Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Auto Black Domina Explosion emerges from Sputnik Seeds, a breeder known for compact, resin-heavy autos designed for reliability. The name nods to the classic Black Domina heritage and the explosive resin output that autoflower cultivators prize. It was built to deliver a dark, hash-forward indica experience in a rapid, low-maintenance package that favors growers with limited space or calendar windows. The ruderalis infusion transforms a famed photoperiod into a day-length–independent auto while preserving the old-world Afghan hash profile.
Autoflowering seeds surged in popularity over the last decade as indoor and balcony growers sought fast harvests without light schedule gymnastics. Retailers routinely list hundreds of beginner-friendly autos, and large catalogs now feature more than 250 easy-to-grow options for first-time growers. This broader industry trend created space for boutique breeders like Sputnik Seeds to refine heavy indica autos with reliable finishes. Auto Black Domina Explosion fits squarely into that movement, serving as an accessible route to classic indica effects.
The Black Domina name traces to 1990s seedbank work blending several celebrated indicas into a nearly pure indica phenotype. While Sputnik Seeds does not publish a full breeding ledger, the core idea is straightforward: start with a Black Domina–type mother and add a high-performing ruderalis donor. The result aims for an indica-dominant auto that sets flowers early, finishes quickly, and keeps the thick, oily resin that made the original famous. Maintaining flavor integrity while shortening lifecycle is the project’s central success metric.
Market expectations for autos have climbed as potency and terpene expression improved across the category. Contemporary autos can surpass 20 percent THC under strong lighting and optimal feeding, a benchmark once reserved for photoperiods. As an anchor point, hybrid autos like Sour Diesel Autoflower are advertised as reaching very high THC over 20 percent, demonstrating how far autos have come. Within this context, Auto Black Domina Explosion targets a potent yet manageable range, prioritizing flavor and body effect alongside raw potency.
Sputnik Seeds positions the cultivar as approachable for newer growers while still rewarding experienced hands with nuanced phenotypes. The brand’s focus on indica-leaning autos also aligns with consumer demand for evening-use flowers that encourage relaxation and sleep. Growers frequently report that indica autos are less temperamental than some sativa-leaning autos, which can stretch aggressively and demand stricter environmental control. By emphasizing a stocky structure and rapid finish, Auto Black Domina Explosion mirrors the core attributes that made autoflower breeding a global success story.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The declared heritage of Auto Black Domina Explosion is ruderalis and indica, with the indica portion reflecting the Black Domina family. Classic Black Domina is an aggregate of several powerhouse indicas, often cited as including Northern Lights, Ortega, Hash Plant, and Afghani lines. That pedigree is known for fast-flowering, dense buds, and a sedative, spice-laden resin profile. Bringing in ruderalis confers autoflowering while trimming the average days to harvest.
Ruderalis genetics are typically introduced at 20 to 40 percent of the genome, then backcrossed to restore terpene intensity and bud density. The precise ratio varies, but breeders strive to keep indica dominance above 70 to 80 percent to preserve the heavy body effect. The result is a plant that begins flowering after a brief vegetative window, independent of light schedule changes. Indica traits like broad leaves, short internodes, and compact form remain prominent.
In practice, this inheritance produces a short-to-medium plant that stacks colas tightly along a central stem. The calyx-to-leaf ratio tends to be favorable, a sign that the indica side is carrying its weight. Buds often display darker pigmentation due to anthocyanin expression that is more common among Afghan-derived lines. That visual signature pairs with thick trichome coverage and a classic hash aroma.
Breeding transparency in the auto sector varies, and some parents remain proprietary or unspecified in public materials. Genealogy databases routinely list unknown or undisclosed branches for numerous modern hybrids, especially where autoflower donors are concerned. This does not diminish interpretability; the phenotype reveals the priorities: fast finish, chunky flowers, and unmistakable indica effects. The ruderalis component here functions as a timing mechanism rather than the dominant driver of taste and effect.
Visual Appearance and Bud Structure
Auto Black Domina Explosion typically presents as a stocky plant with a stout central cola and symmetrical satellite buds. Indoors, heights of 60 to 100 centimeters are common when container size and light intensity are optimized. Internodal spacing is tight, leading to compact cola stacking that supports a high yield-to-footprint ratio. Leaves are broad and deep green, with some phenotypes showing nearly black sugar leaves late in flower.
