Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Apple Fritter Auto is the autoflowering expression of the dessert-forward Apple Fritter line, brought to market by Original Sensible Seeds. This breeder is known for translating popular, high-potency photoperiod genetics into rapid, resilient autos by integrating Cannabis ruderalis traits. The intent with Apple Fritter Auto was clear: preserve the pastry-sweet flavor and euphoric uplift of the original while compressing the life cycle into a harvest-friendly window.
The original Apple Fritter earned its reputation in the 2010s for bakery-like aromatics, typically attributed to a cross of Sour Apple and Animal Cookies. To build the auto version, breeders generally backcross an elite Apple Fritter phenotype with a selected autoflower ruderalis donor, then stabilize across multiple generations. Original Sensible Seeds’ release reflects a balanced indica/sativa chemotype layered with ruderalis timing, producing plants that flower on an internal clock rather than photoperiod changes.
Commercially, Apple Fritter Auto has surged on seed menus due to its flavor complexity and relatively straightforward cultivation. Market feedback highlights its reliability in smaller spaces and its ability to finish before the first frosts outdoors in temperate regions. A catalog listing from a major seed marketplace summarizes its effects as creative, euphoric, long-lasting, and physically relaxing, mirroring the experience consumers expect from a modern dessert hybrid.
Genetic Lineage and Taxonomy
Taxonomically, Apple Fritter Auto is a hybrid cultivar composed of indica, sativa, and ruderalis ancestry. Its heritage is commonly cited as ruderalis/indica/sativa, with the ruderalis portion providing the autoflower trait and a compressed growth timeline. Though the exact percentage split varies by breeding line, growers typically observe a balanced canopy structure and a hybrid effect profile.
The underlying Apple Fritter lineage traces to Sour Apple (often linked to Sour Diesel genetics) and Animal Cookies (a potent Cookies-family offshoot). These lines confer the confectionery, cookie-dough sweetness and a mild tart-fruity edge, while also carrying the dense trichome coverage for which Cookies descendants are known. The addition of ruderalis contributes hardiness, accelerated sexual maturity, and photoperiod independence.
From a chemotaxonomic perspective, Apple Fritter Auto often expresses a caryophyllene-forward terpene signature with limonene and myrcene as co-dominant contributors. Secondary terpenes typically include linalool, humulene, and pinene, which round out the pastry, citrus, and herbal briskness. This hybridization yields a layered bouquet that resonates with the “cookie, fruity, mint, earthy, citrus” descriptors found in marketplace listings.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Apple Fritter Auto plants tend to remain compact to medium in size, generally reaching 70–120 cm indoors and 80–140 cm outdoors under favorable conditions. Internode spacing is moderate, allowing light penetration without excessive stretch, especially under 18–20 hours of daily light. Leaves often present as medium-width hybrid fans with a balanced indica/sativa morphology.
Buds consolidate into thick, tight flowers—an attribute that can appear shockingly early in bloom for an autoflower. Vendor notes emphasize that once Apple Fritter Auto begins flowering, its buds bulk up very quickly, taking on a dense structure after just a couple of weeks. This fast calyx stacking is a hallmark of the line and a key reason behind its brisk finish.
The flowers exhibit a vibrant lime-to-forest green base, commonly with streaks of lilac or plum if nighttime temperatures drop by 5–10°C late in bloom. Copper-to-tangerine pistils weave through a sparkling carpet of glandular trichomes, often creating a frosted, almost sugar-dusted look. Mature trichome heads frequently shift from clear to cloudy with selective ambering by harvest time, signaling peak resin ripeness.
Aroma
Aroma is one of Apple Fritter Auto’s most compelling strengths, presenting as a layered pastry shop in miniature. Front notes often include warm bakery dough and vanilla-accented sweetness that evokes cookie batter fresh from the mixing bowl. A gentle tart apple nuance lifts the sweetness, adding complexity without turning sharp.
As the flower is broken up, a citrus twist—commonly lemon or sweet orange—intermingles with soft earth and a faint minty coolness. The mint element is typically subtle, perceived more on the exhale or after the jar is closed and reopened. Underneath, a peppery snap from beta-caryophyllene and a woodsy humulene/hop tone lend depth.
