Apollo 13: The Rare Cosmic Phenomenon
Apollo 13: The Rare Cosmic Phenomenon
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (85% Sativa / 15% Indica)
Breeder: Mr. Soul (Brothers Grimm Seeds)
Lineage: Genius (Jack Herer Phenotype) x P75 (Princess Lineage)
Status: Cult Classic / "Unicorn" Strain
THC Content: 16% – 20% (High resin content)
Dominant Terpenes: Terpinolene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Key Effects: Clear-Headed Focus, Giggly Euphoria, Motivation, Zero Paranoia
If Cinderella 99 is the Pop Star of the Brothers Grimm catalog, Apollo 13 is the underground Indie Legend.
Released in extremely limited quantities in the late 1990s (originally only 500 seeds were ever sold), Apollo 13 quickly gained a mythic reputation. It became the "white whale" for many growers—a strain they had heard of but could never find.
It is prized not just for its rarity, but for its unique effect. While most Sativas can be racy or jittery, Apollo 13 is renowned for providing a "Genius" high—a state of crystal-clear mental sharpness and good vibes that makes you feel smarter, faster, and funnier. It is one of the few strains in existence that is truly "no-ceiling" and "paranoia-free."
History and Lineage: The "Genius" Clone
The story of Apollo 13 revolves around a specific mother plant known as Genius.
The Mother (Genius): Mr. Soul found this plant in a pack of original Sensi Seeds Jack Herer. Unlike the tall, spicy Jacks, this phenotype was short, stocky, and smelled of sour fruit. Its most defining trait, however, was the high: it didn't make you stoned; it made you focused. It was nicknamed "Genius" because users felt they could solve complex problems while smoking it.
The Father (P75): To create seeds, Mr. Soul crossed Genius with a P75 male (a grandfather of Cinderella 99). This added stability, resin production, and the fast-flowering trait of the Princess lineage.
The Result: Apollo 13 combines the mental clarity of the Genius mother with the tropical funk and speed of the Princess family.
Terpene Profile: Pepper, Earth, and "Space Fuel"
Apollo 13 has a distinctive aroma that separates it from the sweet, fruity profiles of its cousin, Cinderella 99. It is more savory and pungent.
Dominant Terpenes
Terpinolene (The Haze): Provides the sharp, herbal, and slightly citrusy top note.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): Highly dominant in this strain, giving it a black pepper and fuel kick.
Humulene (The Hop): Adds an earthy, woody base that grounds the sharper scents.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is often described as "peppery citrus," "sour earth," and sometimes has a funky, fermented quality (often affectionately described by old-school growers as "baby poo" or rotting fruit). It is loud and aggressive.
The Smoke: The taste is sharp and spicy. On the exhale, you get notes of sour lemon, pine, and tea. It is a zestier smoke than the creamy C99.
Strain Effects: The "Thinker's" Pot
This is the ultimate daytime strain. It is functional cannabis at its finest.
The Apollo Experience
The Liftoff: The effect is immediate. It hits the forehead with a buzzing energy.
The Clarity: This is the strain's superpower. It clears the cobwebs. There is no confusion, no memory loss, and no "lag." You feel hyper-aware and present.
The Mood: It is impossibly happy. It induces a "giggly" state where everything seems interesting and amusing.
The Motivation: Unlike Indicas that glue you to the couch, Apollo 13 makes you want to do things. It is excellent for cleaning, exercising, or working on hobbies.
Best For: Coding, writing, gaming, social parties, and wake-and-bake sessions.
Medical Benefits
Apollo 13 is highly sought after by medical patients who need relief without sedation.
ADHD & Focus: It is one of the top strains recommended for attention issues. The "Genius" high allows for sustained concentration on a single task.
Depression: The euphoria is reliable and uplifting, helping to break negative thought loops.
Fatigue: It is a pure energy booster.
Nausea: The spicy/herbal terpene profile is known to settle stomachs effectively.
Growing Apollo 13: The Speed Demon
One of the reasons Brothers Grimm strains are so legendary is that they grow like Indicas but smoke like Sativas.
Growth Traits
Speed: Apollo 13 is incredibly fast. It can finish flowering in 7 to 8 weeks.
Structure: It grows short and squat with a single dominant cola (main stem). It does not stretch uncontrollably like a Haze.
Resin: It is a heavy resin producer. The buds are often white with trichomes, making it excellent for extracts.
Yield: Moderate to High. It focuses on density rather than fluff.
Grower’s Tip: This strain loves to be fed. It is a hungry plant that can take higher nutrient levels than most Sativas. Support the main colas, as they can get heavy enough to snap the branches.
Final Verdict: A Rare Gem
Apollo 13 is a special strain. It represents a specific moment in breeding history where the goal was to create the perfect "functional" high. It is less about getting "wrecked" and more about enhancing your natural abilities. If you can find it, buy it.
You should choose Apollo 13 if:
You want to feel smarter and more focused when you smoke.
You are looking for a strain that finishes flowering in under 8 weeks.
You prefer spicy, peppery, and sour flavors over sweet candy.
You want the legendary "Jack Herer" clear high without the 12-week wait.
Score: 9.7/10 (The Intellectual Sativa)