Written by Ad OpsOverview and Heritage
Auto Alpujarreña is an autoflowering cannabis variety bred by Pyramid Seeds, designed to capture the resilient mountain character of the Andalusian Alpujarra while adding day‑neutral flowering from ruderalis. Its heritage is a true hybridized mix of ruderalis, indica, and sativa, with the final phenotype leaning slightly indica in structure and effect. Growers typically choose this strain for compact stature, fast turnaround, and reliable performance in temperate and cooler climates.
As an autoflower, Auto Alpujarreña generally completes its seed‑to‑harvest cycle in about 65–75 days under standard indoor conditions. Mature height usually falls between 50 and 100 cm, making it suitable for space‑constrained tents, balconies, and greenhouses. Reported indoor yields commonly land around 300–450 g/m², while outdoor plants often produce 30–100 g per plant depending on season length and sunlight intensity.
The strain’s core appeal comes from its mountain‑herb aromatics and balanced effect profile. Consumers describe the high as clear yet calming, with sufficient body ease to melt tension without fully couch‑locking at moderate doses. This balance, combined with fast finishing times, has made Auto Alpujarreña a practical choice for both beginners and experienced cultivators seeking dependable results.
History and Breeding
The Alpujarreña line originates from the Alpujarra region on the southern slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada, an area known for steep terrain and pronounced diurnal temperature swings. Elevations in traditional cultivation zones often range from 1,000 to 1,500 meters, with summer evenings dipping close to 10–12°C even after warm days. Landrace selections from this environment tend to favor quick flowering, sturdy stems, and tolerance to wind and cold.
Pyramid Seeds isolated desirable expressions from that photoperiod population and introduced ruderalis genetics to produce an autoflowering line. The breeding intent was to preserve the old‑world mountain character—herbal, piney aroma and brisk finish—while enabling growers to harvest independently of day length. Subsequent generational selection focused on stabilizing uniform height, predictable flowering onset, and a consistent flavor profile.
Modern seed lots reflect multiple generations of selection to standardize the day‑neutral trait and reduce phenotypic drift. While autoflowering lines can show slightly wider variability than long‑inbred photoperiods, most growers report cohesive canopy structure and synchronized maturation. This balance of stability and rustic vigor remains a defining feature of Auto Alpujarreña in small and mid‑scale gardens alike.
Genetic Lineage and Ruderalis Integration
Auto Alpujarreña is best understood as Alpujarreña landrace genetics crossed with a day‑neutral ruderalis donor and refined through backcrossing and selection. The ruderalis contribution contributes the autoflowering gene complex that disengages flowering from photoperiod cues. In practical terms, this means plants initiate bloom on an internal clock, usually around week 3–4 from sprout, regardless of light schedule.
Indica ancestry expresses through compact stature, thicker leaf blades early in vegetative growth, and moderate internodal spacing. Sativa influence often reveals itself in the brighter, pine‑citrus top notes and a clearer mental tone at low to moderate doses. The final chemotype tends to average moderate THC with low CBD and a terpene balance dominated by myrcene, caryophyllene, and pinene.
Because ruderalis genetics can reduce absolute potency if not carefully selected, breeders typically perform multi‑generation selections to retain target cannabinoid levels. Well‑executed autoflower conversions commonly achieve THC ranges similar to mid‑range photoperiods while improving resilience. Auto Alpujarreña follows that pattern, delivering practical potency with a dependable finish in less forgiving climates.
Botanical Appearance
Auto Alpujarreña forms a compact, bushy silhouette with a dominant central cola and several satellite branches. Internodes are moderate in length, rarely stretching excessively unless light intensity is low. Leaf shape starts broad and dark green, reflecting its indica influence, then may narrow slightly during bloom if sativa traits surface in a given phenotype.
Flowers are medium‑dense, with a calyx‑to‑leaf ratio that favors relatively easy trim while still offering enough leaf surface for resilience. Resin coverage is notable, forming a frosty layer across bracts by mid‑bloom that intensifies toward harvest. Under cooler night temperatures—common outdoors in late season—anthocyanins may express, adding lilac and burgundy hues to sugar leaves and occasionally to the bracts themselves.
