Sour Diesel – The Quintessential East Coast Strain

Originating on the East Coast of the U.S. and later spreading to the West Coast, Sour Diesel has been a popular strain for almost four decades. Known for its distinct sour terpene profile and cerebral head high with THC content reaching up to 25%, it’s popular with cannabis enthusiasts. However, there is some controversy surrounding its origin, and there are three distinct variations of Sour Diesel. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look.

AJs Sour Diesel

In the late 1990s, a well-known breeder from New York, also known as “Asshole Joe,” developed a strain that eventually became known as A.J.’s Sour Diesel. It quickly gained popularity for its potent cerebral effects and unique terpene profile. The strain’s signature sour aroma is believed to come from its high concentration of limonene terpenes, making it easily identifiable and highly sought after.

The exact origins of the strain are not certain, but all theories suggest it has a close relationship with the original Chemdawg 91 strain. One theory suggests that AJ found a random bag of seeds at a Grateful Dead concert in 1991, later identified as Chemdawg 91. He then grew the seeds and handpicked a phenotype known as A.J.’s Sour Diesel. Another theory proposes that AJ stabilized this phenotype through self-pollination.

New York Sour Diesel (aka East Coast Sour Diesel)

The origins of East Coast Sour D remain a mystery, but it’s believed that it was created by accident when a Northern Lights or Super Skunk hybrid pollinated an entire crop of Chemdawg 91. This strain is characterized by its uplifting high and distinct sour, citrusy aroma, typical of Diesel strains. It has a noticeable fuel-like scent with undertones of sandalwood and pine, distinguishing it from other varieties, and it has become one of the most popular strains of all time across the East Coast.

West Coast Sour Diesel

Like its East Coast counterpart, West Coast Sour D is characterized by its strong diesel-like aroma, often accompanied by hints of citrus and skunk. Sour D is also renowned for its chunky, resinous buds, making it an excellent addition to any garden. Humboldt Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant cross of Sour Diesel Bx3 and Humboldt Headband. 

Sour Diesel terpenes

Sour D has a distinctive terpene profile, including limonene, myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene. The terpene limonene provides a delightful citrusy aroma, while caryophyllene contributes to the gassy scent. Additionally, myrcene and pinene bring subtle undertones of earthiness and pine to the mix. The unique blend creates a flavor profile reminiscent of orange rind and skunk with diesel-like notes and a zesty, lemony aftertaste that tantalizes the palate.

Sour diesel strain effects

This strain has gained popularity in the cannabis community for its energizing effects, potential therapeutic benefits and exquisite terpene profile that often leaves people feeling happy. Although some of its terpenes may be present in other strains, the overall experience of Sour Diesel is unparalleled. If you’re a fan of this strain, you might want to try these three cannabinoid-rich cannabis strains with a similar aroma.

• Trainwreck is known for its intense diesel-like aroma and offers a potent cerebral high that is similar to Sour Diesel, making it a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts.
• Jack Herer is renowned for its stimulating and euphoric effects. Like Sour Diesel, it has a scent characterized by citrusy notes with hints of pine and earthiness.
• Durban Poison is known for its energizing and uplifting effects. It has an earthy, diesel-like aroma with hints of spice and sweetness that may appeal to Sour Diesel strain fans.

Plant Characteristics

High-quality sour diesel plants are characterized by their sativa-dominant strain traits, which lead to tall plants with a robust apical stem, elongated lateral branches, and long internodal spacing. During the vegetative stage, it is essential to provide high nitrogen levels to facilitate the growth of large, thick, serrated leaves. Establishing a robust root system and sturdy stems during this stage is crucial, as they provide a strong foundation for the development of buds.

In the first few weeks of the flowering stage, growers should anticipate a stretch of at least two times the plant’s original height. As the plant progresses through flowering, large fan leaves fill the internodal spacing, and buds become covered in a silver blanket of trichomes. During harvest, it’s not unusual for buds to exhibit fox tails. This natural phenomenon occurs when the calyxes become elongated and spiky, resembling a fox’s tail.

Growing Sour Diesel

Sour Diesel plants can grow up to 2 meters tall when cultivated in a Mediterranean-like climate. If grown indoors, they can reach a height of up to 160 cm, and it’s essential to ensure your growing space is large enough to accommodate them. Experienced growers can use training techniques such as LST and topping to regulate the plants’ vertical growth, prompting the plants to focus their energy on bud development.

When cultivated indoors, Sour Diesel can produce high yields of up to 550 grams per m2 and typically takes around 65 days to flower. For those growing outdoors, the harvest window falls between Oct. 5th to Oct. 20th, and yields can exceed 600 grams per plant. The autoflowering variant of this strain has a shorter life cycle of 75 to 85 days from seed to harvest. After harvesting time, growers are left with a considerable amount of trim that can be used to make hash.

 Frequently asked questions about this strain

Here’s a rapid fire Sour Diesel Q&A to help you learn more about this famous strain.

Is sour diesel indica or sativa strain?

Sour Diesel is a sativa.

What type of strain is Sour Diesel?

Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain.

What does Sour Diesel smell like?

Sour Diesel has a pungent diesel-like aroma with earthy, citrusy, and skunky undertones.

What is Sour Diesel weed strain?

Sour Diesel is a famous strain of cannabis known for its uplifting cerebral high.

What does Sour Diesel taste like?

The taste of Sour Diesel is sour with undertones of zesty citrus and diesel fuel.