Written by Ad OpsOverview and Context
Auto Durban Poison is an autoflowering take on the classic South African landrace, adapted for speed, reliability, and broad climate tolerance. Bred by New420Guy Seeds, this cultivar integrates ruderalis alongside indica and sativa genetics to produce a day-neutral plant that flowers by age, not light schedule. The result is a strain that brings the hallmark uplifting Durban personality into a format that finishes in roughly 10–12 weeks from sprout under most conditions.
In the retail marketplace, Durban Poison Auto frequently appears in outdoor-optimized mixes, highlighted for resilience and pest resistance. One notable example places it alongside Blue Dream Auto and Khalifa Kush Auto in an “outdoor autoflower selection,” underscoring its suitability for gardens with less environmental control. This aligns with grower chatter that Auto Durban Poison is a safe bet outdoors compared with more delicate autos.
Because it is an autoflower, consistency in timing is a key advantage for small-scale cultivators and commercial producers alike. Under 18–20 hours of daily light, many plants reach harvest in 70–85 days, with some phenotypes requiring up to 90 days if conditions are cool. Typical indoor heights range from 60–110 cm, while outdoor plants in large containers or in-ground beds often stretch to 90–140 cm in long-day latitudes.
History and Breeding
Durban Poison traces back to landrace sativa populations around Durban, South Africa, popularized internationally in the late 20th century for their clear, electric high and spicy-sweet terpene profile. The photoperiod original drew acclaim for energetic effects and a distinctive terpinolene-forward aroma. However, its long flowering times limited accessibility for short-season growers and indoor cultivators seeking rapid turnover.
The autoflowering adaptation emerged through the introduction of Cannabis ruderalis genetics that confer day-neutral flowering. New420Guy Seeds’ Auto Durban Poison was built from a ruderalis/indica/sativa blend, selecting toward a phenotype that preserves the uplifting Durban character while compressing the lifecycle. Breeders typically perform multiple filial generations, then backcross and stabilize until the flowering window, growth habit, and flavor/aroma become consistent.
As the autoflower market matured, strains like Auto Durban Poison gained traction in outdoor mixes and seed packs marketed for durability and pest resistance. Marketplace listings that group Durban Poison Auto with hardy autos signal a growing consensus on its reliability. Simultaneously, enthusiast forums and strain databases list Auto Durban Poison among staple autos, reflecting a demand for classic landrace expression in a fast format.
This breeding trajectory mirrors a broader industry trend: translating famous photoperiod strains into autos without losing their core “voice.” The best examples maintain a recognizable terpene fingerprint and mood profile, even if cannabinoid ceilings and plant size differ slightly from their photoperiod counterparts. Auto Durban Poison fits this lane, aiming to keep the citrus-anise spice and daytime clarity Durban is known for, while minimizing calendar risk for growers.
Genetic Lineage and Ruderalis Integration
Auto Durban Poison’s heritage is ruderalis/indica/sativa, with the ruderalis portion driving the autoflowering trait. Ruderalis contributes a genetic switch that initiates flowering by plant age (typically around week 3–4 from sprout), independent of photoperiod length. This is the foundation of predictable harvest timelines in varied day lengths, a vital trait for outdoor runs at higher latitudes.
Indica input commonly shortens internodal spacing, adds sturdier lateral branching, and slightly compacts the architecture. In autos, measured indica influence can also improve early vigor and stem strength, which helps with wind resistance outdoors. Meanwhile, the sativa lineage from Durban Poison is responsible for the bright, uplifting psychoactivity and the terpene ensemble that leans toward terpinolene, ocimene, and pinene.
The breeding challenge is to harmonize these elements so the ruderalis timing does not blunt the Durban flavor and mental clarity. Stabilized Auto Durban Poison lines typically show consistent onset of pistils by days 18–25 and uniform flowering by days 28–35 under 18–20 hours of light. This predictable timing allows growers to plan nutrient transitions and canopy management without relying on a flip to 12/12.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Auto Durban Poison generally presents as a medium-stature plant with a balanced central cola and productive side branching. Indoors, 60–110 cm heights are common in 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) containers, while outdoor plants can exceed 120 cm with unrestricted root volume. The structure leans slightly sativa, with leaves that are narrower than pure indica but broader than long-fingered equatorial types.
