Written by Ad OpsOverview of Auto Critical +
Auto Critical + is an autoflowering hybrid developed by BSB Genetics to deliver the legendary productivity and reliability of Critical genetics in an easy, fast, and compact package. As a ruderalis/indica/sativa cross, it leans toward an indica-structured plant with hybrid vigor and a balanced head-body effect. Its goals are simple: consistent yields, rapid seed-to-harvest, and a flavor profile that marries sweet skunk with a clean, herbal-citrus lift.
For growers, Auto Critical + is designed to be forgiving and uniform, thriving under a wide range of environments and feeding regimens. Indoors, most phenotypes finish in 70–85 days from seed, with canopy heights typically between 60–100 cm in soil and a bit shorter in coco or hydro. These plants are often used by new growers as a first successful auto and by experienced cultivators as a dependable production workhorse.
The strain’s strengths mirror its pedigree: dense colas, resinous calyxes, and a terpene profile that keeps the classic Critical sweetness while adding modern brightness. While potency varies by phenotype and environment, contemporary autos derived from Critical genetics frequently test in the mid-to-high teens for THC, with standout phenos surpassing 20%. Growers frequently choose Auto Critical + as a feeder-friendly cultivar that responds well to moderate training without losing time-sensitive momentum.
Breeding History and Origins
BSB Genetics approached Auto Critical + with a focus on stabilizing the core traits that made Critical and Critical+ household names. The original Critical line is often traced to Big Bud x Skunk #1, two pillars of 1990s European cannabis breeding prized for yield, flavor, and speed. By introducing a vigorous ruderalis donor and backcrossing for flavor and density, BSB aimed to lock in the Critical profile while securing day-neutral flowering.
The result is an autoflower that honors Critical’s high-caliber production under less-than-perfect conditions. Early selection emphasized uniform internode spacing, robust lateral branching, and high calyx-to-leaf ratios to simplify trimming. Across test runs, breeders prioritized phenotypes that started flowering decisively by weeks 3–4 and finished reliably in under 12 weeks.
Autoflowering cannabis has matured rapidly over the last decade, and Auto Critical + emerged as part of a new wave of autos that close the performance gap with photoperiods. In practice, that means improved cannabinoid ceilings, thicker trichome coverage, and richer terpene expression than first-generation autoflower releases. BSB’s approach aligns with these improvements, delivering a cultivar that performs predictably indoors and outdoors while sustaining Critical’s commercial appeal.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Critical + inherits three functional pillars: indica structure from Big Bud heritage, skunky-sweet aromatics from Skunk #1, and the day-neutral flowering trait from Cannabis ruderalis. The indica side typically drives compact growth, heavy colas, and efficient light-to-bud conversion. The sativa influence contributes a lift in the head effect and adds brightness to the terpene profile, especially in phenotypes with stronger limonene and ocimene expression.
Ruderalis brings the critical trait: flowering that initiates by age rather than photoperiod. In well-optimized rooms, plants show preflowers around day 18–21, with a clear transition to bloom by day 24–28. This age-driven flip compresses the production cycle but requires timing discipline—training windows and nutrition ramps must align with the plant’s clock, not the light schedule.
The genetic blueprint typically produces three observable phenotypes. A compact indica-leaning pheno (about 40–50% of seeds) stacks dense, golf-ball nodes and finishes at the short end of the timeline. A balanced hybrid pheno (30–40%) shows a slightly taller frame, broader terps, and the best yield-to-effort ratio. A faster, more ruderalis-influenced pheno (10–20%) can finish a week early with slightly lower density and milder potency but impressive reliability outdoors.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Auto Critical + usually forms a medium-height central cola with 3–5 strong laterals that reach a uniform canopy under light training. Internodes are moderate, typically 3–5 cm apart on the main stem in high-light indoor conditions, and 5–7 cm in lower light. Fan leaves start broad and rich green, with many plants developing lighter lime highlights as they accelerate into bloom.
Flowers develop with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, making hand-trimming efficient. Pistils start pearl white and often mature to amber-orange, setting off the lime-to-emerald bracts beneath. The resin layer builds early, with visible trichomes by the end of week 4 from seed and significant frost by week 6.
