Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Amnesia XXL Autoflowering is Dinafem’s high-yield, fast-cycling take on a modern classic, tailored for growers who want the signature Amnesia experience with the convenience of autoflower genetics. Built on a ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage, it leans decisively toward the sativa side in effect and structure while retaining the resilience and speed conferred by ruderalis. It finishes in roughly 80–90 days from seed under optimized conditions, producing dense, resin-caked flowers with the citrus, incense, and spice that define the Amnesia family.
As an autoflowering cultivar, Amnesia XXL Autoflowering thrives under long daily light exposure and does not rely on a 12/12 photoperiod to trigger bloom. This makes it a strong candidate for perpetual indoor cycles and for multiple outdoor runs per season in warm climates. The “XXL” moniker signals Dinafem’s goal of boosting yield and potency beyond earlier-generation autos while preserving Amnesia’s unmistakable sensory profile.
Growers prize this strain for balancing speed with performance, routinely reporting indoor yields that can compete with photoperiods when dialed in. The buds are typically conical to spear-shaped and exhibit a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio, making post-harvest work efficient. For consumers, the cultivar delivers an energetic and cerebral effect with bright, lemon-forward terpenes and a clean, incense-like finish that lingers on the palate.
History and Breeding Context
Dinafem, a Spanish breeder active since the mid-2000s, helped push autoflowering genetics into the mainstream by iterating on yield, potency, and flavor through their XXL lines. Amnesia XXL Autoflowering emerges from that program as the auto counterpart to the company’s highly regarded Original Amnesia. The breeder’s intent was explicit: retain the hallmark aroma and cerebral intensity of Amnesia while enabling a quick, predictable seed-to-harvest timeline.
The “XXL” designation marked a generational leap for autos, which in their earliest forms were criticized for moderate yields and milder potency. By the mid-2010s, Dinafem’s XXL autos commonly rivaled photoperiods in output, especially under high-intensity LEDs and optimized fertigation. For many growers, this strain became a gateway to autos that did not feel like a compromise.
Within the broader cannabis media landscape, Dinafem’s XXL autos are frequently cataloged alongside related crosses such as Blue Amnesia XXL Autoflowering. For instance, CannaConnection’s sitemap includes Blue Amnesia XXL Autoflowering in its database, underscoring how widely these Dinafem XXL lines are referenced by third-party resources. That context matters, because Amnesia XXL Autoflowering sits in the center of this product family as the straight Amnesia expression with “XXL” performance goals.
Although Dinafem faced legal headwinds in Spain around 2020, their catalog remains influential in grower communities and seed libraries. Amnesia XXL Autoflowering continues to be cultivated globally through stock that circulates among seedbanks and collectors. Its legacy illustrates how breeder-driven selection can transform autos from novelty plants into production-tier cultivars.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The genetic composition of Amnesia XXL Autoflowering is a triad of ruderalis/indica/sativa, with a pronounced sativa influence in effect and floral architecture. Dinafem’s recipe generally pairs an elite Amnesia parent with a stabilized autoflowering line to introduce the day-neutral flowering trait. In practice, this means Amnesia-heavy sativa traits ride on a compact, resilient chassis that grows faster and flowers under any day length.
On the Amnesia side, lineage traces back to Dutch Haze families and related hybrids that often include skunk, Northern Lights, and Afghani contributions. Across seedbanks, Amnesia-type pedigrees are described as Haze-dominant with subtle indica backbone, producing the classic incense, citrus, and pepper profile. That backbone helps anchor the plant’s vigor, while the Haze component drives the cerebral, uplifting experience.
The ruderalis infusion is primarily about function: converting a photoperiod-dependent cultivar into a day-neutral one while adding cold tolerance, compact internodes, and rapid maturation. Breeders typically stabilize this trait through repeated backcrosses and selections for aroma, resin density, and yield. By the time a line earns the XXL label, it has usually undergone multiple cycles of selection for flower mass and potency that measurably exceed earlier autos.
From a grower’s perspective, the inheritance translates to flexibility. You get sativa-forward effects with a manageable height range and an 11–13-week total lifecycle, depending on environment. Properly selected phenotypes display consistent Amnesia terpenes and a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that honors the Haze ancestry.
Appearance and Morphology
Amnesia XXL Autoflowering typically forms a strong central cola with numerous satellite branches, a structure reminiscent of sativa hybrids but with tighter internodes than full Haze cuts. Indoors, plants often reach 70–110 cm, while outdoor plants in large containers can surpass 120–140 cm under long, warm seasons. The canopy tends to be open enough for good light penetration, reducing the risk of interior larf when trained properly.
