About Purple Urkle
Purple Urkle is a clone-only strain that originated in Mendocino County, California in the late 1990s. It is believed to be a phenotype of Mendocino Purps, selected for its extreme purple coloration — the buds turn deep purple to almost black, with bright orange hairs and a thick coat of trichomes. The aroma is unmistakable: sweet grape, berry, floral, and earthy notes with a distinct 'purple' character. Effects are indica-dominant and deeply relaxing, with a euphoric onset that settles into full-body calm. Purple Urkle was used by Ken Estes to create Granddaddy Purple (crossed with Big Bud), one of the most famous strains of all time.
Flavor Profile
History
Purple Urkle emerged from the Mendocino County underground cannabis scene in the late 1990s. The clone was closely held and traded among California growers. Its extreme purple coloration was rare at the time and made it highly sought after. Ken Estes used Purple Urkle as the mother for Granddaddy Purple, crossing it with a Big Bud male. The strain was also used in breeding numerous other purple varieties. Purple Urkle remains a highly respected clone-only strain and is considered one of the foundational 'purple' genetics in modern cannabis.
Notable breeders: Mendocino County growers, Ken Estes (breeder of GDP)
Genetic Background
Selected phenotype from Mendocino Purps landrace-related genetics
Phenotypes & Cultivars
Purple Urkle is available in the following phenotypes and cultivars:
Terpene Profile
Purple Urkle is dominated by Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene. These compounds shape the strain's aroma, flavor, and reported effects.
Genetic Families
Purple Urkle is part of the following genetic families:
Known Offspring
Strains that descend from Purple Urkle:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Purple Urkle indica or sativa?
Purple Urkle is an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain.
What are the genetics of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle has a genetic lineage of Mendocino Purps phenotype (clone-only). Selected phenotype from Mendocino Purps landrace-related genetics
What is the lineage of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle descends from Mendocino Purps phenotype (clone-only). Selected phenotype from Mendocino Purps landrace-related genetics It belongs to the Fruit & Candy genetic family.
What is the THC content of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle typically tests at 18-23% THC.
What does Purple Urkle smell and taste like?
Purple Urkle has a Sweet grape, berry, floral, earth, candy, lavender aroma profile, with flavors described as Grape, berry, floral, sweet, earthy.
What are the effects of Purple Urkle?
Users report Relaxing, euphoric, sleepy, happy, body-melting. As an indica-dominant strain, it is known for relaxing body effects.
What are the phenotypes of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle is known in several phenotypes and cultivars, including Purple Urkle, Urkle, Mendocino Purps. Each phenotype expresses the same genetics slightly differently — varying in aroma, bud color, growth habit, and effects.
What is the history of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle emerged from the Mendocino County underground cannabis scene in the late 1990s. The clone was closely held and traded among California growers. Its extreme purple coloration was rare at the time and made it highly sought after. Ken Estes used Purple Urkle as the mother for Granddaddy Purple, crossing it with a Big Bud male. The strain was also used in breeding numerous other purple varieties. Purple Urkle remains a highly respected clone-only strain and is considered one of the foundational 'purple' genetics in modern cannabis.
How long does Purple Urkle take to flower?
Purple Urkle has a flowering time of approximately 8-10 weeks. Plants grow to a short to medium height.
What is the yield of Purple Urkle?
Purple Urkle produces a Moderate yield. Flowering takes approximately 8-10 weeks.
Medical Applications
Purple Urkle is commonly associated with: