Project 4516 Strain: The Ultimate 2026 Grower's & Smoker's Guide

Project 4516 strain guide: A deep dive into the dark, gassy, and mysterious cultivar that put Oakland's Grandiflora Genetics on the global map. A complex cross of Gelato #45 × (Platinum OG × Grateful Puff), this strain is the definition of "exotic," boasting tuxedo-level elegance and knockout potency. In this complete clone grow guide, we’ll break down its elite lineage, chemical-funk flavor profile, growth habits, and ideal companion strains. If you are hunting for flowers that finish nearly black with white-out frost and a nose that screams high-grade gas, Project 4516 is the cut your garden needs.

What our team says about growing Project 4516

Here's what I've learned running Project 4516 in the rotation:

She is a visual stunner from day one. Unlike some strains that need a cold shock to turn purple, Project 4516 has anthocyanins in her DNA. Expect dark, near-black leaves by week 6 regardless of your temp swings.

She is a heavy feeder thanks to that Platinum OG lineage. Don't be afraid to push the EC slightly higher in weeks 4 and 5, but watch your pH drift—she likes a stable root zone.

Structure management is key. She stretches a bit more than your standard Gelato crosses. I recommend topping her once early on and using a trellis to spread that canopy; otherwise, the lower buds won't get the light they need to harden up.

The terpene profile is volatile and loud. It smells like ammonia, floor cleaner, and sweet gelato. You absolutely need your carbon filters scrubbed and ready.

Patience pays off. While she looks done at day 56 due to the color, let her ride to day 63 or 65. The calyxes swell significantly in those last few days.

Project 4516 = Gelato #45 × (Platinum OG × Grateful Puff) — a pedigree that mixes the best of the Bay Area with classic OG power. By crossing the creamy, berry-forward Project 4516 strain parents, Grandiflora created a variety that feels aggressive yet refined. It moves away from the pure candy profiles of today and brings back that sharp, chemical funk that seasoned smokers crave.

Project 4516 Strain Terpene Profile

• Limonene – Sharp citrus notes that cut through the heaviness.
• Caryophyllene – Delivers that spicy, fuel-like kick on the nose.
• Linalool – Adds a soapy, floral complexity that softens the gas.
• Humulene – Earthy, woody notes derived from the OG heritage.

Overall aroma: Imagine spilling high-octane fuel on a bouquet of flowers in a sterile hospital hallway. It’s astringent, gassy, and sweet all at once. It doesn't smell like fruit; it smells like "loud."

Project 4516 Grow Tips

• Stretch: Moderate to High (about 2×). Plan your headroom accordingly.
• Flower Time: 60–65 days.
• Yield: High; she produces dense, golf-ball style clusters.
• Bud Structure: Very tight and dense; ensure low humidity late in flower to prevent mold.
• Feeding: Calcium and Magnesium hungry during the transition. Keep Nitrogen steady until week 5.

Pro tip: This strain is a great candidate for leaf stripping (defoliation) at day 21 and day 42. Because the leaves are so large and dark, they block a lot of light. stripping them back reveals the lower bud sites and improves overall gram-per-watt yield.

Project 4516 Appearance: Bag Appeal & Bud Traits

Project 4516 is arguably one of the most photogenic strains in modern cannabis. The flowers are a dramatic display of deep violets and midnight purples, often appearing black under grow lights. This dark canvas makes the heavy coating of white trichomes pop aggressively. The pistils are usually a bright, contrasting orange, giving the buds a "Halloween" color palette. If you want a strain that sells itself on looks alone, this is it.

Project 4516 Rosin Behavior

• Wash yield (fresh frozen): 3.5–4.5%.
• Rosin return: High quality, very stable badder.
• Press temp: 170–180°F.
• Best texture: Greasy, cold-cure badder.

While not the highest yielder compared to GMO, the quality of the resin is superior. The wax cuticle on the trichomes is thick, protecting the volatile terpenes. The rosin usually comes out a very light color, despite the purple flower, and cures into a wet, terpene-rich badder with a heavy gas nose.

Best Clones to Pair With Project 4516

If you're running Project 4516, you are likely chasing exotic flavors and high potency. Here are some perfect companions to grow alongside this Oakland legend:

• Watermelon Martini strain – Bright, fruity terpenes to contrast the heavy gas of the 4516.
• Orange Runtz strain – A citrus candy option that adds vibrant flavor variety to the garden.
• Droidz strain – Another power-hitter that keeps up with the high THC percentage.
• Double Dream strain – A sativa-dominant classic to balance out the heavy indica effects.
• Lemon Cherry Gelato strain – The "Backpack Boys" cut pairs perfectly with Grandiflora genetics for a hype-beast run.
• Blueberry Bars strain – Sweet berry notes that complement the Gelato lineage.
• Illemonati strain – Intense lemon funk for those who love citrus profiles.
• Ztopia strain – Brings those sought-after Zkittlez terps to the table.
• Honey Runtz strain – A sugary sweet option that is easy to grow alongside the 4516.
• Cuban Black Haze strain – A legendary old-school sativa for the connoisseur grower.
• Papaya strain – The ultimate washer; if you make hash, you need this next to your Project 4516.
• The Chronic strain – Reliable, high-yielding genetics for bulk production.
• Moonbow 112 strain – Archive Seed Bank heat that rivals Grandiflora in prestige.
• Saffron strain – Unique spicy and exotic terpene profile.
• Grandi Guava strain – Keep it in the family with another Grandiflora masterpiece.
• Ze Chem strain – Chemical funk on overdrive; a great nose partner for the 4516.

Our notes from smoking Project 4516

Smoking Project 4516 is an exercise in potency. The smoke is thick, expansive, and coats the palate in a mix of diesel and soap. The effects are immediate and centered right behind the eyes. It triggers a spacey, disconnected euphoria that is amazing for decompressing after a high-stress week. As the high settles, the Platinum OG genetics anchor the body, making your limbs feel heavy and relaxed without putting you fully to sleep. It's definitely an evening smoke for me; the potency can be a bit distracting if you're trying to get detailed work done. It’s "luxury weed" in every sense—smooth, strong, and visually impressive in the rolling tray.

Where to Buy Project 4516 Clones Online

Get Seeds Right Here is your source for verified Project 4516 clones. All our genetics are nursery-grown, labeled, and tested HLVD-free. We ship nationwide, including to Oregon and other major hubs. Check out our blog for detailed cultivation tips, read our how-to guides to perfect your environment, or browse our breeder directory to find more gems. See our full map of service locations to see when we can get these elite genetics to your door.

Final Thoughts: Why Project 4516 Stands Out in 2026

Project 4516 by Grandiflora Genetics isn't just hype; it's a staple in the modern exotic market. It successfully bridges the gap between the "candy gas" lovers and the "heavy OG" loyalists. With its stunning purple bag appeal and a THC percentage that consistently tests in the high 20s, it is a commercial grower's dream and a home grower's trophy. If you want a garden that looks as good as it smells, this is the project to take on.

Project 4516 Strain FAQ