Bud morphology is conical to spear-shaped, with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that aids trimming and improves bag appeal. Mature flowers are lime to olive green with copper-orange pistils that deepen to rust as trichomes mature. A dense layer of resin coats bracts and sugar leaves, often creating a silvery sheen under light.
In late flower, some phenotypes exhibit gentle foxtailing, a common trait in Haze-heavy cultivars when pushed with high light or late-stage heat. Leaves are medium-narrow with a sativa-leaning serration and a slightly glossy cuticle when nutrition and environment are balanced. Stems are moderately thick, and with early low-stress training the plant can maintain a wide, stable frame without heavy staking.
Under optimized environmental control, you can expect even bud stacking and minimal popcorn. If humidity is kept in range during the final three weeks, bract density increases and resin heads swell visibly. The result is showy, crystalline colas that look larger than their actual mass due to trichome density.
Aroma and Nose
On the nose, Amnesia XXL Autoflowering opens with bright lemon zest and sweet citrus layered over a dry, incense-like Haze core. Secondary notes include cedar shavings, fresh herbs, and faint white pepper, with occasional hints of anise. The bouquet is clean, penetrating, and unmistakably Haze-derived.
Breaking a dried flower intensifies the citrus and incense while releasing green mango and floral undertones associated with terpinolene-forward chemotypes. In the jar, the base remains woody-spicy with a faint skunky warmth that anchors the high notes. The overall impression is lively, perfumed, and persistent—aroma clings to grinders and lingers in rooms after use.
During late flower, the live plant’s aroma shifts from sweet-citrus to more resinous lemon-pine with a spicy halo. This transition usually coincides with increased trichome head size and higher monoterpene output under stable temperatures. Carbon filtration is recommended for indoor grows, as the scent is potent and travels easily through exhaust.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
The flavor mirrors the aroma: a quick hit of lemon-lime and sweet orange builds into sandalwood incense and dried herbs on the exhale. On low-temperature vaporization, floral and tropical hints emerge, often reminiscent of green mango and sweet basil. A gentle peppery finish ties the profile together without harshness when properly cured.
Combustion at moderate heat preserves the citrus and spice while reducing any potential bitterness. If dried slowly at 18–21°C and cured at 60–62% RH, the mouthfeel becomes notably smooth and aromatic within two to four weeks. Extended cures of six to eight weeks often deepen the woody-incense baseline while keeping the citrus top notes lively.
This is a terpene-rich cultivar whose flavor is sensitive to post-harvest handling. Over-drying below 55% RH can mute the citrus and sharpen the pepper, while excessively wet curing risks grassy, chlorophyll-forward notes. When treated carefully, the palate remains bright, complex, and true to the Amnesia family.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Amnesia XXL Autoflowering is generally a high-THC, low-CBD cultivar, reflecting its sativa-driven heritage. Typical indoor results place THC in the mid to high teens, often 16–20%, with select phenotypes touching the low 20s when grown under high-intensity LEDs and optimized nutrition. CBD commonly registers below 1%, with THC:CBD ratios frequently in the 15:1 to 30:1 range.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often appear in the 0.2–0.8% range, which can subtly influence the effect and entourage characteristics. Total cannabinoid content around 18–22% is a realistic benchmark for well-grown plants, though environment, phenotype, and post-harvest handling can shift these numbers. Outdoor plants under full sun can match indoor potency if climate, feeding, and timing are favorable.
As with any cultivar, lab results vary by testing protocol, harvest maturity, and sample preparation. Autos can express slightly lower average potency than their photoperiod counterparts when stressed or underfed, so dialing in environment is critical. Still, the XXL breeding objective and Haze lineage give this auto a clearly potent profile that satisfies experienced consumers.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Amnesia-type chemotypes frequently test as terpinolene-dominant with significant contributions from myrcene, ocimene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. In optimized samples, total terpene content of 1.5–3.0% by dry weight is common for Haze-forward plants, with terpinolene often comprising the largest fraction. Limonene and ocimene typically support the citrus-floral dimension, while caryophyllene and humulene anchor the spicy, woody base.
While exact percentages vary by lab and phenotype, growers can use aroma cues to infer terpene balance. A punchy lemon-zest top note suggests higher limonene and possibly alpha-pinene contributions, whereas stronger incense and herb layers imply terpinolene dominance. The faint peppery edge often points to beta-caryophyllene content, which is notable for its activity at CB2 receptors.
