How to Increase Terpenes, Aroma and Flavor in Your Plants

Every grower wants to cultivate the most aromatic, flavorful, and oil-rich plants possible. Naturally, the goal is to optimize plants to reach their maximum genetic potential—boosting terpene production so each unique strain’s aromas, flavors, and functional properties can shine.

Growing plants that produce all the medicinal and aesthetic properties you’re looking for is the ultimate goal. Below, we dig into how to increase terpenes, Brix levels, flavonoids, aromas, and flavors in your grow without changing your cultivar’s core character.

Before we jump into how to maximize terpene and essential oil production, let’s define a few terms so you can understand them clearly (and maybe impress your grow buddies later).

What is a Terpene?

Terpenes (and terpenoids) are the world’s largest group of naturally occurring plant compounds. They’re everywhere—and they’re the major components of essential oils, delivering the unique aromas and flavors we smell and taste every day.

Common terpene-rich plants include tea, thyme, lavender, mint, hemp, Spanish sage, and citrus fruits (lemon, orange, mandarin). Terpenes are widely used in naturopathic and conventional products alike.

In nature, terpenes help plants deter pests and pathogens while attracting beneficial organisms that aid pollination and seed dispersal.

Modern processing allows extraction and isolation of terpenes for use in shampoos, body oils, perfumes, medicines, and foods.

Terpene vs. Terpenoid: These terms aren’t interchangeable. “Terpene” refers to compounds in live or freshly harvested plant tissue; as the plant dries and compounds oxidize, many terpenes convert to “terpenoids.”

5 Ways To Increase Terpenes Organically in Flower

It’s not hard to elevate terpene production when you focus on genetics, light, UV, finishing environment, and targeted nutrition.

1. Select genetics (cultivar/strain) by terpene profile

Plants vary widely. Match strains to your terpene goals. For example, if you want support around inflammation, look for cultivars expressing myrcene and limonene. Use the terpene list below to cross-reference targets.

Websites such as leafly.com can help you find terpene profiles. They offer charts showing the primary terpenes, like this:

2. Ensure strong light levels (PPFD)

Light drives photosynthesis and essential oil biosynthesis. Use a light meter that measures PPFD (a.k.a. µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹). Aim for ~500 PPFD minimum in veg and ~900 PPFD minimum in flower. Below those baselines, plants lack the energy to maximize oil and terpene output.

3. Use supplemental UV lights

Low, controlled UV can nudge plants to produce more resins and oils as a protective response. Apply UV thoughtfully (follow fixture guidance) to avoid stress while eliciting the desired phytochemical boost.

Many LED brands offer UV add-ons, including: Gavita, Iluminar, Growers Choice, HLG and California Lightworks.

4. Drop temperatures in the last week of flower

Many growers reduce canopy temps by ~5–10 °F during the final week. The cool finish may signal “season’s end,” potentially nudging essential oil output. Results vary by cultivar and room, so consider a side-by-side if you can.

5. Use terpene-enhancing nutrients and additives

Once your environment is dialed, targeted additives can help elevate terpene intensity.

# 1 Best Terpene Enhancing Nutrient Additive: FlaVUH by Ventana Plant Science

FlaVUH by Ventana Plant Science uses a proprietary polyaspartic acid polymer (reverse engineered from mollusk shells) to enhance nutrient uptake and reduce salt buildup. University trials (U.S. and Canada) on medicinal and edible crops support essential oil gains; one commercial side-by-side showed a 118% increase in terpene production over control.

# 2 Best Terpene Enhancing Nutrient Additive: Terpinator by Rhizoflora

Terpinator is a long-standing terpene enhancer developed through grower trials to increase terpene concentration for more taste and aroma—across many plant types.

# 3 Best Terpene Enhancing Nutrient Additive: Terpenez by Grow Solutions

Grow Solutions Terpenez 0-0-0 Essential Oil Intensifier is blended in California from botanical inputs. Often applied during the 11–14 day flush, it can also be used at a diluted rate throughout flowering.

List of Terpenes and Their Effects

PINENE

Remember that fresh piney scent? Thank the pinene family. Two isomers occur in nature: α-Pinene and β-Pinene. Both are bicyclic monoterpenes found in pine resin, with distinct scents.

