Top 5 Strains Of 2023 – 808 Genetics

2023 saw a switch in strain popularity from the previous year, where Sunset Sherbet crosses were so popular they outsold most strains in each menu we dropped and GMO crosses took 3 of the top 5 spots. However, in 2023, Runtz and Peanut Butter Breath crosses topped the list with GMO, again, taking 2 spots.

The top strains of 2023 were:

1. Bombshell

Runtz x Runtz BX2

Coming in at #1 was our Runtz BX3 named Bombshell, built off the success of the beloved Sugar Titz. If you’ve ever had real Runtz, there is no denying that it has nice bag appeal, flavor, and is enjoyed around the world. Our Runtz BX3 locks in the sour grapefruit terp and flavor while bringing additional fruit loop candy flavors. With beautiful colors and tremendous resin production, this strain is sure to please the pickiest of palates.

Sugar Titz taken to day 69 of bloom

We selected a Bombshell male at the beginning of 2024 to not only make an entire menu from, but to also continue backcrossing the Runtz, making a Runtz BX4, called 808 Runtz. It’s no surprise that Bombshell topped the list as Runtz has continued to prove to be a popular strain.

2. Sour Garlic Candy

GMO x Runtz BX2

Sour Garlic Candy is also from our Sugar Titz menu, however, is an interesting cross because it blends two completely different terpene profiles. Combining the high potency and deep funk from the GMO with the sweet-and-sour candy terps from the Runtz BX2 will bring washability, a quicker bloom time, and great yields. GMO is a popular strain here at 808 Genetics, so popular two of the crosses made the top 5 this year, but we were surprised to see this combination come in at #2.

3. Peanut Butter Popz

Peanut Butter Breath x Peanut Butter Breath BX

Coming in close behind the Sour Garlic Candy, with only a few pack difference in sales, Peanut Butter Popz is a special strain and is our first Peanut Butter Breath BX2. The Peanut Butter Breath mother is loved worldwide, known for its deep, nutty, earthy, kushiness, great color, and resin production. We have been growing this one since we made it, and after seeing its characteristics, knew it would be immensely popular.

Peanut Butter Popz is a colorful resinous strain that claimed our top 3 spot this year

We hunted this line and have selected a male, noting the Peanut Butter Popz male is the most resinous we’ve ever worked with. This seed stock boasts easy-to-grow plants that are not easily affected by temperature or humidity; it’s an ideal plant to learn how to grow with and is visually rewarding with deep purples, firey red orange hairs, and a thick blanket of trichomes. This strain is a great washer and a favorite amongst people who enjoy deep dank flavors. Honestly we were surprised this cross didn’t come in at #1 this year.

4. Turd Burgler

GMO x Peanut Butter Breath BX

Not trailing too far behind the Peanut Butter Popz, Turd Burgler took the #4 spot. We knew this strain would be popular because we have been getting so much great feedback about it. It washes well and the terps are a match made in heaven. You get the raunchy garlicky smell from the GMO mixed with the earthy peanut butter gas from the Peanut Butter Breath. We have heard from several growers that this is their new favorite strain of all time.

Turd Burgler beautifully grown by Travis P.

We are excited about this creation and are planning to work it further because of the deep funky terps, beautiful color, great washability, and overall beastly plants coming from this genetic lineage.

5. Tatooine Sunset

Sunset Sherbet x Sunset Sherbet BX

Closing out the list at the number 5 spot was Tatooine Sunset. Again, from seeing how popular Sunset Sherbet has been from past menus, we weren’t too surprised to see this BX2 on our top 5. This is another one we’ve personally hunted and grown out, so we know why it’s so loved. Sunset Sherbet is a heavy yielder and boasts tropical guava terps, offering an exotic aroma both in the garden and jar. The guava also comes through in the flavor, making it delicious to roll up or light in a bong. This cross is a Sherb with added gas and is easier to grow. Phenos display beautiful colors easily reaching deep purples and blacks. Terpene profiles will range from Sherb and OG to Bubblegum Sherb.

Tatooine Sunset gorgeously grown by @waraganj

There You Have It

The most popular flavors of 2023. The above stats are influenced by the strain and plant size, by availability. While the above strains do accurately describe the trends we’re seeing in strain popularity, it is also dependent on the menus we make each year. Crippy and Cherry Pie continue to be the most requested strains to this day. Both the Crippy and Cherry Pie mothers don’t produce a lot of seed stock, so even though they go out of stock almost immediately, they don’t produce the numbers that other strains do, leaving them out of the top spots.

The following strains were the most popular from the menus they came from this year:

Royal Racks = Sugar Titz x Blueberry Parfait
Dead Skunk = GMO x Kauai Boy
Maui’s Gift = Moana’s Gift x Moana’s Gift
Arkenstone = GG#4 x Toxic Gas

It’s always fun to see what strains you guys liked the most and each of the phenos you showcase on Discord and social media. We look forward to seeing what strains trend in 2024!