La Reina de Africa

The best thing about varieties like AK-47 is that offer a short flowering time for a hybrid that mixes some very sativa-rich varieties. The Ortega parent in its genetic make-up makes it quick to ripen, even when you think that the plant is going to need several weeks more. The AK-47 we selected had this characteristic, and when we crossed it with one of our Northern Lights the flowering time was shortened to eight weeks, so it will be ready to harvest by the end of September. A plant that shows all its potential of a typical indica/sativa hybrid (60/40%) when grown outdoors. If planted in April, it will grow to at least two metres and tends to cover a large area in terms of square metres occupied.

For optimal outdoor growing you should take care over both the substrate you use and the growing area chosen. Fertilise in winter so that the soil assimilates all the nutrients through decomposition. Make the most of sunny days to cover it with black plastic and practise solarisation to get rid of any insects that might attack the roots.

Recommended for novice growers because it is easy to work with, La Reina gives no trouble when growing, forming thick stems on the trunk and on the branches. The slim, serrated leaves — typical of AK varieties — have a dark lemon-green colour. The internode is short and the plant starts to branch out during the early growth stages to produce a large bushy plant. With controlled growing indoors you can achieve a spectacular, super-high-yield “Sea of Green”.

Don’t let this plant grow for too long indoors; two weeks will be enough for you can keep its exuberant growth under control. Good results can be obtained with a height of 60 cm.

Although it doesn’t need large amounts of fertiliser, you should try to monitor the EC so that does not fall short. The leaves will start to turn noticeably yellow. Organic growing is best for this plant. Applying the right amounts of good earthworm humus and bat guano to the substrate will be sufficient, combined with regular watering.

Flowering is exuberant, with large, heavy bunches of flowers that never seem to stop appearing. Heavy, compact buds with a reddish colour, laden with resin. Produces good hash. The flavour is one of acidic tropical fruit leaving a slightly piquant aftertaste on the palate.