How To Grow Dark Star Fast Version
What’s up, fellow cultivator! Are you ready to grow a strain that’s a true journey into deep space relaxation, but on a turbocharged schedule? A plant that takes the legendary power of Purple Kush and Mazar-I-Sharif and puts the harvest on hyperdrive? Then let’s talk about the incredible Dark Star Fast Version.
This indica-dominant powerhouse is the strain you grow when you’re serious about deep relaxation and want a quick turnaround without sacrificing quality. I’m here to educate you and help you nurture this beautiful plant from a tiny seed into a harvest of incredibly potent, homegrown buds. Let’s get to it!
Recommended Strains
Dark Star Fast Version
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THC: 18% - 20% -
Type of seed: Fast Flowering -
Phenotype: 10% Sativa / 90% Indica -
Flavor: Earthy, Pine, Skunk, Sweet -
Day to flower: 7 - 8 weeks
2046 Fast Version
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THC: 20% - 26%
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Type of seed: Fast Flowering
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Phenotype: 80% Sativa / 20% Indica
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Flavor: Earthy, Woody
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Day to flower: 8 - 10 weeks
From Seed to a Deep Space Harvest: The Full Grow-Along
The Fast Version genetics make this plant incredibly efficient and rewarding to cultivate. Here’s everything you need to know.
Germination: The First Spark
Every great plant starts with a single healthy seed. The paper towel method is my trusted technique.
- Soak: Give your seeds a 12 to 24-hour soak in a glass of room-temperature water.
- Wrap: Place the hydrated seeds between two paper towels that are damp, but not dripping wet.
- Keep it Warm & Dark: Put your paper towel setup inside a Ziploc bag or between two plates.
- Sprout!: In 24-48 hours, a tiny white taproot will emerge. Game on! Carefully plant it about a half-inch deep in your starter pot, with the root pointing down.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Being too rough. That new little taproot is the most fragile part of the plant’s life. Use tweezers and a gentle touch when moving it to its new home.
The Vegetative Stage: A Vigorous Start
Because this is a Fast Version, the vegetative stage will be robust but a bit shorter than a standard photoperiod strain.
- Light Cycle: You need long days to promote strong vegetative growth. An 18/6 light cycle (18 hours of light, 6 of darkness) is perfect.
- Nutrient Needs: Your plant will need a balanced grow fertilizer with a good amount of Nitrogen (N) during this rapid growth phase to build a strong, leafy structure.
- Train Lightly: This plant has a great compact structure, but some light Low-Stress Training (LST) is perfect. Gently bending the main stem will encourage side branches to grow up, creating a wider, more productive canopy without stressing the plant.
The Flowering Stage: A High-Speed Finish!
This is where Dark Star Fast Version truly shows off. To trigger flowering, you MUST switch your lights to a strict 12/12 cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of absolute darkness).
Now, get ready, because this is quick! The flowering time is a wonderfully fast 6 to 8 weeks! You’ll see the plant explode with dense, resin-coated buds that may even show deep purple hues. The aroma will be a beautiful and complex mix of earthy, spicy, and sweet pine notes.
When you flip your lights, switch to a bloom fertilizer that is higher in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to support this rapid flower production.
Common Mistake to Avoid: High Humidity. Those dense indica buds are a magnet for mold if your humidity is too high. It is CRITICAL to keep your humidity levels lower (around 40-50%) and ensure good airflow during the flowering stage.
Promos & Deals
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Choosing Your Grow Environment
This strain’s speed and resilience make it a champion in any environment.
Growing Indoors Its compact size and speed make it an absolute dream for indoor growers.
- Height: This is a very manageable plant, typically finishing at a height of 2.3 to 4 feet (70-120 cm). It’s perfect for grow tents or any grow with limited vertical space.
- Odor Control: The earthy, piney aroma is amazing, but it’s strong. A good carbon filter is essential for a discreet indoor grow.
Growing Outdoors The Fast Version aspect is a massive advantage for outdoor growers, especially in certain climates.
- Height Potential: Outdoors, it can stretch a bit more, reaching up to 6 feet (180 cm) tall.
Best U.S. Cities and Climates: This strain loves warm, sunny weather. The fast version makes it perfect for regions with shorter summers.
- The Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland): This is where the Fast Version is a hero. You can easily start in late spring and be harvested and dried long before the heavy autumn rains arrive. This is a game-changer for growers in this region!
- California (San Francisco): The consistent Mediterranean climate is perfect for this strain to thrive.
- North Carolina (Asheville): The long, warm growing season is great, but be vigilant about airflow to prevent mold in the high humidity.
Pro-Level Playbook: Cloning and Powerful Extractions
Cloning: Keep the Legend Alive
Find a specific Dark Star Fast Version plant with that perfect potent effect? Don’t let those amazing genetics go!
- Select & Snip: Take a healthy 4-6 inch cutting from a lower branch of a mother plant in her vegetative stage. Use a sterile razor for a clean cut.
- Hormone Dip: Immediately dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to inspire vigorous root growth.
- Plant It: Place the cutting into a moist starter cube like Rockwool.
- Keep It Humid: Cover your new clones with a humidity dome to keep them from wilting.
- A New Generation: In about two weeks, you’ll have a new plant that is a perfect genetic copy of your prized mother!
What to Do With Your Trim? Make a Masterpiece!
A sustainable grower uses the whole plant! The frosty trim from your Dark Star Fast Version is a goldmine of flavor.
This is THE perfect strain for making powerful concentrates. With its heavy resin production from its Kush and Mazar lineage, you can make top-tier hash, flavorful rosin, or potent BHO that captures the full, earthy power of this amazing plant.
The Grand Finale: Harvest, Dry & Cure
You’ve made it to the finish line—and in record time! Get a jeweler’s loupe and look at the trichomes. When they have changed from clear to mostly milky-white, with just a hint of amber, you’ve hit the sweet spot for a potent, relaxing high.
- The Chop: Cut your plants and trim away the large fan leaves.
- The Slow Dry: Hang the branches in a dark room with good airflow, a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C), and humidity around 45-55%. This usually takes 7-10 days.
- The Cure: This is the final step for a smooth and flavorful final product. Trim the buds and place them in airtight glass jars. Burp the jars daily for the first couple of weeks. A proper cure of at least 2 to 4 weeks will bring out that complex earthy and pine flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fast Version actually mean? Is it an autoflower?
No, it’s not an autoflower. A Fast Version is a photoperiod strain (meaning you still need to switch to a 12/12 light cycle to make it flower) that has been specially bred to have a much shorter flowering time than the original. It gives you the control of a photoperiod with nearly the speed of an auto!
What are the effects of Dark Star really like?
It’s a powerful, classic indica high. Expect a deep, heavy body relaxation that melts away stress, tension, and pain. It’s famous for its couch-lock potential, making it the perfect strain for the end of the day when you’re ready to completely unwind.
Is this a good strain for beginners?
Yes, it can be! Its genetics make it a resilient and manageable plant. As long as a new grower pays close attention to its nutrient sensitivity and has a good carbon filter for the smell, it’s a very rewarding plant for our growing community.
How can I best control the strong smell?
If you’re growing indoors, a high-quality carbon filter attached to your exhaust fan is your best and only option. Don’t skimp on this! It will scrub the air coming out of your tent or room, neutralizing the smell before it can escape.
How big will my yield be if it grows so fast?
Don’t let the speed fool you! Fast Version refers to the flowering time, not a reduction in yield. This plant is known for producing very generous harvests of dense, high-quality, potent buds.