Terpene expression is environmentally sensitive. Cooler late-flower nights (18–20°C) and moderate daytime temperatures (24–27°C) help preserve monoterpenes that volatilize easily during heat stress. Proper drying and a slow cure at 60–62% RH prevent terpene loss and oxidation, sustaining the bright, complex profile in the jar.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
The effect is quick to onset, typically within minutes, delivering an energetic and cerebral lift that suits mornings and productive afternoons. Many users report increased focus, talkativeness, and creative ideation during the first hour, tapering into a calm but alert plateau. The mood elevation is pronounced but generally clean, with less couchlock than indica-leaning autos.
Because it is sativa-forward and fairly potent, sensitive consumers may notice racy edges at higher doses—especially on an empty stomach or with caffeine. A smaller initial dose is prudent if you are prone to anxiety with strong sativas. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, and hydration helps manage these transient effects.
The strain pairs well with tasks that benefit from an upbeat mindset: writing sprints, design work, light exercise, or social sessions. It can also serve as a functional daytime option for experienced users who want clarity without sedation. Evening use remains enjoyable for many, but the stimulating profile may extend wakefulness in those with low THC tolerance.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
While not a substitute for medical advice, the profile of Amnesia XXL Autoflowering suggests several potential applications. The uplifting, energetic effect may appeal to individuals seeking daytime mood support or relief from fatigue. Caryophyllene’s CB2 activity, present in many Amnesia phenotypes, has been investigated for potential anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, though clinical evidence remains preliminary.
The terpinolene-forward bouquet is often associated anecdotally with clear-headed, motivational effects, which some users find helpful for task initiation. Limonene-rich expressions may provide a perceived brightening of mood, as suggested in preclinical studies examining limonene’s influence on stress-related pathways. However, THC can transiently increase heart rate and may induce anxiety in susceptible individuals, so cautious titration is recommended.
Because CBD content is typically low, those seeking a balanced THC:CBD ratio might consider pairing with a separate CBD product. Vaporization at low to moderate temperatures can deliver terpenes with fewer combustion byproducts, which some patients prefer for daytime clarity. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, especially if you take other medications or have cardiovascular or psychiatric conditions.
Cultivation Guide: Environment, Nutrition, and Training
Autoflowers like Amnesia XXL Autoflowering perform best when started in their final container to avoid transplant shock and time loss. Indoors, 18/6 or 20/4 light schedules throughout the lifecycle are common; 20/4 maximizes daily light integral (DLI) without excessive energy waste, while 18/6 offers efficiency. Target PPFD of 500–800 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in early growth and 700–1,000 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in peak flower typically delivers strong yields; this corresponds to a DLI of roughly 30–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
Maintain day temperatures of 24–28°C and night temperatures of 18–22°C, with RH progressing from 60–70% (seedling) to 50–60% (vegetative/early flower) and 40–45% in late flower. Vapor pressure deficit targets of 0.8–1.2 kPa during veg and 1.2–1.6 kPa in flower help keep stomata active without inviting pathogens. Provide robust airflow (0.5–1.5 m·s⁻¹ at canopy) and 2–4 air exchanges per minute to manage heat, humidity, and terpene retention.
In soil, aim for a pH of 6.2–6.8; in soilless and hydro, 5.8–6.2 is ideal. Autos respond well to lighter feeding than photoperiods: consider 70–85% of standard nutrient label rates and monitor EC closely. As a general guide, target EC 0.4–0.8 mS·cm⁻¹ for seedlings, 1.0–1.3 during early vegetative growth, 1.4–1.6 in early flower, and 1.7–2.0 at peak bloom, depending on cultivar response.
Nutrient targets can be framed as ppm: in veg, 90–120 ppm N, 40–60 ppm P, and 150–220 ppm K with 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–70 ppm Mg are solid baselines. In flower, reduce N to 60–80 ppm while increasing K to 250–300 ppm and maintaining adequate Ca/Mg, especially under LEDs where Ca/Mg demand is higher. If using RO or soft water, supplement Ca/Mg early to prevent interveinal chlorosis and tip necrosis.
Low-stress training (LST) is the primary canopy management technique for this auto. Begin gentle tie-downs after the fourth to sixth node to widen the plant and promote even bud development. Avoid heavy topping after day 20–24 from sprout; if you choose to top, do it once and early, or instead use a tip-bend and side-branch promotion to minimize stress.
For medium choice, 70/30 coco/perlite enables frequent fertigation and fast growth, while quality living soil offers a simplified input schedule with slower, buffered nutrient release. Pot sizes of 3–5 gallons (11–19 L) indoors often balance root mass and space, while outdoors 7–10+ gallon (26–38 L) containers or raised beds allow larger frames. Keep runoff around 10–20% to prevent salt buildup in soilless systems.
