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There are not many cannabis strains that are beloved by connoisseurs and growers as Critical by Royal Queen Seeds.
The acclaimed strain provides a top-tier experience with pleasant effects, delightful flavors, and a powerful aroma. Defying the typical expectations of top-tier strains, though, it's considered an easy grow, and you can obtain massive yields at lightning speed. Critical provides a perfect balance of qualities that have made her a premier choice and long-time favourite among growers and smokers everywhere.
Critical – Cannabis With Legendary Genetics
Critical is an indica-leaning (60% indica) hybrid that, just like many other great cannabis classics, has her origins on the west coast of the US. Speaking of other classics, some believe it's a renewed version of the acclaimed Big Bud by Mr. Nice Seeds, one of the most iconic strains of the 1990s.
Critical contains some of the most pristine genetics in cannabis. She is a cross between the legendary Skunk #1 and the famous Afghani. Skunk is considered by some to be one of the greatest strains of all times, known by growers for its hardy and robust nature. Afghani, of course, comes from a region where great cannabis has been cultivated for millenia. Cross these two, and it doesn’t take much to see why Critical has turned out to be a winner.
Critical – A Multi-Award Winning Classic
Speaking of winning, Critical has won countless awards since it appeared on the scene. For instance, the strain won the Bitox Indoor and Outdoor Sativa Cup of 2009, and then took 2nd place at the Marina Baixa Cup in 2010. Then, in 2011, she was able to score the Valencia THC Cup and Canaries Summer Cup.
How To Grow Critical
Critical will please weed farmers of all experience levels whether it's grown indoors or outdoors. In fact, the strain's main hallmarks are low maintenance requirements and reliability in all sorts of growing environments (soil, hydro, warmer, cooler etc.).
Spectacular Yields and A Very Short Flowering Time
Indica traits make Critical an ideal indoor cultivar.
Indoors, the plant will keep at a rather short height of 80-140cm, so she can fit in especially small spaces. Not having any special requirements when it comes to nutrients, this plant then will race to harvest with a remarkably short 7-9 week flowering phase.
As buds begin to appear, the colas may grow so heavy and dense that the branches need supports to prevent them from snapping. It can, therefore, be a good idea to tie the branches into place and/or assist the plant with stakes to help her carry her load.
Critical is also very suited to be grown in a Sea of Green (SoG) or ScroG, allowing growers to shoot for maximum yields.
What sort of numbers are we talking about, you wonder? Well, around harvest time, you can look forward to yields that, in optimal conditions, range from 550 to 600 g/m². That's especially outstanding for a plant that only needs 7 weeks to flower.
A Good Outdoor Cultivar (Even For Colder Climates)
As we mentioned, aside from growing beautifully indoors, Critical also thrives outdoors. With her short flowering time, she is also suitable for northern climates, which is great if you're growing in the UK or Netherlands. A short flowering time also means you can harvest Critical as early as late September, and can beat the rainy weather that can often spoil a harvest.
However, when growing Critical outdoors in a Southern climate, such as in Spain, the plant can really shine. If your crops can get plenty of sun, 600g per plant is absolutely possible. In optimal conditions, some growers have reported yields as large as one kilo per plant! There's no denying it: if you want lots of bud, Critical is the one for you.
Enjoying Critical – A Great Aroma And A Relaxed Stone
Because Critical combines the qualities of Afghani and Skunk, she caters to many types of cannabis connoisseurs. Light up your well-cured buds, and you'll notice a remarkably intense aroma that re-defines what “dank” really means. Incense notes meet earthy and sweet tones and form a pungent “hashy” smoke, yet it's mild enough to ensure a smooth smoking experience.
Inhale from your joint, or take a rip from your bong, and you can almost immediately feel the effects that made Critical famous. She combines a happy uplifting buzz with a deeply relaxing sensation, but her effect isn’t too overwhelming. This makes Critical a good smoke for activities such as relaxing walks or chilling with a movie at the end of the day. 18% THC may not sound like much compared to some recently-conceived strains, but don’t let this fool you. With a choice blend of terpenes, Critical is potent enough to get you plenty stoned. Considering that, novice smokers may want to take it slow with the strain.
Critical – A Cannabis Classic That Has It All
Large yields and rapid growth would be pointless if the resulting crop was disappointing, but you should have no such concerns with Critical by Royal Queen Seeds. Cultivators often come back to growing Critical, as they know it'll offer a beautiful, potent, and smooth-hitting payoff with minimal effort. Really, whether you're growing or smoking it, Critical has it all!
