Purple Star: The Indigo Pioneer
Purple Star: The Indigo Pioneer
Strain Overview
Type: 100% Pure Indica
Breeder: Dutch Passion
Lineage: Acclimatized Afghan Indica (Selected for Color and Hardiness)
Market Status: An Outdoor Classic; The genetic mother of Frisian Dew.
THC Content: 10% – 14% (Mild/Old School)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Mellow Relaxation, Gentle Sedation, Anxiety Relief, "End of Day" Calm
In the 1980s and 90s, if you saw purple weed in Northern Europe, it was almost certainly Purple Star.
Developed by the outdoor breeding experts at Dutch Passion, Purple Star was created to solve a visual and agricultural problem. Growers wanted the exotic bag appeal of purple cannabis, but the existing purple strains were too weak or finished too late to survive a Dutch or British autumn.
Purple Star was the solution. It is a pure, unadulterated Indica that was rigorously acclimatized to cold, wet environments. While it has largely been superseded in popularity by its famous daughter, Frisian Dew, Purple Star remains a legend for its ability to turn a stunning, deep violet color without the need for freezing temperatures, and for its incredibly fast flowering time.
History and Lineage: The Purple Parent
Purple Star is a piece of breeding history. It represents the successful migration of Afghan genetics to the North.
The Origin: The genetics are rooted in robust Afghan Indicas. However, unlike the indoor Afghani #1, Purple Star was bred outdoors in the Netherlands for generation after generation.
The Selection: Breeders selected specifically for two traits: Speed and Color. They wanted a plant that finished before October and turned purple naturally (genetic anthocyanin production) rather than relying on cold shocks.
The Legacy: While Purple Star is a fine smoke on its own, its greatest contribution to the cannabis world is genetic. It is the mother of Frisian Dew (crossed with Super Skunk), passing on its legendary mold resistance and purple hues to create the most popular outdoor strain in Europe.
Terpene Profile: Tart Berries and Earth
Purple Star has a flavor that matches its color. It is rougher and earthier than modern "Dessert Purples" (like Purple Punch), but it has a distinct old-school charm.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Musk): The dominant terpene, providing a heavy, earthy base that smells like damp soil and autumn leaves.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): A noticeable peppery kick that adds warmth to the aroma.
Pinene (The Freshness): A subtle pine note that keeps the heavy earthiness from becoming stagnant.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It smells of wet earth, spicy herbs, and tart blackberries. It is not a "loud" smell; it is subtle and organic.
The Smoke: It can be slightly harsh (a trait of many tough outdoor Indicas), but the flavor is distinct: spicy licorice, dark berries, and hash.
Strain Effects: The Gentle Stone
Purple Star comes from an era before THC chasing. It is a "Session Weed" or "Light Smoke."
The Experience
The Smoothness: There is no head rush or anxiety. The high creeps in very gently.
The Body: This is a pure Indica. It relaxes the muscles and slows the heart rate. It feels like taking off a heavy backpack after a long hike.
The Head: The mental state remains relatively clear, though slightly "stoned" and dreamy. It is not incapacitating.
The Sleep: Because the THC is low but the other cannabinoids (CBN/CBD) are present, it is an excellent natural sleep aid without the "hangover" of high-potency strains.
Best For: Novice smokers, older users, anxiety management, and relaxing by a campfire.
Medical Benefits
Purple Star is highly valued by medical users who want relief without being blasted into space.
Anxiety: This is one of the best strains for anxiety because the THC is low (10-14%) and the Indica effects are grounding. There is almost zero risk of paranoia.
Insomnia: The sedative nature of the Afghan genetics makes it a great bedtime tea companion.
Muscle Tension: It loosens the body effectively.
Digestive Issues: The spicy/herbal profile is often reported to help settle stomachs.
Growing Purple Star: The Violet Fast-Finisher
This is the selling point. Purple Star was built to survive where others die.
Growth Structure
The Color: This plant is a showstopper. It turns deep purple, almost black, in the final weeks of flowering. Unlike other strains, it doesn't need freezing temps to do this; it's in the DNA.
The Speed: It is incredibly fast. Outdoors, it can be ready by mid-to-late September, beating almost every other photoperiod strain to the finish line.
The Structure: It grows in a classic Indica shape—short, stocky, and bushy. It is very resistant to wind damage.
The Yield: Moderate. It focuses on speed and survival rather than massive bulk.
The Resistance: It has tough, leathery leaves that resist mold and pests.
Grower’s Tip: Purple Star is a "lazy grower's" plant. It doesn't need heavy nutrients. In fact, it prefers a "lean" diet. Put it in good soil, give it water, and watch it turn purple. It is perfect for guerilla grows because it finishes before the police helicopters usually start looking in October.
Final Verdict: The Indigo Pioneer
Purple Star is a vintage classic. It won't get you as high as a modern Gelato, and it won't yield as much as a Critical Kush. But that isn't the point. It is a specialist tool for the northern outdoor grower. It guarantees a harvest of beautiful, deep purple buds in climates where growing weed is supposed to be impossible. If you are a beginner looking for a foolproof outdoor Indica, or if you simply appreciate the history of the strain that gave birth to Frisian Dew, Purple Star is a beautiful addition to the garden.
You should choose Purple Star if:
You grow outdoors in a cold/wet climate.
You love purple cannabis (Visual appeal).
You prefer low/moderate THC (No anxiety).
You want a fast-finishing pure Indica.
Score: 8.7/10 (The Reliable Beauty)