After Dark Strain Review: A Sensational Hybrid

When it comes to modern cannabis breeding, few names carry as much weight as Purple City Genetics. Known for their innovative crosses and unique terpene expressions, the Oakland-based breeder consistently produces cultivars that stand out in both aroma and performance. One of their latest offerings, the After Dark strain, is a mostly indica hybrid that combines lineage, potency, and yield into a powerhouse designed for both connoisseurs and cultivators.

This in-depth review explores everything you need to know about After Dark: its genetics, appearance, aroma, flavor, effects, cultivation tips, and user experiences. Whether you’re considering growing this strain or sampling it, After Dark deserves your attention.

Origins and Genetics

The After Dark strain was bred by Purple City Genetics, a collective celebrated for pushing the limits of cannabis breeding. This strain is a carefully designed cross between Sunset Sherbert and Gush Mints, two modern heavyweights that represent the best of the Gelato and Cookies family trees.

• Sunset Sherbert brings strong yields, vibrant colors, and a terpene profile that blends Gelato sweetness with earthy Cookie undertones. Unlike many exotic cultivars that can be finicky, Sunset Sherbert is known for performing well in greenhouses and light-deprivation setups, making it a staple for growers who want reliable results with a luxury smoke.

• Gush Mints adds depth and variety to After Dark’s genetic makeup. Created by crossing Kush Mints with a selected phenotype of F1 Durb x Gushers, Gush Mints contributes purple phenotypes, complex terpene expressions, and a nostalgic quality reminiscent of early legalization cannabis. Expect hints of creamy gelato, vanilla frosting, fuel, and even rubber in its bouquet.

The result is the After Dark strain, a polyhybrid that combines the yield and vibrancy of Sunset Sherbert with the flavor complexity and potency of Gush Mints. This makes it a cultivar with mass appeal to both consumers and growers.

Appearance

After Dark plants are visually striking. The buds tend to be dense and resinous, showcasing a range of colors from deep forest green to rich purples, depending on phenotype and growing conditions. Orange pistils contrast against the darker hues, while a thick layer of frosty trichomes gives the flowers a glistening appearance under light.

Growers often report that phenotypic variation can be significant, which is why Purple City Genetics recommends running multiple seeds to fully explore the spectrum. Some phenos lean toward Sherbert traits, producing vibrant, high-yielding buds, while others highlight Gush Mints characteristics, showing darker purples and a more complex terpene profile.

Aroma

The scent of the After Dark strain is one of its strongest attributes. The Sunset Sherbert influence brings creamy, fruity sweetness, while the Gush Mints side adds layers of fuel, mint, and vanilla. Depending on the phenotype, you may encounter:

• Sweet citrus and berry notes from Sherbert

• Minty, creamy undertones from Kush Mints heritage

• Gassy, rubber-like funk from the Gushers lineage

The overall nose is both nostalgic and contemporary, offering something familiar yet bold enough to impress even seasoned cannabis enthusiasts.

Flavor

The flavor of After Dark mirrors its aroma but delivers even more complexity. On the inhale, users often experience sweet, creamy notes reminiscent of gelato or sherbet, followed by earthy, gassy undertones that balance the sweetness. The exhale can bring out hints of mint, vanilla, and even subtle rubbery funk depending on the cut.

This layered flavor profile makes After Dark a great choice for those who appreciate cultivars that evolve throughout the session. The smoke is smooth and expansive, making it enjoyable whether you’re using a bong, joint, or vaporizer.

Effects of the After Dark Strain

After Dark is indica-leaning, offering deeply relaxing effects that are best suited for evening or nighttime use. The high tends to start with a euphoric uplift that slowly gives way to body relaxation and introspection. Reported effects include:

• A sense of calm and stress relief

• Mild euphoria and happiness

• Relaxation of muscles and body tension

• A sedative edge at higher doses

While not a pure couch-lock strain, the After Dark strain is certainly better enjoyed once the day is winding down. It’s excellent for unwinding after work, quiet nights in, or creative activities that benefit from a relaxed state of mind.

