Written by Ad OpsOverview and Context
Auto Critical Soma is an autoflowering, feminized hybrid from Advanced Seeds, designed to capture the voluptuous fruitiness of its parentage in a fast, compact cycle. Marketed as “serving up a fruity dish of decadent proportions,” this cultivar delivers tropical sweetness with practical growability. It pairs an indica/sativa heritage with ruderalis-driven auto traits, offering balanced effects and reliable production for home and professional cultivators alike.
As a feminized auto, plants develop female flowers with no need to identify or remove males, increasing space and resource efficiency. The autoflowering mechanism also removes photoperiod dependency, allowing harvest under a constant 18–20 hours of light. These traits make Auto Critical Soma a strong pick for growers seeking quality, speed, and consistency without the complexity of strict light schedules.
In the jar and on the palate, expect mango-forward aromas layered with sweet citrus and creamy skunk. Potency typically lands in the mid-high range for autos, sufficient for experienced users yet approachable in smaller doses. With correct dialing-in, indoor yields commonly reach the middle of the pack for modern autos, while outdoor plants thrive in long, warm seasons.
History and Breeding Origins
Advanced Seeds, a Spanish breeder known for accessible, productive genetics, introduced Auto Critical Soma to bring together fruit-heavy profiles with a short seed-to-harvest window. The name cues its lineage: a fusion of Critical and Somango lines, then crossed to a carefully selected ruderalis to confer autoflowering. The goal was to preserve the decadent, mango-laced bouquet while delivering the practicality of autos.
Critical descends from the Skunk and Afghani sphere (often routed through Critical Mass), famous for dense colas and strong yields since the late 1990s. Somango, popularized in the early 2000s, is admired for juicy tropical notes and a relaxed-yet-uplifting high linked to sativa influence. Auto Critical Soma integrates these proven pillars into a modern package that can finish in 65–75 days from seed under skilled hands.
Autoflowering conversion typically takes multiple filial generations to stabilize day-neutral flowering without sacrificing terpene density. Breeders select for uniformity in height, resin coverage, and flavor while managing the inevitable compacting influence of ruderalis. The result is a reliable hybrid that keeps the spirit of its parents and reduces time-to-harvest risk for growers across skill levels.
Genetic Lineage and Autoflowering Conversion
The genetic backbone can be summarized as Critical × Somango × selected ruderalis, producing an indica/sativa hybrid with day-neutral flowering. While exact ratios are proprietary, garden observations suggest a balanced hybrid character, often leaning slightly indica in morphology and bud density. The ruderalis influence is primarily expressed as autonomous flowering after 3–4 weeks of vegetative growth, independent of photoperiod.
In most phenotypes, the Critical side contributes compact internodes, fast bud set, and a vigorous stretch of 25–60% during early bloom. Somango contributes brighter tropical terpenes (mango, papaya, sweet citrus) and a more cerebral lift in the effect profile. Stabilization for autos is typically achieved by recurrent selection over 4–6 generations, with breeders discarding low-aroma, slow, or overly tall segregants.
The autoflowering trait is polygenic but strongly associated with alleles inherited from Cannabis ruderalis. Practically, this means growers can keep lights at 18–20 hours from start to finish without sacrificing flowering drive. In commercial rooms, this supports predictable scheduling and simplified turnarounds, especially in mixed pipelines where photos and autos run concurrently.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Auto Critical Soma usually grows to 60–100 cm indoors and 80–140 cm outdoors, depending on container volume, light intensity, and feed strength. Plants often present a symmetrical Christmas-tree outline in untrained grows, with a dominant apical cola and 6–10 strong lateral arms. Leaves skew broad to mid-width, with a glossy dark-green sheen that lightens slightly as flowers swell.
Buds develop into medium-sized, chunky colas with high calyx-to-leaf ratio compared to many autos. Expect thick resin coverage by day 45–55 from seed, with trichomes clustering densely around bracts and sugar leaves. Pistils start white and turn apricot-to-rust by maturity, contrasting against lime-green flowers and occasional purple hues under cooler night temperatures.
Internodal spacing tends to be tight, reducing larf and improving top-heavy yields when light penetration is optimized. Under high PPFD (600–900 µmol/m²/s for autos), buds stack consistently without excessive fox-tailing. Stems are relatively sturdy for an auto, but late flower often benefits from soft support to prevent leaning.