Mature plants typically top out near 60–80 cm indoors when grown in 11–15 L containers, whereas outdoor individuals in warm, bright conditions can reach the upper end of the 90–100 cm range. The main cola is conical, with lateral buds forming uniform clusters that minimize popcorn formation if light penetration is adequate. Overall architecture is forgiving to light low‑stress training and responds well to supportive staking near the end of bloom.
Aroma
The dominant aromatic impression is that of mountain herbs and pine set against an earthy, mineral backbone. Myrcene contributes a musky base reminiscent of damp soil and wild thyme, while alpha‑pinene adds resinous conifer notes that lift the bouquet. A citrus accent—commonly lemon peel driven by limonene—appears after a proper cure, brightening the nose without turning candy‑sweet.
Freshly broken buds carry a clean, slightly peppered edge of beta‑caryophyllene that underscores the herbal tone. As flowers age in the jar, secondary aromas like gentle floral hints and a faint tea‑like dryness may emerge. Proper storage at 16–20°C and 55–62% relative humidity helps preserve these volatiles for months.
When plants are grown in cooler environments, the pine‑herb character often intensifies, likely due to altered terpene expression with lower night temperatures. Conversely, warmer finishing conditions may emphasize the lemon peel and faint sweetness. This environmental sensitivity adds a small but enjoyable variability vintage to vintage.
Flavor
On inhalation, Auto Alpujarreña delivers a clean, pine‑resin snap that quickly resolves into herbal earth and light citrus. The smoke is typically smooth when well‑cured, with a peppered tickle at the back of the palate courtesy of caryophyllene. Exhalation leaves a lingering note of crushed rosemary, wet stone, and a touch of lemon zest.
Vaporization reveals the terpene layers in a more defined sequence, with myrcene and pinene leading at lower temperatures and caryophyllene‑humulene rounding out at higher settings. Most users find 175–190°C on modern dry‑herb vaporizers highlights brightness without dulling the herbal baseline. At higher temps near 200°C, deeper earthy tones and a faint sweetness become more pronounced.
Extended curing for 4–8 weeks tends to smooth the pepper edge and knit the citrus into the herbal matrix. Over‑drying below 52% RH can flatten the profile, muting pine and diminishing perceived complexity. For maximum flavor persistence, target a stable 62% RH in airtight glass with minimal headspace and periodic burping during the first two weeks.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Pyramid Seeds positions this line as a moderate‑potency autoflower, and grower reports generally align with that expectation. Typical THC outcomes fall around 12–17% under standard indoor LEDs with adequate nutrition and environment. Outstanding runs with high light intensity and ideal harvest timing may push select phenotypes into the high‑teens.
CBD is usually low, commonly in the 0.2–0.8% bracket, maintaining a THC:CBD ratio that often exceeds 15:1. Minor cannabinoids like CBG can appear in the 0.2–0.6% range, a pattern seen in many modern autos where breeders select for balanced resin output. Total cannabinoids frequently register in the mid‑teens to low‑20s by weight.
Environment exerts a strong influence on final potency. Controlled studies and grower data alike show that higher daily light integral, optimized vapor pressure deficit, and appropriate harvest timing can raise THC content several percentage points. Conversely, heat stress above ~30°C, severe nutrient imbalance, or harvesting late into heavy amber trichomes may convert THC to CBN, softening intensity while adding drowsiness.
Terpene Profile and Minor Aromatics
Autoflower lines with mountain ancestry often lean myrcene‑dominant, and Auto Alpujarreña follows that template in many gardens. Aggregate reports suggest a total terpene content around 1.5–2.5% by dry weight, with myrcene as a frequent lead, supported by beta‑caryophyllene, alpha‑pinene, and limonene. Humulene, ocimene, and linalool often appear in trace to modest amounts, shaping the herbal and faintly floral edges.
Myrcene is associated with musky, earthy notes and is frequently linked to sedative synergy at higher levels. Beta‑caryophyllene, a selective CB2 agonist in preclinical research, contributes peppery warmth and may modulate inflammatory signaling. Alpha‑pinene imparts forest‑pine brightness and has been studied for bronchodilation and potential memory‑supporting effects in limited models.
