Auto Critical Strain Description
Critical Auto is a popular autoflowering cannabis strain that has captured the attention of both beginner and expert growers. This strain is known for its resilience, fast flowering time, and balanced effects. With THC levels ranging between 10% and 14%, Auto Critical strain provides a mild yet satisfying high, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation without being overwhelmed.
Developed through the crossbreeding of Critical Mass and Lowryder, this strain inherits strong traits from both parents. The buds produced by this strainare dense and coated with a fine layer of resin, indicating high potency. Its earthy and citrus aroma is complemented by undertones of herbs and spices, making it a delightful strain for both growing and consumption.
Environmental Requirements for Growing Auto Critical Strain
Providing the right environmental conditions is essential for optimizing the growth of Auto Critical Strain. This strain thrives in temperate climates with daytime temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C) and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Indoor growers should pay attention to humidity, maintaining it between 50-60% during the vegetative phase and lowering it to 40-50% during flowering to prevent mold.
This strain is a relatively short plant, growing up to 3.28 feet (1 meter), making it an excellent choice for indoor grows or smaller outdoor spaces. Proper airflow is crucial to prevent issues like powdery mildew, so growers are advised to ensure good ventilation. High-quality LED lights or HPS lamps will provide the necessary light intensity to encourage robust growth.
Setting Up The Growing Cannabis Space
Indoor Cannabis Cultivation
Indoor cultivation of Auto Critical requires a well-organized grow space, such as a grow tent or dedicated room. With its compact size, this strain is ideal for small setups. Be sure to install a ventilation system to maintain airflow and use a carbon filter to manage odors. Reflective materials on the walls, such as Mylar, can help maximize light distribution.
Choose a suitable growing medium, such as organic soil or a hydroponic system. The strain responds well to both, but soil is recommended for beginners as it helps buffer against nutrient imbalances. Keep pH levels around 6.0-6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake. Auto Critical has a relatively short flowering period of 6-8 weeks, meaning you can expect a quick turnaround for harvests.
Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation
When growing this strain outdoors, select a location with ample sunlight and well-draining soil. It is a hardy strain that adapts well to various climates, but it performs best in temperate to warm conditions. If growing in pots, use at least 3-gallon containers to ensure healthy root development. You can also use fabric pots for better airflow to the roots.
Auto Critical is a low-maintenance strain, but staking or trellising may be required to support the weight of the buds during flowering. Regular pruning of lower leaves will help increase air circulation and light penetration, improving overall yield quality.
Propagation and Germination of Auto Critical
Starting with high-quality this strain feminized seeds is key to a successful grow. Begin by soaking the seeds in water for 24-48 hours to soften the outer shell. After soaking, transfer them to a damp paper towel until they sprout a taproot, which usually takes 2-3 days.
Once the taproot has emerged, place the seeds into a growing medium, such as seedling mix or peat pellets, ensuring they are kept warm and humid. Maintain temperatures between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and humidity levels around 60-70% for optimal germination.
After the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, they are ready to be transplanted into their final pots. At this stage, ensure proper light exposure, starting with gentle light and gradually increasing intensity as the plants grow.
Vegetative Phase of Auto Critical Strain
The vegetative phase of this strain is relatively short compared to photoperiod strains, lasting about 3-4 weeks. During this phase, the plant will focus on developing its structure and foliage. Ensure that your light cycle provides at least 18 hours of light per day for indoor setups.
Auto Critical thrives in a well-balanced nutrient regimen. During the vegetative stage, a nitrogen-rich fertilizer will promote healthy leaf growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as autoflowers are typically more sensitive to nutrient levels than regular photoperiod strains.
Training techniques like LST (low-stress training) can be used to maximize light exposure and improve yields. Since Auto Critical is naturally short and bushy, it’s essential to manage its canopy by gently bending and tying down branches to create an even spread.
Flowering Phase of Auto Critical Strain
The flowering stage of this strain begins around week 4-5. Reduce light exposure to 12 hours if you’re growing indoors, although autoflowers typically begin flowering on their own. During this phase, switch to a bloom nutrient formula that is higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage bud development.
Auto Critical produces compact, resinous buds with a distinct earthy aroma. The flowering time is 6-8 weeks, making this strain a fast finisher. Monitor the trichomes closely, using a magnifying glass to check for maturity. When most trichomes turn milky white with a few amber ones, your buds are ready for harvest.
Maintaining proper airflow and humidity during flowering is crucial to avoid mold issues. Support the plant’s branches if necessary, as the dense buds may cause them to bend or break.
Cannabis Fertilization and Nutrition
Feeding Auto Critical throughout its life cycle should be done with care. During the vegetative stage, focus on providing nutrients with higher nitrogen levels. As the plant transitions into the flowering stage, switch to a bloom formula rich in phosphorus and potassium to aid in bud production.
Autoflowers like this strain tend to require lower nutrient concentrations than photoperiod plants. Always start with a lower dosage and gradually increase based on the plant’s response. Regularly monitor the pH levels of your soil or hydro system to ensure optimal nutrient uptake.
Pest And Disease Control for Cannabis Growing
Although Auto Critical is a resilient strain, it’s not immune to pests and diseases. Implement preventive measures like regular plant inspections and maintaining a clean grow space. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs can help control pests like aphids and spider mites.
If you notice any signs of pests or mold, act quickly to prevent further damage. Organic pesticides like neem oil can be effective for mild infestations, while more severe cases may require stronger solutions.