Plants often display tight internodal spacing early, then extend modestly once flowering initiates. Calyx development accelerates around week six from sprout, with columns of stacked bracts forming spears along the main stem. Trichome coverage is typically heavy on bracts and sugar leaves, giving a frosty appearance by week eight.
As the plant matures, pistils transition from vibrant white to orange and amber, and some phenotypes show subtle purple tinges in cool night temperatures. Resin heads tend to be mid-sized and densely packed, which supports a well-defined, glassy sheen across the buds. The overall aesthetic resembles a compact sativa dominant cross: upright, symmetrical, and visibly resinous.
Aroma Profile
Auto Durban Poison’s bouquet stays true to Durban’s iconic perfume, centering on sweet citrus, anise-fennel spice, and a fresh pine-herbal backdrop. Early flower often smells like orange zest and green mango, brightened by terpinolene’s citrus and floral sparkle. As resin thickens, notes of licorice, tea tree, and cooling eucalyptus can emerge, layered over subtle earth.
When agitated, the aroma gets more complex, adding hints of lemongrass and pepper that suggest contributions from limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-pinene. In late flower, drying leaves and matured resin can push a creamy-sweet undertone, tempering the sharper spice. Dry trimming tends to preserve a high-tone nose, whereas wet trimming can lead to a slightly gassier, herbaceous edge during dry-down.
Cured buds usually present a clean, sweet-spicy top note that remains stable for months in proper storage. Terpene preservation is highest when drying at 18–20°C with 55–60% relative humidity and slow curing at 58–62% RH. Under those conditions, the distinctive citrus-anise signature remains prominent and easily recognizable.
Flavor Profile
The flavor mirrors the aroma, delivering bright citrus peel on the inhale followed by a quick bloom of anise and herb. Terpinolene-forward cultivars often taste effervescent or “sprightly,” and Auto Durban Poison tends to match that impression. Many users note a pleasant pine finish, likely influenced by alpha- and beta-pinene, with a lingering sweet spice on the tongue.
When vaporized at lower temperatures (175–185°C), the citrus and floral elements shine and feel almost tea-like. Raising vape temps toward 195–205°C brings out deeper herbal and woody tones, amplifying caryophyllene’s peppery kick. Combustion adds a touch of toast and earth to the flavor, rounding out the sweetness.
Properly cured flowers deliver a smooth draw with minimal harshness, particularly when moisture is stabilized around 60% RH pre-grind. Over-dried buds can taste sharp and lose the high-note zest that defines the profile, so storage discipline matters. Users who prefer the bright side of sativas typically find the flavor both refreshing and distinctive.
Cannabinoid Profile
Autoflower versions of sativa-leaning classics often test slightly below the highest photoperiod THC ceilings but still deliver robust potency. Reported lab results and grower submissions for Auto Durban Poison commonly place THC in the 17–22% range under optimal cultivation, with occasional outliers above or below. CBD is usually low (<1%), though minor cannabinoids like CBG can register around 0.5–1.0% in some phenotypes.
From a cultivation standpoint, environmental control has a measurable impact on cannabinoid expression. Under strong lighting that achieves a flowering DLI of roughly 35–45 mol/m²/day and with stable root-zone conditions, plants tend to hit the upper end of their THC potential. Nutrient balance, especially adequate sulfur and magnesium in mid to late flower, also correlates with better resin production and total cannabinoids.
For consumers, the predominantly THC-rich profile translates to rapid onset and an energetic trajectory. Low CBD means fewer buffering effects against THC’s intensity, which highlights the importance of dosage titration for new users. Concentrates made from Auto Durban Poison typically reflect the flower’s THC dominance, though live resin and rosin can showcase its terpene complexity in tandem.
