate to vigorous canopies and high terpene potential under full-spectrum sun.
Growers should plan for a longer bloom window relative to compact indicas, often in the 10–13 week range indoors. Outdoor harvests in temperate latitudes typically fall from late October into early November, depending on phenotype and first frost date. Yields are robust with canopy management, commonly 450–650 g/m² indoors and 700–1,200 g per plant outdoors when supported by trellising and nutrition.
History and Origin
Scott Family Farms bred Phnom Penh to capture the heady, motivational character long associated with Southeast Asian sativas. The name directly references Cambodia’s capital, evoking a lineage that likely traces to regional landrace influences known for clarity, spice, and tropical zest. This heritage parallels the historical journey of Asian sativas that spread globally through travelers, growers, and seed exchanges over the last half-century.
From the late 1960s to the 1980s, seeds from Thailand, Cambodia, and neighboring regions migrated into Western markets, shaping foundational sativa lines. Breeders learned that equatorial sativas needed more flowering time yet rewarded patience with uniquely buoyant effects and nuanced aromatics. Modern craft programs, including those at Scott Family Farms, selectively stabilize these traits to create reliable, production-ready cultivars.
As with many boutique releases, public documentation of exact parental stock is limited. Contemporary breeders frequently protect proprietary crosses while releasing broad descriptors about effect and cultivation needs. The result is a cultivar that honors its geographic namesake while slotting cleanly into the modern sativa category prized for daytime function and sensory brightness.
The cultural resonance of Phnom Penh’s name also reflects a global appreciation for landrace preservation. While today’s consumer market leans heavily toward hybridized powerhouses, strains that salute specific regions remind growers of cannabis’ deep geographic diversity. Phnom Penh continues that tradition, translating time-tested equatorial traits into a refined, contemporary flower.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Rationale
Scott Family Farms identifies Phnom Penh’s heritage as sativa, and community descriptions point to Southeast Asian influence in its architecture and aroma. The exact lineage remains undisclosed, a common practice in competitive breeding where proprietary pairings are guarded. Nonetheless, the cultivar’s long-flowering habit and citrus-herbal bouquet suggest equatorial sativa ancestry consistent with Cambodian and Thai profiles.
Breeding a modern sativa that is both production-friendly and authentic is an exercise in balance. Equatorial plants often stretch aggressively and require patience to finish; breeders must select for internode length, calyx development, and ripening speed without sacrificing heady clarity. The likely goal here was to retain the effervescent, motivating high while tightening structure and boosting resin density for contemporary markets.
In the broader context of cannabis breeding, variation by strain matters—a principle mirrored in other botanical and fungal realms. Just as different species and strains of psilocybin mushrooms display variable psilocybin content and distinct experiences, cannabis chemovars diverge markedly in cannabinoids, terpenes, and subjective effects. This underscores why the specific lineage and selection pressure behind Phnom Penh meaningfully shape its outcome.
Given the sativa designation, it is reasonable to expect a terpene backbone weighted toward terpinolene, limonene, ocimene, and beta-caryophyllene, potentially with supporting notes from myrcene and pinene. These compounds are commonly enriched in Southeast Asian-leaning cuts and are strongly associated with bright citrus, herbal sparkle, and peppery lift. The breeder’s task is to fix these aromatics while taming the plant’s physical exuberance for reliable room-scale cultivation.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Phnom Penh grows with the vertical ambition typical of equatorial sativas. In vegetative growth, expect medium-to-wide internodal spacing, slender petioles, and narrow, scimitar-like leaflets that facilitate airflow through the canopy. Under strong lighting, stems lignify quickly, but support is recommended before flower to counter wind or oscillating fans.
After transition to 12/12, the plant commonly stretches 1.5–2.5x depending on phenotype, pot size, and light intensity. Flowers develop as elongated, tapering spears with stacked calyxes rather than tight, golf-ball clusters. The bract-to-leaf ratio tends to be favorable by mid-flower, revealing glistening trichome coverage along tall colas.
Trichomes present as long-stalked and densely distributed on bracts and sugar leaves, giving a snowy sheen under magnification. Pistils emerge in vibrant tangerine-to-saffron hues before maturing into a deeper burnt orange. In cooler nights late in flower, some phenotypes may express faint anthocyanin blushes, yielding pastel magenta tips along the cola edges.
