Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Amarant Automatic is an autoflowering cannabis cultivar developed by Amaranta Seeds, a breeder known for compact, resilient genetics tailored to European home-growers. As an automatic variety, it was engineered to flower independent of photoperiod, a trait inherited from Cannabis ruderalis. Autoflowering strains surged in popularity during the 2010s as breeders refined potency and terpene expression, closing the gap with photoperiod classics. Amarant Automatic fits squarely into this modern wave, offering convenience and uniformity without demanding complex light schedules.
The strain’s positioning reflects the broader market trend: growers want reliable, fast harvests with mid-to-high potency. Autos frequently run seed-to-harvest in 9–11 weeks, enabling two to three indoor cycles per season in the same space. For balcony and micro-grow setups, this speed can translate into 2–3 times more annual harvests than a single long photoperiod run. Amaranta Seeds designed Amarant Automatic to capitalize on this cadence, balancing rapid turnover with hybridized effects.
Despite the emphasis on speed, modern autos like Amarant Automatic are no longer synonymous with low potency. Advances in breeding have progressively minimized the performance penalty historically associated with ruderalis introgression. Many recent autos achieve cannabinoid outcomes comparable to photoperiods in the mid-teens to low-20s percent THC range. This general progress set the stage for Amaranta Seeds to pursue a practical, everyday auto that still feels full-featured.
The naming cues suggest a breeder’s nod to resilience and agronomic predictability, themes that mirror amaranth as a crop noted for hardiness. While the branding is rhetorical rather than botanical, it hints at the cultivar’s intended ease-of-cultivation profile. For new growers, breeder intent matters: strains optimized for forgiving nutrient windows and flexible environments typically reduce error rates and crop loss. Amarant Automatic was released to fill exactly that niche—simple to run, quick to finish, and broad in effect profile.
Genetic Lineage and Provenance
Amarant Automatic’s foundational heritage is ruderalis/indica/sativa, according to Amaranta Seeds. That means a photoperiod hybrid was backcrossed or outcrossed with a ruderalis donor to lock in autoflowering while trying to preserve a balanced high. The precise parent lines have not been publicly disclosed by the breeder, which is common practice for protecting intellectual property. Nonetheless, the end result reads as a hybrid auto: compact stature, fast finish, and balanced psychoactivity.
The live genealogy context around this cultivar provides additional clues. A SeedFinder genealogy index for Original Strains references “Unknown Ruderalis (Original Strains)” and an “Unknown Strain (Original Strains)” alongside entries like “Goku Ssj4 (Grow Today Genetics).” This does not mean Goku Ssj4 is a direct parent of Amarant Automatic, but rather that related ruderalis and hybrid building blocks appear in the same branching map of auto genetics. In other words, the network of autoflower donors and hybrids is intertwined, and Amarant Automatic sits in that sphere of influence.
Taken together, the most grounded inference is that Amarant Automatic combines an unknown ruderalis donor with an indica/sativa hybrid framework. The ruderalis capacity confers the day-neutral flowering, while the hybrid background drives resin output and terpene expression. The resulting plant behaves like a typical modern autoflower: abbreviated lifecycle, medium structure, and a broadly appealing mix of body and head effects. This aligns closely with other auto lines from Europe-oriented breeders.
In the absence of published pedigrees, phenotype-based deduction becomes useful. Leaf shape and bud architecture suggest a balanced hybrid rather than a narrow-leaf or broad-leaf exclusive. Growers who have run similar Amaranta autos often report intermediate internodal spacing and moderate lateral branching, which maps to a hybridized ancestry. That same pattern has been observed in many successful ruderalis-introgressed cultivars.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Amarant Automatic typically presents as a medium-short plant, with indoor heights around 60–100 cm in most containers. In larger pots or outdoor beds, it may stretch to 110–120 cm if vigor is strong, particularly in the first two weeks of flower initiation. Internodal spacing tends to be moderate, allowing even light penetration without excessive larf. The central cola commonly dominates, flanked by 6–10 productive laterals.
Bud structure is compact and resinous, leaning toward a dense hybrid morphology rather than a strictly airy sativa form. The calyx-to-leaf ratio is often favorable, which improves trimming efficiency and bag appeal. Trichome coverage is visibly generous by week 7–9 from sprout, giving a frosty sheen across bracts and sugar leaves. Under cooler night temperatures, some plants can display anthocyanin blushes ranging from lavender to wine tones.
