Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Prune Juice is a boutique, mostly indica cultivar developed by Calyx Bros. Seed Co., a breeder known for resin-forward selections and sensory-driven phenohunts. The strain’s name telegraphs its signature dried-fruit character, a profile that became highly sought after during the 2010s wave of dessert and confectionary cannabis. Calyx Bros. leaned into that trend while preserving the agronomic reliability that indica-leaning plants are famous for. The result is a cultivar built for connoisseurs who also value grower-friendly structure and predictable finish times.
While Calyx Bros. has not widely publicized the precise parental cross, the breeder’s catalog suggests a preference for heirloom and modern indica staples that deliver body-forward effects. Industry watchers often infer the involvement of classic Afghan, Kush, or Urkle-descended lines whenever a cultivar exhibits prune, plum, and molasses notes. Regardless of the exact pedigree, the breeding goal is clear: produce a compact plant with high trichome coverage and a complex, fruit-darkness terpene stack. The emphasis on stability allows home growers to achieve consistency from seed while still offering enough phenotype variation to reward selection.
The popularity of indica-dominant cultivars owes much to their shorter flowering cycles and denser bud structure, and Prune Juice follows suit. Growers consistently report bloom windows in the 8–9 week range under 12/12 photoperiods, aligning with what many indica hybrids deliver in controlled environments. That schedule helps reduce overall energy costs and crop risk, two variables that matter to both commercial and home cultivators. Efficiency, plus standout flavor, is a recipe for enduring demand.
Culturally, Prune Juice also taps into a niche of fans who prize old-world hashish flavors embellished with modern fruit-forward terpenes. That duality has helped the cultivar spread through connoisseur circles and social grows where aroma and bag appeal spark conversation. As legalization has expanded, small-batch breeders like Calyx Bros. have played an outsized role in diversifying market offerings. Prune Juice exemplifies that artisanal breeding ethos: sensory-rich, manageable in the garden, and definitively indica in its relaxation profile.
Genetic Lineage and Indica Heritage
Calyx Bros. Seed Co. lists Prune Juice as mostly indica, which usually translates to broad leaflets, tighter internode spacing, and a squat structure. In cultivation, internodes commonly present at 2–5 cm in veg under adequate light intensity, a hallmark of indica-dominant genetics. This compact habit supports higher canopy densities, provided airflow is managed, and it simplifies light positioning in tent and cabinet grows. Those traits are a boon to gardeners with limited vertical clearance.
The exact parents of Prune Juice have not been publicly confirmed, a decision many breeders make to protect their intellectual property and maintain a competitive edge. However, the cultivar’s dark-fruit aroma and calm, body-oriented effects suggest a gene pool populated by Afghan- or Kush-descended lines renowned for sedation and resin load. It would not be unusual for a breeder to reach for a clone-only mother known for dense calyxes and pair it with a vigorous indica-leaning pollen donor. Such pairings often stabilize plant height while introducing terpene complexity.
In the broader taxonomy of cannabis, indica-leaning plants tend to mature faster and tolerate cooler night temperatures in late flower. Growers frequently leverage those cool nights to coax anthocyanin expression, deepening purples and maroons in bracts and sugar leaves. The darker hues often mirror the flavor story—grape skin, prune, and cocoa—creating a synesthetic appeal between sight and taste. Prune Juice’s name lines up neatly with this visual–sensory synergy.
Most indica-forward hybrids also express a modest stretch during the first two weeks of flowering, typically 25–60% depending on environmental variables and training. For Prune Juice, that measured stretch makes it a solid candidate for screen of green (ScrOG) layouts that capitalize on lateral growth. Like other branching-friendly cultivars that respond well to a screen, the plant can be spread into an even canopy for improved light capture. This approach supports consistent bud size across sites while helping to manage humidity in denser canopies.
