Description
Double Dalai was bred using four unique landrace varieties with a preconceived goal of creating a variety that checks all the boxes and then some. Many of the amazing varieties we enjoy today were made or discovered by accident or through rogue pollinations. This one, however, was carefully planned and executed over the course of four years.
The process began with selections within the Hindu Kush Andarab village population, removing undesirable and sexually unstable genotypes and narrowing down a meaningful expression. This was then outcrossed to Burmese (Mong Hsat) female selection, characterised by purple bracts and green leaves.
The initial cross between a Hindu Kush F1 male and the Burmese female produced “Hash Force.” From this population, selections were made away from the Hindu Kush expression and towards the Burmese influence in both effects and appearance. Once Indian Landrace Exchange were satisfied with the frequency of the red bracts and green leaf traits within the F2, they kept that direction and moved on to the next part of the project.
In parallel, Neelam female selection was outcrossed to a closely related variety from the Chitral Valley, originating roughly 200–250 miles away and received through Bodhi as an F2 that had been inbred to the F3 generation. Selections were made away from Chitral traits and closer to the green Neelam expression, notable for its powerful impact.
Once these two separate lines were established and homogenised for the traits we wanted, Hash Force F2 was crossed with Neelam x Chitral F3, resulting in Double Dalai. Neelam contributed bud structure, resin production and short flowering time, while Hash Force introduced striking colours, floral incense aromas and a dreamy, relaxing high.
In 2022, Double Dalai was released for the first time through selections made within the F1 generation. The line produced exceptional plants through to F5, at which point we chose to discontinue it.
Afterwards, ILE set out to refine the concept and create something that could surpass Double Dalai Version 1 in every aspect. The goal with Version 2 was to reshape the variety in both structure and effect. While V1 predominantly expressed short, squat plants with largely sedative effects, V2 focuses on selected females with taller, lankier structures reminiscent of the Burmese lineage, yet retaining a short flowering window of 8–9 weeks.
ILE continued steering the line toward a tropical variety-like expression without losing the short flowering range of 56–63 days. This makes it suitable both for colder higher latitudes, where early snowfall can be a concern, and for tropical environments with warm and humid climates.
The F1 selections for Version 2 also displayed increased leaf coloration, which became even more pronounced in the F2 generation. Testing the F2 population allowed us to confirm a high percentage (around 70%) of the quintessential Double Dalai expression: green leaves paired with purple to magenta buds, the defining hallmark of the variety. At the same time, smaller proportions of alternative purple expressions were preserved, offering a broader appreciation of its four landrace heritage.
By revisiting the F1 generation and repeating the selection process, ILE aimed to capture plants with exceptional vigor and aesthetics. Vigor here refers to intensity of aroma, quality of effects, improved resistance to pests and diseases, ease of cultivation and increased yields. Aesthetics manifest through remarkable visual appeal and reflect a modern breeding approach that moves beyond conventional objectives.
Double Dalai V2 produces highly vigorous plants that excel during vegetative growth and flower rapidly in about eight weeks, while maintaining a tall stature and a 3–4× stretch. The result is a plant that stretches like an equatorial variety yet finishes like a fast flowering afghanica.
The aromatic profile is an exotic blend of deep floral notes reminiscent of rose wine and wildflowers, balanced by sharper tones of solvent, pine and warm spices. Effects are dreamy and uplifting, unfolding in a poetic progression that rises from the spine into the mind and body. It is a slow building experience that takes time to fully develop, but ultimately delivers a deeply dreamy and elevating high.
Indian Landrace Exchange