Harvesting and Curing for Cannabis Growing
When this strain is ready for harvest, usually after 6-8 weeks of flowering, use clean scissors to cut the buds. Hang them upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area to dry for about 7-14 days. Once dry, place the buds in airtight containers for curing, opening them daily for the first week to let out excess moisture.
Is Auto Critical Strain Indica or Sativa?
Auto Critical Strain is an Indica-dominant hybrid. Its effects are more aligned with relaxation and stress relief, though it provides a mild cerebral boost due to its Sativa lineage. This balance makes it a versatile strain for both daytime and evening use.
Advantages of Growing Auto Critical Strain
- Fast flowering time, with harvest possible in as little as 8 weeks.
- Resilient and easy to grow, even for beginners.
- Produces high yields despite being an autoflower strain.
- Compact size, making it ideal for indoor and discreet outdoor grows.
- Rich in flavor, with earthy and citrus notes.
Disadvantages of Growing Auto Critical Strain
- Lower THC content compared to other strains, making it less suitable for heavy users.
- Short vegetative phase means less time to correct mistakes.
- May require support during flowering due to heavy buds.
Why Buy Auto Critical Strain
Auto Critical Strain is an excellent choice for growers seeking a fast-growing, easy-to-manage autoflower strain. It’s perfect for both beginners and those with more experience. This strain is readily available from reputable seed banks like Blimburn Seeds, ensuring you get quality genetics that produce consistent results.
Problems in Cultivation Auto Critical Strain
Like many autoflowers, Auto Critical can be sensitive to nutrient levels. Over-fertilizing is a common issue among novice growers. To avoid nutrient burn, always start with a lower nutrient dose and gradually increase it.
Pest infestations and mold are also potential problems when growing this strain. Proper airflow, humidity control, and regular plant inspections can help mitigate these issues. In outdoor settings, be mindful of excessive rain or moisture that could lead to mold or bud rot.
Managing the plant’s structure during the vegetative phase can be challenging for first-time growers. The short lifespan of autoflowers like Auto Critical means there is less time to correct mistakes, so early intervention and careful monitoring are essential.
Similar Strains to Auto Critical
If you enjoy growing or consuming Auto Critical Strain, you might be interested in these similar strains:
Auto AK-47
Auto AK-47 is another fast-flowering autoflower strain with a strong Indica background. It shares Auto Critical’s compact size and resilience, making it a great option for both indoor and outdoor growers. Its THC levels range between 17-21%, and it provides a balanced high with relaxing and uplifting effects. Flavors include earthy and spicy notes, similar to this strain.
Auto Northern Lights
Auto Northern Lights is known for its calming effects and high yields. Like this strain, it’s a great option for beginners due to its robust nature and short flowering time. This strain is Indica-dominant with THC levels around 14-18%. Its flavors are more on the sweet and piney side, offering a delightful smoke or vape session.
Auto Big Bud
For growers seeking high yields, Auto Big Bud is a fantastic alternative to Auto Critical. It shares a similar flowering time of 7-8 weeks and thrives in both indoor and outdoor environments. THC levels are slightly lower, between 13-17%, but the strain makes up for it with its enormous buds and relaxing effects. Auto Big Bud offers sweet and earthy flavors that resemble those of this strain.
Tips for Professional Growers
Professional growers can get the most out of Auto Critical by employing advanced techniques:
Maximizing Yields with Sea of Green (SOG)
The Sea of Green (SOG) method is highly effective for autoflowering strains like Auto Critical. By planting multiple small plants close together, you can maximize the number of buds harvested per square meter. Since this strain is naturally compact, it’s well-suited for this method, which takes advantage of its short vegetative cycle.
Optimize Nutrient Intake
This Strain may be more sensitive to nutrients than photoperiod strains, so precise nutrient management is crucial. Professionals often use organic nutrients or specialized autoflowering nutrient blends to avoid overfeeding. It’s essential to monitor the pH levels of your soil or hydroponic setup, ensuring that they remain between 6.0 and 6.5 for soil and 5.8 to 6.2 for hydroponics.
Environmental Control for Increased Potency
To enhance the potency of Auto Critical, professionals should focus on maintaining ideal environmental conditions. Keeping temperatures slightly cooler during the last weeks of flowering (65-75°F) can help increase resin production, leading to more potent buds. Humidity should be reduced to around 40% during this period to prevent mold and boost trichome development.
FAQs
How long does it take to grow Auto Critical Strain from seed?
This Strain takes around 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest. The flowering time is typically 6-8 weeks, depending on growing conditions and phenotype.
What is the THC content of Auto Critical Strain?
This Strain typically has a THC content ranging between 10% and 14%, making it a relatively mild strain that provides a balanced high without overwhelming effects.
Is Auto Critical suitable for beginners?
Yes, Auto Critical is an excellent strain for beginner growers due to its resilience, compact size, and short flowering period. It’s easy to manage indoors and adapts well to outdoor environments as well.
What are the effects of Auto Critical Strain?
This Strain is known for its relaxing and calming effects. It provides a mild cerebral buzz with more pronounced body relaxation, making it ideal for stress relief and unwinding after a long day.
What are the flavors and aromas of Auto Critical Strain?
This Strain has earthy, citrus, and herbal flavors, with subtle notes of pine and wood. Its aroma is similarly earthy with a hint of sweetness, making it a pleasant strain for both smoking and vaping.