Appearance and Bag Appeal
Prune Juice typically produces medium-sized, spade-to-ovate colas with a compact calyx-to-leaf ratio that makes trimming straightforward. Buds often finish as deep forest green with lilac or plum undertones when night temps are gently reduced in late bloom. Pistils emerge a bright tangerine and mature to a darker rust, providing warm contrast against the cooler bud tones. The cured flower usually shows a heavy frost of capitate-stalked trichomes that sparkle under a loupe.
Because of the indica influence, the bracts stack tightly and create a pebbled texture with minimal voids. Sugar leaves tend to be small and resinous, so careful hand-trimming can preserve terpene-rich edges rather than shaving them down. Trim loss for well-grown, dense indica flowers often sits around 12–18% of wet weight when processed attentively. This efficiency is attractive for small-batch growers who value high ratios of saleable flower to biomass.
Under proper environmental control, colas exhibit excellent density without the problematic oversaturation that invites botrytis. The goal is a firm but springy structure rather than a rock-hard spear, which indicates balanced irrigation and adequate transpiration. Photographs often highlight a satin-like finish to the resin layer, reflecting a high proportion of bulbous and capitate-stalked glands. That surface sheen foreshadows the cultivar’s sticky grind and terpene release on the tray.
Overall bag appeal is elevated by color interplay and the immediately noticeable dried-fruit bouquet that wafts from the jar. When broken up, the buds exhibit glassy trichome heads that pop against darker bracts, a feature many connoisseurs seek as a proxy for maturity. An even, well-cured appearance suggests a disciplined dry and cure, preserving volatile compounds that otherwise vanish. For many buyers, Prune Juice’s look alone signals a rich, dessert-adjacent experience.
Aroma Profile
The olfactory signature of Prune Juice centers on overripe plum, prune syrup, and black raisin, stitched together with cocoa nib and damp earth. Secondary spikes often include vanilla pod, molasses, and gentle wood spice, notes that suggest a caryophyllene–linalool–myrcene backbone. On a warm grind, a dark jam character swells, sometimes revealing faint licorice and walnut skin. These layers are cohesive rather than chaotic, reading as a composed, old-world dessert.
Indica-dominant cultivars commonly concentrate their volatile terpenes between 1.0% and 3.0% of dry weight, and Prune Juice sensibly slots in that range depending on grow method and cure. Grower reports frequently mention a terpene-forward jar that retains strength for weeks when stored at 58–62% relative humidity. Consistency here depends on slow drying and minimal agitation, both of which preserve mono- and sesquiterpenes. A proper burp schedule during the first two weeks of cure also keeps the bouquet lively rather than grassy.
The nose translates well from bag to grind, an attribute associated with fewer off-notes introduced by rushed drying. Many fruit-forward strains drop aromatics quickly when overdried or exposed to heat; keeping the dry room near 60°F/60% RH helps maintain that prune-jam intensity. Once combustion releases heat, darker sugar notes appear, but the fruit core remains intact. Vaporization preserves the most delicate top notes, rewarding users who prefer nuanced aroma.
Because of the dense aroma, storage strategy matters. Small jars packed to 70–80% volume minimize headspace oxygen and slow terpene oxidation. Avoiding wide temperature swings further reduces volatility losses that can exceed several percent per day under harsh conditions. With basic care, Prune Juice’s jar presence remains commanding for multiple months post-cure.
Flavor Profile
On inhale, Prune Juice delivers prune syrup, stewed plum, and a flash of balsamic reduction that quickly mellows into cocoa and toasted wood. The mouthfeel is plush and slightly coating, a quality often attributed to high trichome oil content and a caryophyllene–humulene presence. Mid-palate brings faint vanilla and date, with a tannic grape-skin finish that keeps the profile from sliding into cloying territory. Exhale softens into nutty caramel and dry spice, lingering on the palate.
Combustion quality, measured informally by ash color and throat feel, improves with a long, cool cure that finishes water activity around 0.58–0.62. Properly cured Prune Juice often burns evenly with a steady ember and minimal crackle, indicating negligible residual moisture. Users sensitive to harshness may find vaporization at 175–185°C highlights the fruit leather and floral tones. Higher ranges of 195–205°C foreground cocoa, wood spice, and heavier balsamic notes.