Aroma and Bouquet
The bouquet is dominated by ripe mango and tropical fruit, consistent with the breeder’s framing as a fruity, decadent profile. Secondary notes include sweet orange, melon, and a creamy, slightly skunky backdrop reminiscent of its Critical ancestry. On grind, expect a burst of citrus-laced mango with hints of vanilla and green floral tones.
During late flower, terpenes intensify markedly, especially under stable temperatures (24–26°C day, 20–22°C night) and low-stress irrigation. Carbon filtration is recommended for indoor grows, as volatile organics ramp up 2–3× between weeks 6 and 10 from seed. A cold finish (18–20°C nights for the last 7–10 days) can sharpen the fruit-citrus top notes and temper the skunky base.
Cured flowers maintain strong tropical sweetness with minimal hay if dried at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days. Over-drying above 1.0 kPa VPD during cure risks flattening citrus and mango notes into generic sweetness. Proper jar burping preserves the top-end esters that define this strain’s signature nose.
Flavor and Palate
The inhale is predominantly mango and sweet orange, with a soft, creamy body that feels almost dessert-like. Mid-palate, a gentle skunk-spice and herbal edge emerges, grounding the fruit with a classic hashy undertone. The exhale leans toward tropical smoothie with a clean, slightly zesty finish.
Vaporizers at 175–190°C accentuate limonene and esters, giving a brighter, juicier profile than combustion. Joints and dry herb vapes alike preserve the mango-citrus axis, while glassware can highlight deeper resin tones closer to the Critical side. Water filtration tends to mute the top notes slightly; using higher terpene-preserving temps (185–190°C) can compensate.
Well-cured flower retains flavor through the bowl, with minimal bitterness or chlorophyll taint if dried slowly and cured at 58–62% RH. Pressed rosin often tastes like tropical sherbet, suggesting a resin suitable for flavorful extractions. Terpene-forward fans will appreciate the consistent mango thread across preparations.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Critical Soma typically tests in the mid-high THC range for autos, with most reports clustering around 15–19% THC under optimized indoor conditions. Phenotype and environment can push outliers slightly lower (12–14%) or higher (20%+), but mid-to-high teens are the most repeatable. CBD generally remains low, commonly 0.1–0.8%, establishing a THC:CBD ratio near 20:1.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often land around 0.3–1.0%, and CBC is usually trace to 0.2%. Total cannabinoids in well-grown samples commonly reach 17–22%, aligning with contemporary autoflower expectations. Potency stability improves with consistent PPFD, steady root-zone EC, and preventing late-stage nutrient lockout.
Dose-response is typical of balanced hybrids: 5–10 mg THC offers a clear, social lift for many users, while 15–25 mg transitions into deeper body relaxation. New users should start low and titrate, as tropical sweetness can mask the cultivar’s punch. As always, individual sensitivity, set, and setting strongly modulate the felt intensity.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
The dominant terpenes are most commonly myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene, with supporting roles from linalool and alpha-pinene. In balanced expressions, myrcene can contribute 0.3–0.8% of dry weight, limonene 0.2–0.6%, and beta-caryophyllene 0.1–0.4%, for a total terpene content frequently in the 1.0–2.5% range. These values are typical of fruit-forward autos grown under moderate temperatures and careful curing.
Myrcene supports the mango aroma and can synergize with THC to deepen physical relaxation. Limonene drives the citrus top note, associated with mood elevation and perceived clarity in many users. Beta-caryophyllene adds a peppery-sweet backbone and is known to interact with CB2 receptors, potentially contributing to anti-inflammatory effects.
Pinene and linalool add dimension: pinene offers brightness and potential counteraction to short-term memory fog, while linalool lends floral calm. Terpene expression is sensitive to environmental stress—heat spikes above 28–29°C late in flower can volatilize monoterpenes, flattening flavor. Conversely, stable VPD and night temperatures around 20–22°C tend to preserve the high-note esters that make the profile pop.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Critical Soma generally delivers a balanced experience: initial uplift and mental clarity from the sativa side, segueing into soothing body comfort. The onset is fairly quick when inhaled—often within 5–10 minutes—with a smooth rise rather than a jolt. Peak effects commonly last 60–120 minutes, tapering gently over the next hour.
