Critical Kush Strain by Barney's Farm USA
Critical Kush is our cross of Critical Mass with OG Kush, a feminized indica with a THC content of 26% and a flowering time of just 55 to 60 days. It combines the heavy yield of Critical Mass with the fuel, resin and body weight of OG Kush, and it finishes outdoors in the second half of September.
It is a strain we would happily hand to a first-time grower, and one experienced growers keep coming back to for a reliable, fast crop.
Critical Kush effects
The effect is calming and physical, with a relaxed body and a quiet, contented head. A light, stimulating lift arrives first, so the first half hour feels social before the indica weight takes over.
This is an evening strain. At 26% THC it is potent enough for experienced consumers, and newer consumers should approach it carefully.
Aroma and flavor
The aroma is earthy and herbal, with a strong fuel note from the OG Kush side. The flavor is brighter than the nose suggests, with fresh pine, lemon pie and a tangy finish.
Growing Critical Kush indoors
The plant grows short and sturdy, with broad leaves, thick stems and little stretch. Indoors it finishes at 100 to 110cm (39 to 43 inches) and yields 550 to 650g/m², and the 55 to 60 day bloom puts it among the quicker photoperiod strains in our catalog.
It responds well to topping and to a sea of green with many small plants, which spreads the weight across more, smaller colas. It takes a solid feed in bloom, with phosphorus and potassium raised from week three and a taper over the final ten days.
In soil, hold pH between 6.0 and 6.5. A heavy feeder locked out by pH shows the same yellowing as an underfed plant, and adding more nutrients at that point only makes it worse. A flowering room at 72 to 78°F (22 to 26°C) suits it and also helps keep humidity down.
Supporting the colas
The main cola swells fast in the second half of flower, and that weight is the thing to plan for. Critical Mass is famous for colas heavy enough to bend or snap their own branches, and Critical Kush inherits some of that habit.
Put in a trellis net or stakes before week four of flower, while the branches can still be positioned without damage.
Preventing bud rot
Dense indica colas trap moisture, and bud rot inside the main cola is the most common way to lose part of a Critical Kush harvest. Hold relative humidity at 40 to 50% through the last three weeks, run oscillating fans below and across the canopy, and thin the large fan leaves that shade the inside of the plant.
Check the biggest colas by hand in the final week. Rot starts deep inside the bud next to the stem and spreads outward.
Growing Critical Kush outdoors
Outdoors, Critical Kush stays compact at 120 to 150cm (4 to 5 feet) and produces up to 1,000g (about 35 oz) per plant. Harvest arrives in the third to fourth week of September, early enough to beat the fall rain in most northern regions.
The modest height also makes it a good fit for balconies, patios and small gardens.
Harvest and cure
Most plants are ready between day 55 and day 60, once the pistils have darkened and most trichomes have turned cloudy with some amber. Leaving it a few days longer deepens the body effect.
Dry slowly for ten to fourteen days at around 60°F (16°C) and 60% humidity to keep the pine and lemon pie on the palate.
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