Purple Submarine
Granddaddy Purple descendant × OG Kush line (hypothesized)
Purple Submarine is a visually striking indica-dominant cultivar recognized for its intense purple coloration and deep, immersive effects. Though its exact origins are unclear, it is favored in enthusiast circles for its bag appeal and complex aroma profile.
Appearance
This cultivar is named for its striking deep violet to near-black calyxes, often accented by lime to forest-green sugar leaves that deepen to plum. Bright tangerine pistils provide a vivid contrast. The buds are typically compact, resin-coated, and present as dense, slightly conical nuggets with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio. Trichome coverage is abundant, contributing to a frosty appearance, especially as harvest approaches.
Anthocyanin expression is most pronounced in the outer calyx layers and sugar leaves, intensifying in the final weeks of flowering, particularly with cooler night temperatures. While color is a notable characteristic, dense trichome coverage is a more reliable indicator of resin content.
Aroma & Flavor
Upon first opening a jar, Purple Submarine often releases a rich berry-grape aroma layered over an earthy base. A subtle minty or eucalyptus-like undertone is frequently noted, alongside a potential skunky or gassy note when agitated. Grinding the flower tends to enhance the fruity esters, bringing forth notes reminiscent of blackberry jam and plum, balanced by a loamy, cocoa-like foundation.
Some phenotypes may exhibit faint floral notes. The flavor profile generally mirrors the aroma, offering a combination of sweet berry, grape, and candy-like sweetness anchored by earthy and creamy undertones. A mild minty or chocolate note may also be present, contributing to its complexity.
Effects
Purple Submarine is primarily indica-dominant, suggesting effects that are calming and deeply immersive. Users often report a sense of tranquility and relaxation, making it suitable for unwinding. The 'Submarine' moniker hints at a heavy, enveloping experience that can be profoundly soothing.
Terpenes & Cannabinoids
While specific lab data is limited, common terpene profiles associated with similar purple indica-leaning hybrids suggest the presence of Caryophyllene, Linalool, and Humulene. These terpenes contribute to the cultivar's spicy, floral, and earthy aromatic qualities. Cannabinoid content, particularly THC, is generally reported in the moderate to high range, typically between 15-25%, with CBD levels below 1%.
Origins & Lineage
The precise genetic lineage of Purple Submarine is not officially documented by seed banks. However, its characteristics, including intense purple pigmentation, grape-berry aromas, and indica-dominant traits, suggest a strong connection to the Granddaddy Purple lineage or other 'Purps' family strains. Hypotheses include crosses between a Granddaddy Purple descendant and an earthy-spicy indica like an OG Kush line, or potentially crosses involving Purple Urkle or Mendo Purps with Cookies or Sherb genetics.
It is believed to have originated as a clone-only cut, circulating in small enthusiast circles rather than through large-scale seed distribution. This clone-forward history may explain variations in phenotype and terpene profiles observed across different sources.
Growing
Cultivation of Purple Submarine typically results in a squat to mid-height plant with shorter internodes, exhibiting a stretch of approximately 1.3 to 1.6 times at the flip to flower. The flowering period generally resolves within 8 to 10 weeks. Optimal conditions for intensifying coloration involve cooler night temperatures, dropping 6 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit below daytime temperatures, especially in the final 10 to 14 days of bloom.
The plant structure is generally robust, though heavy top colas may benefit from light trellising. Yields are considered moderate, consistent with many indica-dominant hybrids. Due to its clone-only origins and potential for phenotypic variation, phenohunting is recommended if starting from seed to isolate desired traits.