Since the mid 1990’s “AK” strains have been increasingly popular. The Nirvana AK-48 is a strong early finishing version. Its Ice mother has ancestors of Afghani, Skunk, Northern Lights and Shiva stock. An intense selection process drawing from thousands of plants was used to find this special mother. Ice flowers are richly covered in trichomes and have a dense consistency. She has a high flower-to-leaf ratio, with buds forming along her main branches. The father is Jock Horror, a three-way hybrid that combines genetics from Northern Lights, Skunk, and Haze. The Jock Horror is a heavy resin producer and an early finisher with a unique fresh flavor and a potent upbeat buzz.
From these parents, the AK-48 has retained a fast finish, producing hard buds that have an exceptional and penetrating aroma. Although she is a mix if indica and sativa with a slight indica dominance genetically, AK-48 retains key sativa qualities in her high. AK-48 finishes in as early as 7 weeks if conditions are perfect, but otherwise may take as long as 9 weeks to finish.
This variety is optimally grown indoors using a soil medium and organic fertilizers to get the best flavor, although her flavor is considered secondary to her punchy buzz and fast grow time. She is great for sea-of-green style gardens. Nirvana recommends planting 16 plants per square meter, then pruning each plant to only 6 branches and the top in order to optimize the size and bud consistency throughout the crop. AK-48 is a medium-sized plant that will double in height if flowering is induced at 20 inches. The leaves on this plant are small, somewhat thin, and delicate. Outdoors, it is particularly suitable for climates such as Spain, where it finishes in October. Overall, this plant is hardy yet manageable, bouncing back well from minor stresses. For this reason, it is a good choice for a beginner who likes a buzz with a slow onset and a strong kick once it takes effect.
Ever smoke or grow AK48? Tell us about it in a comment below!