Cultivation Guide: Indoor, Greenhouse, and Outdoor Strategy
Indoors, Sea of Green (SOG) patterns excel with autos. A density of 9–16 plants per square meter in 7–11 L pots can maximize canopy fill if you maintain uniform height and timing. With high-efficiency LEDs (2.5–3.0+ µmol·J⁻¹), expect indoor yields of roughly 400–550 g·m⁻² when environment, fertigation, and training are well-managed.
In greenhouses, leverage free sunlight while controlling humidity spikes with dehumidification and automated venting. Shade cloth can prevent midday PPFD from exceeding what the cultivar can metabolize without added CO₂; if you run supplemental CO₂ to 800–1,200 ppm, you can push PPFD toward 1,000–1,200 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ safely. Ensure consistent airflow to deter botrytis, as dense Amnesia-type colas are susceptible late in flower.
Outdoors, autos enable two to three successive harvests in Mediterranean climates and at least two in temperate zones with warm summers. Plant after the last frost when nighttime lows remain above 10–12°C; the sweet spot for rapid growth is average daily temperatures between 20–30°C. Outdoor yields commonly range from 60–200 g per plant depending on pot size, season length, and sun hours, with larger containers and full-sun exposure skewing to the high end.
Because autos flower regardless of day length, timing your start date is about ambient conditions rather than photoperiod. Starting in late spring and again in mid-summer can net staggered harvests before autumn rains. Wind and rain protection during the last three weeks helps preserve trichomes and prevent mold in dense top colas.
Pest management should be preventive and gentle due to the short lifecycle. Use yellow sticky cards, regular leaf inspections, and, if needed, pre-flower applications of neem or biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis for caterpillars. Beneficial insects such as Encarsia or predatory mites can be introduced early to control whitefly or spider mite pressure without resorting to late-stage sprays.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Amnesia XXL Autoflowering typically reaches maturity 80–90 days from sprout, with peak resin often appearing between days 75–85 under optimal conditions. Judge readiness by trichome color: many growers target a mix of cloudy heads with 10–20% amber to preserve a bright, uplifting effect. Pistils turning from white to deep orange-brown and calyx swelling are additional maturity cues.
Before harvest, consider a 7–10 day plain-water finish in soilless systems to reduce residual salts and smooth smoke. In living soil, taper off top-dressings and teas in the final two weeks and water to field capacity without over-saturating. Avoid late defoliation that can stress plants and slow final ripening.
For drying, aim for 18–21°C and 50–60% RH with gentle air movement not directed at the flowers. A 10–14 day slow dry preserves monoterpenes like limonene and terpinolene, which volatilize under heat and low humidity. Once stems snap rather than bend, transfer to airtight containers and burp daily for the first week, then weekly for 3–6 weeks at 60–62% RH.
Properly cured flowers express the full citrus-incense spectrum and deliver the clean, focused effect this cultivar is known for. If you detect chlorophyll or grassiness after the first week, extend curing and ensure RH is stable; terpene brightness usually recovers as chlorophyll degrades. Store finished jars in a cool, dark place, as light and heat accelerate terpene oxidation and cannabinoid degradation.
Yield Expectations, Quality Metrics, and Phenotype Notes
Under strong LEDs and steady 20/4 lighting, indoor yields of 400–550 g·m⁻² are attainable with consistent environmental control and well-timed LST. Individual outdoor plants frequently produce 60–200 g in 7–20 L containers, with exceptional runs exceeding that range in ideal climates and larger pots. These figures assume disciplined nutrition, appropriate PPFD, and stable VPD; underfeeding or environmental swings can reduce yields by 20–40%.
Quality metrics to watch include total cannabinoid content, terpene content, and bud density. In grow rooms with optimized CO₂ and PPFD, dense colas with high calyx ratios are common, resulting in attractive bag appeal and efficient trimming. Terpene retention during post-harvest often distinguishes top-shelf batches from average ones, with slow dry and cool cure protecting the citrus-forward profile.
Phenotypically, most plants show the same core Amnesia character, but minor variation in height and flowering speed is normal in autos. Faster phenos may finish closer to day 75, with slightly lighter yields but exceptionally bright terps, while slower phenos pack on mass toward day 85–90. If aroma leans more woody-spice than lemon, you are likely seeing a higher caryophyllene/humulene expression; if the jar bursts with citrus and floral, terpinolene/limonene are taking the lead.
Because the strain is sativa-forward, it tolerates higher light but reacts negatively to persistent heat above 30°C late in flower, which can dull terpenes and nudge foxtailing. Keep root zones oxygenated and avoid over-watering to prevent yield loss from hypoxia and calcium uptake issues. With careful attention to these levers, Amnesia XXL Autoflowering consistently delivers both volume and a refined sensory profile that reflects its Dinafem pedigree.