By late bloom, the top colas can become quite chunky, especially on the indica-leaning pheno. This density is a hallmark of Critical lines and calls for strong airflow to avoid microclimates in tight canopies. Expect medium-thickness sugar leaves and minimal leaf clutter around mature calyx clusters, aiding both light penetration and post-harvest processing.
Aroma: From Stem Rub to Jar
The aroma arc evolves in stages, beginning with a stem-rub note of sweet herbal skunk and faint citrus zest around week 3. As flowering intensifies, the bouquet gains weight, interweaving ripe fruit candy, fresh-cut wood, and hints of pepper. In late bloom, sweet skunk dominates, softened by a creamy, almost vanilla-honey roundness in some phenotypes.
Growers frequently note a bright top-end reminiscent of lemon peel or sweet orange. This is likely driven by limonene and supporting monoterpenes that lift the classic Critical profile. In carbon-filtered rooms, odor is manageable early but ramps sharply in the final 2–3 weeks, warranting robust odor control.
Once cured, the jar aroma settles into layered sweetness with skunky backbone and a clean, zesty top. The sweeter phenos can smell like candied citrus drifting over a woody, herbal core. Balanced phenos retain more pepper and spice, suggesting a bigger role for beta-caryophyllene and humulene.
Flavor and Consumption Characteristics
On inhalation, Auto Critical + typically opens with a sweet skunk note fused to gentle citrus and fresh herbs. The mid-palate often shows soft wood, light pepper, and faint floral sweetness, especially in vaporization where lighter volatiles are preserved. On the exhale, many users report a creamy-sweet finish that lingers with a subtle tang.
Combustion expresses the heavier side of the terpene spectrum, with more skunk and spice. Vaporization at 175–190 C accentuates the top notes and can reveal a hidden candy-like brightness. At higher vapor temps (195–205 C), expect stronger caryophyllene-driven warmth and a thicker, more resinous mouthfeel.
Harshness is generally low if plants are properly flushed and dried slowly. A 60/60 dry (60 F/60% RH) for 10–14 days followed by a 4–6 week cure tends to smooth the profile and amplify sweetness. After curing, flavor stability remains solid for several months when stored at 58–62% RH in a cool, dark place.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Expectations
Potency in Auto Critical + reflects the gains made by modern autos, though environment remains a major variable. Contemporary Critical-derived autos commonly test in the 16–20% THC range, with optimized indoor grows and standout phenotypes occasionally pushing into the low 20s. CBD is typically low, often 0.1–0.8%, which leaves the experience driven by THC plus terpene modulation.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG may appear around 0.3–1.0%, with small amounts of CBC and THCV occasionally reported. These trace components can subtly adjust the feel, smoothing edges and adding a bit of clarity to the head effect. Even small shifts in minor cannabinoid ratios may be felt in autos due to the strong role terpenes play in the entourage effect.
Growers seeking maximum potency should target stable environmental parameters, high DLI (daily light integral), and meticulous harvest timing. Pulling at ~5–10% amber trichomes often balances potency and flavor while avoiding excessive degradation to CBN. Overripe harvests push sedative qualities higher due to THC oxidation but generally reduce perceived intensity.
Terpene Profile: Dominance, Synergy, and Typical Ranges
Auto Critical + expresses a terpene ensemble consistent with Critical lineage: myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene tend to lead, with humulene, ocimene, and linalool providing accents. In many Critical-based autos, total terpene content commonly lands around 1.5–2.5% of dry weight under careful cultivation. Myrcene often ranges 0.4–0.8%, limonene 0.2–0.6%, and beta-caryophyllene 0.1–0.4%, though phenotypic variation is expected.
Myrcene contributes the sweet, herbal base and can enhance the perceived body relaxation. Limonene lends the citrus lift and is frequently associated with mood elevation and a sense of cleanliness in the palate. Beta-caryophyllene adds peppery warmth and interacts with CB2 receptors, which some users associate with calming or anti-inflammatory impressions.