Terpene-driven aromas can intensify significantly during the last three weeks of bloom as total volatile content peaks. In controlled dry and cure conditions, the bouquet homogenizes into a cohesive “apple-cookie-citrus” profile with a clean herbal finish. With properly maintained humidity, these aromatics remain stable for months, though terpenes inevitably decline slowly over time.
Flavor
Flavor delivery mirrors the aroma but emphasizes bakery-sweet notes and creamy cookie dough tones at ignition. The inhale typically presents a sweet, fruity impression with a crisp apple-citrus accent, followed by a soft, buttery cookie note. On the exhale, a hint of mint and fresh herb peeks through, adding lift and preventing palate fatigue.
Earthy undertones from humulene and myrcene stabilize the sweetness, while caryophyllene contributes a gentle pepper finish on the back of the tongue. Vaporized at 175–190°C, the brighter citrus and apple components are more pronounced, and minty coolness is easier to perceive. Combustion slightly darkens the profile, nudging it toward toasted sugar and pastry crust.
Marketplace flavor summaries often read “citrus, cookie, earthy, fruity, mint,” which aligns closely with user reports in blind tasting sessions. Proper curing enhances syrupy, confectionary qualities and reduces chlorophyll harshness by 30–50% compared with rush-dried samples. Growers who employ a slow, cool cure consistently report better flavor persistence through the last third of a joint or session.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Autoflowering cultivars have narrowed the potency gap with photoperiod plants over the past five years, and Apple Fritter Auto exemplifies this trend. Typical total THC in well-grown samples ranges from 18–24% (180–240 mg/g), with standout phenotypes occasionally touching the mid-20s. Total CBD is usually low at 0.1–0.7% (1–7 mg/g), consistent with a THC-dominant modern hybrid.
Minor cannabinoids may include CBG at 0.4–1.2% and CBC trace levels around 0.1–0.3%, though these values fluctuate by phenotype and growing conditions. Environmental factors such as light intensity, DLI, and nutrient balance can move potency by several percentage points. In side-by-side indoor trials, increasing average flowering PPFD from 600 to 900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ can raise total cannabinoids by 5–15%, assuming temperature and CO2 are optimized.
Because autos finish rapidly, harvest timing is critical for targeting the desired THC:CBG ratio and subjective effect. Pulling at mostly cloudy trichomes with 5–10% amber often delivers the most energetic, creative profile. Allowing 20–30% amber deepens body relaxation, with a modest trade-off in perceived brightness and a potential 1–2% relative drop in measured THC as some oxidize to CBN.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
Total terpene content in properly grown Apple Fritter Auto often lands between 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, a robust range for autos. Beta-caryophyllene commonly leads the profile at 0.4–0.9%, contributing the warm spice and pepper signature. Limonene typically ranges 0.3–0.8%, brightening the blend with citrus zest and mood-elevating sparkle.
Myrcene is frequently present at 0.2–0.7%, offering earthy fruit and “weight” that some associate with a relaxing body sense. Secondary terpenes like linalool (0.05–0.2%), humulene (0.1–0.3%), and alpha/beta-pinene (0.05–0.2%) provide floral, hoppy, and pine-herbal support. Trace esters and aldehydes amplify the confectionary and apple-skin components, especially after a thorough cure.
Terpene ratios shift with environment, feeding, and curing practices. Cooler late-flower nights and gentle dry/cure protocols tend to preserve limonene and linalool, improving perceived sweetness by 10–20% in sensory panels. Conversely, high drying temperatures (>24°C) or ultra-dry cures (<55% RH) can reduce overall terpene load and mute the apple-cookie bouquet.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Consumer reports consistently describe Apple Fritter Auto as creative and euphoric up front, with a smooth slide into physically relaxing territory. A marketplace summary pegs the experience as creative, euphoric, long-lasting, and physically relaxing, which coheres with the strain’s balanced hybrid genetics. Onset via inhalation typically arrives within 2–5 minutes, with peak effects at 20–30 minutes and total duration of 2–4 hours depending on dose.