Terpene Profile
Durban Poison chemotypes are famously terpinolene-dominant, and Auto Durban Poison often preserves that signature. Terpinolene contributes citrus, floral, and slightly herbal notes and is frequently the highest terpene by percentage in classic Durban expressions. Complementary terpenes commonly include beta-ocimene (sweet, green) and alpha-/beta-pinene (pine, resinous), with supporting roles from limonene and beta-caryophyllene.
Breeder and retailer listings increasingly present terpenes as ratios or relative percentages, rather than absolute mg/g. Industry pages that group autos such as Auto Ultimate, Auto Euforia, and Auto Durban Poison often display terpene percentages as proportional values, which helps illustrate dominance order at a glance. In practice, well-grown samples of Durban-leaning autos can exhibit terpinolene around the top of the profile, with total terpene content often ranging 1.5–3.0% by dry weight in careful indoor grows.
Terpene expression is sensitive to cultivation choices. Lower drying temperatures and a slower cure preserve volatile monoterpenes like terpinolene and ocimene, which are otherwise lost quickly. Likewise, avoiding late-flower heat stress and excessive UV can prevent terpene oxidation that dulls the citrus-anise edge.
For users, the terpinolene-pinene-ocimene ensemble supports the cultivar’s perceived “daytime” character. Terpinolene’s bright profile pairs with pinene’s crisp, alert sensation, while caryophyllene adds grounding spice. This balance explains why many find Auto Durban Poison simultaneously clear, uplifting, and flavorful.
Experiential Effects
Most consumers describe Auto Durban Poison as energizing, clear, and motivational, matching the classic Durban vibe. The onset is typically rapid when inhaled—often within 2–5 minutes—with a peak around 20–30 minutes. The experience commonly features elevated mood, mental clarity, and a sense of forward momentum conducive to creative or task-oriented activities.
Pinene’s presence may contribute to a sensation of alertness, while terpinolene reinforces a bright, sparkling headspace. Many users report minimal body heaviness compared with indica-leaning autos, making it suitable for daytime use. Music, outdoor walks, and social settings pair naturally with the strain’s uplift.
As with other THC-dominant, terpinolene-forward cultivars, individuals sensitive to stimulatory effects can experience racy thoughts at higher doses. For those users, smaller puffs or lower-temperature vaping can soften the edge and retain focus. Hydration and a snack can also help manage intensity if the experience feels too brisk.
Duration varies with route of administration. Smoked or vaporized flower often provides 2–3 hours of noticeable effects, with a clean taper that rarely leads to grogginess. Edibles made from Auto Durban Poison can extend the experience to 4–6 hours or more and may skew more body-oriented than the inhaled route.
Potential Medical Uses
Auto Durban Poison’s energetic profile suggests potential utility for symptoms related to fatigue, low motivation, and mood. Users who seek daytime relief often cite improved focus and task engagement, a pattern consistent with terpinolene- and pinene-rich chemovars. Although formal clinical evidence is limited for specific strains, these effects align with user-reported outcomes for bright, sativa-leaning cannabis.
For stress and mood, the uplifting headspace can provide situational relief in mild cases, particularly when combined with healthy routines. However, individuals prone to anxiety or panic may find high-THC terpinolene-dominant strains stimulating, especially at larger doses. Starting low and assessing personal response is prudent, as CBD content is typically low and provides little counterbalance.
Some users report benefit for tension-type headaches or brain fog, possibly linked to improved alertness and distraction from discomfort. The lack of heavy sedation may make Auto Durban Poison preferable to indica autos for daytime functional relief. Conversely, those seeking muscle relaxation or sleep may prefer heavier chemotypes with higher myrcene or linalool content.
