Gelato v2

The Original Gelato Recipe, Refreshed from Seed

In the complex and often mythologized annals of cannabis genealogy, few breeding events have shifted the global paradigm as profoundly as the convergence of the Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) lineage with the Sunset Sherbet phenotype. Gelato v2 by Greenpoint Seeds is a direct hybridization of the legendary Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mint Cut) and the accidental masterpiece, Sunset Sherbet — the exact same cross that created the original Gelato family (Gelato #33, #41, #45, #47).

Clone-only cuts degrade over time. After a decade of being passed from grower to grower, the original Gelato clones have accumulated stress, lost vigor, and picked up pathogens. Gelato v2 solves this problem by returning to the source — the original parent cross — and offering it in seed form with fresh, explosive seedling vigor. This is not a knockoff or a “Gelato cross.” This is the Gelato recipe itself, reset to generation zero.

By combining the structural density and potency of the Thin Mint GSC with the vegetative vigor and complex terpene profile of Sunset Sherbet, Greenpoint Seeds has created a platform for discovery, allowing growers to unearth phenotypes that rival — or surpass — the legendary cuts of the Cookie Fam.

Foundational Genetics Breakdown

Gelato v2 traces back to five foundational genetic sources. Understanding this architecture is critical for pheno-hunting and predicting offspring traits:

Foundational Genetics	Percentage	Contribution
Florida OG	37.5%	The gas, the structure, the knockout stone, node stacking
Granddaddy Purple (GDP)	18.75%	Anthocyanins (purple), grape undertones, bag appeal
Durban Poison	18.75%	Cerebral lift, anise/mint terps, sativa energy
Burmese Kush	12.5%	Exotic berry/fruit terps, floral complexity, hardy genetics
Florida Kush	12.5%	I-95 potency, heavy body effects, resin production

Simplified by lineage group:

• Florida/Triangle genetics (OG + Kush): 50%
• Granddaddy Purple: 18.75%
• Durban Poison: 18.75%
• Burmese Kush: 12.5%

Half of Gelato v2 is Florida Triangle genetics — the I-95 swamp gas that defined American cannabis in the 90s. The GDP stacked on both sides of the cross (nearly 19%) explains why Gelato throws those deep purples so reliably, often without even needing cold temperatures. The Burmese Kush is only 12.5% but punches way above its weight in terms of the exotic fruit and cream terps that define the modern dessert era.

The Maternal Lineage: Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies

The matriarch of Gelato v2 is the Thin Mint phenotype of Girl Scout Cookies. In the taxonomy of contemporary cannabis, GSC is the genus from which a vast majority of modern “hype” strains radiate. The specific selection of the Thin Mint cut is critical — it represents the “Sativa-leaning” expression of the Cookies lineage, bringing a cerebral complexity and a distinct terpene profile that separates it from the heavier, more sedative “Forum” or “Platinum” cuts.

The Mythos of Origin: F1 Durb and the Florida OG

The generally accepted lineage of GSC involves a specific interaction between the F1 Durb and Florida OG. This narrative centers on the “Cookie Fam” — a collective of breeders and cultural architects including Jigga (Jai Chang), Berner (Gilbert Milam Jr.), and Sherbinski (Mario Guzman) — who operated in the Sunset District of San Francisco during the pre-legalization era.

F1 Durb = Granddaddy Purple × Durban Poison

The “F1 Durb” component is particularly significant. This is not the standard Dutch Passion Durban Poison found in European seed banks. The “F1 Durb” described by Jigga is a “secret sauce” — a GDP × Durban cross that introduced the mind-warping cerebral effects, the distinct anise/mint terpene profile, and the purple coloration that defines the Cookies line. The GDP brings the anthocyanins and grape notes; the Durban brings the racy sativa energy and unique terpene complexity. It is the genetic engine that prevents GSC from being merely another phenotype of OG Kush.