Humulene and ocimene are less dominant but meaningful. Humulene introduces a woody dryness that reins in sweetness, while ocimene adds a ripe, fruity shimmer that some tasters interpret as candy-like. In a minority of phenos, linalool rises enough to add a mild lavender-like roundness, smoothing edges on the overall bouquet.
Experiential Effects and Onset
The onset is usually brisk for an auto hybrid, with a noticeable head lift within minutes of inhalation. Early effects lean upbeat and functional, consistent with a limonene-forward profile that many users describe as clear and motivating. After 20–30 minutes, the body effect takes a more central role, adding warmth behind the eyes and shoulders without heavy couch-lock at moderate doses.
At higher doses, the indica backbone becomes more prominent, mellowing the pace and inviting relaxation. The mental tone remains approachable, rarely overwhelming unless very potent phenotypes are pushed hard. Session users often find the strain adaptable—good for daytime in small amounts and reliable for evening wind-down in larger doses.
Duration commonly runs 2–3 hours for inhaled routes, with the functional plateau arriving around the 45–90 minute mark. As the peak fades, a calm clarity often remains, allowing users to return to tasks without grogginess. Edible preparations shift the balance toward deeper body effects and longer duration, as with most THC-dominant strains.
Potential Medical Applications and User Reports
Auto Critical + is frequently chosen by users seeking a balanced relief profile that does not incapacitate daytime function. Anecdotal reports point to mood support and stress reduction, potentially linked to limonene and beta-caryophyllene synergy with THC. The body relaxation can assist with muscle tension and everyday discomfort, especially when vaporized at slightly higher temperatures to engage heavier terpenes.
For users sensitive to anxiety, the approachable headspace at moderate doses is often appreciated. As with any THC-forward cultivar, dose titration is important—small, spaced sessions can maintain clarity while delivering symptom relief. In evening settings, larger doses may aid sleep onset thanks to the strain’s myrcene-rich base and gently sedative end-of-plateau.
While formal clinical data for this specific cultivar are limited, the terpene and cannabinoid patterns align with strains commonly used for stress, mild pain, and appetite support. Users seeking anti-inflammatory or GI-related modulation sometimes report comfort from the presence of beta-caryophyllene and humulene. Individuals with low THC tolerance or those on medications should consult a clinician and begin with very small doses to assess personal response.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Autoflower fundamentals: plan the entire run around a 70–85 day seed-to-harvest arc. With no photoperiod control, timing is your best friend—transplant early, train early, and avoid major stress after day 21. A stable environment with strong light, steady VPD, and consistent root-zone moisture is the path to reliable yields and potency.
Lighting and DLI: Autos thrive under 18/6 or 20/4. Indoors, target 400–600 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early veg and 600–800 µmol/m²/s through bloom; advanced setups with CO2 at 800–1,000 ppm can run 800–900 µmol/m²/s. Aim for a DLI of 35–45 mol/m²/day, which typically maximizes autos without pushing them into stress.
Environment and VPD: Keep day temps at 24–27 C and nights 18–22 C, with RH 55–65% in veg and 45–55% in bloom. Favor a VPD of ~0.9–1.1 kPa in early growth and 1.2–1.5 kPa in late bloom for density without mold pressure. Strong, oscillating airflow and frequent canopy reshaping minimize microclimates around fat Critical-style colas.
Medium and containers: In soil, use a light, airy blend with 20–30% perlite; in coco, maintain frequent fertigation to prevent drybacks. Start seeds directly in their final containers to avoid transplant shock—11–18 L (3–5 gal) pots are ideal for indoor, 20–40 L for outdoor. Fabric pots help oxygenate the root zone and keep autos metabolically active.
Nutrition and EC: Autos prefer steady, modest feeding. In coco/hydro, ramp EC from 1.0–1.2 early to 1.6–1.8 peak bloom, then taper to 0.8–1.0 during the final flush. In soil, avoid overfeeding nitrogen past week 5; keep Ca/Mg support consistent if using RO or soft water, and monitor runoff pH (5.8–6.2 in coco, 6.2–6.6 in soil).