Leaf morphology sits between broad and narrow, reflecting its mixed heritage. Early leaves can be slightly wider, gradually becoming more hybrid-esque with maturity. Mature fan leaves often carry 7–9 blades, while sugar leaves remain slender near the calyx clusters. This morphology supports airflow while retaining enough leaf area to drive photosynthesis in a compact canopy.
Root vigor is robust for an auto, particularly with well-aerated media and consistent irrigation. White, fibrous roots populate the rhizosphere quickly, so transplant shocks can be magnified compared to photoperiods. Many growers therefore prefer direct sowing into the final container to avoid a 3–5 day stall. In fabric pots or air-pruning containers, roots form dense, oxygenated mats that improve nutrient uptake and stress resilience.
Aroma and Bouquet
Because no breeder-issued terpene analysis is public, aroma descriptions rely on grower observations and chemotypic inference. Two recurrent scent profiles are most plausible: an earthy-herbal base with peppery spice, and a brighter citrus-herbal profile with subtle floral hints. The first points to myrcene and beta-caryophyllene as drivers, often joined by humulene. The second suggests limonene with secondary pinene and possibly linalool in smaller amounts.
In the earthy-spicy expression, the top notes can resemble cracked black pepper and bay leaf. Mid-notes lean into damp forest floor, faint cocoa, and cured wood. The finish is clean and slightly resinous, with a lingering herbal quality that suggests caryophyllene-humulene synergy. This profile tends to project strongly in late flower, so odor control becomes important in small apartments.
In the citrus-herbal expression, zesty top notes evoke lemon rind and sweet orange pith. Mid-notes balance with fresh-cut herbs and pine needles, offering a brisk, outdoor quality. The finish may carry faint floral sweetness, more noticeable after a proper cure. This expression often feels “lighter” but can be deceptively pungent as terpenes volatilize during drying.
Across phenotypes, peak aroma typically emerges between day 55 and day 70 from sprout, coinciding with maximal terpene biosynthesis. Total terpene load in modern autos commonly ranges around 1.2–2.5% by dry weight, and Amarant Automatic likely falls in that bracket. Carbon filters rated for the room’s full cubic feet per minute and sealed ducting materially reduce odor leakage. Maintaining room temperatures below 26–27°C in late flower also helps preserve volatile compounds.
Flavor and Palate
Vaporized, the earthy-spicy phenotype opens with peppered herbs and a mellow woody backbone. Subsequent draws unveil cocoa nib bitterness and a dry, resinous finish that complements the initial spice. At 180–190°C in a vaporizer, the profile remains nuanced and mouth-coating without becoming harsh. Pushing past 200°C amplifies the pepper and wood while compressing sweetness.
In the citrus-herbal phenotype, the first impression is lemon-lime zest with a clean, piney thread. Successive pulls shift toward sweet herb tea and a faintly floral aftertaste. Vaporization at 175–185°C preserves the brightest top notes and maximizes flavor clarity. Combustion blends flavors more aggressively, often shifting the citrus into a generalized sweet smoke.
Edible preparations preserve the core herbal-spice backbone, with citrus notes becoming subtler against fats and sugars. Decarboxylation at roughly 105–115°C for 35–45 minutes typically converts THCA efficiently while minimizing terpene loss. Infusion into butter or MCT oil at low temperatures helps retain alpha-pinene, limonene, and linalool. A well-cured input dramatically improves flavor smoothness and reduces grassy tones.
Across methods, a slow cure enhances depth and softens any sharp edges on the palate. The difference between a 7-day and a 28-day cure can be striking, with sweetness and aromatic layering becoming more pronounced. Glass storage and minimal headspace protect against terpene oxidation that dulls flavor. Keeping jars in the dark at stable, cool temperatures further preserves the profile.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
No laboratory COA specific to Amarant Automatic has been published by the breeder, so potency ranges must be inferred from comparable autos. Modern autoflowers commonly land between 15% and 22% THC, with outliers above and below. Given its balanced hybrid architecture and resin density, a realistic expectation for Amarant Automatic is in the mid-teens to around 20% THC when grown and cured well. CBD content is likely low, often below 1%, though rare phenotypes can express marginally higher levels.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG frequently appear between 0.2% and 0.8% in modern hybrid autos. THCV, CBC, and CBDV are typically trace or below standard reporting thresholds unless specifically bred for. Environmental stress, harvest timing, and drying practices can shift minor cannabinoid readouts by small but measurable amounts. Consistency improves with stable environmental control and post-harvest handling.
From a consumer perspective, mid- to high-teens THC with a supportive terpene fraction feels potent and rounded. Terpenes can modulate subjective strength despite identical THC percentages, meaning a 17% THC flower with a 2% terpene load can feel livelier than a 20% THC sample with flattened aromatics. This highlights the importance of dialing in environment in late flower to maximize both cannabinoids and terpenes. In short, peak potency is not just genetics but also a harvest and curing discipline.
For home growers seeking higher THC expression, incremental improvements in PPFD, VPD management, and late-flower temperatures can be decisive. Targeting 800–1000 μmol/m²/s PPFD in late flower while maintaining leaf surface temperatures around 24–26°C tends to promote resin biosynthesis. Keeping night-day swings within 5–7°C reduces plant stress that can blunt cannabinoid accumulation. Properly matured trichomes at harvest further prevent leaving potency on the table.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
While Amarant Automatic lacks a public terpene lab profile, the aromatic signatures suggest a major-myrcene, caryophyllene-forward, or limonene-forward chemotype depending on phenotype. In the earthy-spicy expression, myrcene and beta-caryophyllene likely lead, with humulene as a frequent secondary. In the citrus-herbal expression, limonene is often primary, supported by alpha-pinene and linalool in smaller shares. Total terpene content for well-grown autos often aggregates around 1.5–2.5% by dry weight.
Myrcene contributes herbal, musky, and slightly fruity undertones and is commonly the most abundant terpene in hybrid cannabis. Beta-caryophyllene brings pepper, clove, and woody spice while acting on CB2 receptors, which may influence perceived body relief. Humulene adds woody-hop brightness and can temper sweetness for a drier finish. Alpha-pinene introduces pine and potentially clearer headspace, while limonene layers citrus zest and uplift.
Linalool, if present, adds a soft floral thread and is often associated with soothing qualities in combination with other terpenes. Ocimene or terpinolene may appear as low-level contributors, nudging the bouquet toward greener or more coniferous notes. The exact ratios depend on phenotype selection and environment, especially light intensity and root-zone health. Late-flower temperatures above ~27–28°C can volatilize the most fragile terpenes, flattening the profile.
Growers looking to maximize terpene expression typically aim for a “cool finish.” Keeping room temps near 24–25°C, raising RH modestly to maintain a VPD around 1.1–1.3 kPa, and avoiding overfeeding in the final two weeks helps. Extended darkness pre-harvest remains debated; consistent light and stable environment generally yield more predictable terpene outcomes. A gentle dry and slow cure then preserves these volatiles for the consumer.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Amarant Automatic is best characterized as a balanced hybrid experience that leans either relaxing or uplifting depending on phenotype and harvest timing. Expect a quick onset with inhalation within 2–5 minutes, peaking at around 30–45 minutes, and tapering over 2–3 hours. Early effects often include a light cerebral lift with mood softening and mild sensory enhancement. A body component arrives as muscles relax and tension decouples, especially if caryophyllene is prominent.
In the earthy-spicy expression, the body relaxation and calm tend to be more noticeable. Users report a comfortable, non-sedating heaviness that suits evening wind-down, music, or films. Cognitive function remains intact at moderate doses, although complex multitasking may feel less appealing. At higher doses, couchlock can emerge, especially if harvested at amber-leaning trichome maturity.
In the citrus-herbal expression, the onset skews brighter and more motivational. Creativity and focus can tick upward for light tasks, sketching, or short social interactions. The finish remains smooth with gentle physical ease but avoids heavy sedation in most cases. This phenotype is often preferred for daytime or late afternoon use where clarity still matters.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, consistent with THC-dominant hybrids. Sensitive users may experience transient anxiety or elevated heart rate, particularly with fast, high-dose inhalation. Titration mitigates this: start with one or two small inhalations, wait 10 minutes, and reassess. For edibles, beginners should limit themselves to 2.5–5 mg THC, rising slowly as individual response becomes clear.
Potential Medical Applications
With a likely THC-dominant profile and low CBD, Amarant Automatic may suit use-cases where modest analgesia, stress reduction, and appetite stimulation are desired. The caryophyllene-humulene axis aligns with reports of body comfort and perceived reduction in minor aches. Limonene- and pinene-forward phenotypes may enhance mood and perceived energy in low-to-moderate doses. Users sensitive to sedation may prefer earlier harvest windows with more cloudy than amber trichomes.
Cannabis with similar chemistry has been used by patients for sleep-onset difficulty, though excessive dosing can backfire with next-day grogginess. For stress and mood, low doses often produce the most favorable signal-to-side-effect ratio. Pain applications are variable; some patients report meaningful relief for neuropathic edges and muscle tension while others find only mild benefit. Individual response hinges on dose, tolerance, and coexisting conditions.
For nausea and appetite, THC-containing products have a longstanding track record in palliative contexts. Amarant Automatic’s quick onset by inhalation can make it practical for episodic nausea. The trade-off is shorter duration compared to longer-acting oral routes. Combining inhalation for rapid relief with small oral doses for duration is a strategy some patients use under medical guidance.
This discussion is informational and not medical advice. Patients should consult clinicians familiar with cannabinoid medicine, especially when combining cannabis with prescription drugs. Those prone to anxiety may prefer microdoses or selecting the citrus-herbal expression at lighter strengths. As always, start low and go slow remains the safest approach.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Lifecycle and timing: Expect roughly 9–11 weeks seed-to-harvest under optimized indoor conditions. Some phenotypes finish faster near day 63–70, while others push to day 75–80 with fuller bulk. Autos do not require a photoperiod change; a constant 18/6 or 20/4 light cycle works well from sprout to chop. Outdoors, plan for late spring to early autumn windows to avoid cold snaps during the critical flowering phase.
Germination and establishment: Aim for 24–26°C medium temps with 95–100% RH in a propagate dome for 48–72 hours. Direct sow into the final container to avoid transplant shock that can stunt autos for 3–5 days. Use a lightly charged seedling mix (EC 0.4–0.8 mS/cm) and water sparingly to encourage root seeking. By day 10–14, begin transitioning to a richer feed as the plant enters fast vegetative growth.
Containers and media: Fabric pots of 11–18 liters (3–5 gallons) suit indoor single-plant runs, while 7–11 liters work for dense multi-plant layouts. A well-aerated soil or soilless blend with 25–30% perlite or pumice helps prevent overwatering. Coco coir with added perlite supports rapid growth but demands tighter nutrient and irrigation control. Maintain soil pH 6.2–6.7 or coco pH 5.7–6.2 for optimal nutrient availability.
Lighting targets: Seedlings thrive at 200–300 μmol/m²/s PPFD. Vegetative autos respond to 400–600 μmol/m²/s, while late flower can climb to 800–1000 μmol/m²/s if CO2 is ambient. If enriching CO2 to 900–1200 ppm, PPFD can push to 1000–1200 μmol/m²/s with careful temperature and VPD control. Keep daily light integral (DLI) near 35–45 mol/m²/day to avoid stress in most environments.
Temperature, humidity, and VPD: Vegetative targets are 24–27°C with 60–70% RH for a VPD around 0.9–1.2 kPa. Early flower favors 24–26°C with 55–60% RH for 1.1–1.3 kPa. Late flower benefits from 22–25°C with 45–55% RH for 1.2–1.5 kPa to limit botrytis risk. Maintain roughly 5–7°C day–night differential to stabilize metabolism and minimize stretching extremes.
Nutrition and EC management: Start light, building from EC 0.8–1.2 mS/cm in week 2–3 to 1.6–2.0 mS/cm by mid flower depending on media and cultivar appetite. Nitrogen should taper after week 5–6 from sprout as phosphorus and potassium rise to support flower formation. Include calcium and magnesium at 100–150 ppm Ca and 40–60 ppm Mg in coco or RO setups to prevent deficiency. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly to catch salt buildup and keep uptake consistent.
Irrigation strategy: Water to 10–20% runoff in soilless systems to prevent accumulation, adjusting frequency as roots fill the pot. In soil, water when the top 2–3 cm are dry and the pot is light to lift, avoiding chronic saturation. Autos dislike overwatering; oxygenated root zones correlate with improved growth rates and resin production. Blumat-style sensors or weight-based watering improve consistency.
Training and canopy management: Low-stress training (LST) from day 14–21 helps create an even canopy without stunting. Light defoliation can improve airflow, but avoid heavy stripping in autos as recovery time is limited. Topping is possible on vigorous phenotypes before day 21, but it carries risk of stall; most growers prefer bend-and-tie methods. A modest screen (mini-SCROG) can stabilize branches and raise yields in small tents.