On the other side of the maternal equation sits the Florida OG. This component brings the heavy, sedative “stone” and the distinct knotty structure characteristic of the Kush family. It provides the morphological backbone — the density, the internodal spacing, and the resin production — that made GSC a commercially viable powerhouse. The interaction between the Florida OG’s sedative weight and the F1 Durb’s cerebral psychoactivity creates the “hybrid vigor” of effect that defined the early 2010s market.

The Thin Mint vs. The Forum Cut

A critical distinction in cannabis genealogy is understanding that “Girl Scout Cookies” is not a monolith. When the initial seeds were cracked and clones circulated, several distinct phenotypes emerged. The two most prominent are the “Forum Cut” and the “Thin Mint Cut.”

The Forum Cut: Traced to internet forums (ICMag); a clone-only variant widely shared among elite circles. Extremely low yield; slow vegetative growth; knotty, small internodes; vine-like growth requiring support. Earthy, doughy, pure “cookie” funk; dominant Humulene and Caryophyllene. High resin, but often smaller “popcorn” buds; tends to stay green unless shocked by cold.

The Thin Mint Cut: A specific phenotype closely held by the Cookie Fam, distinct for its terpene retention and specific coloration. Slightly more vigor than Forum; tends to display more lateral branching and rapid anthocyanin production. Pronounced mentholated notes, dark chocolate, spicy earth, and sweet dough; higher complexity. High resin with deep anthocyanin (purple/black) potential even in moderate temps; dense, conical buds.

The Thin Mint cut utilized in Gelato v2 carries the signature “minty” exhalation — a result of the interaction between ocimene, fenchol, and high levels of caryophyllene — that mimics the cooling sensation of menthol without actually containing it. This cut offers a euphoric, cerebral blast before the OG Kush heaviness sets in.

Agronomic Challenges of the Mother

Breeding with Thin Mint GSC is a deliberate exercise in managing compromise. While the flower quality is undeniably elite — arguably the gold standard for “bag appeal” in the 2010s — the plant itself is horticulturally difficult:

Slow Vegetative Growth: Thin Mint is notorious for crawling through the vegetative stage. It lacks the explosive vigor of a Skunk or a Haze. It produces thin, spindly stems that struggle to support the weight of its own flowers later in the cycle.

Nutrient Sensitivity: It is sensitive to nutrient toxicity, often “clawing” (nitrogen toxicity) at EC levels that other strains would tolerate easily.

Yield Limitations: It is not a commercial yielder by nature. It produces “quality over quantity,” with rock-hard, golf-ball-sized buds rather than massive colas.

By crossing Thin Mint into Gelato v2, Greenpoint Seeds preserves the elite flower quality while repairing the agronomic flaws through the introduction of the Sunset Sherbet genetics, which carry greater hybrid vigor.

The Paternal Lineage: Sunset Sherbet

If Thin Mint GSC is the refined, high-maintenance matriarch, Sunset Sherbet is the vigorous, robust, and complex patriarch that injects vitality and a new spectrum of flavor into the equation. Sunset Sherbet is historically significant as the immediate successor to GSC, representing the next step in the evolution of Bay Area genetics.

The “Happy Accident” of Sherbet

The origin of Sunset Sherbet is one of the most famous accidents in cannabis history. As recounted by Mr. Sherbinski (Mario Guzman), the strain arose from an unintentional pollination event in his grandmother’s basement in the Sunset District of San Francisco.

The Male: A plant known as Pink Panties — a cross of Burmese Kush and Florida Kush. The inclusion of the Burmese genetics is the “secret weapon” of the Sherbet line. Burmese landraces are known for sweet, berry-like terpenes and a complexity that differs significantly from the Afghan/Pakistani indicas usually found in Kush crosses.

The Female: Girl Scout Cookies (likely the Thin Mint or a very similar GSC phenotype).