Medicinal Benefits

Patients seeking relief from chronic pain, stress, insomnia, and anxiety may find the After Dark strain especially beneficial. Its soothing effects on both mind and body make it versatile for therapeutic use. The strain’s ability to balance mental uplift with physical relaxation makes it appealing to those who want relief without heavy sedation, though higher doses can certainly aid with sleep.

Cultivation Guide

For growers, the After Dark strain offers both challenges and rewards.

• Flowering Time: Around 67 days (9–10 weeks).

• Seed Type: Available only as feminized seeds, making it easier for growers to avoid male plants.

• Environment: Best suited for indoor cultivation, though it also performs well in controlled greenhouse conditions.

• Yield: Thanks to Sunset Sherbert genetics, After Dark tends to produce solid yields compared to many exotics.

Growers should note that After Dark benefits from being allowed to “go the distance,” meaning a full flowering period is essential for maximum terpene expression. Running multiple seedlings is recommended to unlock the phenotypic variety within the strain.

Some phenotypes may show slower vegetative growth due to Kush Mints lineage, so patience and proper training techniques like topping or low-stress training can help maximize yields. Regular feeding and attention to environmental controls (humidity and temperature) will reward growers with high-quality, terpene-rich buds.

Firsthand Experience

The first time I sampled a bag of After Dark weed, I was struck by the balance between flavor and potency. The aroma hit me as soon as I cracked open the jar—sweet and creamy with a gassy kick. The flavor was just as layered, making every hit a new experience.

The high started with a gentle lift in mood and clarity before slowly settling into a deeply relaxing body buzz. Within an hour, I felt both physically unwound and mentally at ease, making it the perfect strain for listening to music and reflecting after a long day.

Growers I’ve spoken with also report that the After Dark strain is rewarding to cultivate. One grower mentioned that their greenhouse-grown phenotype produced stunning purple flowers with a strong vanilla-mint aroma that translated beautifully into flavor after curing.

User Reviews

Enthusiasts and cultivators who have tried the After Dark strain share similar praise:

• “After Dark has one of the best flavor profiles I’ve tasted in years. The sweet and creamy inhale followed by the minty exhale is unbeatable.”

• “Great for evenings. I love how it relaxes me without completely knocking me out.”

• “The phenotypic variation is real—I ran four seeds and got two purple-heavy plants and two more sherbet-dominant ones. All were fire.”

Such feedback highlights why Purple City Genetics recommends exploring multiple phenotypes. The variation isn’t a drawback but rather a feature, allowing growers to find the cut that best suits their preferences.

FAQs

Is After Dark good for beginners?
Yes, the After Dark strain is manageable for beginner growers thanks to its feminized seed availability and relatively straightforward growth patterns. However, patience is needed during vegetative growth for some phenotypes.

What is the THC content of After Dark?
While official lab results may vary by phenotype and grow, After Dark generally delivers high THC levels typical of modern exotics. Expect potency strong enough for experienced users.

Does After Dark produce purple buds?
Some phenotypes do, especially those leaning toward Gush Mints traits. Environmental factors such as cooler nighttime temperatures can also enhance purple coloration.

What makes the After Dark strain unique?
Its combination of yield, terpene variety, and potency sets it apart. Unlike many exotic strains that sacrifice production for flavor, After Dark balances both.

When is the best time to enjoy the After Dark strain?
Evenings and nights are ideal, as its relaxing, indica-dominant effects help you wind down.

Final Thoughts on the After Dark Strain

After Dark by Purple City Genetics is a strain that lives up to its name. With its deep colors, layered aromas, and soothing effects, it shines brightest once the sun goes down. Growers will appreciate its reliable yields and phenotypic diversity, while consumers will be drawn to its complex flavors and calming high.

Whether you’re cultivating it in a greenhouse or savoring it in a joint after a long day, the After Dark strain belongs in the spotlight of modern cannabis culture.

Related Strains

If After Dark has caught your attention, you may also want to explore its parent strains. Check out these top-tier seeds available right here at Seeds Here Now:
Gush Mints S1
Sunset Sherbet S1