Pest and pathogen prevention: Implement integrated pest management with weekly scouting, yellow sticky cards, and leaf inspections. Maintain good airflow with oscillating fans and a clean floor to reduce fungal pressure. Neem-alternative oils, Bacillus-based biofungicides, and predatory mites can be used preventively in veg. Avoid spraying oils in late flower to protect resin heads and flavors.
CO2 and advanced controls: Supplemental CO2 offers returns only when light, nutrients, and irrigation are already dialed in. For small tents, many growers find ambient CO2 sufficient; prioritize light quality, VPD, and root health first. If enriching, seal the space and monitor levels with a dedicated controller to avoid waste. Keep leaf surface temperatures in range, as CO2 benefits are temperature-dependent.
Outdoors and balconies: Choose the sunniest window with at least 6–8 hours of direct light. Wind exposure strengthens stems but may require soft ties to prevent lodging in early flower. Rain during dense-bud maturity elevates mold risk; a simple canopy or moving containers under cover during storms can save a crop. In warm climates, autos may finish in as little as 70–75 days from sprout.
Troubleshooting: Clawing leaves and dark green color often indicate excessive nitrogen in mid-to-late flower. Pale interveins can point to magnesium deficiency, especially in coco—supplement with Mg at 40–60 ppm. Bud rot demands immediate removal of affected tissue and environmental correction. For nutrient lockout, a gentle flush followed by balanced feed commonly restores uptake within a few days.
Harvest Metrics, Yield, and Post-Processing
Yield expectations vary with environment and pot size, but indoor growers commonly report 350–500 g/m² under efficient LEDs for well-run autos. Single-plant yields of 40–120 g are typical in 11–18 liter pots with 18/6 lighting. Outdoors, plants can exceed 100 g each in favorable climates with long, bright days. Training, PPFD, and dialing in late-flower climate exert the largest effects on final numbers.
Maturity assessment should rely on trichomes rather than pistils alone. For a balanced profile, harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with 5–15% amber, usually around day 70–80 from sprout. Earlier, at predominantly cloudy with minimal amber, effects lean brighter and more energetic. Late harvest with higher amber fractions deepens body weight but can invite sleepiness.
Drying is where quality is preserved or lost. Aim for about 18–21°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days, targeting the classic “60/60” balance adjusted to room conditions. Gentle air movement without direct breeze on buds prevents case hardening and terpene loss. Stems should snap with a bit of flex when the flowers are ready for trim and cure.
Curing amplifies flavor and smoothness. Jar flowers with 62% Boveda-type packs or manual RH control, burping daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly thereafter. Target a stabilized internal RH of 58–62% and water activity below 0.65 to minimize mold risk. A 3–6 week cure significantly enhances complexity; 8+ weeks can further refine the bouquet.
Storage and stability are critical to preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. Keep jars in the dark at 15–20°C to slow oxidation and decarboxylation. Exposure to light and heat can degrade measurable THC over months; cool, dark storage better maintains potency. Vacuum sealing and nitrogen flushing can extend shelf life for larger harvests.
Common Phenotypic Expressions and Stability
As an autoflower with ruderalis heritage, Amarant Automatic exhibits some phenotypic variability typical of the category. Most seeds produce a compact, medium-yielding plant with a dominant central cola and 6–10 productive laterals. A minority may run shorter or taller depending on root establishment and early nutrition. Runts often trace back to early stress, overwatering, or transplant shock in days 7–21.
Two aroma-effect clusters are the most common in grower accounts: earthy-spicy with a slightly weightier body, and citrus-herbal with a clearer head. Both express as balanced hybrids at moderate doses, diverging more at higher intake. Visually, the earthy-spicy expression can present darker olive bracts, while the citrus-leaning phenotype may appear slightly lighter with finer sugar leaves. Cool nights can pull purple anthocyanins in either expression without changing core effects.
Stability feels on par with contemporary autos from reputable breeders, provided environment is steady. Expect 5–15% of plants to deviate notably from the median in height or aroma under hobby conditions, a normal range for autoflower lines. Selecting strong seedlings by day 10–14 and avoiding high-stress training helps narrow the outcome band. Over time, growers who keep notes can bias toward their preferred phenotype by selecting seeds from batches that previously delivered desired traits.
Because breeder-disclosed parentage is limited, phenotype scouting remains the best way to match personal preferences. If you favor brighter, daytime effects, harvest the citrus-herbal phenotype when trichomes are predominantly cloudy. For deeper unwind, allow a touch more amber in the earthy-spicy phenotype. This practical approach tunes the experience without needing exact lineage details.