Aroma:

• Alpha-Pinene: Crisp, zesty, fresh pine; earthy, spicy
• Beta-Pinene: Herbal, woody-green pine; also in rosemary, parsley, dill, basil, and rose

Effects: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial; may reduce THC-related memory issues; promotes alertness; bronchodilator. There’s evidence pinene presence can amplify pain treatment potency while easing inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, asthma, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and some fungal/bacterial infections.

Boiling Points: 155 °C

Strains: Kona Gold, Blue Dream, Jack Herer, Strawberry Cough, Island Sweet Skunk, Dutch Treat, Romulan

BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE

Common in black pepper, cinnamon, oregano, and cloves—this terpene drives those peppery notes.

Aroma: Citrus, spice, pepper, earthy

Effects: Uniquely binds CB2 receptors; supports pain modulation and healthy inflammatory response (e.g., osteoarthritis). Gastroprotective; antiseptic; antibacterial; antiproliferative; antibiotic; antifungal; soothing and antioxidative properties.

Boiling Points: 245.3 °C (many users vape lower, ~130 °C)

Strains: Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue #4, OG Kush, Super Silver Haze, Skywalker, Rock Star; also Bubba Kush, Suver Haze

HUMULENE

Also known as α-caryophyllene; the “hoppy” aroma found in hops, sage, clove, basil, and hemp.

Aroma: Woody, hoppy, spicy, herbal, earthy

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; analgesic; anti-tumor; antibacterial; potential appetite suppressant

Boiling Points: 106–107 °C

Strains: White Widow, Headband, GSC, Sour Diesel, Pink Kush, Legendary OG, Skywalker OG

LIMONENE

Bright citrus energy found in citrus rinds, rosemary, juniper, peppermint; common in foods, perfumes, and cleaners. Often the second most abundant terpene.

Aroma: Fresh lemon/orange rind with subtle spice; bitter citrus taste

Effects: Mood-lifting; anti-anxiety; anti-stress; antifungal/antibacterial; supportive for weight and bronchial comfort; may help GI issues like reflux

Boiling Points: Vape below 176 °C to capture aroma and flavor

Strains: Sour G CBG, Sour Space Candy, Super Lemon Haze, Lifter, Hot Blonde, O.G. Kush, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, Wedding Cake, Do-Si-Do, Jack the Ripper

MYRCENE

Often the most abundant hemp terpene. >0.5% myrcene can lean sedative. Also in hops, mango, bay leaf, thyme, lemongrass.

Aroma: Pungent, dank, earthy, musky; tropical, red grape-like with citrus

Effects: Sedative; muscle relaxant; antioxidant; may help inflammation and chronic pain

Boiling Points: Start below 167 °C; raise later to explore flavor

Strains: Pineapple Haze, Hawaiian Haze, Cat’s Meow, Hot Blonde; Skunk XL, White Widow, Special Kush

LINALOOL

Major terpene of lavender; also in mint, cinnamon, fungi, citrus, laurel, birch, coriander, rosewood.

Aroma: Floral lavender, citrus, candy, fresh spice

Effects: Calming; sedative; anesthetic; anti-anxiety; mood-lifting; immune-supportive; antifungal/antibacterial; antiparasitic potential

Boiling Points: 198 °C

Strains: Lavender, Master Kush, Pink Kush, Amnesia Haze, OG Shark, LA Confidential

TERPINOLENE

Versatile fragrance from fresh pine-herbal to floral with citrus; common in oregano, marjoram, cumin, nutmeg, apples, lilac, conifers.

Aroma: Floral, pinewood, herbal, lime

Effects: Antioxidant; immune-modulating; sedative; studied for cardiovascular support

Boiling Points: 186 °C

Strains: Super Sour Space Candy, Sour Space Candy, Pineapple Haze; Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze, Chernobyl, Dutch Treat, XJ-13, Golden Pineapple

TERPINEOL

Found in lime blossom, eucalyptus sap, sage, pine, lilac; widely used in perfumes and soaps. Common form is α-terpineol.

Aroma: Floral (lilac, apple blossom) with citrus nuances and piney hints

Effects: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic; antioxidant/antitumor research; vasodilation; sedative; note: eye/mucosa irritant—avoid direct contact

Boiling Points: 219 °C

Strains: Purple Gas Hemp, GSC, Jack Herer, Peach Mint Kush, Haze Berry

SABINENE

Contributes to the spiciness of black pepper; naturally in Holm Oak, Norway Spruce; major in carrot seed oil, nutmeg, bay laurel.

