Garlic Bud: The Original Savory Indica
Garlic Bud: The Original Savory Indica
Strain Overview
Type: 100% Pure Indica (Afghani Landrace Selection)
Breeder: The Seed Bank (Nevil Schoenmakers) / Preserved by Sensi Seeds
Market Status: The "Grandfather of Funk"; Long before the modern hype of GMO (Garlic Cookies), there was Garlic Bud. This strain is a piece of cannabis history, originating in the late 1980s from the legendary work of Nevil Schoenmakers at The Seed Bank. It is a pure, unadulterated Afghani Indica selected specifically for its harsh, biting, savory aroma that resembles raw garlic. While it is rare to find as a standalone strain today (often found within the lineage of Shiva Shanti), it remains legendary among old-school growers as the original source of the "savory" terpene profile.
THC Content: 15% – 20% (Narcotic & Sedative)
Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Pinene, Limonene
Key Effects: Total Relaxation, Muscle Relief, Sleepiness, "Heavy" Body Stone
In the 1990s, the cannabis world was divided: you either had "Sweet" weed or you had "Stink" weed. Garlic Bud was the king of the stink.
This strain is not for the faint of heart, and certainly not for those who prefer fruity desserts. It represents the raw, primal power of the Hindu Kush mountains. It was bred to be potent, resilient, and unapologetically pungent. It is the genetic precursor that proved cannabis could smell savory, spicy, and offensive in the best way possible.
History and Lineage: The Afghan Selection
Garlic Bud is not a hybrid in the traditional sense; it is a refined landrace.
The Origin: The genetics come from the classic Afghan Indica lines imported to Holland in the 1980s. These plants were short, resinous, and used for making hashish.
The Selection: Breeders noticed that certain Afghan phenotypes didn't smell like pine or hash; they smelled sharp and sulfurous, like fresh crushed garlic. They isolated these plants to stabilize the trait.
The Legacy: While Garlic Bud was a popular standalone strain in the 90s, Sensi Seeds eventually used it as the foundation for Shiva Shanti, ensuring the genetics survived. Today, it is revered as one of the "Building Blocks" of modern savory Indicas.
Terpene Profile: Sulfur, Musk, and Spice
Modern strains like GMO rely on Chemdog genetics for their funk. Garlic Bud relies on pure Afghani muscle. The result is a more earthy, grounded garlic scent.
Dominant Terpenes
Caryophyllene (The Spice): The dominant terpene. It provides the peppery, spicy kick that hits the nose immediately.
Myrcene (The Musk): Adds the heavy, damp soil aroma that gives the strain its "dankness."
Limonene (The Acid): In this specific combination, the Limonene doesn't smell like lemons; it acts as a sharp astringent, contributing to the "sour" garlic smell.
Volatile Sulfur Compounds (The Funk): While not always listed on standard charts, this strain is rich in the compounds that give onions and garlic their bite.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is aggressive. It smells of raw garlic cloves, skunk spray, old leather, and wet earth. It permeates clothing and rooms instantly.
The Smoke: Thick, expansive, and spicy. It tastes of charred herbs, savory musk, and garlic powder. It is a savory smoke that pairs well with food.
Strain Effects: The Old-School Knockout
Garlic Bud offers a high that has largely disappeared from the modern sativa-dominant market. It is a pure "Stone."
The Experience
The Heaviness: There is no cerebral "uplift." The effects start in the knees and shoulders. A wave of lead-like heaviness pulls you down.
The Sedation: It is a powerful sedative. It slows down reaction times and quiets the mind.
The Warmth: Users often report a feeling of physical warmth and comfort, making it excellent for winter nights.
The Appetite: It is legendary for inducing the munchies. The savory flavor seems to trigger a primal desire to eat.
Best For: Severe insomnia, wasting syndrome (appetite loss), chronic pain, muscle spasms, and deep meditation.
Growing Garlic Bud: The Stout Tank
As a pure Indica, this plant is a joy for indoor growers with limited space.
Growth Structure
The Size: It grows Short and Squat. It is the definition of "Indica." Broad, dark green leaves overlap to form a dense canopy.
The Yield: Moderate to High. While the plants are small, the buds are incredibly dense. They feel like rocks.
The Speed: It is fast, finishing in 7 to 8 weeks (50–55 days).
The Resilience: It is very tough against pests, but because the buds are so tight, mold is the enemy. You must keep humidity low in late flower.
The Odor Control: This is not a suggestion; it is a requirement. Garlic Bud smells strong during flowering. Do not grow this without a carbon filter unless you live in the middle of nowhere.
Grower’s Tip: This strain benefits from "Lollipopping" (trimming the lower growth). Because the leaves are so broad, they shade the bottom of the plant. Clear out the bottom third to force all energy into the top colas.
Final Verdict: The Savory Patriarch
Garlic Bud is a strain for the historian and the Indica purist. It reminds us that before "Cookies" and "Cake," cannabis was prized for being dank, dark, and dangerous. It offers a flavor profile that is distinct from the modern "GMO" craze—it is earthier, older, and heavier. If you want to experience the original savory Indica that kept the 90s stoned, Garlic Bud is the cultivar to hunt down.
You should choose Garlic Bud if:
You love Savory/Garlic flavors (but want Old School genetics).
You suffer from Insomnia or appetite loss.
You have limited grow height.
You appreciate Cannabis History.
Score: 9.2/10 (The Original Funk)