About Zkittlez

Zkittlez was bred by the 3rd Gen Family farm team (Dying Breed Seeds) crossing Grape Ape with Grapefruit. The strain's intense, fruit-forward flavor profile — reminiscent of a bag of Skittles candy — was unlike anything on the market at the time. It quickly became a sensation for its complex tropical, berry, and citrus terpene profile. Zkittlez is indica-dominant but not heavily sedating, offering a relaxed, happy, and creative experience. It became the parent of Runtz (crossed with Gelato), which became Leafly's Strain of the Year in 2020 and launched its own dynasty.

Flavor Profile

Old School
SweetCitrusTropicalBerryGrape
Modern
Z / CandyZesty / ZExotic / ZCandy / FruityCandy / Z

History

Zkittlez was developed by Dying Breed Seeds (3rd Gen Family) around 2012. It won the 2015 Emerald Cup and 2016 High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Hybrid. Its unique candy terpene profile redefined what cannabis flavors could be, opening the door for the 'exotic' or 'candy' era of cannabis breeding. Zkittlez's influence on modern genetics cannot be overstated — it ranks alongside GSC and OG Kush as one of the most important modern cultivars.

Notable breeders: Dying Breed Seeds (3rd Gen Family)

Genetic Background

Grape Ape (Afghani x Skunk #1) × Grapefruit (Cinderella 99 phenotype)

Genetic Families

Zkittlez is part of the following genetic families:

Known Offspring

Strains that descend from Zkittlez:

Runtz ZKZ crosses Candy Rain Biscotti

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the genetics of Zkittlez?

Zkittlez has a genetic lineage of Grape Ape × Grapefruit. Grape Ape (Afghani x Skunk #1) × Grapefruit (Cinderella 99 phenotype)

What is the THC content of Zkittlez?

Zkittlez typically tests at 18-24% THC with Low CBD.

What does Zkittlez smell and taste like?

Zkittlez has a Tropical fruit, berry, citrus, grape, sweet candy aroma profile, with flavors described as Candy sweet, tropical fruit, berry, grape, citrus.

What are the effects of Zkittlez?

Users report Relaxed, happy, euphoric, creative, uplifting. As an indica-dominant strain, it is known for relaxing body effects.

How long does Zkittlez take to flower?

Zkittlez has a flowering time of approximately 8-9 weeks. Plants grow to a medium height.

What is the history of Zkittlez?

Zkittlez was developed by Dying Breed Seeds (3rd Gen Family) around 2012. It won the 2015 Emerald Cup and 2016 High Times Cannabis Cup for Best Hybrid. Its unique candy terpene profile redefined what cannabis flavors could be, opening the door for the 'exotic' or 'candy' era of cannabis breeding. Zkittlez's influence on modern genetics cannot be overstated — it ranks alongside GSC and OG Kush as one of the most important modern cultivars.

Further Reading

Learn more about Zkittlez's genetic family and history:

Medical Applications

Zkittlez is commonly associated with: