Lemon Skunk Seed Review
Seed Review: Lemon Skunk
Genetics: Las Vegas Lemon Skunk x Holland Skunk (Skunk #1 Phenotypes)
Breeder: DNA Genetics Type: 60% Sativa / 40% Indica
Flowering Time: 8–9 Weeks
Difficulty: Moderate (Requires odor control and height management)
Yield Potential: High (500–600g/m²)
🏗️ The Executive Summary
Lemon Skunk is the bridge between the old world and the new. Created by the legends Don and Aaron at DNA Genetics, this strain swept the awards circuit in the late 2000s (Top 10 strains of 2009) and famously served as the mother for Green House Seeds' world-conquering Super Lemon Haze.
The concept was simple: unite two distinct Skunk phenotypes. They took a clone-only cut from Las Vegas (known for its sharp, chemical lemon cleaner smell) and crossed it with a robust Skunk male from Holland. The result is a plant that retains the heavy yield and reliability of a Skunk but swaps the "dead roadkill" smell for a bright, zesty, "Lemon Pledge" aroma.
Why Grow It? You grow Lemon Skunk for the Terpenes and the Vigor. It is one of the most aromatic strains in history. Unlike modern "Dessert" lemons (which smell like candy), Lemon Skunk smells like industrial cleaner and sour peel. It produces a complex, happy high that is perfect for depression or creative blocks.
🚜 The Grow Journal
Setup:
Environment: 5x5 Gorilla Grow Tent.
Lighting: 650W High-Efficiency LED (Full Spectrum).
Medium: 10 Gallon Smart Pots (Coco Coir/Perlite Mix).
Count: 4 Plants.
Training: Topping & SCROG (Screen of Green).
🌱 The Vegetative Phase (Weeks 1–4)
Week 1 (Establishment): Lemon Skunk is vigorous. The seeds germinate fast, and the seedlings are lanky. They stretch for the light immediately.
Week 2 (The Aroma): Warning: This strain stinks even in veg. By day 14, if you rub the stem, your fingers smell like sour lemons. Carbon filters should be checked early.
Week 3 (Topping): We top at the 4th node. The plant has wide internodal spacing (Sativa influence), so we want to force it to bush out.
Week 4 (The Flip): The plants are light green (typical of Lemon strains) and growing fast. We install a trellis net at 18 inches and flip to 12/12.
🌸 The Flowering Phase (Weeks 1–9)
Week 1 (The Stretch): The Las Vegas parentage brings the stretch. The plants grow 150% in height. We weave the branches through the net daily to keep them from hitting the lights.
Week 2 (Structure): Long, thin branches develop. This plant is not as sturdy as Big Bud; it is vine-like and elegant.
Week 3 (Bud Set): Pistils erupt everywhere. The smell changes from "plant" to "skunk."
Week 4 (The Lemon): The citrus profile kicks in hard. It smells sharp, acidic, and biting. It cuts through other smells in the garden.
Week 5 (Feeding): Lemon Skunk is a moderate feeder. It doesn't like heavy Nitrogen in flower. We back off the base nutrients and boost the PK (Phosphorus/Potassium).
Week 6 (Support): The buds are stacking in a spiral formation (classic Skunk structure). They are getting top-heavy. We add a second net or bamboo stakes.
Week 7 (Grease): The resin is oily. This is a great strain for extraction because the terpenes are so volatile and loud.
Week 8 (Ripening): The pistils turn a vibrant orange, contrasting against the lime green buds. The calyxes swell.
Week 9 (Harvest): We chop at day 60–63. We don't want to let it go too long, or the bright, happy high turns sluggish.
⚖️ The Harvest Report
Wet Weight: The long colas are deceptive; they are fluffier than an Indica but cover more surface area.
Dry Weight: The 4 plants yielded 1.8 lbs (approx 820g).
Bag Appeal: Very high. The buds are neon green, covered in orange hairs, and sparkle. The jar appeal is defined by the smell—cracking a jar clears the sinuses.
🏁 The Architect's Verdict
Lemon Skunk is the Zest.
It is a "Mood Altering" strain. It is impossible to smoke this and stay in a bad mood. For the grower, it offers a fun, fast-paced run that yields heavily, provided you can manage the height and the intense odor. It is the grandfather of the modern citrus craze.
Score: 9.0/10 (Flavor + Effect) Best For: Depression relief, terpene hunters, and fans of "Old School" Skunk funk.