Compared with bright, citrus-forward sativas, this cultivar’s flavor arc is deeper and more confectionary. The dark-fruit lane appeals to those who enjoy dessert wines, black cherry cordials, or toasted nuts. Sweetness rises when the flower is ground fresh and consumed promptly, while extended jar rest tends to amplify cocoa and wood. The profile is robust enough to stand out in joints and still nuanced in glassware.
Edible infusions using Prune Juice can mirror this richness if decarboxylated at low temperature to curb terpene loss. Olive oil or clarified butter captures fat-soluble aromatics that echo prune compote and vanilla. Syrups and tinctures may lean more into spice and cocoa depending on extraction method. The result is a culinary-friendly canvas with a distinct identity.
Cannabinoid Profile
As a mostly indica selection, Prune Juice typically expresses THC dominance with low baseline CBD. While potency always varies by phenotype and cultivation, grower and lab reports for similar indica-dominant dessert cultivars often range between 18–23% total THC by dry weight, with outliers above 24% under optimized conditions. CBD usually measures under 1%, often in the 0.05–0.5% window. Minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC commonly appear in trace amounts (for example, 0.1–0.7% combined), contributing subtle modulation.
In raw flower, most THC resides in its acidic precursor, THCa, which decarboxylates to active THC with heat or time. A typical cured sample might display, for instance, 22% THCa alongside 0.5–1.0% already-formed THC, totaling roughly 23% potential THC. After decarb—via smoking, vaporizing, or controlled oven activation—THCa converts at a predictable rate, minus small losses to evaporation and further transformation. Understanding this chemistry helps dial in dose, especially for edibles where decarb control is critical.
Dose response is influenced by total cannabinoid load and terpene synergy. Newer consumers often find 2.5–5 mg of inhaled THC equivalence sufficient for a relaxed effect, while experienced users may prefer 10–20 mg or more across a session. Edible dosing tends to hit harder and last longer; 2.5–5 mg THC is a conservative starting point, titrating upward by 2.5–5 mg increments. Peak edible effects frequently arrive 90–150 minutes post-ingestion.
Because Prune Juice leans indica, its perceived potency is magnified by body-forward sedation and muscle easing. In practical terms, a 20% THC indica may feel heavier than a 20% THC sativa due to interplay with myrcene and linalool. Consumers often reserve this cultivar for late afternoon or evening, even at moderate potency levels. The qualitative effect profile matters as much as the percentage on the label.
For concentrate makers, Prune Juice’s resin production offers an appealing input for hash and rosin. Wash yields naturally vary with grow and phenotype, but indica-leaning dessert cultivars frequently return competitive percentages in the 3–6% fresh frozen range for ice water extraction. Those numbers are sensitive to harvest timing, trichome head size distribution, and dry/cure parameters for dry sift or flower rosin. The cultivar’s dark-fruit terpenes also tend to carry through in solventless formats.
Terpene Profile
Prune Juice’s aroma and flavor point to a terpene stack commonly led by myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and humulene, with linalool often contributing floral lift. Across cured cannabis, total terpene content commonly falls between 1.0% and 3.0% by weight; Prune Juice sensibly inhabits the 1.5–2.5% band when grown and cured attentively. Myrcene is frequently the largest slice, sometimes 0.4–0.9%, underpinning the ripe fruit and soft sedation. Beta-caryophyllene, in the 0.2–0.6% range, imparts spice and acts as a CB2 receptor agonist in preclinical studies.
Humulene, typically 0.1–0.4%, contributes woody, herbaceous tones and may modulate appetite signaling based on animal data. Linalool in the 0.05–0.3% window adds floral sweetness and is associated with anxiolytic properties in rodent models and aromatherapy literature. Trace terpenes like ocimene, nerolidol, and bisabolol sometimes appear and can fine-tune fruit vs. floral emphasis. The net effect is a dark, jammy bouquet with gently spiced undertones.