Sherbinski inadvertently introduced a Pink Panties male into a room of flowering GSC. The result was a harvest of seeds that he almost discarded. Upon growing them out, he discovered a phenotype that retained the density and frost of the GSC but replaced the “dough/earth” profile with a screaming, complex profile of citrus, berries, and creamy candy. This plant became the Sunset Sherbet, named after the Sunset District of San Francisco and its sorbet-like flavor profile.

The Sherbet Morphology and Vigor

Sunset Sherbet corrected many of the growing deficiencies of the original GSC, making it an ideal breeding partner:

Vegetative Vigor: The Burmese influence in Pink Panties introduced a level of hybrid vigor that GSC lacked. Sherbet plants tend to grow larger, root faster, and yield better than their GSC mothers.

The Color Palette: While GSC turns purple, Sunset Sherbet introduced a broader spectrum of color, often displaying bright pink pistils during early flowering and deep magenta calyxes late in bloom.

Resistance: The Sherbet lines are generally noted for better resistance to mold and environmental stress compared to the pure Thin Mint cut, a trait attributed to the hardy landrace genetics in its Pink Panties lineage.

The “Sunset” Terpene Evolution

The Sunset Sherbet terpene profile is the bridge to the modern “Dessert” era. It moves beyond the mint/chocolate of Thin Mint and introduces Linalool (floral/lavender) and Limonene (citrus) in higher concentrations, alongside the omnipresent Caryophyllene. This creates the “creamy” sensation — often described as yogurt, sorbet, or fruity cereal milk — that became the foundation for the Gelato and Runtz waves that followed.

Breeding Logic: Why This Cross Creates Gelato

Gelato v2 (Thin Mint GSC × Sunset Sherbet) is not a random collision of hype strains; it is a calculated reconstruction of one of the most successful genomic combinations in cannabis history.

Genealogically, the cross of Thin Mint GSC × Sunset Sherbet is the exact recipe that created the original Gelato family. By offering Gelato v2, Greenpoint Seeds provides the raw genetic clay from which the Gelato phenotypes were sculpted:

Generation 1: GSC (Mother)
Generation 2: Sunset Sherbet (GSC × Pink Panties)
Gelato v2 (Generation 3): GSC (Thin Mint) × Sunset Sherbet

Genetic Analysis: Since Sunset Sherbet is 50% GSC, crossing it back to the Thin Mint GSC results in progeny that is approximately 75% GSC genetics and 25% Pink Panties genetics. This is technically a backcross configuration — the objective is to “lock in” the Cookies structure and potency while using the 25% Pink Panties influence to maintain the complex berry/creamy terpenes and improved vegetative vigor.

Polyhybrid Vigor and Seed Variation

Unlike a clone (e.g., Gelato #33), which is a static genetic snapshot, Gelato v2 seeds represent a spectrum of possibility. Because both parents are complex polyhybrids, the offspring will display segregation of traits. This is the hunt — the search for the outlier.

Dominant Traits: High trichome density (frost), dark leaf coloration (anthocyanin), and caryophyllene dominance (pepper/gas) are likely to be dominant, as they are present in both parents. These traits should appear in the vast majority of phenotypes.

Recessive/Variable Traits: Yield and stretch are the variables. The progeny will segregate here; pheno-hunters will find squat, rock-hard GSC leaners and taller, larger-yielding Sherbet leaners.

The “Cream” Factor: The creamy/sorbet terpene profile is the target. This trait results from a specific balance of Limonene, Linalool, and Humulene. Not every seed will carry this; some will revert to the earthy/spicy profile of the grandmother GSC, while others will lean heavily into the floral notes of the Pink Panties.

The Pheno-Hunt: Finding Your Keeper

For the cultivator, the value of Gelato v2 lies in the pheno-hunt. This is not a monocrop; it is a treasure chest. Based on the parental traits and the known outcomes of the Thin Mint × Sherbet cross, three distinct phenotypes are statistically probable:

Phenotype A: The “Thin Mint” Dominant (The Frost Monster)

Frequency: ~40% of populations

Vegetative Traits: Short internodal spacing, slow vegetative growth, and distinct “clawing” or sensitivity to nitrogen. The leaves will be dark, almost black-green, turning violet rapidly in flush.