Users frequently report a cheerful, talkative phase that pairs well with music, cooking, or light outdoor activities. As the session progresses, tranquil body vibes set in without heavy couchlock at modest doses. At higher doses, the indica influence becomes more pronounced, favoring movies, massage, or post-work decompression.
For daytime microdosing, 1–3 inhalations or low-dose edibles can provide creative focus with minimal sedation. In the evening, a standard session can ease tension and encourage appetite without overwhelming the senses. The overall ride is friendly and forgiving, making it a versatile daily driver for many consumers.
Potential Medical Applications
With THC typically in the mid-high teens and a terpene stack led by myrcene and limonene, Auto Critical Soma may support stress reduction and mood uplift. Anecdotal reports and pharmacologic associations suggest beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity could contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory benefits. Users commonly note relief in mild to moderate muscle tension and a reduction in rumination.
For sleep, this cultivar is not a knockout at low doses but can support sleep onset at higher evening doses through myrcene-driven relaxation. Those managing appetite loss may find pre-meal inhalation helpful, as fruity profiles often pair with a mild munchies effect. Nausea relief may be observed in some users, often linked to limonene-rich chemotypes.
As with all cannabis, responses vary, and clinical evidence for strain-specific outcomes remains limited. Medical patients should consult healthcare providers, especially if using other medications, and consider low-and-slow titration. Vaporization allows precise dosing and may minimize respiratory irritants compared to combustion.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors
Auto Critical Soma is straightforward indoors, finishing in roughly 65–75 days from sprout under 18–20 hours of light. Aim for PPFD of 500–700 µmol/m²/s in early flower, rising to 700–900 µmol/m²/s by mid-bloom for yield without overdriving. Keep day temperatures at 24–26°C and nights at 20–22°C, with VPD around 1.0–1.2 kPa through mid-flower.
For media, lightly amended soil or coco-perlite (70/30) both work well. In coco, target pH 5.7–6.0 early, 6.0–6.2 mid-late flower; in soil, pH 6.2–6.7. EC guidelines: 0.8–1.2 mS/cm in early veg, 1.2–1.6 mS/cm preflower, and 1.6–2.0 mS/cm peak bloom, tapering the last 10–14 days.
Container size influences plant size and schedule: 9–12 L (2–3 gal) pots balance speed and yield for most rooms. Start seeds directly in the final container or in 0.5 L starter pots for 7–10 days to avoid multiple transplants, which can slow autos. Gentle low-stress training (LST) from day 18–28 (post-4th node) opens the canopy and improves airflow.
Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, choose the sunniest, longest-day period available; late spring through mid-summer plantings maximize DLI and yield. In warm-temperate zones, expect 70–80 days from sprout, with plants reaching 80–140 cm given 15–20 L containers and full sun. In-ground beds rich in organic matter and good drainage outperform small pots in both vigor and terpene intensity.
Ideal daytime temperatures are 22–30°C with cool nights above 12°C. If heat exceeds 32°C for extended periods, provide afternoon shade cloth (20–30%) to protect terpenes and prevent foxtailing. In humid regions, ensure ample spacing (60–90 cm between plants) and prune interior growth to mitigate botrytis risk.
Greenhouses offer protection and elevated yields by adding DLI and buffering weather. Passive ventilation, horizontal airflow fans, and sulfur burners (used strictly pre-flower if needed) can keep powdery mildew in check. Outdoor yields vary widely but 60–150 g per plant is common; exceptional conditions can exceed 200 g with strong genetics and attentive care.
Feeding, Substrates, and Training
A balanced feeding schedule with modest nitrogen early and rising phosphorus-potassium through bloom suits this cultivar. Calcium and magnesium support are critical in coco and RO water systems; supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg as needed. Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly to prevent silent salt buildup that can dull flavor.
Substrate choices: coco-perlite for precision and speed, or living soil for organoleptic depth and ease. In living soil, top-dressings at day 21 and day 40 with bloom organics (e.g., neem meal, kelp, and rock phosphate) sustain steady nutrition. Mulch to stabilize moisture and support microbial life that enhances nutrient availability.
Training should be gentle due to autos’ finite vegetative window. LST from the 4th to 6th node window maximizes lateral growth without stunting. Avoid high-stress topping after day 21; if topping is used, perform a single early top at the 3rd or 4th node by day 16–20, and accept a slightly longer cycle.
