Flo: The Motivational Classic
Flo: The Motivational Classic
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Hybrid (60% Sativa / 40% Indica)
Breeder: DJ Short
Lineage: Purple Thai x Afghan Indica
Market Status: The "Functional Muse"; Flo is a living fossil from the 1990s that remains relevant today. Bred by the legendary DJ Short (the wizard behind Blueberry), Flo was released as part of the "Delta 9 Collection." It was rated the #1 strain at the 1996 Cannabis Cup. Unlike its sister Blueberry, which focuses on narcotic relaxation and berry flavors, Flo focuses on energy, clarity, and floral aromas. It is renowned as a "working weed"—perfect for getting into a flow state without the anxiety of a pure Haze.
THC Content: Moderate (14% – 19%)
Dominant Terpenes: Pinene, Terpinolene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene
Key Effects: Clear-Headed Focus, Creative Flow, Mild Euphoria, Absence of Anxiety
Flo is the strain of the artist and the athlete.
It gets its name from its unique ability to induce a mental "flow state," where thoughts connect seamlessly and distraction fades away. It rejects the modern trend of overwhelming THC potency in favor of a nuanced, balanced high that enhances reality rather than escaping it.
History and Lineage: The Sister of Blueberry
Flo shares the same genetic parents as one of the most famous strains in history, Blueberry, but represents a completely different expression of those genetics.
The Mother (Purple Thai): A cross of Highland Oaxaca Gold x Chocolate Thai. This is the Sativa engine. It provides the cerebral clarity, the lack of ceiling (you can keep smoking it), and the exotic purple coloration.
The Father (Afghan Indica): The stabilizer. This pure Indica landrace was used to tame the wild growth of the Thai genetics and reduce the flowering time. It adds a hashy, earthy undertone to the flavor.
The Synthesis: While Blueberry leaned into the Indica side of this cross, Flo leaned into the Sativa side. DJ Short selected it for its motivational qualities and its unique floral bouquet. It is a testament to how phenotype selection can create two opposite experiences from the same parents.
Terpene Profile: Temple Hash and Menthol
The aroma of Flo is unique and instantly recognizable to old-school smokers. It smells like an antique shop or a Nepalese temple.
Dominant Terpenes
Pinene (The Focus): The dominant terpene. It provides a sharp pine and resin aroma. Pinene is known for promoting alertness and counteracting short-term memory loss, which explains the strain's clarity.
Terpinolene (The Haze): Adds a distinct floral, lilac, and apple note. It is responsible for the "fresh" quality of the smoke.
Myrcene (The Musk): Inherited from the Afghan father, this adds a background of sweet earth and hash.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is subtle and sophisticated. It smells of sweet floral perfume, fresh pine, garden mint, and old-school hash.
The Smoke: Light and smooth. It tastes of mentholated pine and sweet soil on the inhale, followed by a spicy floral finish on the exhale.
Strain Effects: The Flow State
Flo is cherished because it is a Sativa that doesn't cause paranoia. It is functional, clear, and manageable.
The Experience
The Clarity: The high hits gently. There is no "slap" to the face. Instead, a wave of mental sharpness washes over you. The fog clears.
The Motivation: It is an incredible chore strain. Cleaning the house, writing a paper, or going for a run becomes enjoyable rather than tedious.
The Calm: Unlike strains like Green Crack or Sour Diesel, Flo does not make your heart race. It keeps you grounded and calm, thanks to the Afghan influence.
The Sustainability: The high is known for being clear on the comedown. There is no heavy crash, making it perfect for all-day use.
Best For: Creative work (writing, painting), gym sessions, hiking, morning wake-and-bake, and treating ADHD or fatigue.
Growing Flo: The Fast and The Purple
Flo is famous in cultivation circles for two traits: its speed and its ability to produce multiple harvests (a trait DJ Short specifically noted).
Growth Structure
The Speed: Flo is fast. It often finishes flowering in 7 weeks (approx. 50 days). This makes it one of the fastest Sativa-dominant hybrids available.
The Structure: It grows Tall and Spear-Shaped. It typically produces one massive main cola with smaller side branches. It looks like a classic Christmas tree.
The Colors: It is a visual delight. The buds are pear-shaped and often turn deep shades of maroon, purple, and blue as they mature.
The Multi-Harvest: Unique to this strain, older grow guides mention that Flo is capable of being harvested multiple times. If the main cola is harvested, the lower branches can be left to ripen for a "second flow" of buds (though this technique is less common in modern controlled environments).
The Yield: Moderate. It is not a heavy commercial yielder, but the speed of the cycle makes up for it.
Grower’s Tip: Flo is a light feeder. Do not blast it with Nitrogen. It prefers organic soil and a gentle hand. Over-fertilizing will burn the leaves and mute the delicate floral terpenes.
Final Verdict: The Motivational Classic
Flo is the antidote to the modern "couch-lock" epidemic. It is a strain designed for living, not sleeping. It offers a terpene profile that is refreshingly different—floral, minty, and hashy—and a high that makes you want to get up and do something. If you are an artist looking for a muse, or just someone who needs a boost to get through the laundry, go with the flow.
You should choose Flo if:
You want Mental Clarity.
You dislike High-Anxiety Sativas.
You enjoy Floral/Hashy flavors.
You want a Fast Flowering strain.
Score: 9.2/10 (The Functional Sativa)