Floral Structure: Small, extremely dense “golf balls.” Very high calyx-to-leaf ratio. These buds are rock hard and require very little trimming.

Aroma: Mint chocolate, spicy earth, menthol, and dough. This profile is heavy on the Caryophyllene and Humulene.

Why Keep It: Maximum bag appeal, highest THC potential (often 25%+), classic GSC stone. This phenotype is for the head-stash grower, not the commercial cropper.

Phenotype B: The “Sherbet” Dominant (The Yielder)

Frequency: ~30% of populations

Vegetative Traits: More vigorous growth, thicker stems, and larger fan leaves. The pistils may display the signature pink hue of the Pink Panties lineage during weeks 3-5 of flower.

Floral Structure: Larger, slightly fluffier (though still dense by modern standards) colas. Conical shape rather than golf-ball.

Aroma: Sweet berries, citrus rind, yogurt, and funk. Less “gas,” more “fruit.” This profile leans into Limonene and Linalool.

Why Keep It: Better yield, easier to grow, complex “dessert” terpene profile suitable for extracts.

Phenotype C: The “Gelato” Blend (The Keeper)

Frequency: ~30% of populations

Vegetative Traits: The perfect hybrid. It retains the density of the Thin Mint but adopts the vigor and branching of the Sherbet.

Floral Structure: The buds look like “dipped” flowers — thick resin rails, purple calyxes, and orange hairs. This is the structural equivalent of Gelato #41.

Aroma: A volatile mix of gas and cream. Think “fermented berries dipped in petrol.”

Why It’s the Keeper: This phenotype balances yield with elite quality. It is the target of the Gelato v2 project — the synthesis of the best traits of both parents. Finding this plant essentially gives the grower a proprietary cut of Gelato.

Selection Markers (What to Look for in Veg)

Stem Rub: Rub the stems in late vegetation. You are looking for a “creamy” or “sweet” undertone beneath the skunky chlorophyll smell. A “doughy” stem rub indicates Thin Mint dominance; a “berry” stem rub indicates Sherbet dominance.

Leaf Shape: Look for broad, dark Indica leaves that transition to thinner blades as the plant matures. The darker the leaf in veg, the more likely the plant is to display anthocyanins in flower.

Lateral Branching: Select for plants that naturally bush out, indicating the Sherbet vigor. This natural bushy structure is a sign of the hybrid vigor that makes for a successful mother plant.

The Terpene Profile

The defining characteristic of Gelato v2 is its chemical profile. It represents a shift from the “gas/skunk” era to the “dessert/functional” era of cannabis.

Terpene	Source Lineage	Aroma	Effect
Beta-Caryophyllene	Dominant in both Thin Mint & Sherbet	Peppery, spicy warmth	Body buzz, anti-inflammatory, CB2 receptor agonist
Limonene	High in Sherbet; Moderate in GSC	Citrus, lemon rind	Mood-lifting, anti-anxiety, cuts through earthiness
Linalool	Sherbet (Pink Panties influence)	Floral, lavender, candy	“Sherbet” sweetness, sedation, smooths harshness
Humulene	Thin Mint GSC	Hops, woody, earthy	“Doughy” base note, mild appetite suppressant
Menthol/Fenchol	Thin Mint GSC (F1 Durb influence)	Cooling sensation, minty finish	The signature “breath” aspect of the flavor

The Effect: “Functional Sedation”

Gelato v2 occupies a unique psychoactive niche, often described as “functional sedation.”

The Onset: Rapid and cerebral, driven by the Durban Poison ancestry and the Limonene content. Users report an immediate “headband” effect (pressure around the eyes/temples) and visual sharpening. This is not a “creeper” strain; it hits immediately upon exhalation.