Lighting, Environment, and Lifecycle Timing
Maintain 18–20 hours of light from seed to harvest; a 20/4 schedule maximizes DLI while allowing plant respiration and repair. LED spectra around 3500–4000K with supplemental deep red (660 nm) in bloom enhance flower density and terpene retention. PPFD targets of 700–900 µmol/m²/s in mid-late flower deliver strong yields without saturating autos’ typically smaller canopies.
Humidity targets shift with growth stage: 65–70% RH for seedlings (VPD ~0.6–0.8 kPa), 55–60% in early veg (0.8–1.0 kPa), and 45–55% in late flower (1.0–1.2 kPa). Gentle, continuous airflow reduces microclimates that invite mildew. CO2 supplementation to 900–1,000 ppm in sealed rooms can raise biomass production by 10–20% if light and nutrition are not limiting.
Lifecycle timing typically breaks down as 7–10 days seedling, 14–21 days vegetative, and 35–45 days flowering, though autos blur these lines. First pistils often appear by day 21–28. Growers should anticipate a harvest window around day 65–75, with exact timing guided by trichome ripeness rather than calendar alone.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing is best assessed by trichomes: 5–10% amber, 70–85% cloudy, and the remainder clear delivers a balanced effect. Delay harvest for more amber to emphasize body effects; take earlier for a brighter headspace. Pistil color is a helpful secondary cue but should not replace trichome inspection.
Dry in 18–20°C, 55–60% RH, and low, indirect airflow for 10–14 days until small stems snap cleanly. Rapid drying above 25°C or with excessive airflow can strip monoterpenes and leave a grassy note. Large, dense colas benefit from being broken into smaller branches to avoid mold development in the dry room.
Cure in glass jars at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and every 2–3 days for weeks 2–3. A 4–6 week cure deepens mango-citrus complexity and rounds out any bitter edges. Tested in blind tastings, extended cures often yield higher flavor ratings and perceived smoothness compared to quick-turn jars.
Yield Expectations and Quality Optimization
Indoors, skilled growers commonly achieve 400–550 g/m² with 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD and 9–12 L pots. CO2-enriched, dialed environments can push higher, but autos’ shorter vegetative period makes canopy management crucial. Outdoors, 60–150 g per plant is typical in 15–20 L containers, with exceptional plants exceeding 200 g under ideal sun and feed.
Quality hinges on consistent VPD, stable pH/EC, and avoiding late-stage stressors such as root-bound conditions or overfeeding. Autos particularly dislike dramatic swings; maintaining even moisture with 10–15% runoff in inert media prevents salt spikes. For flavor-first runs, consider living soil, moderate ECs, and a 10–14 day mineral taper before harvest.
Testing labs frequently observe a tradeoff between maximum yield and terpene density when pushing feed and light to the limit. Aim for a balanced approach that keeps canopy temperatures in check and avoids harsh UV exposure late in flower. The result is resin-laden buds with concentrated tropical sweetness and a clean burn.
Common Issues, IPM, and Troubleshooting
Because of dense flower structure, watch for botrytis (bud rot) in the final two weeks, especially at RH above 55%. Increase airflow, defoliate lightly to open the interior, and avoid wetting flowers during irrigation. If pressure rises, consider biological controls like Bacillus subtilis products early in flower and strict sanitation.
Nutrient lockout often presents as tip burn and leaf-edge crisping around week 5–7 from seed. Verify pH (soil 6.3–6.7; coco 5.8–6.2) and reduce EC by 10–20% while adding a light calcium-magnesium supplement. Salt flushes should be minimal with autos to avoid shock; instead, correct gradually and maintain even moisture cycles.
Pest management benefits from a preventative IPM stack: yellow sticky cards, weekly scouting, and periodic applications of Beauveria bassiana or neem-based products in veg only. Avoid oil-based sprays once pistils are abundant to prevent terpene smearing and residue. Quarantine new clones or plants—even though seeds reduce pest risk, cross-contamination in shared spaces is common.
Comparisons and Positioning
Compared with Auto Critical, Auto Critical Soma adds a juicier tropical overlay and a slightly more uplifted headspace, thanks to Somango influence. Relative to Auto Somango, it tends to flower a touch faster and pack denser Critical-style colas. In flavor lineups, it lands between candy-sweet dessert autos and classic skunk—fruity but with a grounded, creamy base.
