Cheese by Royal Dutch Gen.
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The Cheese strain, commonly referred to as UK Cheese or Exodus Cheese, is a legendary cultivar famous for its remarkably pungent, savory, and undeniably "cheesy" aroma. Its story traces back to a unique expression of Skunk #1 genetics developed by Sam "The Skunkman" Watson. Around 1988 or 1989, an anonymous grower in the Chiltern Hills of England sprouted a pack of Skunk #1 seeds. Among the batch, one particular female stood out for an exceptionally sharp, musky, and sour-milk scent that dramatically deviated from the typical Skunk profile, leading to the preservation of this specific phenotype as a strict clone-only variety.
The strain owes its survival and worldwide fame to the Exodus Collective, a prominent group of counterculture activists and free-party organizers based in Luton, England. Throughout the 1990s, the collective championed this unique cutting, sharing it extensively throughout the UK's underground rave and grower communities. This grassroots distribution transformed Cheese into an enduring symbol of British cannabis culture. Its distinctive smell and heavy, stoning body high combined with socially uplifting cerebral effects made it an instant favorite across the globe.
In the modern cannabis landscape, Exodus Cheese is considered the cornerstone of European genetics. While genuine Exodus Cheese remains a heavily guarded, time-honored clone, its genetic influence has spawned countless hybrids—such as Blue Cheese and Big Buddha Cheese—designed to capture its elusive terpene profile. Its savory, sulfur-heavy aroma continues to offer a sharp, beloved contrast to the fruity and sweet dessert strains dominating today’s market.
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Similar strains
| Breeder | Royal Dutch Gen. |
|---|---|
| Type | indica/sativa |
| Flowering time | ±60 days |
| Environment | Outdoors |
| Lineage | Cheese × Nepal Indica |
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Growing Cheese: what to expect
As an indica-leaning plant, expect a modest stretch after the flip (roughly 50–100%) and dense bud structure — which makes late-flower humidity discipline the main risk: keep RH in the 40s once buds fatten to stay ahead of mold. Growers familiar with Cheese or Nepal Indica will recognize much of its behavior. Whatever the listing says, the cut in YOUR tent is the ground truth: log feedings, readings, and photos, and let the trends — not the label — drive decisions.
Cheese FAQ
How long does Cheese take to flower?
Cheese typically flowers in around 60 days after switching to a 12/12 light schedule. Individual phenotypes vary, so judge harvest readiness by trichome color, not the calendar.
Is Cheese an indica or a sativa?
Cheese is listed as indica/sativa.
What are the parents of Cheese?
Cheese was bred from Cheese × Nepal Indica by Royal Dutch Gen..
What environment does Cheese like?
Standard cannabis bands work well: VPD 0.8–1.1 kPa in veg and 1.0–1.4 kPa in flower, with humidity stepping down from 65–75% as a seedling to 40–50% in late flower. See the stage-by-stage table on this page.
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