Bud structure is dense and glassy with generous trichome coverage that sparkles under LED. Mature calyxes swell to form spearlike tops that can weigh 2 to 5 grams each when dried, depending on canopy management. Pistils cure to a copper or burnt-orange hue that contrasts against darker foliage and calyxes. A calyx-to-leaf ratio often in the 2:1 to 3:1 range translates to efficient trimming and fewer sugar leaves embedded in the bud.
Coloration can shift with temperature, especially in the last two weeks before harvest. Nighttime temperatures around 16 to 18 degrees Celsius may encourage anthocyanin expression without stressing the plant. The resulting purples and near-black patches contribute to the cultivar’s visual appeal and are often cited by growers as a hallmark. This effect is cosmetic but can help identify a phenotype with stronger Afghan influence.
Resin production is robust, forming a sticky sheen on bracts and sugar leaves by week six of bloom. Even small popcorn buds tend to be frosty, which is advantageous for dry sift or ice water hash yields. Under magnification, trichome heads mature to cloudy and then amber with minimal stem breakage when the plant is well-fed with calcium and magnesium. This resin output mirrors the Explosion label and aligns with consumer demand for extract-ready autos.
Aroma and Bouquet
The dominant aroma is a rich Afghan hash bouquet blending earth, pepper, and old-wood spice. Freshly broken buds release a pungent, slightly herbal top note that evokes pine cabinets and dried bay leaf. Underneath, there are darker layers reminiscent of cacao husk, leather, and faint blackberry. The overall nose is assertive but refined, with minimal grassy or green notes when cured carefully.
Comparisons to other autos help triangulate the scent profile. Retail descriptions of Afghan-leaning autos often cite herbal, pine-fresh, and minty fragrances layered with exotic spice, and Auto Black Domina Explosion falls near that axis. Caryophyllene-driven clove and pepper notes are prominent, while myrcene contributes the earthy, musky base. Limonene adds a subtle citrus lift that keeps the bouquet from becoming muddy.
During flowering, the plant is moderately high odor, especially from week five onward. Carbon filtration is recommended for indoor grows in shared spaces or odor-restricted housing. Outdoors, the scent carries on warm, still evenings and can reveal a crop to attentive neighbors. Stronger ventilation during lights-on and a sealed curing environment help manage the plume.
As the cure progresses into weeks two to four, the bouquet rounds out and the pepper-spice edges integrate into a cohesive hash-chocolate scent. The initial pine-herb edge softens, allowing more cocoa, cola, and berry undertones to emerge. Many growers prefer a minimum 21-day cure to unlock the full aromatic profile. At 6 to 8 weeks of cure, the bouquet is typically at its most complex and long-lasting.
Flavor and Palate
The flavor follows the nose with hashish, pepper, and dark earth leading the first draw. On a clean glass rig or well-cured joint, secondary notes of cacao nib, espresso, and faint blackberry appear on the exhale. The finish is lingering and slightly tannic, akin to dark chocolate or black tea. This structure supports repeated sips without palate fatigue.
Vaporization at 175 to 190 degrees Celsius highlights limonene and pinene, producing a brighter herbal-citrus impression. Raising temperature toward 200 degrees Celsius brings out caryophyllene and humulene, emphasizing clove, pepper, and woody resin. Combustion tends to merge these layers into a deeper, rounder flavor with a gentle spice bite in the retrohale. In all formats, the cultivar rewards a slow draw and long exhale to capture the deeper bass notes.
Phenotypic variation is modest, with most cuts landing on the hash-spice axis rather than fruit-forward territory. A minority express a more noticeable berry-floral accent that becomes more apparent with a patient cure. Regardless of pheno, a clean, cool dry and a steady 58 to 62 percent cure humidity preserve clarity and sweetness in the finish. Over-drying dulls the citrus edge and collapses complexity.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Black Domina Explosion is best understood as a potent indica-leaning auto that emphasizes total resin mass over sheer THC arms race. Grow diaries and lab snapshots for similar indica autos commonly place THC between 17 and 21 percent under average conditions. Highly optimized environments can push select autos above 20 percent THC, as evidenced by market examples where some autos are labeled very high. Within that context, a realistic outcome for this cultivar is a strong but composed potency that suits evening routines.