Mature colas hold a distinctly aerodynamic look—streamlined rather than bulky—with minimal foxtailing when environmental parameters are held steady. Excess heat or aggressive PPFDs above the plant’s comfort can stimulate fox tails on sensitive phenos, a trait common among long-flowering sativas. When properly managed, the structure remains sleek, resinous, and redolent of citrus-herbal oils.
Dry and cured buds retain their spear-like silhouette, often finishing as medium-sized, spade-shaped flowers. The calyx stacks feel springy rather than rock-hard, reflecting the cultivar’s airy sativa lineage. Trim quality strongly influences bag appeal, as well-manicured spears showcase their trichome frost and vivid pistil accents.
Aroma and Bouquet
Phnom Penh’s bouquet is lively and layered, curving from citrus zest into green, herbaceous sparkle. On the first peel of the jar, lime and sweet orange are common top notes, followed by undertones reminiscent of lemongrass and fresh-cut basil. A peppery-spice tail, often associated with beta-caryophyllene, lingers as a grounding counterpoint to the citrus.
Breaking a cured bud intensifies the aromatic complexity, releasing terpinolene’s pine-citrus fizz alongside a hint of floral sap. Some phenotypes show a whiff of tropical fruit—think green mango or guava peel—suggesting ocimene’s contribution in the ensemble. The overall impression is bright and clean, with an almost tonic-like lift.
Aromatics can be especially expressive when grown outdoors under full-spectrum sunlight. Industry reporting has repeatedly pushed back against the myth that outdoor-grown cannabis is inherently inferior, noting that sun-grown flower can rival or surpass indoor counterparts in aroma, flavor, and perceived effect. The enhanced UV and broader light spectrum can nudge terpene synthase activity, coaxing out nuanced layers.
In well-cured batches, the nose remains stable for months with proper storage, although delicate monoterpenes are more volatile and can decline if exposed to heat or oxygen. Airtight containers, cool temperatures, and stable humidity help retain the citrus-herbal top-end. When preserved correctly, Phnom Penh’s bouquet stays crisp and inviting, telegraphing its daytime orientation.
Flavor and Palate
The flavor of Phnom Penh mirrors its nose, with a zesty first impression that leans into lime peel and sweet citrus. On combustion, a piney, tonic-like brightness frames the palate, supported by a gentle herb garden character. The finish tightens into white pepper and faint clove, giving structure and length to the sip-like draw.
Vaporization at moderate temperatures preserves the highest-resolution flavor map. At 175–190°C, terpinolene’s effervescence and limonene’s citrus pop are most evident, with ocimene’s green-fruit lift hovering in the mid-palate. Raising temperature toward 200°C pulls more pepper-spice and resin, plus a touch of bitterness from oxidized compounds.
The mouthfeel is light-to-medium, without the syrupy density found in dessert-forward indicas. Residuals tend toward citrus pith and a mint-adjacent coolness that clears quickly. With a clean cure, aftertastes are free from chlorophyll bite and deliver a refreshing snap.
Paired thoughtfully, Phnom Penh complements bright foods and beverages. Citrusy sparkling water, herbal teas, and lightly sweet tropical fruit play especially well with its terpene ensemble. The cultivar’s buoyant palate is tailor-made for daytime sessions and social contexts where freshness matters.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As a sativa-heritage flower, Phnom Penh is generally THC-forward with low CBD. In contemporary retail markets, lab-tested sativa-dominant flowers commonly register in the 18–24% total THC band, and top-shelf batches can cross 25% when grown with high PPFD, dialed nutrition, and careful post-harvest. CBD is typically below 1%, with total minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, and trace THCV) ranging approximately 0.3–1.5% combined depending on phenotype and maturity.
It is important to distinguish between THCA (the acidic precursor quantified in flower) and decarboxylated THC (which drives psychoactivity after heat). Most certificates of analysis report total THC as THCA × 0.877 + THC, a calculation that estimates potency post-decarboxylation. Growers may see THCA values in the low-to-mid 20s for well-grown sativas, translating to the consumer-facing total THC percentages mentioned above.
