Gelato
Also known as: Larry Bird, Gelato #33
Breeder: Cookie Fam Genetics (Mr. Sherbinski & Jigga)
Gelato #33, widely known as 'Larry Bird' after the NBA legend's jersey number, is the most celebrated phenotype of the Gelato line and one of the most genetically influential cannabis cultivars of the past decade. Because Sunset Sherbet is itself a GSC descendant, Gelato is effectively a GSC x GSC cross — the cookie lineage refined and concentrated. Its dessert-forward profile earned it the tag that defined an entire era of cannabis breeding.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Sunset Sherbet x Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies
Sunset Sherbet (Girl Scout Cookies x Pink Panties) was an accidental cross discovered by Sherbinski when a Pink Panties male pollinated a flowering GSC. Thin Mint GSC (OG Kush x Durban Poison, Thin Mint phenotype) was provided by Jigga. The original seed run produced numerous phenotypes, each assigned pot numbers — #33 became 'Larry Bird,' #41 became 'Bacio Gelato.'
Terpene Profile
Beta-Caryophyllene — Spicy, peppery warmth; 0.3–0.7%
Limonene — Bright citrus, orange zest; 0.3–0.5%
Myrcene — Earthy, musky; 0.2–0.4%
Linalool — Floral, lavender-like softness; 0.1–0.3%
Aroma: Sweet citrus cream with berry and vanilla undertones, transitioning to a gassy, peppery finish.
Flavor: Dessert-forward with some expressions carrying a subtle mint note inherited from the Thin Mint GSC parent.
Effects & Experience
Onset: Rapid — within 5–10 minutes.
The initial wave is cerebral: euphoria, mood elevation, and creative stimulation. Within 15–20 minutes, a warm body relaxation emerges without heavy sedation. Commonly described as one of the more functional high-THC strains available.
Duration: 2–4 hours, tapering gradually
Commonly Reported Uses
Growing Characteristics
Grow Tips: Requires support structures for heavy colas. Higher NPK requirements but does not tolerate aggressive feeding. Marked sensitivity to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Dense buds make airflow critical.
History & Origin
Created around 2014 in San Francisco's Sunset District by Mr. Sherbinski and Jigga. The cross was intentional — they pollinated in both directions, then conducted an extensive phenotype hunt. As Sherbinski told Cannabis Now: 'Those were just the numbers I put on the pots. That would be like having kids and calling them by numbers.' By 2018, Gelato appeared on menus across North America and beyond.
Awards & Recognition
- ●2016: 1st Place — Santa Cruz Cup
Notable Crosses
Strains bred using Gelato as a parent:
Want to Grow Gelato?
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