Zkittlez, also spelled Skittlez, Skittles or Zkittles according to sources, is one of the most award-winning indica-dominant hybrids of the last decade. Born in Northern California under the impetus of the Dying Breed Seeds, It is the result of a cross between a Grape Ape (fruity indica) and a Grapefruit (spicy sativa).
With THC levels between 15 and 23 % and an inimitable berry and citrus aromatic profile, it has earned the title of best indica at the High Times Cannabis Cup 2015 in Detroit. Since then, she has become a direct relative of the Runtz and Gelato, two of the world's most popular varieties.
Zkittlez, Skittlez, Skittles: why so many spellings?
The confusion surrounding the name Zkittlez is one of the most widespread in the French-speaking cannabis community. To clarify:
- Zkittlez The official spelling of Dying Breed Seeds, deliberately modified to avoid brand conflicts with Mars Inc.'s Skittles candy.
- Skittlez / Skittles alternative spellings commonly used by consumers and some seedbanks
- Zkittles / Zkittles additional variants with no genetic difference
- Zkittlez 2.0 Improved version marketed by Silent Seeds, from a more recent selection from the same line.
All these spellings designate the same variety or very similar phenotypes. On the French market, the most common spellings are «Zkittlez» and «Skittlez».
It should be noted that it is no longer called Zkittlez. The Original Z, following a lawsuit involving the Skittles confectionery range.
Origin and history of Zkittlez
The origin of Zkittlez varies according to sources. Some say the variety was created solely by Dying Breed Seeds, while others claim that it was created by a collaboration between 3rd Gen Family and Terp Hogz, three renowned Bay Area cannabis collectives in California, then distributed by Dying Breed Seeds.
Today it's a trademark of Terp Hogz members Tony Mendo, Erik Wiggins, JondoCino and Brandon Cashada.
In any case, it took several years to stabilize this cross between two varieties with very different profiles:
- Grape Ape Pure indica, predominantly purple, grape and berry aromas, sedative and relaxing effects
- Grapefruit Sativa with intense citrus aromas, providing fruity liveliness and a cerebral component.
The result is a hybrid that combines the fruity aromatic richness of both parents while clearly leaning towards indica in its effects. Zkittlez quickly made its way into California dispensaries before gaining national prominence with its victory in the High Times Cannabis Cup Michigan 2015 in the best indica category.
Its influence on varietal selection is major: it is the direct parent of the Runtz (Zkittlez × Gelato) and has contributed to many other iconic crosses of the Cookies scene.
Is Zkittlez an indica or a sativa?
Zkittlez is a dominant indica, with an estimated proportion of 70% indica / 30% sativa. His legacy Grape Ape clearly sets the indica direction in its effects, even if Grapefruit brings a cerebral lightness that sets it apart from heavy indicas.
In practice :
- Compact morphology low plant (80-120 cm), tight, dense buds, typically indica structure
- Fast flowering 56 to 63 days
- Effects subtle progression from mental to physical, gentle cerebral stimulation at the start of the effect, marked bodily relaxation at the end of the high
It is a variety of late afternoon to evening, recommended when the day's obligations are over. The drop in energy is gradual but certain.
Appearance: Zkittlez colors
Zkittlez is one of the most visually distinctive varieties on the market. Depending on the phenotype, its flowers appear in a mix of deep greens and intense purples, with a sprinkling of bright orange pistils.
The purple hues, characteristic of its parent Grape Ape, are due to the anthocyanins, As with Purple Haze, these pigments have no effect on taste. As with Purple Haze, these pigments have no effect on taste: Zkittlez has a grape-like aroma not because of its color, but because of its terpenes.
The buds are dense and compact, They are covered with a dusting of cloudy white trichomes, giving them a frosty appearance and explaining their strong psychoactivity.
Aromas, flavors and terpenes
It is in its aromatic profile that Zkittlez truly excels. Its properly dried flowers give off a bittersweet funk immediately recognizable, an earthy, slightly skunky first whiff, followed by distinct notes of berries and lemon.
Crushing the flowers intensifies the acidic, fruity notes. The smoke is soft and pleasant, with a fruity grape taste on expiry, a direct legacy of the Grape Ape.
Its dominant terpenes :
- Caryophyllene spicy and peppery notes, anti-inflammatory properties, contributes to aromatic depth
- Humulene Woody, earthy notes, lightly hopped, reinforce the characteristic «funk» profile.
- Linalool a light lavender floral touch, contributes to soothing and anxiolytic effects
What are the effects of Zkittlez?
Zkittlez effects are particularly well balanced for a dominant indica. They progress smoothly over a long period rather than hitting hard from the start.
Initial phase - subtle cerebral effects : Light pressure around the eyes and temples heralds the arrival of the first effects. Sensory perception soon becomes pleasantly altered, with slight visual and auditory distortions and a sensation that time is slowing down. Thoughts take on a «plugged-in» quality, with certain ideas seeming to merit more attention than usual. This brain phase is active enough to allow concentration on detailed tasks.
Main phase - physical effects : The body high gradually takes hold, complementing the mental activation. Relaxation is deep without being paralyzing at first, but motivation to perform tasks naturally fades. Zkittlez is best appreciated in relaxed contexts (music, films, quiet social activities).
Main effects :
- Gentle sensory stimulation (slight visual/auditory distortions)
- Easier concentration at start of effect
- Deep and progressive body relaxation
- Calm, lasting euphoria
- Appetite stimulation
Possible side effects:
- Dry eyes and dry mouth (almost systematic)
- Mild paranoia in THC-sensitive individuals
- Drowsiness at the end of a high-dose effect
Ideal time : late afternoon or early evening. Not recommended in the morning or before high-energy activities.
Medical uses of Zkittlez
- Attention disorders the initial phase of cerebral concentration helps to stay focused on a single task
- Stress, depression and anxiety progressive body relaxation effectively relieves mental tension
- Chronic pain background analgesic effect on mild to moderate pain
- Lack of appetite appetite stimulation is a constant, reproducible effect
- Minor inflammations anti-inflammatory properties, notably caryophyllene
⚠️ Patients prone to paranoia or with low THC tolerance should approach Zkittlez with caution.
Zkittlez culture
Zkittlez is a variety accessible to intermediate growers, It is a fast-flowering, compact plant that is ideal for small spaces.
Indoors :
- Output: 400-450 g/m².
- Flowering: 56-63 days
- Very resinous buds at the end of flowering, beware of humidity.
- To express violet hues: lower night-time temperatures to 16-18°C at the end of flowering.
Outdoor :
- Harvest: early to mid-October
- Discreet habit, adapts well to private gardens
- Prefers a warm, dry climate
Zkittlez 2.0 : Silent Seeds markets a selected, stabilized version of Zkittlez, renowned for even more intense aromas and greater phenotype homogeneity.
Varieties from Zkittlez
Zkittlez is one of the most sought-after parents in contemporary breeding:
- Runtz Zkittlez × Gelato, Strain of the Year Leafly 2020
- Zkittlez × OG Kush more indica profile, enhanced citrus aromas
- Berry Zkittlez phenotypic selection for red berries
- Zkittlez 2.0 (Silent Seeds): improved version of the original line