Compared to marquee sativas such as Amnesia Haze, which is often marketed with “very high” THC (commonly over 20%), Phnom Penh slots comfortably within modern potency expectations. That said, effect intensity is not solely a function of THC; terpene composition, minor cannabinoids, and even user tolerance have strong modulatory roles. Two batches with equal THC can feel different in speed, clarity, and duration if their terpenes diverge.
For consumers seeking CBD-forward effects, classics like Cannatonic—widely credited with catalyzing the CBD movement—remain more appropriate. Phnom Penh’s profile instead caters to those who prefer stimulating, low-CBD flowers with crisp cerebral character. Dose titration is advisable for new users, as THC-rich sativas can feel racy at higher inhaled amounts.
In concentrates made from Phnom Penh, cannabinoid concentration can exceed 70% total cannabinoids depending on extraction method and input quality. However, some of the cultivar’s charm resides in its monoterpene-heavy bouquet, which is more vividly expressed in flower or carefully formulated live resin. Maintaining terpene integrity during processing preserves the cultivar’s signature sensory arc.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
Phnom Penh’s signature brightness aligns with a terpene stack led by terpinolene and limonene, with ocimene and beta-caryophyllene often in supporting roles. In premium flower across the market, total terpene content commonly lands in the 1.5–3.0% range by weight, with standouts breaking 3% under ideal conditions. Monoterpenes such as terpinolene and limonene are volatile but deliver the largest share of the zesty top-notes.
Terpinolene contributes pine-citrus lift with a slightly floral sparkle, while limonene layers in sweet orange and lemon zest. Ocimene lends green-fruit and herbaceous tones that boost the perception of freshness. Beta-caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene and CB2 agonist, supplies pepper-spice and grounding warmth on the exhale.
Secondary contributors may include alpha- and beta-pinene for resinous pine and alertness, plus a modest myrcene presence that rounds the mid-palate without pushing toward couchlock. The exact ratios vary by phenotype, grow environment, and post-harvest handling. Sun-grown lots can manifest a wider spread of minor terpenes, reflecting the influence of full-spectrum light on terpene synthase pathways.
It bears repeating that outdoor cultivation does not inherently reduce terpene quality. On the contrary, informed field programs show that sun-grown cannabis can match or exceed indoor flower in aroma and flavor, with many connoisseurs praising the layered complexity. Proper timing, pest management, and careful curing are the keys to capturing that aromatic density.
For extraction and formulation, preserving monoterpenes demands low-temperature handling and oxygen control. Live resin and cold-cured rosin approaches can maintain a high-fidelity snapshot of Phnom Penh’s citrus-herbal identity. When preserved, the terpene ensemble synergizes with THC to produce the cultivar’s quick, sparkling effect profile.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Phnom Penh is engineered for a clean, uplifting experience aligned with classic sativa expectations. The onset is swift with inhalation, typically within 1–3 minutes, ramping to a clear plateau characterized by mood elevation, mental energy, and sensory acuity. Many users describe increased motivation, sociability, and a light, tonic-like body feel rather than heavy relaxation.
This user profile resonates with general descriptions of sativa effects highlighted by seed vendors and consumer guides. Sativa-forward mixes are often praised for delivering a “clean, uplifting high” that elevates mood and enhances cerebral activity, supporting tasks that benefit from focus and energy. Phnom Penh tracks closely with that template, especially in moderate doses.
At higher intake, THC-rich sativas can tip into raciness or transient anxiety in sensitive individuals. Slow titration—one or two small inhalations, wait 10 minutes, then reassess—helps calibrate the sweet spot. Hydration and a snack can mitigate edginess, and changing environment or reducing stimulation often smooths the experience.
Duration commonly spans 2–3 hours for smoked or vaporized flower, with a taper into a soft, relaxed afterglow. The cultivar shines in daylight contexts: creative sessions, urban strolls, or social gatherings with conversation at the center. Evening use remains pleasant for many but may be too stimulating close to bedtime for light sleepers.