As with any cannabis use for symptomatic relief, personal variability is significant. Effects can depend on dose, tolerance, set and setting, and co-administered substances. Medical decisions should be made collaboratively with a healthcare professional, especially when other medications or conditions are involved.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Environmental parameters and scheduling are the foundation of consistent results with Auto Durban Poison. Indoors, day temperatures of 24–28°C and night temperatures of 18–22°C support vigorous photosynthesis without stressing terpene production. Relative humidity targets of 65–70% (seedling), 55–60% (early veg), 45–50% (early flower), and 40–45% (late flower) balance transpiration with mold prevention.
Lighting should emphasize long days, as autos do not require a 12/12 flip. Most growers succeed with 18/6 or 20/4 throughout the entire cycle, and plants generally flower automatically by days 18–28. In flower, aim for a daily light integral (DLI) of 35–45 mol/m²/day, typically achieved with 600–800 µmol/m²/s PPFD over 18–20 hours; keep canopy temperatures and VPD in range to avoid photoinhibition.
Medium choice is flexible, with soil, soilless mixes, and hydroponics all viable. For soil, a lightly amended base with good aeration (e.g., 30–40% perlite or pumice) helps avoid overwatering and supports fast root expansion. In coco or hydro, maintain pH around 5.8–6.2; in soil, 6.2–6.8 is appropriate, with runoff EC monitored to prevent salt build-up.
Autoflowers benefit from starting in their final containers to avoid transplant shock during a short veg window. Indoors, 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) pots are common; outdoors, 5–10 gallon (19–38 L) containers or in-ground beds maximize root volume. Germinate seeds in moist, oxygenated media at 24–26°C, and avoid high nitrogen early to prevent overly lush, weak growth.
Nutrition should be tailored to the plant’s rapid lifecycle. In coco/hydro, target EC 0.8–1.2 mS/cm during seedling/early veg, 1.2–1.6 in mid veg/early flower, and 1.6–1.8 in peak bloom, watching leaf tips for burn. Autos generally prefer moderate feeding, with adequate calcium/magnesium and increased potassium and sulfur from weeks 5–9 to support resin and terpene synthesis.
Watering strategy emphasizes full wet-dry cycles without letting the root zone fully desiccate. In soil, water when the top 2–3 cm are dry and the pot feels light; in coco, smaller, more frequent irrigations keep EC stable and roots oxygenated. Ensure vigorous drainage; standing water and compacted media invite root pathogens.
Training works best when gentle and early. Low-stress training (LST) from days 15–25 encourages a flatter canopy and multiple tops without stunting. Topping is optional and should be attempted only on vigorous plants by day 18–20; for most growers, LST plus minimal defoliation around week 5 is a safer path.
Flowering begins quickly, so plan nutrient transitions proactively. By the end of week 3, reduce vegetative nitrogen and introduce bloom-focused nutrition with higher P and K, while maintaining micronutrients. Sulfur contributes to thiol and terpene pathways; modest increases in late bloom can noticeably improve aroma intensity.
Indoor environmental control includes airflow and dehumidification, especially from week 6 onward. Two to four oscillating fans per 1.2 × 1.2 m tent reduce microclimates, and a properly sized inline fan maintains fresh air exchange. Keep leaf surface temperatures balanced with light intensity; a leaf temp 1–2°C below ambient is often ideal with modern LEDs.
Outdoors, Auto Durban Poison is a strong candidate, a point echoed by retailers who include Durban Poison Auto in outdoor-optimized mixes for pest resistance. Growers frequently ask whether it will be “all right outside,” and the answer is generally yes, provided the season offers 10+ weeks of mild weather. In cooler areas, start seeds indoors and transplant after the last frost to capture the full light arc.
Site selection outdoors should maximize sun exposure, ideally 8–10 hours of direct light daily. Raised beds with living soil increase resilience and buffer irrigation swings on hot days. Mulch to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature, and use windbreaks if your site is exposed.
Integrated pest management (IPM) starts before problems appear. Because outdoor mixes highlight natural resilience and pest resistance, Auto Durban Poison already has a head start, but prevention still matters. Weekly scouting, neem or karanja oil in veg, and periodic releases of beneficials like Encarsia for whitefly or Amblyseius for thrips can keep populations at sub-threshold levels.