At moderate doses (5–10 mg inhaled THC), many users report uplifted mood, clearer focus, and enhanced sensory appreciation, which pairs well with music, cooking, or light creative work. At higher doses (15–25+ mg), body heaviness and couchlock potential increase, though even then the headspace often remains cheerful and calm. Users sensitive to THC should start low, as the cultivar’s potency can climb quickly with efficient vaporization.
Side effects are typical of high-THC hybrids: dry mouth, red eyes, and occasionally transient rapid heart rate or anxiety in susceptible individuals. Hydration and pacing doses can reduce the chance of overconsumption, as can selecting a more amber-forward harvest for those seeking sedative weight. Community ratings hover in the positive range; one catalog even lists Apple Fritter Auto with a score around 80/100, reflecting broad appeal for both flavor and effect.
Potential Medical Applications and Considerations
Given its THC-forward profile and caryophyllene/limonene-rich terpene mix, Apple Fritter Auto may offer utility for stress-related mood symptoms, appetite stimulation, and certain types of pain. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid that can bind to CB2, potentially contributing anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits in preclinical models. Limonene has been associated with mood elevation and stress relief in aromatherapy and animal studies, which dovetails with the cultivar’s uplifting onset.
Patients with neuropathic pain or migraine sometimes report meaningful acute relief from inhaled THC-dominant cannabis, often within minutes. Observational registries have documented short-term pain intensity reductions in the range of 20–50% after cannabis use, though these are not placebo-controlled and individual responses vary. The fast onset of vaporized flower and the multi-layered terpene profile make Apple Fritter Auto a candidate for such use cases, especially when rapid relief is desired.
For anxiety, the limonene and linalool content may help some users, but high THC can paradoxically exacerbate anxiety in others. Titrating in small increments (1–2 mg inhaled THC at a time) and choosing a harvest with slightly higher amber trichomes can nudge the effect toward calm. Patients with a history of psychosis, unstable cardiovascular conditions, or pregnancy should consult clinicians and consider avoiding high-THC products entirely.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Life cycle and timing: Apple Fritter Auto typically completes seed-to-harvest in 70–90 days, with many phenotypes finishing around days 75–85 under optimal indoor conditions. Vegetative growth is brief (approximately 2–4 weeks), with visible flowering often initiating by days 18–28 regardless of light schedule. A rapid bulk-up phase follows, and as vendor notes highlight, buds can become thick and tight within a couple weeks of bloom onset.
Light schedule: Autos thrive under extended photoperiods; 18/6 is the most common, with 20/4 sometimes boosting yields by 5–10% if temperatures and nutrition are dialed in. Target a flowering PPFD of 700–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and a DLI of roughly 30–40 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹. If adding CO2 (1,000–1,200 ppm), PPFD can be pushed to 1,000–1,100 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹, but heat and feed must be increased proportionally.
Environmental parameters: Ideal daytime temperatures are 24–27°C in early growth and 23–26°C in bloom, with a 3–5°C night drop. Relative humidity should track VPD targets: 65–70% for seedlings, 55–60% in early veg, 45–55% in early bloom, and 40–50% from week 6 onward. Good air exchange (30–60 air changes per hour in tents) and directional airflow help prevent microclimates in the dense bud zones.
Medium and pH: In soil, maintain pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. Coco/perlite mixes (70/30 or 60/40) deliver rapid growth and excellent oxygenation, often leading to 10–20% higher yields compared with soil when managed well. Living soil can produce superior flavor and terpene intensity, albeit with slightly slower growth and tighter nutrient windows.
Nutrition and EC: Autos prefer gentle feeding early on. Aim for EC 0.6–0.9 (300–450 ppm 500-scale) in seedlings, 1.1–1.5 in veg, 1.6–1.9 in early bloom, and 1.8–2.2 in late bloom, watching for leaf tip burn. Supplement calcium/magnesium when running high-intensity LEDs, especially in coco, to prevent interveinal chlorosis and blossom-end deficiencies.
Watering strategy: In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry before the next watering; in coco, frequent small irrigations that reach 10–20% runoff maintain stable EC and root oxygenation. Avoid overwatering during the first three weeks, as autos dislike root zone hypoxia, which can stunt the entire life cycle. Root zone temperatures of 20–22°C promote optimal nutrient uptake and prevent Pythium risk.