As with all cannabis, inter-individual variability is significant. Body chemistry, tolerance, and set-and-setting shape outcomes, and two phenotypes of the same strain can feel subtly distinct. The principle mirrors observations in other domains, where strain-level differences modulate active compounds and the user’s subjective arc.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
Phnom Penh’s mood-elevating and energizing profile suggests potential utility for daytime symptom management where activation is desirable. Users commonly look to sativa-leaning flowers for relief from low mood, fatigue, and goal initiation challenges. The cultivar’s clear head and low body heaviness can aid task engagement without excessive sedation.
From a mechanistic standpoint, limonene has been studied for mood support, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism points to anti-inflammatory potential. Although clinical evidence remains developing, these terpenes may complement THC’s analgesic and antiemetic actions. The National Academies’ 2017 review concluded there is substantial evidence that cannabis is effective for chronic pain in adults, a finding relevant regardless of strain, though the subjective feel will vary.
Phnom Penh may also assist with appetite stimulation and nausea, outcomes historically linked to THC-dominant chemovars. For neuropathic pain or migraineurs seeking daytime options, a non-sedating sativa with a peppery backbone can provide relief without cognitive murkiness. However, individual response is variable, and medical users should track dose, timing, and symptom changes.
Caution is warranted for those with anxiety disorders or panic sensitivity, as racy sativas can occasionally exacerbate jitters. Initiating therapy with low doses and considering formulations balanced with CBD can reduce risk. Patients with cardiovascular concerns should consult clinicians, as THC can transiently elevate heart rate.
For structured medical use, start low and go slow remains the guiding maxim. Begin with 1–2 inhalations, wait 10–15 minutes, and titrate only if needed, recording outcomes in a symptom diary. If daytime overstimulation occurs, reserve Phnom Penh for morning or early afternoon and pair with calming routines to balance its bright tone.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors and Outdoors
Phnom Penh behaves like a classic equatorial-leaning sativa in the garden, rewarding space management, patient flowering, and disciplined environment control. Indoors, provide 18/6 lighting in veg with PPFD around 300–500 µmol/m²/s, increasing to 800–1,000 µmol/m²/s in bloom. Target a daily light integral of roughly 35–45 mol/m²/day in flower, and consider supplemental CO₂ at 1,000–1,200 ppm if PPFD exceeds 900 µmol/m²/s to unlock 20–30% yield gains.
Vegetative conditions favor 24–28°C with 60–70% RH early on, tapering RH to 55–60% pre-flip. In bloom, hold 24–27°C by day and 20–23°C by night, with RH near 50–55% for weeks 1–6 and 42–48% late to discourage botrytis. Keep vapor-pressure deficit in the 1.2–1.5 kPa range to balance transpiration and nutrient uptake, minimizing foxtailing and tip burn.
Phnom Penh stretches vigorously, so training is mandatory in most tents and rooms. Top or fim at the 5th–7th node, then low-stress train branches to fill a screen of green, flipping to flower only once 70–80% of the screen is occupied. Expect a 1.5–2.5x stretch; plan vertical clearance and netting early to avoid last-minute supercropping.
Nutrition should be lean but continuous, respecting the plant’s long runway. In coco or hydro, maintain pH around 5.8–6.2; in soil or soilless blends, 6.3–6.8. Aim for EC 1.2–1.6 in late veg, 1.7–2.0 in early bloom, and 2.0–2.3 in mid bloom depending on cultivar appetite, then taper nitrogen while sustaining potassium and micronutrients late.
Silica supplements strengthen long colas against sway, and consistent calcium–magnesium prevents interveinal chlorosis under high light. Avoid overfeeding nitrogen beyond week 3–4 of flower; sativas respond with excess leaf and delayed ripening if N remains high. A light defoliation at week 3 and again at week 6 improves airflow and light penetration without shocking the plant.
Indoors, flowering typically runs 10–13 weeks from flip, with earlier phenotypes finishing closer to 70–77 days. Watch trichomes with a loupe: many growers target a mostly-milky field with 5–15% amber for an energetic finish. Harvesting too late can mute the cultivar’s crispness and tilt the effect toward sedation.