The Mid-Game: The euphoria settles into a creative, buzzing focus. It is functional enough for artistic work or social interaction, unlike a heavy Afghan Indica which induces immediate lethargy.

The Finish: The Florida OG and Burmese Kush genetics eventually take over, providing a heavy, narcotic body relaxation that is excellent for pain relief and insomnia. This biphasic effect — energy first, sleep second — makes it a versatile strain for late afternoon or evening use.

Cultivation Intelligence

Growing Gelato v2 requires a nuanced approach. This is elite genetics — like a high-performance sports car, it requires specific handling to prevent stalling (stunting) or crashing (nutrient burn). The Thin Mint lineage makes it finicky, while the Sherbet lineage makes it hungry.

Environmental Parameters

Gelato v2 thrives in a Mediterranean climate simulation. The Cookies lineage is susceptible to powdery mildew (PM) if humidity spikes, but the Sherbet influence offers some resistance.

Vegetative Stage: Maintain high humidity (60-70% RH) and warm temps (78-82°F). Thin Mint genetics are prone to “runting out” if the environment is too cold or dry. Keeping VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) in the optimal range (0.8-1.0 kPa) is critical.

Flowering Stage: Drop humidity aggressively after week 4. Aim for 45-50% RH. The dense buds are prone to Botrytis (bud rot) if moisture gets trapped inside the cola. High airflow is non-negotiable.

The “Purpling” Trigger: To maximize bag appeal, introduce a temperature differential in the final 2-3 weeks. Day temps of 75°F and night temps dropping to 62-65°F will trigger the anthocyanin production inherited from both parents, turning the buds deep violet/black. Note: With nearly 19% GDP genetics stacked on both sides, many phenotypes will purple even without cold temps.

Nutritional Strategy

Nitrogen Sensitivity: Be extremely careful with Nitrogen in the transition to flower. A “dark claw” (leaves curling down) is the classic sign of a GSC overdose. Run EC levels slightly lower than standard commercial strains (1.8-2.0 EC max in hydro).

Calcium/Magnesium: Both parents are CalMag hogs. The rapid production of resin demands higher levels of Calcium supplementation, especially under LED lighting.

Flushing: This strain benefits significantly from a long flush (10-14 days). A properly flushed Gelato v2 should taste like minty dough on the inhale and sweet berries on the exhale.

Training and Canopy Management

Topping: Mandatory. Gelato v2 (especially Thin Mint doms) will grow as a single totem pole if left untrained. Top early (node 4 or 5) to break apical dominance and force lateral growth.

Trellising: The branches can be spindly (Thin Mint trait) and the buds dense. Support is required by week 4 of flower to prevent branches from snapping. A double trellis system is recommended.

Stretch: Expect a 1.5x to 2x stretch. If you flip to flower at 12 inches, expect a 24-inch finished plant.

Historical Context: The Gelato Legacy

The original Gelato phenotypes (#33 “Larry Bird,” #41 “Bacio,” #45, #47) were selected from this exact cross in the mid-2010s. They became the most celebrated cultivars of the modern era, dominating Cannabis Cups and dispensary menus worldwide.

But clone-only genetics have a shelf life. After a decade of being passed from grower to grower, the original cuts have accumulated stress, viral load, and genetic drift. Many “Gelato” clones circulating today are tired, diseased, or outright fake.

Gelato v2 resets the clock. By returning to the original parent cross and offering it in seed form, Greenpoint Seeds gives growers access to fresh, vigorous plants with the same genetic potential as the original selections. Every pack is an opportunity to find the next #33 — or something even better.

Conclusion

Gelato v2 (Thin Mint GSC × Sunset Sherbet) is the original Gelato recipe, refreshed from seed. It unites the structural perfection and potency of the Thin Mint matriarch with the complex flavor and vigor of the Sunset Sherbet patriarch.