Disease management focuses on humidity control and sanitation. Space plants to improve airflow, prune dense interior growth lightly around week 5–6, and avoid overhead watering late in the day. In high-pressure regions for botrytis, selectively remove crowded popcorn nodes and harvest promptly when trichomes are ready.
Harvest timing relies on trichome maturity more than pistil color. For an energetic profile, many growers harvest when most heads are milky with few ambers (roughly 5–10% amber), typically around days 70–85 from sprout. For a slightly more rounded effect, allow 10–20% amber, understanding that terpene brightness can decline with extended ripening.
Drying and curing preserve the strain’s hallmark citrus-anise top end. Dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 7–12 days until small stems snap, then cure in airtight containers burped daily at 60–62% RH for the first two weeks. Slower cure ramps preserve monoterpenes and stabilize moisture, leading to smoother smoke and more persistent aroma.
Yield expectations depend on environment and experience. Indoors under 300–600 W of efficient LED in a 1 m² space, 350–500 g/m² is a realistic target for dialed-in runs; expert growers sometimes exceed this with CO₂ and high DLI. Outdoors, 50–150 g per plant is common in pots, with 150–250 g possible in large containers or in-ground beds under optimal summer conditions.
Common pitfalls include overfeeding nitrogen in late veg, overwatering in compact soil, and aggressive high-stress training after day 21. Each can slow an auto at a critical moment and reduce final yield. Keeping interventions light, feeds balanced, and the environment stable reliably pays dividends.
Genotype and phenotype variability exist, as with all autos. While stabilized, autos can still throw minor differences in height and timing, so plan canopy management for a ±7-day spread in finish. Uniformity improves when starting multiple seeds at once and selecting mother seed lots from reputable breeders with generation-stated lines.
Breeder and Market Context
New420Guy Seeds developed Auto Durban Poison as part of a broader movement to bring classic cultivars into autoflower form. Their line blends ruderalis/indica/sativa to achieve day-neutral flowering while maintaining strain identity in aroma and effect. This approach caters to growers who value predictable harvests and manageable plant size without sacrificing flavor complexity.
In the retail ecosystem, Auto Durban Poison is prominently featured in outdoor autoflower assortments. One such outdoor-optimized mix includes Durban Poison Auto alongside Blue Dream Auto and Khalifa Kush Auto, and emphasizes natural resilience and pest resistance. This positioning reflects real-world performance: the cultivar tolerates variable conditions and rewards basic IPM with stable output.
Strain knowledge hubs and seed banks list Auto Durban Poison among go-to autos, signaling enduring popularity. Even site maps and catalog indexes call it out explicitly, underscoring its relevance for consumers searching autos by name. Together, these signals point to a cultivar with both legacy appeal and practical value for growers across skill levels.
Comparison to Photoperiod Durban Poison
Photoperiod Durban Poison is renowned for tall, lanky growth and longer flowering times that can stretch beyond 10–12 weeks in bloom. Auto Durban Poison condenses the entire cycle to roughly 10–12 weeks from seed, trading some vertical reach and ultimate yield ceiling for speed and predictability. This swap makes the auto version accessible to short-season climates and small indoor tents where time and space are at a premium.
Chemically, both versions commonly express terpinolene dominance with pinene and ocimene support, translating to citrus-anise aromas and energetic effects. The auto’s THC range often tops out slightly below the strongest photoperiod Durban phenotypes but remains solidly potent at 17–22% for well-grown plants. Minor cannabinoids like CBG can be similar in scale, though absolute concentrations vary with environment.
In practice, the decision between the two comes down to objectives. Growers seeking maximal yields and who can manage a long flower under powerful lights may prefer photoperiod. Those aiming for rapid, reliable harvests with minimal scheduling fuss often gravitate to Auto Durban Poison for a faster, more forgiving run.