Outdoors, Phnom Penh thrives where the season is long and consistent, especially below roughly 40° latitude. Plant out after last frost into living soil or amended loam with excellent drainage, and use deep beds or 20–45 gallon containers to accommodate a vigorous root zone. Full sun exposure and sturdy trellising (T-posts, cattle panels, or multi-tier nets) are critical for wind resilience.
Sun-grown programs benefit from the myth-busting reality that outdoor plants can deliver superb aroma, flavor, and satisfying effects. Full-spectrum sunlight, dynamic diurnal swings, and complex soil biomes often coax layered terpene expression. Keep canopies well-spaced and favor open, vertical architecture to keep powdery mildew at bay.
Implement an integrated pest management plan from day one. Sticky cards, weekly scouting, and preventative biologicals such as Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillars and predatory mites for spider mites help maintain thresholds. Foliar sulfur is effective for powdery mildew in veg, but discontinue before flower set to protect terpenes and avoid residues.
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage root exploration and oxygen exchange, and mulch to stabilize soil temperatures and moisture. In hot climates, mid-day shade cloth or light-diffusing netting limits stress during heat spikes. In humid regions, aggressive deleafing around late August to early September improves airflow and reduces botrytis risk in the long finish.
Expected yields outdoors are generous if the season cooperates, commonly 700–1,200 g per plant for 1.5–2.5 m specimens. In coastal or cool autumn zones, consider planting earlier or using light deprivation to bring harvest forward into late September or early October. The goal is to dodge prolonged cold rains that imperil tall, resinous colas.
For seeds, consider whether feminized or regular aligns with your objectives. Feminized seeds simplify canopy planning by minimizing male removals, while regular seeds offer broader genetic diversity for pheno-hunting and future breeding. If Scott Family Farms offers verified clones, that route delivers the most uniform expression for production environments.
Irrigation strategies should track stage: higher frequency and lower volume in early veg, and deeper, less frequent cycles as roots establish. In coco or hydro, 10–20% runoff per feed helps prevent salt buildup; in soil, monitor soil moisture with probes or by feel at 5–7 cm depth. Maintain clean reservoirs and lines, and calibrate meters monthly to ensure EC and pH accuracy.
Phnom Penh responds well to gentle finishing practices. Many growers prefer a 7–10 day low-EC finish in coco or hydro, feeding balanced but dilute solutions rather than abrupt water-only regimes. The objective is to allow the plant to utilize remaining nutrients while preserving terpene integrity and resin quality.
Harvest, Drying, Curing, and Storage
Harvest timing defines Phnom Penh’s signature effect. For a bright, stimulating profile, many growers clip when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber and pistils at roughly 70–90% maturity. This window retains the cultivar’s crisp citrus-herbal energy without drifting into overripe sedation.
Wet-trim or hang whole, depending on facility constraints and climate control. Whole-plant hangs at 15–18°C and 55–62% RH for 10–14 days create a slow, even dry that preserves volatile monoterpenes like terpinolene and limonene. Gentle air movement without direct breeze reduces case-hardening and hotspots.
Aim for a final moisture content near 10–12% and a water activity of roughly 0.55–0.65 to inhibit microbial growth. Once stems snap cleanly rather than bend, buck and jar in airtight containers. Initial curing involves burping daily for 10–15 minutes for the first week, then every other day through week two as humidity stabilizes around 58–62%.
The cure develops flavor depth as chlorophyll breaks down and terpenes re-equilibrate. Terpinolene-driven cultivars reward patience; two to four weeks of cure noticeably rounds edges and brightens the mid-palate. Avoid heat, light, and oxygen exposure, which collectively degrade terpenes and oxidize cannabinoids.
For storage, keep jars in a dark cabinet at 15–20°C with humidity packs to maintain 58–62% relative humidity. Properly stored flower can retain satisfying aroma and potency for several months, though all cannabis gradually loses terpenes and THC over time. After a year at room temperature, measurable THC decline is common, so rotating stock and prioritizing freshness is prudent.
For extraction inputs, freezing freshly harvested material quickly (fresh frozen) locks in monoterpenes that might otherwise volatilize. When handling frozen flower, minimize agitation to prevent trichome fracture. Low-temperature extraction and careful post-processing protect the bright, citrus-herbal signature that gives Phnom Penh its name.