Don’t Fear the Hunt: Variation is a feature, not a bug. Look for the phenotype that blends the Sherbet branching with the Thin Mint frost. The “keeper” is likely a mid-sized plant with purple flowers and a smell that mixes dough, mint, and berries.

Feed Light, Flush Long: Respect the sensitive roots of the GSC lineage. The flavor is unlocked in the flush; do not rush the harvest.

Fresh Vigor Matters: Seedlings outperform tired clones. Gelato v2 gives you the genetic map of the legend with the explosive growth of a fresh start.

For the connoisseur, Gelato v2 offers the authentic Gelato experience — a perfect balance of gas, cream, and mint — grown from seed. It is a cultivar that demands patience in the vegetative stage but rewards the grower with flowers that define the modern top-shelf standard.

Strain Specifications

Strain Name	Gelato v2
Breeder	Greenpoint Seeds (Derived from Cookie Family Genetics)
Genetics	Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mint Cut) × Sunset Sherbet
Format	Feminized
Flowering Time	8.5-9.5 Weeks
Yield	Medium (350-450g/m²)
Difficulty	Intermediate to Advanced

Foundational Genetics

Foundation	Percentage	Origin	Contribution
Florida OG	37.5%	I-95 Corridor / Triangle	Gas, structure, knockout stone, density
Granddaddy Purple	18.75%	Ken Estes / Bay Area	Purple coloration, grape notes, bag appeal
Durban Poison	18.75%	South African Landrace	Cerebral lift, anise/mint terps, sativa energy
Burmese Kush	12.5%	Myanmar Highlands	Exotic fruit/berry terps, floral complexity
Florida Kush	12.5%	Triangle Kush Backcross	Heavy body effects, resin production

Lineage Architecture

Parent Strain	Originator	Genetic Composition	Contribution to Gelato v2
Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mint)	Jigga / Cookie Fam	F1 Durb (GDP × Durban) × Florida OG	Density, Potency, Mint/Dough Terps, Purple Hues, Frost
Sunset Sherbet	Sherbinski	GSC × Pink Panties	Vigor, Berry/Citrus Terps, Color Spectrum, Mold Resistance
Pink Panties	Sherbinski	Burmese Kush × Florida Kush	Exotic fruit terps, hybrid vigor, hardy genetics

Genetic Probability Chart

Trait	Probability	Dominant Source	Notes
Purple Coloration	Very High (80%+)	Both Parents (GDP stacked)	18.75% GDP on both sides; many will purple without cold
Creamy/Berry Taste	Medium-High (60%)	Sunset Sherbet	The “Gelato” profile requires this trait
High Stretch (>2x)	Low (25%)	Sunset Sherbet	Most plants will be medium-stretch (GSC dominance)
Hermaphroditic Stress	Low-Medium	GSC (Thin Mint)	Check for nanners late flower if light-stressed
Potency (>25% THC)	High	Both Parents	Both parents are high-THC cultivars

Comparative Growth Metrics

Metric	Thin Mint GSC (Mother)	Sunset Sherbet (Father)	Gelato v2 (Progeny)
Flowering Time	9-10 Weeks	8-9 Weeks	8.5-9.5 Weeks
Yield (Indoor)	Low (300g/m²)	Medium (400g/m²)	Medium (350-450g/m²)
Structure	Vine-like, sparse	Bushy, robust	Hybrid (Bushy with sturdy laterals)
Nutrient Demand	Low (Sensitive)	Medium	Low-Medium

Quantity	Full pack – 6 feminized photoperiod seeds, Wholesale – 10 packs, Wholesale – 20 packs, Wholesale – bulk 1,000 seeds, Wholesale – bulk 100 seeds, Wholesale – bulk 500 seeds
Seed Sex	Feminized
Cannabis Type	Photoperiod
Flowering Length	62-70 Days
Lineage	Girl Scout Cookies, Pink Panties, Sunset Sherbet
Brand	Greenpoint Seeds