Irrigation strategy: Keep early moisture gentle and frequent rather than heavy and infrequent. Autos dislike prolonged saturation, especially during days 7–21 when roots establish. In coco, multiple small feeds per day work well; in soil, water to ~10–15% runoff when top 2–3 cm feel dry.
Training and plant handling: Low-stress training (LST) from days 12–25 is the safest yield booster—spread the canopy, avoid kinks, and maintain a flat light surface. Topping is possible on vigorous phenos if done once around day 14–18, but skip it if growth is slow; a single top can delay finish by 3–5 days. Defoliation should be light and targeted—remove only leaves that block key sites, and avoid heavy stripping after day 28.
Pest and disease management: Dense Critical flowers merit proactive IPM. Maintain clean intakes, sticky cards, and weekly leaf inspections—especially under leaves where mites and thrips establish. Keep RH in check, prune inner fluff, and ensure 360-degree airflow to deter powdery mildew and botrytis in late bloom.
Harvest timing: Begin checking trichomes around day 63, with many plants hitting the sweet spot at days 70–80. For a brighter, more uplifting effect, harvest around mostly cloudy with 0–5% amber; for deeper body weight, target 5–15% amber. Pistil color is a clue but not a rule—use a jeweler’s loupe or microscope for accuracy.
Dry and cure: Employ the 60/60 method—60 F (15.5 C), 60% RH—for 10–14 days, or stretch to 21 days if buds are very dense. After dry trim, jar at 62% Boveda or similar, burping daily for week one, then every few days for weeks two and three. Flavor, smoothness, and perceived potency often improve for 4–8 weeks as terpenes equilibrate and chlorophyll byproducts dissipate.
Yield Expectations, Timelines, and Phenotype Management
In optimized indoor environments with 18/6 or 20/4 lighting, Auto Critical + routinely yields 450–600 g/m² using multiple plants in 11–18 L pots. Skilled growers running high DLI, CO2 enrichment, and precise irrigation report even higher outcomes, but the typical home grower can reliably exceed 100 g per plant with sound technique. Outdoors, expect 50–200 g per plant depending on latitude, season length, and pot size.
Time-to-harvest commonly falls between 70–85 days from seed, with compact phenos finishing on the early end and taller phenos requiring a week more. The ruderalis-forward phenotype, while slightly less dense, can finish as early as 63–70 days and is valuable in short-season climates. Staggering sow dates by 10–14 days can ensure successive harvests and smoother post-harvest workload management.
Maintain uniform canopies by selecting plants with similar vigor at day 14 and adjusting LST accordingly. If one plant surges, reposition it or slightly reduce its light intensity to keep the canopy level. A level canopy raises average PPFD across tops and typically adds 10–20% to yield compared to uneven frames.
Comparative Context: Lessons from Auto Critical Orange Punch
The wider autobloom landscape shows what modern genetics can do, and Critical-based autos have been standouts. Dutch Passion’s Auto Critical Orange Punch, for example, earned a High Times Top-10 placement in 2018 and has remained a top-seller, underlining how far autos have come. Their published grow stories include an eye-catching 1.4 kg dry harvest from a single auto, highlighting the ceiling of what optimized conditions and elite genetics can achieve.
Although Auto Critical Orange Punch is a different cultivar with a distinctly tangy orange-citrus terpene profile, the shared Critical ancestry offers instructive parallels. Both aim for hefty production, bright top notes, and approachable effects. For Auto Critical + growers, this context shows that disciplined environment control—high DLI, stable VPD, and dialed-in nutrition—can unlock performance levels once thought exclusive to photoperiods.
It is important not to conflate the two cultivars or assume identical flavor and potency. Auto Critical + leans toward sweet skunk with citrus-herbal accents rather than the bold orange rind of the Dutch Passion variety. Still, the accolades and performance benchmarks from the broader Critical auto family set an aspirational target for what is possible with careful cultivation.
Step-by-Step Grow Calendar (Example 11-Week Schedule)
Days 1–7: Germinate directly in final pots. Maintain 24–26 C, RH 65–70%, gentle 300–400 µmol/m²/s light. Keep medium evenly moist, not soaked; consider a light root stimulator.