Limonene drives the lemon peel accent and is often tied to uplift and stress relief in user reports, though controlled evidence is still developing. Humulene introduces a dry, hoppy counterpoint that complements caryophyllene and can subtly shape appetite perception. Taken together, this terpene mix explains the strain’s clean, herbaceous profile and measured, balanced experiential arc.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Auto Alpujarreña tends to open with a clear, lightly energizing headspace, quickly followed by a steady body ease that relaxes without heavy sedation at modest doses. Many users describe improved focus for routine tasks, yard work, or creative hobbies during the first hour. As the session progresses, muscle tension unwinds and the overall tone moves toward calm contentment.
At higher doses, the body effect deepens and can edge toward couch‑locking, especially near bedtime or after a physically demanding day. The mental profile remains friendly and grounded rather than racy, reflecting the moderate THC and herbal terpene composition. Expect a standard inhalation onset of 5–10 minutes with peak effects around 30–45 minutes and a total arc of 2–3 hours.
Common side effects mirror typical cannabis use: dry mouth and eyes are the most frequently noted, with occasional lightheadedness when standing quickly. Anxiety spikes are comparatively uncommon at moderate doses thanks to the balanced profile, but sensitive individuals should still start low. Because autoflower chemotypes can vary, first‑time users of a new harvest should titrate slowly to find their ideal range.
Potential Medical Applications
The strain’s moderate THC and myrcene‑caryophyllene‑pinene terpene balance make it a candidate for addressing muscle tension, stress, and mild to moderate nociceptive pain. Users seeking daytime relief without heavy sedation may appreciate its early clear phase, especially at low doses. In the evening, slightly higher doses can transition into restfulness that may support sleep onset.
Caryophyllene’s CB2 activity, documented in preclinical literature, suggests potential for inflammatory modulation, though human evidence remains limited. Pinene and limonene have shown early signals for alertness and mood support respectively, which may complement THC’s analgesic properties. Individuals with stress‑related headaches or neck and shoulder tightness often report relief during the first hour post‑inhalation.
Dosing guidelines should remain conservative, particularly for new or THC‑sensitive patients. Inhaled microdoses of 1–3 mg THC may provide functional daytime relief, while 5–10 mg can be reserved for evening wind‑down. Those with anxiety disorders should consider pairing low THC doses with calming rituals or non‑intoxicating CBD on alternate days to minimize sensitization.
As with any cannabis product, medical use should be coordinated with a licensed clinician, especially for patients on anticoagulants, sedatives, or antidepressants. Start‑low, go‑slow titration and symptom journaling over two to four weeks can clarify benefit‑risk balance. Avoid combining with alcohol or other CNS depressants when testing higher doses for sleep.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Outdoors, and Autoflower Strategy
Auto Alpujarreña excels in setups that prioritize consistency and gentle handling. As with most autos, it prefers to start in its final container to avoid growth stalls from transplant shock. For indoor runs, 11–15 L of high‑aeration media in fabric pots provides a strong balance of root volume and oxygenation.
An 18/6 to 20/4 light schedule is common from sprout to chop, with 18/6 offering excellent efficiency and plant recovery at night. Aim for a PPFD of 600–900 µmol/m²/s during peak vegetative growth and early bloom, translating to a daily light integral of roughly 35–45 mol/m²/day. Consistent light intensity across the canopy encourages a uniform finish and reduces bottom fluff.
Typical timing under optimized indoor conditions is 10–11 weeks door‑to‑door: 1–2 weeks seedling, 2 weeks pre‑flower stretch, and 5–6 weeks full bloom. Many growers see pistils by days 21–28, with bulk packing on rapidly thereafter. Outdoors, two to three successive runs per season are feasible in mild climates, particularly when starting seedlings indoors to gain a two‑week head start.
Hydration should favor moderate, frequent waterings to keep root oxygen high. Water to about 10–15% runoff in coco or light‑mix soils, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry before re‑irrigation. Autos typically dislike heavy overwatering during weeks 1–3; keeping the substrate lightly moist encourages steady root exploration.