For growers, it strikes a sweet spot between speed and quality, finishing faster than many terpene-heavy autos while preserving notable resin density. Consumers who enjoy mango-citrus profiles like Mango Kush or Somango phenotypes will feel right at home. Its feminized auto format from Advanced Seeds makes it a dependable choice for small tents and multi-run schedules.
Price-to-performance is attractive: seeds typically cost less than flagship boutique autos while still delivering distinctive flavor. That makes it popular in value-oriented home grows and dispensary-side craft runs. The strain’s “fruity dish of decadent proportions” reputation is earned when environmental control and curing are executed with care.
Grow Log Template and Sample Timeline
Day 0–3: Germinate in moist starter cubes at 24–26°C; transplant to final 9–12 L pot once radicle emerges. Maintain 65–70% RH and 200–300 PPFD. Water with 0.4–0.6 mS/cm solution, pH-adjusted to media.
Day 4–14: Early veg under 18–20 hours light, 350–450 PPFD. Begin light feeding at 0.8–1.0 mS/cm with balanced NPK and Ca/Mg support. One light LST tie-down after node 4 helps lateral growth.
Day 15–28: Preflower; raise PPFD to 500–650. EC 1.2–1.4, pH steady. Defoliate minimally to expose bud sites; avoid topping after day 21.
Day 29–49: Early-mid bloom; PPFD 700–800, EC 1.4–1.8 with PK emphasis. RH 50–55%, temps 24–26°C day/20–22°C night. Stake main colas as weight increases.
Day 50–70+: Late bloom; reduce EC to 1.0–1.2 for a gentle taper. Aim for 45–50% RH and close monitoring of trichomes. Harvest around day 65–75 when 5–10% amber appears.
Consumer Tips and Storage
For fresh flavor, store cured buds in opaque glass at 15–20°C and 55–62% RH. Avoid frequent opening to limit terpene loss; portion into smaller jars if accessed often. A Boveda or similar humidity pack helps stabilize conditions.
Grind lightly to avoid over-milling trichomes; a medium grind preserves airflow and terpene delivery. If vaping, start at 180°C and step to 190–195°C to pull deeper notes without scorching. For edibles, decarboxylate at 105–115°C for 35–45 minutes to balance potency and flavor.
Pairings: citrus seltzers, tropical fruit salads, or lightly spiced dishes compliment the mango-citrus profile. Ambient or downtempo playlists fit the relaxed, happy arc of effects. For social sessions, small joints or vaporizers keep dosage predictable and the room pleasantly aromatic.
Sourcing and Authenticity Notes
Auto Critical Soma is available as feminized seeds from Advanced Seeds and reputable resellers. Check for sealed breeder packs and lot codes where available to reduce the risk of substitutions. Purchase from established vendors with transparent return or germination policies.
When evaluating plants from seed, look for hallmark traits by week 6: mango-citrus nose, medium-dense colas, and balanced hybrid structure. Outlier phenotypes may wander toward either the Critical or Somango parent; selection for mothers is not applicable with autos, but you can note preferred seed lines for future orders. Keep detailed run notes to identify which vendor lots produced the best aroma and structure.
The cultivar appears on reputable cannabis resources and seed marketplaces, often highlighted for its robust fruit-forward character. A listing from Advanced Seeds describes it in precisely those terms—“serving up a fruity dish of decadent proportions”—underscoring its flavor-first design. Cross-check breeder descriptions with grow journals to set realistic expectations for timing and yield.
Final Thoughts
Auto Critical Soma brings together the lush, tropical decadence of Somango with the dependable structure and density of Critical, then wraps it in an autoflowering, feminized format. The result is a compact, schedule-friendly plant that reliably finishes in around 9–10 weeks from sprout. For many growers, that balance of speed, flavor, and resin is the winning trifecta.
Its signature mango-citrus profile stands out in mixed jars and maintains character across vaporization and rosin. Potency lands where most consumers want it—assertive but not overwhelming—while the effect arc is amiable and adaptable. With sound environment control, you can expect vivid terpenes, sticky colas, and yields that justify repeat runs.
From tent hobbyists to small craft producers, Auto Critical Soma earns its spot as a weekly driver with special-occasion flavor. Treat it gently in training, keep the climate steady, and cure it right, and it will pay you back in tropical richness. As Advanced Seeds intended, this is an auto that serves a fruity dish of decadent proportions, without asking you to wait all season.