Days 8–14: Increase light to 400–500 µmol/m²/s, begin light LST if nodes stack tightly. Start feeding at EC 1.0–1.2 (coco) or a light soil feed, ensuring Ca/Mg sufficiency. Aim RH 60–65% and VPD ~0.9–1.0 kPa.
Days 15–21: Continue LST; optional single top for vigorous phenos around day 16–18. Raise PPFD to 550–650 µmol/m²/s, EC 1.2–1.4. Watch for preflowers by day 18–21, and prune only large fan leaves that block top sites.
Days 22–35: Transition to early bloom; reduce nitrogen slightly and emphasize P/K balance. Move PPFD to 650–750 µmol/m²/s, RH 55–60%, VPD ~1.1–1.2 kPa. Maintain even moisture; avoid transplanting or heavy defoliation.
Days 36–56: Full flower—keep EC 1.5–1.8 (coco) or moderate soil feed. Manage RH at 45–55% with strong airflow, and consider CO2 800–1,000 ppm if available. Support heavy branches with stakes or nets to prevent lodging.
Days 57–70+: Monitor trichomes, taper feed as you approach your preferred maturity. Reduce RH to 45–50% and slightly lower temps before lights off to improve color and resin stability. Flush lightly in coco (3–7 days) or water-only in soil for 7–10 days if your nutrient program calls for it.
Risk Management: Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Overwatering early is the most frequent yield killer in autos—err on the side of light, frequent moisture during the first three weeks. Next is late or aggressive training; keep LST gentle and complete by day 25 to avoid stalling. Heavy defoliation past day 28 can slow bud swell and reduce terpene intensity.
Nutrient overshoot, especially nitrogen in mid/late bloom, often results in dark foliage, delayed maturity, and muted flavor. Critical-descended plants also pack dense flowers, so insufficient airflow and high RH in late bloom invite botrytis. Use fans to push air across and through the canopy, not just around it, and space colas where possible.
Odor control becomes essential in the last two weeks; undersized carbon filters get overwhelmed by Critical-line aromas. Finally, rushing the dry and cure will erase weeks of good work—slow is smooth, and smooth is tasty. Expect a clear jump in flavor and perceived potency after a proper 4–6 week cure.
Post-Harvest, Curing, and Storage Best Practices
Trim strategy depends on climate. In drier regions, leave more leaf to slow the dry; in humid zones, buck to individual branches and remove extra leaf to discourage mold. Keep air movement gentle in the dry space—too much airflow desiccates the surface and traps moisture inside buds.
Target a 10–14 day dry at 60 F/60% RH; a longer 14–21 day dry is ideal for very dense colas if you can hold conditions. Once stems snap but don’t shatter, finish trim and jar with 58–62% RH packs. Burp jars daily for the first week, then less frequently as the moisture equalizes.
Flavor maturation continues over several weeks as chlorophyll byproducts dissipate and volatile compounds settle. Store in airtight, UV-blocking containers in a cool, dark place to protect terpenes. Properly cured flower retains quality for months, with the first 60–90 days often showing the best balance of potency and flavor.
Strain Identity and Credibility Notes
Auto Critical + is bred by BSB Genetics and draws on a ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage to deliver a compact, productive autoflower. Its sensory and growth traits align with the broader Critical family while presenting its own house-selected nuances. In practice, it serves as a dependable auto for growers who want consistent outcomes in small spaces or rapid cycles.
The autoflower landscape is broader than any single brand or cultivar, and strong performers set helpful expectations. Dutch Passion’s reporting on Auto Critical Orange Punch—its High Times Top-10 accolade in 2018, repeated top-seller status, citrus-forward terpenes, and extreme-yield anecdotes up to 1.4 kg dry—illustrates the ceiling of modern auto potential. While distinct from Auto Critical +, these data points support the idea that Critical-based autos can now rival mid-tier photoperiod yields and quality under optimized conditions.
As with all cannabis cultivation and use, outcomes vary with environment, technique, and personal physiology. The ranges and strategies provided here reflect common grower reports, modern horticultural practice, and patterns seen in Critical-derived autos. Treat them as a practical starting point and refine based on your equipment, climate, and goals.