Environmental Parameters and Nutrients
Aim for day temperatures of 24–26°C in veg and early bloom, easing to 22–25°C late in flower to preserve terpenes. Night temperatures of 18–21°C work well; the cultivar tolerates dips to 15–16°C without fuss, and brief excursions near 10–12°C outdoors late in season can coax purple hues. Target 60–70% RH in seedling stage, 50–60% in veg, and 45–55% in bloom, balancing with a VPD of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.0–1.4 kPa in flower.
In soil, maintain a pH of 6.2–6.8; in coco or hydro, 5.8–6.2 is ideal. Electrical conductivity can progress from 0.4–0.6 mS/cm in week 1, to 0.8–1.2 in veg, reaching 1.2–1.8 in mid‑bloom depending on cultivar appetite and light intensity. Supplement calcium and magnesium when using high‑intensity LEDs or coco, as autos often exhibit Ca–Mg hunger under bright conditions.
Nutrient strategy should front‑load gentle nitrogen in early vegetative growth, then pivot toward phosphorus and potassium from first pistils onward. Too much nitrogen in weeks 4–6 can retard bud formation and push leafy growth at the expense of density. Many growers report success with a bloom‑balanced ratio near N‑P‑K of 1‑2‑2 by mid‑flower, tapering nitrogen in the final three weeks.
Organic growers can thrive with a light, living soil enriched with compost, worm castings, and slow‑release inputs like fish bone meal and basalt for micronutrients. Top‑dress at first pistils and again two weeks later, watering in with aloe or kelp teas for biostimulants. Regardless of nutrient style, aim for even, incremental feeding—autos reward consistency over aggressive pushes.
Training, IPM, and Troubleshooting
Low‑stress training is the preferred approach for Auto Alpujarreña. Begin gentle tie‑downs once the plant has 4–5 nodes, opening the canopy and encouraging even light distribution. Topping is possible for experienced growers before day 18–20 from sprout, but it introduces risk; many opt for LST only to safeguard momentum.
Defoliation should be conservative—selectively remove large fan leaves that cast deep shade on productive lower sites, but avoid repeated heavy stripping. A single light cleanup around week 5 is usually sufficient. As flowers gain weight, use soft plant ties or a trellis net to prevent lean.
Integrated pest management starts in week 1 with a clean environment: sticky traps for monitoring, good intake filtering, and routine leaf inspections. In vegetative stages, weekly applications of neem or potassium salts of fatty acids can serve as preventatives, while beneficials like Phytoseiulus persimilis can control mites if detected. Outdoors, monitor for caterpillars and treat preventatively with Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki beginning at early flower.
Watch for common deficiencies: interveinal chlorosis may indicate magnesium issues, often intensified under LED lighting. Nitrogen excess manifests as overly dark, clawed leaves and can stall floral stacking; reduce N promptly if seen. If pistils brown prematurely and growth stalls, check for overwatering, heat spikes, or high EC buildup in the medium.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Assess readiness by combining trichome color and overall plant signals. For a balanced effect, harvest when most trichomes are cloudy with 5–15% amber, usually around days 68–75 from sprout indoors. Pistil color can guide but should not dominate the decision; calyces that appear swollen and stop producing fresh white pistils are a stronger sign.
A 7–10 day dry in 18–20°C and 55–60% RH preserves terpenes and avoids chlorophyll lock‑in. Use gentle air movement that circulates the room without directly hitting the flowers. Expect 70–80% weight loss from wet to dry, which is typical for resinous, medium‑density buds.
Once stems snap rather than bend, trim and jar the flowers at 62% RH using appropriate humidity packs if needed. Burp jars daily for 10–15 minutes during the first week, then every other day during week two, and weekly thereafter. Many growers note a clear improvement in smoothness and aroma integration after 3–4 weeks, with peak flavor around 6–8 weeks.
For long‑term storage, keep jars in a dark space at 15–18°C; avoid repeated temperature swings to reduce condensation risks. Over 6–12 months, THC slowly oxidizes to CBN, with studies indicating measurable potency declines if stored warm and in light. Proper storage significantly slows this degradation, helping maintain the mountain‑herb character that defines Auto Alpujarreña.