Boiling point and volatility shape consumption experience. Myrcene begins volatilizing near 166°C, linalool around 198°C, and beta-caryophyllene above 200°C, so vaporizer settings dramatically influence which notes dominate. At 175–185°C, fruit and floral shine; above 195°C, spice and wood intensify. Combustion accesses the full stack but at the cost of greater terpene loss to heat.
Cultivation practices can move these numbers. For example, late bloom stress, overfeeding nitrogen, or high dry-room temperatures can depress total terpene readings by double-digit percentages. Gentle leafing to open cola interiors, careful irrigation, and a slow, cool dry preserve more volatiles. Many growers report that a 10–14 day dry at 60°F/60% RH materially improves jar aroma versus a 3–5 day quick dry.
Terpene percentages alone do not guarantee desirability; balance matters. Prune Juice succeeds because the dried fruit center is not overwhelmed by clove-like heat or acrid wood. Instead, the spice is framing—supporting a complex but coherent flavor arc. That balance is why the cultivar shows well both fresh-ground and after extended cure.
Experiential Effects
Prune Juice leans into classic indica territory: a calm, weighty body feel with gentle euphoria and mental quieting. Initial onset for inhalation typically arrives within 5–10 minutes, progressing to a fuller presence by the 20–30 minute mark. Many users describe muscle loosening and a slow unwinding of physical tension, with mood settling rather than spiking. The overall arc favors relaxation, introspection, or low-key creativity over task-driven focus.
Peak effects often sit 45–90 minutes after inhalation and taper gradually across the next 1–2 hours, though metabolism and tolerance introduce wide variability. In edibles, the timeline stretches: onset can take 45–120 minutes, peak intensity lands 90–150 minutes, and the tail may extend beyond 4 hours. Because this cultivar’s terpene suite tilts sedative, timing sessions for evening or after responsibilities is prudent. Combining with caffeine or bright citrus terpenes can slightly lift the headspace but will not fully counter the body load.
Users sensitive to racy or anxious sativas often appreciate Prune Juice for its grounded, reassuring tone. Compared to energetic sativa staples that regularly test around 19–20% THC and emphasize brightness—think of well-known cultivars celebrated for uplifting daytime use—Prune Juice is the nightcap counterpart. It encourages unhurried pacing: stretching, a long conversation, or a movie where the soundtrack matters as much as the plot. Pairings like mellow jazz, ambient electronica, or acoustic sets fit the mood.
Side effects are typical for THC-dominant indica strains: dry mouth, red eyes, and occasionally heavy eyelids or couchlock at higher doses. Orthostatic dizziness can appear if standing quickly after a session, so hydration and deliberate movement help. Newer consumers should start low and build slowly to avoid overshooting their comfort zone. The strain’s potency paired with its tranquilizing profile can sneak up on infrequent users.
Potential Medical Uses
Patients and wellness users often reach for indica-leaning cultivars like Prune Juice to support sleep initiation and continuity. The myrcene–linalool pairing, plus THC’s analgesic and sedative properties, may make this cultivar a candidate for evening relief of stress and hyperarousal. Anecdotal reports commonly cite easing of muscle tension, generalized aches, and rumination. While clinical evidence for specific strains remains limited, the component molecules are better studied and inform these use cases.
THC shows analgesic potential in neuropathic pain models, and beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity suggests peripheral anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical research. Linalool has been associated with anxiolysis and improved sleep parameters in aromatherapy contexts, while myrcene is widely discussed for its sedative reputation in cannabis folklore and some animal data. Together, these molecules may explain why many users report body comfort and mental quieting with Prune Juice. Such synergy may allow lower THC doses to achieve desired outcomes for certain individuals.