Containers and spacing: Final container sizes of 3–5 gallons (11–19 L) are typical indoors, yielding well without oversizing the root zone. Outdoors, 7–10 gallon (26–38 L) containers or raised beds enable full expression in sunny climates. Maintain at least 35–45 cm between plants indoors to allow lateral branch development and airflow.
Training: Low-stress training (LST) starting around day 15–20 can increase top exposure and even the canopy, often netting 10–25% yield gains. Light defoliation of large fan leaves blocking bud sites is useful, but avoid heavy stripping, especially during weeks 3–6, to prevent growth stalls. Topping can be done by experienced growers before day 20 but carries risk; most growers rely on bend-and-tie LST for autos.
Irrigation automation: Drippers or capillary mats help maintain consistent moisture, which autos favor due to their fixed timeline. In coco, 2–6 small irrigations per day during peak flower keep EC stable and encourage steady bulking. Monitor runoff EC; if it rises >0.2–0.3 EC above input, perform a light flush and rebalance feeding.
Yield expectations: Indoors, 450–600 g/m² is achievable under strong LED lighting with 18–20 hours of light, good VPD, and dialed nutrition. Outdoors, expect 60–150 g per plant depending on climate, container size, and sunlight hours (target 8–10+ direct sun hours/day). Buds tend to be tight and weighty; careful humidity control is essential to avoid botrytis in late weeks.
Climate suitability: Thanks to its rapid finish, Apple Fritter Auto fits short-season and higher latitude grows, often finishing before autumn rains. In hot climates, shading nets that trim peak PPFD by 10–20% during midday can reduce foxtailing while preserving terpenes. In cool climates, dark-colored pots and insulated root zones maintain metabolism and shorten total days to maturity.
CO2 and advanced controls: If enriching CO2, increase nutrient strength by 10–15% and maintain leaf temperatures in the 26–28°C range for best assimilation. Use oscillating fans to avoid boundary-layer stagnation and to reduce powdery mildew risk. Data logging temperature/RH at canopy level helps correlate environmental changes with growth rate and resin development.
Support and staking: The density of Apple Fritter Auto flowers often benefits from soft trellis netting or bamboo stakes to prevent branch collapse in weeks 6–9. Aim for a stable, open structure that carries weight while allowing airflow through colas. Regularly check interior sites for condensation or heat pockets.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing is best gauged by trichome maturity rather than breeder day counts alone. For a bright, energetic profile, chop when most trichomes are cloudy with 5–10% amber; for a heavier, more sedative effect, let amber reach 20–30%. Pistil color is a secondary indicator; aim for 80–95% oxidized pistils, but rely on magnified trichome checks.
Wet trimming exposes more plant surface area, accelerating drying but potentially sacrificing some terpenes; dry trimming preserves aromatics but requires controlled conditions to avoid mold. Many growers prefer a hybrid method: remove large fan leaves at chop, then hang whole plants or large branches. This approach slows the dry, smoothing chlorophyll breakdown and improving burn quality.
Drying targets known as the “60/60 rule” work well: 60°F (15.5–18°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days until small stems snap rather than bend. Curing proceeds in airtight containers with headspace and a small digital hygrometer, maintaining 58–62% RH for 3–8 weeks. Burp jars daily during week one, then every other day for weeks two and three, and weekly thereafter; water activity in the 0.55–0.65 range correlates with a smooth, flavorful smoke.
Properly dried and cured Apple Fritter Auto maintains terpene brightness for months if stored cool, dark, and airtight. Vacuum-sealed mylar or glass with humidity buffers extends shelf life and preserves the apple-cookie aromatics. Expect a 70–75% weight reduction from wet to dry material; plan post-harvest storage accordingly.
Pest, Disease, and IPM Strategy
Autoflowering timelines limit the window for curative interventions, making prevention the cornerstone of Apple Fritter Auto IPM. Implement cleanliness protocols: pre-filter intake air, quarantine new clones or plants, and sterilize tools between uses. Sticky cards and weekly leaf inspections catch early signs of fungus gnats, thrips, spider mites, or whiteflies.
Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) for gnats, predatory mites (Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus), and lacewing larvae can keep populations below damaging thresholds. Horticultural oils and soaps are best deployed in veg or very early flower; always test a leaf section before broader application. In living soils, top-dress with neem meal or insect frass to deter pests and boost plant immunity.
Disease considerations revolve around bud rot (Botrytis) due to the cultivar’s tight flower structure, particularly emphasized in vendor notes about rapid, dense bud formation. Maintain 40–50% RH in late bloom, ensure strong airflow, and avoid large temperature swings that cause condensation. Sanitize humidifiers and dehumidifiers regularly, and remove dead leaf material promptly to reduce inoculum sources.
Nutrient disorders in autos often stem from overfeeding during weeks 2–4; watch for clawing or burnt tips and reduce EC by 10–20% if noted. Calcium/magnesium deficiencies manifest as interveinal chlorosis and rusty spots—adjust Cal-Mag supplementation and pH to restore uptake. Keep runoff EC close to input EC to avoid salt buildup that can stall an autoflower’s finite timeline.
Phenotype Variability, Stability, and Seed Selection
Autoflower lines typically stabilize across multiple filial generations, but phenotype variation remains a reality, especially in terpene ratios and finish times. In Apple Fritter Auto, expect minor height variation (±15–25 cm), differences in cola density, and a spectrum from more citrus-apple forward to cookie-vanilla heavy. Most phenotypes, however, hold to the core dessert profile with a balanced hybrid effect.
When selecting seeds, look for recent production lots from reputable vendors to ensure high germination rates and vigor. Germination success rates of 90–98% are common with fresh, well-stored autoflower seeds under proper conditions. If your goal is uniform canopy height in a single tent, start 20–30% more seeds than you need and select for matching growth rates by day 14–21.
Keep detailed grow logs with dates, EC, pH, environmental readings, and photos. Over two or three cycles, you’ll identify the phenotypes that best match your space, lighting, and flavor preferences. Cloning autos is generally impractical due to their predetermined life cycle, making seed selection at the outset even more important.
Outdoors and Guerrilla Growing Considerations
Apple Fritter Auto’s 10–12 week life cycle adapts well to outdoor windows, enabling two to three successive runs in warm climates. Aim to sow after the last frost, with soil temperatures consistently above 12–14°C for brisk germination. In regions above 45° latitude, a mid-May planting often finishes by late July or early August, beating late-season mildew pressures.
Site selection matters: choose locations with at least 8 hours of direct sun, wind protection, and well-draining soil. A top-dress of high-quality compost and slow-release organic amendments feeds steadily without high-EC shock to autos. Water deeply but infrequently early on; later, switch to more frequent smaller irrigations during hot spells to prevent midday wilt.
Stealth growers appreciate the medium stature and rapid finish that limits exposure. Camouflage with companion plants like basil, marigold, or lavender, which also deter pests. For rain-prone climates, simple DIY hoop covers reduce bud rot risk during the final 2–3 weeks when the flowers are most dense and vulnerable.
Germination and Early Seedling Care
For germination, maintain seeds at 24–26°C with gentle moisture—paper towel in a baggie, rapid rooters, or directly into a pre-moistened medium each work well. Expect taproot emergence within 24–72 hours for fresh seeds, with 90%+ success under consistent conditions. Lightly dusting the planting hole with mycorrhizal inoculant can improve root vigor and nutrient uptake in the first three weeks.
Place seedlings under 200–300 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD for the first 5–7 days to prevent stretching, then ramp to 350–450 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ by day 10–14. Avoid overwatering at this stage; the top centimeter of medium should dry slightly between irrigations to encourage root expansion. Begin feeding at 0.6–0.8 EC once cotyledons fade and the first true leaves are established.
Because autos are on a clock, avoid transplant stress by sowing directly into final containers or transplanting once, early—ideally by day 7–10 from sprout. If you must transplant later, use gentle handling and water in with kelp or amino acid additives to reduce shock. Keep VPD on the mild side (0.8–1.0 kPa) to maintain steady transpiration without stress.
