Kombucha
An elite flower-focused hybrid crossing the legendary Sour Diesel with Purple Punch F2—designed for maximum terpene expression
What is Kombucha?
Kombucha by Symbiotic Genetics is a masterpiece of modern breeding that leans heavily into the pungent, funky side of the cannabis spectrum. By crossing the world-renowned Sour Diesel with their signature Purple Punch F2, Symbiotic has created a cultivar that bridges the gap between old-school gas and new-school fruit profiles.
Unlike some of Symbiotic's other creations that are bred specifically for resin separation (washing), Kombucha is a flower-focused powerhouse. It is prized for its massive, greasy bracts and a "loud" aromatic presence that fills a room instantly. While it may not be a traditional "washer" for solventless hash, its flower bag appeal is second to none, featuring deep purple hues hidden beneath a thick layer of sticky, resinous trichomes that are best enjoyed in their natural form.
Terpene Profile
The Kombucha strain terpenes are a complex blend of fermented fruit and sharp chemical gas. The nose is dominated by a "sour-funk" that gives the strain its name—reminiscent of fermented berries, sharp diesel fuel, and a lingering spicy earthiness. It is a terpene profile that demands a glass jar and a slow cure to fully realize its depth.
Growing Kombucha
Kombucha exhibits a classic hybrid growth structure, showing significant vigor in the vegetative stage. Due to the Sour Diesel influence, growers should prepare for a substantial stretch during the first three weeks of flower. It typically finishes between 63 and 70 days, rewarding the patient grower with swollen, purple-tinged colas.
Key Growing Tips
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ToppingHighly responsive to topping; multi-topping creates a massive canopy of primary colas
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Light IntensityThrives under high-intensity LED or HPS, pushing resin production to the leaf edges
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TemperatureDrop night temps in weeks 7-9 to bring out the deep purple and black hues
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AirflowDense bud structure requires excellent airflow to prevent late-flower humidity issues
Kombucha is a "greasy" strain rather than a "sandy" one. This makes it incredible for flower smokers but less ideal for bubble hash extraction.
Flower Characteristics & Appeal
While many Symbiotic strains are hunted for hash, Kombucha is the flower smoker's choice. The buds are typically medium-to-large with a spiked, "fox-tailing" structure inherited from the Diesel side, but with the density and color of Purple Punch. The contrast between the neon orange hairs, deep violet calyxes, and silver trichomes creates a stunning visual profile.
Effects & Experience
The Kombucha strain effects are powerful and fast-acting. Thanks to the Sour Diesel lineage, the experience begins with a rushing cerebral euphoria that sharpens focus and elevates the mood. As the high matures, the Purple Punch influence takes over, delivering a soothing, weighted sensation to the body that isn't overly sedative.
Best Clone Pairings
Looking to diversify your garden with complementary profiles? These cultivars pair excellently with Kombucha's growth habits and aromatic leanings:
Frequently Asked Questions
The name refers to the strain's unique aromatic profile. It possesses a sharp, "fermented" fruit funk that smells very similar to a probiotic kombucha tea—sour, sweet, and slightly effervescent.
While you can extract anything, Kombucha is not considered a "washer." Its trichomes are often "greasy" rather than "sandy," meaning they don't separate easily in ice water. It is much better suited for high-quality flower or dry sift.
Expect a significant stretch, often 2x to 2.5x its vegetative height. This is largely due to the Sour Diesel genetics. Early training and flipping to flower before it gets too tall is recommended for indoor growers.
Kombucha is a true 50/50 hybrid in terms of morphology. It has the structure and gassy nose of Sour Diesel but the color, frost density, and berry sweetness of Purple Punch.
