Red Runtz is a mostly indica variety from Exotic Genetix and can be cultivated indoors (where the plants will need a flowering time of ±60 days) and outdoors. Exotic Genetix' Red Runtz is a THC dominant variety and is/was only available as feminized seeds.
Exotic Genetix' Red Runtz Description
An indica-dominant cultivar from Exotic Genetix, Red Runtz is a reversed cross of the renowned Runtz line, harnessing Runtz and Red Pop genetics. Producing distinct maroon-colored buds and boasting sour red candy flavors, this heavy-yielding indica has plenty to offer growers, both new and old. To discover the strain’s history, genetic lineage, and what you can expect in the grow room, keep reading.
Strain History of Red Runtz
Red Runtz is not only a testament to the strength of the Runtz lineage, but showcases the skill of Washington-based seed bank Exotic Genetix. Founded by Exotic Mike, this well-known cannabis breeding company started life thanks to a local hydroponic store. It was here that Mike offered a helping hand in exchange for growing equipment.
With his love for growing and a desire to support the area's increasing number of medicinal marijuana patients, he began experimenting with cannabis seeds, focusing on strains that had a solid resilience to mold and pests. After several years of successful breeding, Mike's passion project quickly outgrew the realms of a single grow tent, and with the help of some friends, Exotic Genetix was established.
Today, the range of seeds available at Exotic Genetix includes dozens of sought-after strains, including Pop Star, Event Horizon, Strawneapple, and Red Runtz. Strains are typically only available via exclusive drops or the seed bank's "build a box" option, adding to their desirability.
Genetic Lineage of Red Runtz
As mentioned, Red Runtz combines Red Pop (also called Faygo Red Pop) and a reversed cross using Runtz as the pollen donor. This unique pairing allows Red Runtz to retain the highly regarded Runtz line while blending Red Pop's sweet flavors and extreme resin production.
Speaking of Red Pop, this lesser-known hybrid variety is named after its striking resemblance in aroma and flavor to the popular soda Faygo Red Pop. Red Pop typically boasts a sweet and fruity scent with notes of berries and a subtle hint of creaminess reminiscent of the soda it's named after.
People describe the influence of Red Pop as a balanced blend of relaxation and euphoria, making it suitable for various occasions. While it may not be as widely recognized as other strains, Red Pop's distinctive flavor and well-rounded effects have gained a loyal following among cannabis connoisseurs.
Working alongside the distinct flavors of Red Pop is Runtz, a popular hybrid created by crossing Zkittlez and Gelato. It's celebrated for its sweet and fruity aroma, often described as a blend of tropical and candy-like scents. Its taste mirrors these notes, offering a delectable fusion of fruitiness with a hint of creaminess.
The effects of Runtz are typically characterized by a relaxing body high combined with cerebral euphoria, making it an appealing choice for both recreational and medicinal users. With its enticing flavor profile, Runtz is a name globally recognised by the cannabis community.
Physical Characteristics of Red Runtz
The most striking characteristic of Red Runtz is its buds, with Exotic Genetix's founder, Exotic Mike, having this to say about them:
"Red Runtz is just so damn sexy to me with all that maroon ice. The bud is actually a red color after it's trimmed, as to one of the reasons it got that name".
Maroonish-purple buds dominate the grow room, highlighted by thick orange pistils and dark purple leaves. After a relatively short flowering period, the strain's iconic buds are in full effect, providing a visual treat only bested by Red Runtz's yield potential. To manage the dense and bushy canopy, growers must ensure plants receive plenty of topping and pruning to maximize potential bud sites.
However, take the time to carefully maintain Red Runtz early in the vegetative stage, and not only will it increase the strain's output, but it'll ensure buds develop a thick layer of resin, perfect for making concentrates such as charas or rosin hash.
Properties and Effects of Red Runtz
Red Runtz leans heavily into her hybrid nature to produce euphoric and uplifting effects, followed by physical relaxation that develops into a deep body stone. Other commonly reported effects include happiness, relaxation, creativity, and arousal—although users will need to take a slow and steady approach to capitalize on these. Overconsumption of Red Runtz can quickly lead to couch-lock, negating the strain's cerebral impact.
Aside from the high, the flavor is defined by notes of sour cherries and tropical fruits. While the latter is a clear homage to the Runtz family, the sour cherry and hints of grapefruit derive from Red Pop and its most dominant terpene, limonene. Fortunately, there are also small amounts of caryophyllene and myrcene to help balance out the sweetness, although these flavors are only really noticed on the exhale.
Uses of Red Runtz
Smoking or vaping the buds of Red Runtz offers several benefits to recreational and medicinal users alike. This hybrid strain provides a well-balanced experience, ideal for those seeking relaxation and euphoria. When consumed this way, the effects are typically fast-acting, allowing users to control their dose more precisely. This is especially important because of the body stone that follows the strain's initially uplifting influence. To get the best results, consider loading a handheld vaporizer with small amounts of Red Runtz. Red Runtz is also particularly well-suited for turning into cannabis concentrates due to its potent and distinct flavor profile. This strain's rich terpene content, reminiscent of sweet fruits and sour candy, can be preserved and intensified in concentrates, offering a richer and more flavorful experience for those who prefer dabbing.
Though Red Runtz isn’t known specifically for its therapeutic potential, patients seeking a euphoric yet soothing embrace may find this strain to take the edge off of mental and physical tension.
Cultivation and Production of Red Runtz
While Red Runtz has heavy yield potential, it requires a skilled hand to maximize returns. Early topping is essential, alongside regular pruning, to ensure optimal light exposure throughout the canopy. The strain's indica dominance (80/20) ensures plants stay relatively short and easy to work with. Still, you'll need plenty of lateral space, so keep this in mind, especially if growing inside a tent or small grow room.
The flowering time for Red Runtz is only 8–9 weeks, meaning growers won't have to wait long to get their hands on those eye-catching buds. Outside, the strain performs equally well, with the same considerations needed for topping and pruning. However, the most significant difference for outdoor growers is increased vertical growth, so ensure plants are braced and supported appropriately.
Red Runtz: A Strain Worthy of the Runtz Name
The Runtz name is renowned for its fruity flavors, stability, and potency. And, thanks to the skills of Exotic Mike, that legacy lives on in Red Runtz. Except this time, adding Red Pop genetics has transformed the flavor into one of sour cherries and tropical fruits, alongside a generous coating of resin perfect for homemade concentrates.
Aside from effects and flavor, Red Runtz is an enjoyable venture for growers, new and returning. Simple enough to cultivate, she's most at home indoors, where controlled pruning can expose an entire canopy's worth of bud sites. Moreover, take the time to nurture this cultivar from seed to harvest, and she'll reward you with heavy yields alongside captivating maroon-colored buds.