For insomnia, a conservative inhaled starting dose might be a single small puff or 2.5 mg THC equivalent 60–90 minutes before desired sleep. Patients can titrate in 2.5–5 mg increments as needed across several nights to find the minimum effective dose. For edibles, begin with 2.5–5 mg THC in a controlled setting and avoid stacking doses before full onset is felt. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and low-light environment will compound benefits.
Users targeting anxiety should note that while many find indica-dominant profiles calming, THC can be biphasic—low to moderate doses may soothe, while high doses can, in some individuals, exacerbate unease. Pairing small THC amounts with CBD (e.g., a 1:1 or 2:1 CBD:THC supplement) is a common strategy to smooth the ride. Keeping a journal of dose, timing, and effects for one to two weeks often reveals an optimal window. Hydration, light snacks, and breathwork can further support a positive response.
All medical use should consider contraindications, including drug–drug interactions and individual sensitivity. People with cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, or a history of psychosis should consult a medical professional before use. Operating vehicles or heavy machinery under the influence is unsafe and illegal in many jurisdictions. Responsible, data-driven experimentation remains the safest path.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth habit and vigor: As a mostly indica cultivar, Prune Juice tends to stay compact with medium vigor and strong apical dominance unless trained. Indoor heights of 80–120 cm are typical with topping, while untrained plants may push higher if veg extends. Internode spacing in good light remains tight at 2–5 cm, encouraging dense bud sites. This structure suits small rooms and tents where vertical control is crucial.
Space planning: For sea of green (SOG), plan 9–16 plants per square meter in 3–7 liter pots, flipping to flower shortly after rooting to keep colas uniform. For ScrOG, use 1–4 plants per square meter in 11–25 liter containers, spreading tops to fill 70–90% of the screen before flip. As seen with branching-friendly cultivars that excel in ScrOG, evenly distributing growth under a net can boost canopy efficiency by 10–20% in many gardens. Prune Juice’s measured stretch makes it an excellent fit for this method.
Lighting and PPFD: Veg at 18/6 with 300–600 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD for tight structure; flower under 900–1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ if CO2 is near ambient, and up to 1,200–1,400 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ if enriched to 1,000–1,200 ppm. Aim for daily light integrals of 20–30 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in veg and 35–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ in flower. Keep leaf surface temperature around 24–26°C in flower to optimize photosynthesis and terpene preservation. Uniformity across the canopy is more important than chasing peak intensity at one spot.
Environment and VPD: Maintain 24–28°C daytime and 20–22°C nighttime in veg, with 55–65% RH for a VPD of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa. In flower, lower to 22–26°C daytime, 18–21°C nighttime, and 40–50% RH early bloom, finishing at 35–45% RH late. Target 1.2–1.6 kPa VPD in mid-to-late bloom to drive resin while preventing excessive transpiration stress. Nighttime drops of 3–5°C in late flower can encourage anthocyanins in purple-leaning phenotypes.
Substrate and pH/EC: In soil, keep pH at 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. Feed moderately in veg at 1.2–1.6 mS·cm⁻¹ EC, increasing to 1.6–1.9 mS·cm⁻¹ in peak bloom depending on plant response. Avoid overfeeding nitrogen late in veg and early bloom, which can suppress terpene expression and slow onset of flower maturation. Organic or mineral programs both work; the key is consistent availability rather than fluctuations.
Nutrition program: A classic ratio progression works well—veg around 3-1-2 NPK, early bloom 1-2-2, and mid-to-late bloom 1-3-2 or 0-3-3, tapering nitrogen as flowers bulk. Supplement with calcium and magnesium especially in coco-based systems to prevent interveinal chlorosis and tip burn. Silicon at 50–100 ppm can increase tissue rigidity, which helps support dense colas. Trace elements should be balanced to avoid antagonisms that lock out potassium and phosphorus.
Irrigation strategy: Use full wet–dry cycles in soil; water to 10–20% runoff in soilless media to avoid salt buildup. Overwatering is a common cause of bud density loss and muted aroma due to low root-zone oxygen. In late flower, slightly smaller but more frequent irrigations can help maintain consistent uptake without oversaturation. Monitor container weight to fine-tune intervals.