Aroma: Woody-herbaceous (pine-like), oily-peppery with camphor/terpenic nuances; citrus-tropical taste

Effects: Antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial/anticancer/antifungal; calming; supportive for digestion

Boiling Points: 163–165 °C

Strains: Red Haze, Super Lemon Haze, Super Silver Haze, Harle-Tsu, Grand Master, Kush, Mimosa, Chocolate Thai, Mendo Purps, Wabanaki

OCTANOL

Reported in frankincense (noted: 1-Octanol).

Aroma: Oily, sweet, slightly herbaceous; fatty-citrus; floral undertones

Effects: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic; entourage potential with pinene and linalool; studied for essential tremor

Boiling Points: 195 °C

Strains: Not well documented

ISOPULEGOL

Mint-cool contributor found in eucalyptus, parsley, lemongrass, lemon balm.

Aroma: Fresh mint, medicinal, herbal

Effects: Menthol precursor; anti-inflammatory/antioxidant; gastroprotective; antiviral; potential anxiolytic/anticonvulsant

Boiling Points: 212 °C

Strains: Kosher Tangie, Headband, OG Kush

CEDRENE

Low-level in hemp; found in cedar, juniper, cypress oils; a sesquiterpene.

Aroma: Fresh, woody, sweet

Effects: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic; antimicrobial; neuroprotective; with cedrol shows cytotoxic activity in some models

Boiling Points: 261–262 °C

Strains: Jet Fuel, Skyrunner, Banana Split, Dank Rainbow (Boaz), Primal Punch (Boaz), Planet of the Grapes

CAMPHENE

Earthy, piney nuances; also in citronella, ginger, lavender, neroli, valerian.

Aroma: Earthy with citrus/minty notes; musky herbal woodsy undertones

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; antibiotic; analgesic; antioxidant; supportive for cardiovascular and respiratory comfort; topical skin benefits

Boiling Points: ~159 °C

Strains: ACDC, Mendocino Purps, Strawberry Banana, Banana Kush, Ghost OG, OG Kush

GERANYL ACETATE

Intense floral-fruity fragrance; present in many essential oils (citronella, sassafras, lemongrass, geranium, coriander).

Aroma: Floral with fruity notes (pear/banana/apple/peach) plus woody-herbaceous nuances

Effects: Analgesic/anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial/antifungal; synergizes with antifungal medications; relaxation support

Boiling Points: 245 °C

Strains: Hawaiian Haze, Sour Space Candy, Suver Haze, Cherry Wine, Space Invader, Elektra, OG Kush, Clementine

CAMPHOR

Minty-spicy; distilled from camphor laurel; also in rosemary, raspberry, apricot, ginger.

Aroma: Herbal, spicy, minty; earthy/woody; slight naphthalene note

Effects: Respiratory comfort (expectorant); topical analgesic; stress relief; antimicrobial; insect-repellent; libido uplift

Boiling Points: 209 °C

Strains: Golden Haze, K13-Haze, Amnesia Haze

PULEGONE

Member of the minty terpene team (pennyroyal/peppermint/camphor-like).

Aroma: Pleasant minty profile

Effects: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic; relaxing; respiratory decongestant/expectorant; antioxidant

Boiling Points: 224 °C

Strains: OG Kush, Pink Kush

PHELLANDRENE

Once confused with pinene/limonene; identified distinctly in eucalyptus oils; also in mint, dill, black pepper, cinnamon, parsley, pine, lavender, water fennel, ginger grass.

Aroma: Minty, peppery, woody with subtle citrus

Effects: Antifungal/antibacterial; mood-lifting; with limonene shows antidepressive/antihyperalgesic effects; studied for antiproliferative activity

Boiling Points: 171 °C

Strains: Often in high-terpinolene lines (Sage, Ace of Spades); Goji OG, Red Headed Stranger, Jack Herer, Trainwreck, Dogwalker OG

BORNEOL

Classic in traditional Asian medicine; found in rosemary, mint, camphor.

