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White Widow is one of the best known cannabis strains in the world. It was developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s and is famous for its white layer of resin. In this article you can read about the history of White Widow, its genetics, its aroma and how it grows. Browse our flowers in the shop.
History of White Widow
White Widow was developed in the Netherlands in the mid 1990s. It is linked to the breeder Shantibaba and the seed company Green House Seeds, and it won the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam in 1995 (Wikipedia: White Widow, Wikipedia: Cannabis Cup). Since then it has been used as a parent for many other strains, for example White Russian, White Rhino and Blue Widow.
Genetics
White Widow is described as a cross between a Brazilian sativa landrace and a South Indian indica. A landrace is a variety that developed over a long time in one region without modern breeding. The result is a balanced hybrid.
Appearance
The name comes from the thick white layer of trichomes on the buds. Trichomes are small resin glands that produce cannabinoids and terpenes (Wikipedia: Trichome). The buds are compact and light green with brown or orange pistils.
Aroma and flavour
White Widow has an earthy, woody and herbal aroma with a slightly skunky note. Many people also notice hints of citrus and pine. These notes come from terpenes:
- Myrcene: earthy and musky (Wikipedia: Myrcene).
- Caryophyllene: spicy and peppery (Wikipedia: Caryophyllene).
- Limonene: fresh and citrusy (Wikipedia: Limonene).
Growing profile
- Indoor: medium height, often about 60 to 120 cm, which makes it easy to manage in small spaces.
- Outdoor: prefers a warm and sunny climate, similar to the Mediterranean.
- Flowering time: about 8 to 10 weeks.
- Yield: growers report about 500 to 600 grams per square metre indoors.
- Robustness: considered resistant to many common moulds and pests.
White Widow compared with other classics
White Widow and OG Kush: OG Kush is known for its earthy, fuel-like and lemony aroma, while White Widow smells more herbal and woody. Read more in our guide to Kush strains.
White Widow and Blue Dream: Blue Dream is a sativa-dominant strain from California with a sweet berry aroma. White Widow is more balanced in its genetics and more earthy in its scent.
Frequently asked questions
Where does White Widow come from?
White Widow was developed in the Netherlands in the mid 1990s and won the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam in 1995.
Why is it called White Widow?
The name refers to the thick white layer of trichomes that covers the buds.
Is White Widow indica or sativa?
White Widow is a balanced hybrid. It comes from a Brazilian sativa landrace and a South Indian indica.
How long does White Widow flower?
The flowering time is about 8 to 10 weeks.