Training and pruning: Top once at the 4–5 node mark and again as needed to shape 6–10 strong mains for ScrOG. Low-stress training with soft ties spreads branches horizontally to maximize even light. Lollipop the lowest 20–30% of the plant before flip to prevent larf and improve airflow. Moderate defoliation—removing large, shading fan leaves—at day 21 and day 42 of flower can further open the canopy without stressing the plant.
Outdoor and small-space suitability: Similar to compact, high-yielding indicas that do well on balconies and terraces, Prune Juice’s stature suits patios and urban gardens. In warm, dry climates, plants in 50–100 liter pots can reach 120–160 cm with proper training and return large, dense colas. Staking or a trellis ring prevents branch flop during late bloom. Choose a site with 8+ hours of direct sun for best performance.
Pest and disease management: Indica density requires airflow diligence. Powdery mildew is a universal risk that coats leaves, blocks sunlight, and reduces photosynthesis, which cascades into lower yields and weaker plants. Prevent with strong air exchange, 0.3–0.6 m·s⁻¹ gentle canopy airflow, and RH control, plus cultural steps like spacing and leaf thinning. In veg, sulfur vapor or potassium bicarbonate sprays are common preventive tools; discontinue sulfur well before flower to protect terpenes.
IPM layers: Start clean with quarantined clones or sanitized seed gear. Apply biologicals like Bacillus subtilis, B. amyloliquefaciens, or Trichoderma for leaf and root-zone defense. Yellow and blue sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and alternating-mode soft sprays deter mites and thrips without harsh residues. A layered approach reduces outbreak probability and the need for reactive measures.
Flowering timeline and stretch: Expect a 25–60% stretch over the first 10–14 days of 12/12; tuck tips under the screen daily to maintain an even canopy. By day 21, set defoliation and lollipop boundaries and minimize additional high-stress work. Bulk typically accelerates days 28–49, with resin ramping through day 56. Many phenotypes finish between days 56–63, though watch trichomes rather than the calendar.
Harvest readiness: Use a jeweler’s loupe to monitor trichome heads. For a balanced effect, consider harvesting when 5–10% of heads are amber with the majority cloudy; for maximum body heaviness, 10–20% amber is common. Pistil color is a rough guide, but trichomes tell the real story. Flush length is grower-dependent; many run 7–10 days of low EC solution before chop for a clean burn.
Drying and curing: Aim for the 60/60 rule—60°F and 60% RH—for 10–14 days to slow dry and protect terpenes. Stems should snap, not bend, before jarring. Cure in glass at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then every 2–3 days for two to four weeks. Water activity around 0.58–0.62 supports shelf stability and robust aroma.
Expected yields: Under modern full-spectrum LEDs, a well-run ScrOG can deliver 450–550 g·m⁻², with top operators occasionally exceeding that when environment and genetics align. Outdoor plants in 50–100 liter containers may return 500–900 g per plant in sunny, low-humidity regions. Prune Juice’s indica density means yield is strongly tied to airflow and humidity control—tight colas prosper when vapor pressure stays in range. Gentle late-bloom leafing can add several percentage points of usable flower by preventing interior moisture pockets.
Homegrow accessibility: Gardeners following step-by-step, backyard-style approaches have shown that consistent habits outperform fancy gear. A simple routine—regular scouting, measured feeding, and disciplined dry/cure—produces reliably better results than reactive tinkering. This cultivar’s forgiving structure supports such straightforward programs, making it a smart choice for a first or second run. Thoughtful training and good environmental hygiene do the heavy lifting.
Postharvest handling: Store finished flower in airtight glass or steel at stable, cool temperatures to prevent terpene oxidation. Avoid repeated warm–cool cycling, which pumps moisture and volatiles in and out of the bud. Small, frequently accessed jars and a separate, larger reserve container help preserve freshness. Under proper storage, vivid aroma holds for months and flavor remains true to the cultivar.