Data Points and Benchmarks for Growers
Indoor yield: 450–600 g/m² under high-efficiency LED, 18–20 hours light, with optimized VPD and nutrition. Outdoor yield: 60–150 g/plant depending on climate, sun hours, and container size. Height: typically 70–120 cm indoors; 80–140 cm outdoors with ample sun and root volume.
Seed-to-harvest timeline: 70–90 days, with many phenotypes finishing around day 75–85. Pot size: 11–19 L indoors; 26–38 L or raised beds outdoors. EC ranges: seedling 0.6–0.9; veg 1.1–1.5; early bloom 1.6–1.9; late bloom 1.8–2.2.
pH ranges: soil 6.2–6.8; coco/hydro 5.8–6.2. Climate: day temps 23–27°C bloom, 24–27°C veg; RH 40–50% late flower. Light intensity goals: 700–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ in bloom, DLI 30–40 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹.
Market Notes and Community Impressions
Retail and catalog descriptions consistently celebrate Apple Fritter Auto’s confectionary aroma and hybrid comfort. One seed marketplace highlights how quickly the buds develop density soon after flowering starts, a trait that growers confirm in side-by-side auto comparisons. Another catalog aggregates user descriptors—creative, euphoric, long-lasting, physically relaxing—and flavor notes—citrus, cookie, earthy, fruity, mint—aligning with broad consumer expectations.
Community ratings often land in the favorable band; a representative listing pegs it around 80/100, suggesting reliable satisfaction across grows and phenotypes. Growers praise the cultivar’s ability to maintain tight internodes and compact stature while still stacking significant mass. The primary caution raised repeatedly is the need for late-flower humidity management to protect those dense, sugar-coated colas.
For extractors, the cultivar’s trichome coverage and pastry aromatics make it a promising selection for terp-heavy solventless runs. Rosin yields from well-grown, fresh-frozen material commonly track in the 3–5% range by fresh-frozen weight, though results vary with washing protocol and cut timing. Properly dried trim and small buds also perform well in hydrocarbon or ethanol extraction, maintaining the apple-cookie signature when handled cold.
Responsible Use and Legal Considerations
Potency in the 18–24% THC range warrants mindful dosing, particularly for new consumers. Start with one or two short inhalations and wait at least 10–15 minutes before redosing; rapid titration helps avoid overshooting. Use in a safe environment, avoid driving or operating machinery, and be aware of delayed peaks with heavy inhalation sessions.
Legal status varies by jurisdiction and can change over time; always check current local laws before cultivating or possessing cannabis. Where medical programs exist, consult with a qualified clinician about potential interactions with medications, particularly sedatives, blood thinners, and antidepressants. Store cannabis secured and out of reach of children and pets, ideally in clearly labeled, child-resistant containers.
For odor-sensitive environments, consider carbon filtration and sealed storage to contain the bakery-sweet, fruity terpenes. Remember that repeated daily use can build tolerance; periodic breaks of 48–72 hours often reset subjective potency noticeably. As with all cannabis products, individual experiences differ and should guide personal best practices.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Auto brings the beloved bakery-box personality of its photoperiod predecessor into a fast, compact, and accessible package. Original Sensible Seeds’ autoflowering rendition integrates ruderalis timing without sacrificing the hybrid’s confectionary nose and layered effects. The result is a cultivar that satisfies flavor hunters and home growers seeking a high-end experience on a practical schedule.
From seed to jar, its story is one of speed and density: buds that set and thicken rapidly, a trait corroborated by vendor notes and countless grow journals. With total THC commonly in the high teens to mid-20s and terpene loads in the 1.5–3.0% range, the strain delivers both potency and personality. Manage humidity carefully, feed sensibly, and keep the canopy even, and Apple Fritter Auto will repay the attention with sugar-frosted colas and a memorable, apple-cookie finish.
For consumers, the experience balances creative lift with body ease, often lasting 2–4 hours and scoring well in community ratings. For patients, the caryophyllene/limonene-forward profile may support mood and pain goals, with the usual caveats about THC sensitivity. Whether grown indoors under high-efficiency LED or outdoors for a quick seasonal run, Apple Fritter Auto earns its place as a modern autoflower benchmark.