CBD is typically low, often registering below 1 percent for indica-dominant autos with a Black Domina pedigree. Trace minor cannabinoids such as CBG frequently appear in the 0.3 to 1.0 percent range, contributing to a rounder body effect. THCV, CBC, and others tend to be present at trace levels that are unlikely to dominate the experience. Total cannabinoids commonly fall in the 18 to 24 percent band when grow conditions are dialed in.
Potency is sensitive to lighting density, with photosynthetic photon flux density in the 600 to 800 micromole per square meter per second range supporting robust resin synthesis. Underpowered lighting consistently lowers measured THC and total cannabinoids, sometimes by several percentage points. Adequate calcium and magnesium under LED lighting also correlate with thicker cuticles and more resilient trichome heads. Stress avoidance during the brief vegetative stage is another key to preserving output.
Autos with indica dominance often test with a narrower THC range than highly hybridized sativa-leaning autos, reflecting stable ruderalis integration. In terms of user-facing potency, 5 to 10 milligrams of inhaled THC equivalents usually produces noticeable relaxation within 10 to 15 minutes. Effects typically peak by 45 to 75 minutes and remain present for two to three hours. Heavier doses extend duration but increase couch-lock and sedation.
Compared to other popular autos, this cultivar slots above Banana Kush Autoflower’s common 15 to 20 percent THC band and near the lower edge of very high THC autos. That balance makes it versatile for users who want strong relief without sacrificing flavor and smoothness. For extraction, the cultivar’s resin density is an advantage, often delivering competitive returns in dry sift and ice water methods. Fresh-frozen runs highlight the pepper-chocolate side of the profile.
Terpene Profile and Minor Aromatics
The terpene ensemble centers on beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, consistent with many Afghan-derived indicas. Typical lab ranges for similar indica autos show myrcene at 0.4 to 1.0 percent, beta-caryophyllene at 0.2 to 0.7 percent, and limonene at 0.1 to 0.4 percent by dry weight. Humulene often appears between 0.05 and 0.2 percent, adding woody, hops-like undertones. Linalool can show at 0.02 to 0.1 percent, contributing a faint lavender sweetness and anxiolytic nuance.
This distribution tracks with broader market observations. Strains marketed for calming and sleep commonly feature the same triad of caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool found in many sedating varieties. Caryophyllene is unique in its ability to bind to CB2 receptors, offering anti-inflammatory potential that complements THC’s analgesic action. Myrcene’s musky base acts as the glue, linking spice and citrus into a cohesive hash profile.
Comparative terpenomics highlights the berry shadow in the background. For example, some berry-leaning autos rank limonene and beta-caryophyllene among their top terpenes, occasionally with terpinolene present for a fruitier edge. Auto Black Domina Explosion generally keeps terpinolene as a minor player, maintaining the heavier hash-spice footprint. This produces a more robust, night-time character versus overt fruitiness.
Minor contributors such as ocimene, nerolidol, and guaiol may appear at trace levels depending on phenotype and grow conditions. These can subtly alter perception, adding a hint of sweetness, tea-like dryness, or resinous wood. Environmental steering, such as cooler late-flower nights and careful curing, tends to increase perceived depth and length. Overly warm, rapid dries compress the top end and mute complexity.
For cultivators and formulators, the terpene balance suggests several product directions. Full-spectrum extract preserves the peppery caryophyllene punch and deep myrcene floor, ideal for nighttime vape blends. Hash rosin at low press temperatures retains more limonene and linalool, improving flavor brightness. In edibles, terpene retention is lower, but the underlying cannabinoid profile still yields a soothing, body-forward effect.
Experiential Effects and Use Patterns
Expect a fast-onset body melt that migrates from shoulders and neck down the spine within 10 to 15 minutes of inhalation. A gentle euphoria cushions the mental space without racing thoughts, encouraging quiet focus, music appreciation, or conversation in low-light settings. As the session progresses, muscle slackening and eye heaviness become more pronounced. Users often describe a steady glide into tranquility rather than a sudden drop-off.