Aroma: Minty herbal, spicy wood, camphor-like; earthy undertones

Effects: Digestive/cardiovascular support; topical analgesic; antiviral (HSV-1) and antifungal activity; immune-stimulating

Boiling Points: 213 °C

Strains: Amnesia Haze, Golden Haze, K13 Haze

ISOBORNEOL

Exo-isomer of borneol; also in citrus peel oils, nutmeg, ginger, thyme.

Aroma: Sweet woody with fruity/spicy notes

Effects: Antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; antimicrobial; antitumor; neuroprotective; antiviral (HSV-1) activity; potential sleep aid when inhaled (animal studies)

Boiling Points: 212–214 °C

Strains: Not well documented

PHYTOL

Present in green teas (sencha, matcha), wild lettuce, citrus, hemp; precursor for synthetic vitamins E and K1; also used as a food additive.

Aroma: Floral with balsamic undertones

Effects: Sedative; anti-anxiety; analgesic/anti-inflammatory; antioxidant/antitumor research interest

Boiling Points: 204 °C

Strains: Blue Genius, Sour Diesel, OG Cheese, I-95, OG Kush

VALENCENE

Signature of Valencia orange groves—sweet and citrusy.

Aroma: Sweet citrus with herbal/wood notes

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; skin-supportive; anti-allergic; bronchodilator; energizing mood lift

Boiling Points: 123 °C

Strains: Tangie, Agent Orange, Race Fuel, Alpha Blue, Dark Blue Dream, Cetrix, Lucky Charms, Alien Dawg, XJ-13, Green Ribbon, Black Jack

FENCHOL

Secondary terpene with perfume-industry appeal; in basil, aster, hemp.

Aroma: Woody-citrus with pine and camphor hints; subtle earthy nuances

Effects: Antioxidant; uplifting; analgesic; antimicrobial/antibacterial

Boiling Points: 201 °C

Strains: Banana Kush, OG Kush, Sunset Sherbet

BERGAMOTENE

Named after bergamot; also in carrots and cumin.

Aroma: Woody with a spicy edge; sweet-tart citrus flavor with floral touch

Effects: Mood-soothing; anti-inflammatory; antiproliferative; antioxidant

Boiling Points: 259–260 °C

Strains: Lovelace, Lemon Haze, White Recluse

ALPHA-BISABOLOL

Chamomile-forward monoterpene; cosmetic staple for soothing.

Aroma: Sweet fruity-floral (apple, honey, chamomile) with citrus/pepper; nutty/herbal undertones

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; anti-allergic; antimicrobial; antioxidant; skin-barrier support; wound-healing; gastroprotective

Boiling Points: 153 °C

Strains: Cherry Blossom, Lavender, Jasmine, Master Kush, Cotton Candy Kush; also Sour Lifter, White CBG, Pink Kush, Headband, OG Shark, ACDC

EUCALYPTOL

Also known as cineole; in rosemary, tea tree, camphor laurel, bay, cardamom, hemp.

Aroma: Fresh, minty, cooling with spicy lift

Effects: Analgesic; antioxidant; antibacterial/antifungal; insect-repellent; studied for respiratory and cognitive support

Boiling Points: 172 °C

Strains: Super Silver Haze, Headband, Bubba Kush, Girl Scout Cookies

GERANIOL

Produced by plants—and bees (to mark nectar sources). Present in lemons, geranium, tobacco; major in rose, palmarosa, citronella oils.

Aroma: Rose-like with peach/plum notes

Effects: Neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory/antioxidant research interest

Boiling Points: 230 °C (446 °F; 503 K)

Strains: Amnesia Haze, Great White Shark, Afghani, Headband, Island Sweet Skunk, OG Shark, Master Kush

FARNESENE

Responsible for green apple skin aroma; also in ginger, grapes, pears, potatoes, quince, basil, hops.

Aroma: Sweet warm woody with fresh green notes (celery/hay); mild herbaceous

Effects: Sedative/muscle relaxant; antibacterial/antifungal/antispasmodic; neuroprotective interest

Boiling Points: 124–125 °C

Strains: Dutch Treat Haze, Cherry Punch, White Rhino

OCIMENE

Powerful antimicrobial; associated with robust plant defense; in bergamot, allspice, basil, mango, orchids, mint, kumquat.

