Moonbow

Also known as: Moon Bow

Breeder: Archive Seed Bank

Lineage & Genetics

Cross: Zkittlez x Do-Si-Dos

Zkittlez contributes rainbow-candy bouquet, vibrant coloration potential, and fruit-forward terpenes. Do-Si-Dos (Archive's OG Kush Breath descendant) adds OG gas, structural density, potency ceiling, and caryophyllene-dominant spice. Together they produce a chemotype with saturated aroma, coated calyces, and heavy resin.

Terpene Profile

Aroma: Sweet rainbow candy and blackcurrant on the open, with zingy lime Zkittlez terps layered over peppery OG spice. Undertones of lavender, tropical fruit, and creamy gas. Burns with a grape-flavored incense and potpourri quality. Total terpene content in well-grown batches: 1.5%–3.0%.

Flavor: Sweet berry candy and sour citrus on inhale, transitioning to peppery kush spice and floral lavender on exhale. Grape-blackberry fruit leather with tartness of raspberry. Some phenos express spicy red wine notes. Strong nose-to-palate fidelity due to high total terpene content.

Effects & Experience

Onset: Slowly building cerebral lift that creeps in subtly then takes hold — initial sativa-like head rush with warmth and energy within 5–10 minutes.

Euphoric and happy with clear-headed focus and creative sparks. Body gradually succumbs to deep physical relaxation without immediate couch-lock. Balanced 50/50 effects: uplifting mental state paired with grounded calm. Can turn sedative at higher doses.

Duration: Long-lasting; initial sativa energy settles into indica calm after ~30 minutes. Total duration 2–3 hours.

Growing Characteristics

Grow Tips: Top twice in veg for 4–8 mains, then spread with SCROG net to open interior nodes. Light defoliations at day 21 and day 42 of flower improve airflow and resin exposure — avoid stripping too aggressively. Branchy frame with medium internodal spacing responds well to LST and mainlining. Dense, sugary buds invite botrytis — preventative IPM and strong airflow are critical. Cool night temps in final 2 weeks promote color expression without stressing plants. Trellising recommended as colas get heavy and greasy. Harvest timing is phenotype-dependent; watch trichomes closely between day 60–70. Moonbow #75 is an elite flower cut but does not wash well. For hash, seek 112 IX phenos or Crossbow (Moonbow #75 x Planet Purple F2).

History & Origin

Archive Seed Bank created Moonbow by crossing Zkittlez with their Do-Si-Dos line. The strain emerged from Archive's Portland breeding program led by Fletcher Watson ('The Docta'/'Fletch'). After extensive pheno hunting — selecting Moonbow #75 from 200 plants — Archive refined the line over 3+ years. Key numbered selections (#75, #99, #112) gained legendary status. In 2022, Archive released Moonbow 112 IX (Moonbow #112 F1 x Moonbow #112 F2 #60), an inbred cross that faithfully recreates the #112 clone in seed form. Leafly named Do-Si-Dos (Moonbow's parent) Strain of the Year 2021, and the Moonbow family spawned award-winning derivatives that dominate modern menus.

Notable Crosses

Strains bred using Moonbow as a parent: