Written by Ad OpsOverview of AK Full Auto
AK Full Auto is an autoflowering hybrid bred by Sumo Seeds, designed to capture the balanced punch of classic "AK" genetics in a fast, compact, and resilient package. As a ruderalis/indica/sativa blend, it merges the efficiency and day-length independence of Cannabis ruderalis with the yield potential, flavor, and potency of modern indica/sativa lines. The result is a strain that can complete seed-to-harvest in a single season outdoors or within 9–11 weeks indoors, making it accessible to growers across climates.
The "AK" designation historically signals a hybrid known for crisp, uplifting effects coupled with solid body relaxation, and AK Full Auto follows that tradition in an autoflower format. While Sumo Seeds keeps exact parentage proprietary, the strain is clearly built around an AK-type foundation, then stabilized with ruderalis to ensure automatic flowering. Its versatility, fast finish, and balanced effect profile have made it a go-to option for growers who want the AK vibe without photoperiod management.
For consumers, AK Full Auto typically presents a peppery, woody aroma with sweet and citrus accents, reflecting a terpene core of myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. Its effects tend to be clear-headed but calm, suitable for daytime creativity or evening social use. The combination of approachable potency and reliable structure has carved out a niche among both novice and experienced users.
Breeding History and Development
Sumo Seeds engineered AK Full Auto to compress the time-to-harvest characteristic of AK-type photoperiod hybrids into an autoflower schedule without sacrificing flavor or potency. Autoflowering cannabis traces its modern development to the integration of ruderalis genetics, which trigger flowering based on age rather than light cycle. This inheritance allows AK Full Auto to run under 18–20 hours of light from start to finish and remain compact while still stacking dense bud sites.
Breeding an automatic version of an established hybrid involves multiple backcrosses, phenotype selections, and stabilization cycles. Breeders typically test dozens to hundreds of selections per generation, assessing plant height, internode spacing, flowering speed, trichome coverage, and disease resistance. The goal is to preserve the signature AK sensory profile and head/body balance while delivering fast, predictable flowering in a compact format.
Because autoflowers cannot tolerate severe vegetative training delays, breeders aim for plants that branch naturally and produce ample colas without high-stress manipulation. Sumo Seeds’ process likely included selecting for uniform onset of flowering around days 21–28 from sprout, a hallmark of efficient autos. The outcome is a cultivar that fits tight spaces and short seasons while retaining the recognizable AK family character.
Genetic Lineage and Autoflowering Heritage
AK Full Auto’s lineage is explicitly a ruderalis/indica/sativa hybrid, with ruderalis imparting the autoflowering trait and hardiness. The indica and sativa elements anchor yield, resin production, and the classic AK-like effect—a mentally lively but grounded high. While the exact cross is undisclosed, "AK" typically references an amalgam of old-world and New World lines that historically include Afghan, Colombian, Mexican, and Thai influences in the broader family.
Ruderalis genes are prized for their photoperiod independence and cold tolerance, traits that emerged from evolution in northern latitudes. In breeding programs, ruderalis often lowers plant height and accelerates maturity, with modern autos finishing in 63–80 days in most indoor setups. AK Full Auto expresses these benefits, offering growers a rapid seed-to-harvest timeline without light cycle manipulation.
Genetic stabilization in autos focuses on reliability: synchronous flowering, moderate internodal length, and strong apical dominance with manageable side branching. AK Full Auto’s architecture reflects this, leading to plants that are easy to manage in 7–11 liter pots and that respond well to gentle low-stress training. The balanced lineage also helps the strain adapt to a variety of feeding schedules and substrates, from soil to coco coir.
Physical Appearance and Bud Structure
AK Full Auto generally grows compact, with final heights of 60–100 cm indoors and 70–120 cm outdoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and environment. Plants often exhibit a Christmas-tree silhouette with a dominant central cola and evenly staggered lateral branches. Internodal spacing tends to be moderate, enabling decent airflow while still building a cohesive canopy.
The flowers are medium-dense, conical, and heavily resinous, with a noticeable frost when grown under sufficient PPFD and proper nutrition. Calyxes stack relatively tightly, forming solid colas that are easy to trim due to moderate leaf-to-calyx ratios. Colors typically range from bright lime to deeper forest green, occasionally accented by cool hues under low night temperatures late in bloom.
Trichome coverage is a hallmark of AK-type lines, and AK Full Auto continues that trend, often producing a sticky layer that indicates healthy terpene and cannabinoid biosynthesis. Stigmas start off cream to orange and can darken into deeper amber as the plant approaches maturity. Visually, well-grown specimens convey vigor and uniformity, reassuring traits for small-space and first-time growers.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
On the nose, AK Full Auto leans peppery, woody, and herbal, with supportive notes of earth, citrus rind, and a faint floral sweetness. The peppery kick is commonly associated with beta-caryophyllene, while citrus highlights point to limonene and related terpenes. A subtle sweet undertone emerges during the cure, often deepening into a warm, tea-like bouquet with proper jar conditioning.
Flavor tracks the aroma closely: expect a front-of-palate pepper spice followed by cedar, herbal tea, and a bright citrus lift on the exhale. Some phenotypes reveal a gentle fruit-skin nuance—think green apple peel or underripe mango—especially if dried slowly at 60–62% RH. Vaporization at lower temperatures (170–185°C) accentuates the citrus/herbal spectrum, whereas combustion emphasizes the woody spice.
The terpene balance delivers a satisfying mouthfeel without harsh bitterness when properly flushed and cured. Users often report that AK Full Auto maintains its flavor over multiple bowls or vape sessions, a sign of robust terpene content. A two-week cure typically rounds off sharper notes into a smoother, more integrated profile.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As an autoflower built from AK-type genetics, AK Full Auto typically falls into a moderate-to-strong potency bracket oriented around THC. In practice, many modern autoflowers test between 14–22% THC under competent cultivation, with total cannabinoids commonly landing in the 16–24% range. CBD content is usually low (<1%), though trace amounts of CBC and CBG may appear depending on phenotype and maturity.
Actual potency is highly environment-dependent. Light intensity (PPFD), total daily light integral (DLI), substrate EC, and stress levels can shift cannabinoid expression by several percentage points. For example, indoor autos grown under 700–900 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD with an 18–20 hour photoperiod often achieve higher THC than the same cultivar under 400–500 µmol·m−2·s−1.
Because Sumo Seeds’ exact lab ranges for AK Full Auto are not provided here, growers and consumers should treat these figures as well-grounded industry ranges rather than fixed values. Home grows that maintain optimal VPD and nutrition can reasonably expect a THC expression in the mid-to-upper teens, with standout phenotypes surpassing 20%. Total terpene concentration frequently sits between 1.0–2.5% of dry mass when grown and cured correctly.
Terpene Profile and Minor Compounds
AK Full Auto’s terpene spectrum often centers on beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with supporting roles from alpha-pinene, humulene, and ocimene. Beta-caryophyllene contributes peppery warmth and may engage CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammatory pathways. Myrcene imparts herbal, musky notes and can synergize with THC to promote muscle relaxation.
Limonene adds a bright citrus lift that many users associate with mood elevation and mental clarity. Pinene provides crispness and a subtle pine forest aroma, sometimes associated with alertness and bronchodilation in preclinical contexts. Humulene echoes woody, hop-like tones and may temper appetite in combination with other compounds.
Total terpene content in well-grown autos commonly ranges from 1–3% of dry weight, with individual terpenes frequently measured in the 0.2–0.8% band. Environmental conditions significantly influence these values; excessive heat or prolonged light stress can volatilize terpenes and reduce aromatic intensity. A gentle dry (18–21°C, 55–62% RH, low airflow) followed by a careful cure preserves the nuanced balance of the profile.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Users generally describe AK Full Auto as balanced and functional, blending a bright mental lift with calm muscular ease. The onset is brisk—often noticeable within a few minutes—ushering in attentiveness and social ease without the edgy acceleration that some pure sativas can bring. As the session continues, a soothing bodily baseline emerges, steadying the experience.
Dosing shapes the arc. Light doses (one to two small inhalations or a 2.5–5 mg edible) tend to keep cognition crisp and task-friendly, while moderate doses tilt toward a more immersive body feel and mellow introspection. Heavier sessions can be sedating for some users, particularly in the late evening or when combined with high-myrcene phenotypes.
Context matters: AK Full Auto fits a creative afternoon, a relaxed group setting, or low-intensity outdoor activities. Many consumers find it conducive to music, brainstorming, or cooking, where its focus plus relaxation combination is helpful. Those sensitive to THC-related anxiety should start low and titrate slowly to locate a comfortable window.
Potential Medical Applications
While individual responses vary, the balance of AK Full Auto’s effects suggests utility for stress modulation, mild pain, and mood support. The beta-caryophyllene-forward terpene signature, in synergy with THC, may offer anti-inflammatory potential relevant to minor musculoskeletal discomfort. Myrcene’s muscle-calming attributes, frequently noted anecdotally, can complement this effect for tension-related headaches or post-exercise soreness.
Patients managing situational anxiety often favor strains with limonene and pinene support, which some find uplifting and clarifying. However, higher-THC autos can still provoke anxiety in sensitive individuals at larger doses; microdosing (1–2 mg THC) or combining with CBD can temper overstimulation. Users with insomnia may benefit when dosing later in the evening, as the body relaxation deepens with cumulative intake.
For appetite and nausea, AK-type hybrids can provide mild-to-moderate improvement—though phenotypes with stronger myrcene and humulene may differ in appetite effects. As always, medical use should align with professional guidance, particularly for those taking medications or managing chronic conditions. Start low, monitor effects, and adjust incrementally over multiple sessions.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
AK Full Auto is built for speed and simplicity, finishing in approximately 63–80 days from sprout in most indoor setups. Outdoors, expect 70–90 days depending on latitude, temperature, and sunlight intensity. Plant count and pot size shape final height; 7–11 liter containers balance vigor and control, while 3–5 liter pots create compact plants suited to very tight spaces.
Lighting for autos can run 18/6, 20/4, or even 24/0, though 18–20 hours per day strikes a strong yield-to-efficiency balance. Aim for 400–500 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD in the first two weeks, scaling to 700–900 µmol·m−2·s−1 from weeks 3–7. This typically yields a DLI of 45–55 mol·m−2·day−1 under a 20-hour schedule, sufficient for dense bud development without excessive light stress.
Temperature and humidity matter. Target 24–27°C daytime and 20–23°C nighttime, with relative humidity at 60–65% for seedlings, 50–60% for early veg/early flower, and 45–55% for late flower. Manage VPD around 0.8–1.2 kPa in early growth and 1.2–1.6 kPa in late flower to optimize gas exchange and reduce mold risk.
In soil, maintain pH 6.2–6.6; in coco/hydro, keep pH 5.7–6.1. Nutrient solution EC can begin around 0.8–1.0 in the first two weeks and ramp to 1.4–1.8 EC in peak flowering, depending on cultivar response and runoff readings. Autos generally prefer consistent but moderate feeding; overfertilization is a common mistake that suppresses yield.
Watering should avoid prolonged saturation. A wet–dry cycle with 10–20% runoff in coco or a careful top-watering cadence in soil helps prevent salt buildup and root hypoxia. Fabric pots improve oxygenation and root branching, supporting the fast metabolism characteristic of autos.
Training should focus on low-stress methods. Gentle bend-and-tie (LST) from day 14–21 can open the canopy and create more uniform cola development, often improving yields by 10–20% in small spaces. Avoid topping after day 21 in most cases; autos have a fixed vegetative window, and high-stress training can cost valuable days of momentum.
Yields vary with environment and skill. Indoors, 300–450 g·m−2 is a reasonable target under mid-to-high-intensity LED lighting with optimized PPFD and CO2 at ambient levels (400–500 ppm). Outdoors or on balconies, expect 40–120 g per plant in 7–11 liter pots in temperate climates, with higher outcomes possible in peak-sun locations.
Environmental Parameters, Nutrition, and Training
Lighting spectrum should emphasize a balanced full-spectrum white LED for vegetative growth and flowering, with 3500–4000K commonly delivering strong results across the run. Supplemental 660 nm deep red can enhance flowering efficiency, while a touch of 730 nm far-red at lights-off may help with shade-avoidance signaling, though not required. Consistent photoperiod avoids unnecessary stress: choose 18/6, 20/4, or 24/0 and maintain it from sprout to harvest.
Airflow and exchange are critical. Achieve 25–40 full air exchanges per hour in small tents via exhaust and passive/active intake to maintain CO2 near ambient and to manage humidity. Use oscillating fans for gentle leaf flutter across the entire canopy, which strengthens stems and deters microclimates that promote mildew.
Nutrition should follow a simple, autos-friendly curve. Start with a lightly amended medium or low EC fertigation, then escalate nitrogen moderately through early growth before tapering N and boosting P/K around week 3–4 as preflowers appear. Keep calcium/magnesium steady—many LEDs drive higher Ca/Mg demand; 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg in solution is a reliable baseline.
For training, plan early. Begin LST when the 4th–5th node emerges, guiding the main stem laterally and creating an even canopy. If topping is attempted, do so once at the 3rd–4th node no later than day 18–21 and only on vigorous plants; otherwise, stick to LST and selective defoliation of large fans that block bud sites.
Pest, Disease, and Deficiency Management
Autoflowers’ short lifecycle leaves little room for prolonged recovery, so prevention is paramount. Maintain cleanliness, quarantine new clones or plants (if any), and use sticky traps to monitor fungus gnats, whiteflies, and thrips. A healthy VPD and steady airflow reduce the risk of powdery mildew and botrytis, both of which thrive in stagnant, humid environments.
Common pests include spider mites and thrips; regular leaf inspections (top and undersides) with a 10–60× loupe can catch early infestations. Biological controls such as predatory mites (Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius swirskii) or lacewing larvae can be deployed preemptively in integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Neem-alternative botanicals like rosemary or thyme oil-based sprays can help during early vegetative stages; avoid foliar sprays on forming buds.
Nutrient issues most frequently seen are nitrogen excess early (dark, clawing leaves) and calcium/magnesium deficiencies under strong LED lighting (interveinal chlorosis, rust spotting). Keep root-zone pH in range and adjust EC gradually based on runoff and leaf color. Flush lightly (or perform a feed–water–feed rotation) if salt buildup is suspected, then reintroduce nutrients at a slightly lower EC.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing Protocol
AK Full Auto typically reaches harvest around days 70–80 indoors, though some phenotypes can finish as early as day 63 under optimal conditions. Visual indicators include 70–90% browned pistils and trichomes mostly cloudy with 5–20% amber, depending on desired effect. Cloudy-dominant trichomes correspond to a brighter, more alert effect; more amber generally increases sedation.
Pre-harvest, consider tapering EC for 7–10 days to improve burn quality and flavor, particularly in inert media. Many growers target a final week with minimal nitrogen to reduce chlorophyll retention. Darkness before harvest is optional; while some anecdotal reports suggest enhanced resin, data remain mixed, so focus on stable environment and proper timing.
Dry in 18–21°C, 55–62% RH, minimal airflow directly on buds, and in low light for 7–14 days. Aim for stems to snap rather than bend, with buds at 10–12% moisture content. Cure in airtight glass jars at 60–62% RH, burping daily for 10–14 days, then weekly; a 3–6 week cure materially improves aroma intensity and smoothness.
Comparisons Within the AK Family
Compared to photoperiod AK lines, AK Full Auto trades maximum top-end yield for speed and simplicity. Where a photoperiod AK might yield 450–600+ g·m−2 under long veg and SCROG, the autoflower version typically lands at 300–450 g·m−2 in a constant-light cycle but finishes weeks faster. The sensory profile remains true to type—peppery, woody, and subtly sweet—though some photoperiod cuts can express deeper complexity given extended flowering windows.
Against other AK-labeled autos, AK Full Auto is competitive on finishing time and structure, with a consistent central cola and manageable side branching that eases trimming. Its balanced effect profile appeals to a broad audience, avoiding the racy edge some sativa-leaning AK phenotypes can exhibit. For small tents and balcony grows, the reliability and uniformity are key differentiators.
If raw potency is the absolute priority, select phenotypes and dialed environments can push AK photoperiods slightly higher on average. However, for growers prioritizing a seed-to-jar timeline under 11 weeks with minimal stress, AK Full Auto provides an optimal compromise. The net effect is more harvests per year with predictable outcomes and a familiar AK experience.
Consumer Tips, Tolerance, and Safety
Start with low doses—especially for novice users or those returning after a tolerance break. A 2.5–5 mg THC edible or one to two small inhalations gives a clear view of AK Full Auto’s character without overshooting. Wait at least 90–120 minutes for edibles to fully onset before redosing.
Hydration, food, and environment shape the experience. Consume in a comfortable setting, keep water nearby, and avoid mixing with alcohol if you’re gauging the strain for the first time. If anxiety arises, reduce stimulation, focus on steady breathing, and consider a small dose of CBD to moderate intense THC effects.
Storage affects both safety and quality. Keep flower in airtight containers at 60–62% RH in a cool, dark place to preserve terpenes and cannabinoids. Proper storage can reduce terpene loss rates significantly over weeks, maintaining flavor and effect integrity.
Yield Optimization and Data-Driven Tips
To maximize yield, think in terms of light, CO2, and canopy efficiency. Maintain 700–900 µmol·m−2·s−1 PPFD in mid-to-late flower with uniform distribution; uneven canopies can reduce site-level PPFD by 15–30% at the edges. Canopy-level DLI in the 45–55 mol·m−2·day−1 range under 18–20 hours of light generally supports dense flowers without oversaturation.
CO2 enrichment to 800–1000 ppm can increase biomass rates by 10–20% when paired with adequate PPFD and nutrients, though autos still benefit most from simplicity and consistency. If enriching, ensure sealed rooms, precise environmental control, and increased fertigation frequency to match higher metabolic demand. Absent enrichment, good air exchange (25–40 ACH) keeps CO2 near ambient and supports steady photosynthesis.
Uniform LST and strategic defoliation to expose bud sites can lift yields by a measurable margin. Remove only leaves that cast heavy shade on developing colas and avoid aggressive stripping after week 5–6. Keep substrate moisture stable; swings from saturation to drought can reduce dry weight by several percentage points through stress-induced stomatal closure.
Sourcing, Authenticity, and Breeder Notes
AK Full Auto is a Sumo Seeds creation; procuring seeds from reputable vendors helps ensure genetic consistency and germination rates. Authentic packs typically include breeder branding, lot numbers, and sealed packaging to prevent moisture ingress. Store seeds at 6–10°C in a dry, dark place for long-term viability, ideally vacuum-sealed or in airtight vials with desiccant.
Germination rates above 85% are common for fresh, well-stored seeds; older seed stock may decline by 5–10% viability per year without proper storage. A standard paper towel or direct-to-plug method at 24–26°C with 95–100% RH supports quick sprouting in 24–72 hours. Once taproots reach 0.5–1.0 cm, transplant carefully to avoid damage and preserve early vigor.
Sumo Seeds tends to select for stable, repeatable expressions in their autoflower lines. While phenotype variation exists, AK Full Auto’s growth habit is generally uniform enough for multi-plant, same-height canopies. This predictability simplifies light placement, fertigation schedules, and harvest planning.