The middle phase is characterized by loose limbs and a calm head, with minimal sensory distortion beyond warmer tactile perception. Appetite stimulation is mild to moderate and tends to emerge later in the session. At higher doses, couch-lock is likely, especially when combined with a heavy meal. Sleepiness is common by the 90-minute mark, making the strain better suited to evening use.
Side effects are standard for potent indicas: dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasional orthostatic lightheadedness if standing quickly. Staying hydrated and avoiding sudden postural changes reduce discomfort. Novice users should start low, aiming for one to three inhalations or a 5 to 10 milligram edible dose. Many jurisdictions define 10 milligrams as a standard unit for edibles, which aligns with a manageable starting point for new consumers.
For social settings, the cultivar works best in relaxed, seated environments with ambient music or film. Creative tasks that benefit from slower pacing, like sketching or music production, can pair well at low doses. Physical recovery after training or manual labor is another frequent use case due to the strain’s muscle-easing quality. Driving or complex machinery operation should be avoided until effects fully resolve.
Potential Medical Applications
The indica-forward profile and terpene composition suggest utility for pain, sleep, and stress-related symptoms. Beta-caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 receptors aligns with inflammation modulation, potentially supporting chronic pain management. Myrcene has been associated with sedative and muscle-relaxant properties, which many patients find helpful for nighttime discomfort. Linalool’s documented anxiolytic influence, even at low levels, rounds out the calming effect.
Patients with conditions like fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and low-back pain may appreciate the strain’s steady body relief. Neuropathic pain can respond to THC-rich profiles through central modulation of pain pathways, though individual results vary. The cultivar’s low CBD content encourages pairing with CBD tinctures for users who prefer a broader spectrum. In practice, some find a 2:1 THC to CBD ratio at bedtime balances relief and clarity.
Insomnia sufferers often benefit from a 60 to 120-minute pre-sleep window, allowing the peak to coincide with lights-out. A modest inhaled dose followed by a warm bath or stretching routine can compound relaxation. For persistent sleep onset issues, an edible at 5 to 10 milligrams THC with a small inhaled booster 60 minutes later is a common pattern. Overconsumption can fragment sleep, so titration is key.
Anxiety and stress relief are plausible, especially in situational contexts after work or school. Rapid-onset calm can interrupt rumination and muscle tension when used mindfully. Individuals prone to THC-induced anxiety might prefer microdosing or pairing with calming activities and familiar environments. As always, medical use should be guided by personal response and, where applicable, clinician input.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Auto Black Domina Explosion is engineered for ease, making it a strong candidate for first-time growers while still rewarding advanced techniques. From sprout to harvest, a 65 to 80-day life cycle is typical, with most phenotypes finishing around days 70 to 75. The plant’s compact form suits tents, closets, and balconies with minimal vertical clearance. While resilient, autos have a brief vegetative window, so early stress can reduce final yield.
Germination and early seedling care are straightforward. Soak seeds for 12 to 18 hours in room-temperature water, then transfer to a moist paper towel until a 0.5 to 1.0 centimeter taproot emerges. Expect 24 to 72 hours for cracking when using fresh stock; experienced growers often report 90 percent or better success with proper technique. Plant taproot-down into a lightly moistened medium and maintain 24 to 26 degrees Celsius with gentle airflow.
Pick a light, airy medium to maximize oxygen at the root zone. High-quality soilless mixes with 30 to 40 percent perlite or volcanic rock encourage rapid root expansion in the first two weeks. For soil, aim for pH 6.0 to 6.5; for coco or hydro, keep pH between 5.8 and 6.2. Seedlings prefer an electrical conductivity of 0.6 to 0.8 mS/cm, increasing gradually as growth accelerates.
Container size influences plant size in autos. A final pot of 11 liters, roughly 3 gallons, balances root volume and rapid uptake, producing heights of 60 to 100 centimeters. Transplanting autos can shock them, so many growers start directly in the final container or use a single up-pot within the first 10 to 14 days. Overwatering is the most common mistake; water to runoff only when the top 2 to 3 centimeters are dry.