Aroma: Sweet, herbaceous, woodsy with tropical undertones

Effects: Antiviral/antibacterial/antifungal; decongestant; uplifting/creative

Boiling Points: ~66 °C (very low—mind your vape temp)

Strains: White Fire OG, Sour Diesel, Clementine, Amnesia, Dutch Treat, Dream Queen, J1, Golden Pineapple, Purple Haze, Jack Herer

NEROLIDOL

In jasmine, lavender, lemongrass; also oranges, ginger, tea tree, orchids.

Aroma: Spicy-woody with fruity/citrus/floral background (rose/citrus/apple mix)

Effects: Antiparasitic/antifungal/antibacterial; soothing/anti-anxiety; enhances topical penetration; antioxidant/anticancer/anti-inflammatory research

Boiling Points: 122 °C

Strains: Bubba Kush, Island Sweet Skunk, Jack Herer, Black Lime Reserve, Blue Dream, Chemdawg, Skywalker OG

GUAIOL

Fresh pine fragrance; in pine and cypress; often higher in Indicas.

Aroma: Woody, fresh, minty pine (evergreen)

Effects: Anti-inflammatory/analgesic; antimicrobial/antifungal/antiparasitic/antibacterial

Boiling Points: 288 °C

Strains: Bubba Kush, White CBG, Chocolope, Blue Kush, ACDC, Cinex, Plushberry, Pennywise, Fruit Loops, Jillybean, Golden Pineapple, Chernobyl

DELTA-3 CARENE

Sweet, citrusy cypress note; also in rosemary, basil, bell pepper, cedar, turpentine, pine.

Aroma: Sweet pine with lemon and musk; earthy undertones

Effects: Considered supportive for bone health; antihistamine-like; may aid focus and memory

Boiling Points: 170–172 °C

Strains: AK-47, Arjan’s Ultra Haze, Jack Herer, OG Kush, Skunk #1, Super Silver Haze, Super Lemon Haze

PHYTOL

Delicate floral note associated with jasmine-like profiles.

Effects: Analgesic/anti-inflammatory; sedative/anticonvulsant; anti-anxiety; antioxidant/antitumor research interest

Boiling Points: 204 °C

Strains: Blue Genius, Sour Diesel, OG Cheese, I-95, OG Kush

SABINENE (again)

Aroma: Woody, spicy, pepper with citrus nuances

Effects: Anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antifungal; digestive support; may help prevent muscle atrophy; antioxidant/anticancer interest

Boiling Points: 163.6 °C

Strains: Super Silver Haze, Super Lemon Haze, Red Haze, Harle-Tsu, Meatbreath, Grand Master Kush, Mimosa, Chocolate Thai, Mendo Purps, Wabanaki

MENTHOL

High-demand terpene occurring in peppermint, spearmint, some hemp.

Aroma: Fresh mint with spicy undertones

Effects: Cooling topical analgesic; muscle relaxation; respiratory comfort; cough relief

Boiling Points: 212–214 °C

Strains: ChemDog, Gelato 45, Thor’s Hammer, Green Monster, Wonder Woman OG, Himalayan Gold, Cabbage Patch, Space Needle

TERPINENE

Key element in tea tree oil’s properties; also in agave, coriander, Lebanese oregano, celery, lemon, grapes, cumin, ginger, pepper, allspice, cinnamon.

Aroma: Earthy; α-terpinene is lemony-citrus/herbal/woody/sweet; γ-terpinene is citrus/herbal/woody/sweet

Effects: Antimicrobial; antifungal; antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antiproliferative; digestive support; may reduce indigestion/bloating/fatigue and aid appetite/respiratory comfort

Boiling Points: 183 °C

Strains: Sentinel, Warwick #1

Ventana Plant Science (VPS) FlaVUH supports plant nutrient assimilation and phytochemical production. VPS's flavor, cannabinoid, and terpene enhancing FlaVUH are designed with Nature in mind while incorporating the latest advancements in essential oil production technology. The VUH of FlaVUH stands for Volatile Unsaturated Hydrocarbons, otherwise known as terpenes--the primary aromatic and secondary psychoactive compounds of medicinal plants. VPS FlaVUH incorporates a proprietary, biodegradable nutrient-enhancing amino acid polymer that promotes nutrient uptake while decreasing salt buildup.