Lighting density is decisive for both potency and yield. Provide 18 hours on and 6 hours off for the entire run, or 20 on and 4 off for maximum speed if heat is controlled. Target 300 to 400 micromoles per square meter per second PPFD in the first two weeks, 500 to 700 in mid-veg to preflower, and 700 to 800 in bloom. These ranges produce a daily light integral near 35 to 45 mol/m²/day in flower, supporting high resin output without oversaturation.
Environmental ranges that favor this cultivar follow general indica-auto standards. Keep daytime temperatures at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius in veg and early flower, dropping to 22 to 24 later in bloom. Nighttime temperatures can run 2 to 4 degrees cooler, with a final two-week drop to 18 to 20 at night to encourage color. Relative humidity should be 60 to 65 percent in early veg, 50 to 55 percent in mid-flower, and 45 to 50 percent late to deter mold.
Feeding should be modest early and strong but balanced in bloom. Aim for EC 0.8 to 1.0 in weeks 1 to 2, 1.2 to 1.4 in weeks 3 to 4, and 1.5 to 1.8 in weeks 5 to harvest, adjusting to plant feedback. LED grows often benefit from supplemental calcium and magnesium at 0.5 to 1.0 mL/L to avoid interveinal chlorosis. Shift from nitrogen-forward feeds to phosphorus and potassium emphasis by week 4, supporting calyx swell and terpene synthesis.
Training autos favors gentle techniques due to the fixed timeline. Low-stress training that bends the main stem at the 4th or 5th node spreads the canopy and increases light penetration. Avoid topping after day 21 to 24 from sprout; late topping can stall growth and reduce final yield. Limited defoliation is helpful, but remove only a few large fans per session and allow recovery time.
A week-by-week rhythm offers structure. Days 0 to 7: germination and cotyledons, low PPFD, minimal nutrients. Days 8 to 21: explosive root growth; introduce LST, gradually increase feed to EC 1.2; maintain 60 percent RH. Days 22 to 35: preflower and early pistils; stabilize canopy; begin bloom feed; humidity down to 55 percent.
Days 36 to 56: full flower; PPFD in the 700 to 800 range; watch for potassium and magnesium demand; aggressive odor control becomes important. Days 57 to 70+: late flower and ripening; lower humidity to 45 to 50 percent; avoid heavy defoliation to preserve energy. Many phenotypes are ready between days 68 and 75 with milky trichomes and 10 to 20 percent amber. Extending to higher amber percentages deepens sedation but can dull some brightness in flavor.
Expected yields depend on canopy management and environment. Indoors, 350 to 500 grams per square meter is attainable with even coverage and dialed-in lighting. Single-plant yields of 50 to 130 grams are common in 11-liter containers with efficient LST. Outdoors in full sun, multiple harvests per season are possible due to the day-length independence, with one plant finishing roughly every 10 to 11 weeks.
Pest and disease prevention is easier than cure. Sticky traps, weekly scouting, and clean intake filters reduce pressure from fungus gnats and spider mites. Maintain steady airflow with oscillating fans to disrupt microclimates where powdery mildew thrives. If issues arise, biological controls like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for gnats and predatory mites for spider mites are effective and gentle.
Harvest, dry, and cure are critical for flavor and smoothness. Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with a desired level of amber, typically 10 to 20 percent for balanced sedation. Dry in 18 to 20 degrees Celsius at 55 to 60 percent relative humidity with gentle airflow for 10 to 14 days. Cure in airtight jars at 58 to 62 percent humidity for at least 21 days, burping as needed; the bouquet deepens through weeks 4 to 8.
Odor management cannot be overlooked. A properly sized carbon filter and fan matched to tent volume will control the spice-heavy plume in late flower. Negative pressure in the tent ensures all exhaust passes through filtration. For stealth grows, consider an inline ozone generator in the exhaust path, used carefully to avoid plant exposure.
Beginners should take confidence from the cultivar’s resilience. Autos are a staple category for first-time growers because the light schedule stays simple and the time horizon is short. Large seed retailers highlight beginner-friendly autos for exactly these reasons, reflecting the category’s growth and accessibility. Auto Black Domina Explosion plugs into that ecosystem while offering a mature, hash-forward experience that feels anything but entry-level.
