Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Auto Gorilla #5 enters the autoflower landscape as a purpose-built hybrid from Bob Marley Seeds, a breeder known for pairing aromatic intensity with rugged grower practicality. Conceived during the late-wave explosion of autoflower demand, the cultivar blends high-resin Gorilla-style genetics with a reliable ruderalis backbone. The goal was straightforward but ambitious: deliver heavyweight potency and terpene depth in a compact, 10–12 week seed-to-harvest timeline.
Autoflowering seeds have steadily gained traction because they reduce risk and complexity, especially for new growers or short-season climates. While photoperiod strains can require 16–20 weeks from seed to jar, capable autos like Auto Gorilla #5 regularly complete in 70–85 days. That 25–40 percent cycle-time reduction helps cultivators squeeze in extra harvests per year, which is particularly useful for small indoor spaces and balcony grows.
Bob Marley Seeds positioned Auto Gorilla #5 as a ruderalis/indica heritage cultivar to emphasize dense flowers, high resin output, and dependable structure. The breeder stabilized the line across multiple filial generations to fix the autoflower trait and improve consistency. The result is a plant that behaves predictably in a range of environments, from controlled indoor tents to modest outdoor microclimates.
In the field, the strain built its reputation on two pillars: potent outcomes comparable to fast-flowering photoperiod indicas and a forgiving cultivation profile. Growers report that it tolerates light training, moderate feeding, and day-to-day environmental swings. That mix makes Auto Gorilla #5 a frequent recommendation for first-time auto growers who still want premium potency and flavor.
Genetic Lineage and Heritage
Auto Gorilla #5 is rooted in ruderalis/indica heritage, a combination chosen to capture the automatic flowering trait alongside rock-solid indica structure. Ruderalis contributes the non-photoperiod flowering mechanism, typically initiating bloom around day 21–30 from sprout regardless of light cycle. The indica influence asserts itself through broad leaves, stacked internodes, and hard, golf-ball-to-cola-sized flowers.
Although the breeder keeps exact parentage proprietary, the Gorilla designation signals ties to the Glue family made famous for heavy resin and chem-diesel funk. Most Gorilla-line descendants trace conceptual ancestry to the Original Glue spectrum, noted for dense trichomes and strong, couch-leaning effects. In practice, Auto Gorilla #5 leans indica in expression while preserving some hybrid vigor for lateral branching.
Phenotypically, this cultivar generally presents as 65–75 percent indica-leaning with a modest ruderalis proportion to drive the auto trait. The sativa component, if present, is minimal, contributing mostly to a mild uplift during the first half of the experience. This balance is one reason the strain pairs evening relaxation with enough clarity for creative tasks at moderate doses.
Stability is a hallmark of the line, with autoflower expression reliably locked. Under steady conditions, the cultivar shows tight height clustering, consistent internode spacing, and similar flowering windows within the same seed pack. That parity helps growers plan uniform canopy management and harvest timing.
Appearance and Plant Structure
Auto Gorilla #5 typically reaches 60–120 cm indoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and day length. In 11–20 liter containers and a 20/4 schedule, many plants finish around 80–100 cm with a single dominant cola and 6–10 productive satellites. Internode spacing remains compact at roughly 2–5 cm, characteristic of indica-heavy autos.
Leaves trend broad and deep green early, sometimes darkening into a blue-green sheen under cooler nights. Late in flower, some phenotypes display faint purple streaks on sugar leaves when night temperatures dip 3–5 Celsius below daytime highs. These aesthetic shifts are cosmetic and do not materially change yield or potency.
Bud structure is dense and resinous, with a high calyx-to-leaf ratio that speeds trimming. By week 7–9 from sprout, flowers swell into stacked nuggets along upper branches, often linked into cohesive spears on the main stem. Mature buds exhibit saturated trichome coverage, frequently appearing sugar-frosted from arm’s length.
Stems are sturdy, often requiring only minimal support unless plants are pushed with high PPFD or enriched CO2. A simple scrog net or a few plant ties usually suffice to maintain ergonomic spacing. In small tents, the compact footprint allows 4–9 plants per square meter, depending on training style and container volume.
Aroma: Volatiles and First Impressions
The aromatic signature leans assertive, rating about 8–9 out of 10 in perceived intensity when grown well. Expect a primary core of earth and chem-diesel punctuated by pine and pepper, with faint coffee-cocoa undertones on some phenotypes. Carbon filtration is strongly recommended in enclosed spaces, especially during weeks 6–10.
Terpene output in properly dialed grows commonly hits 1.5–2.5 percent by dry weight, with standout phenotypes reaching near 3 percent. That level puts Auto Gorilla #5 into the upper tier of autos for aroma density. The bouquet tends to bloom dramatically after the fourth week, intensifying through late swell.
Breaking a cured flower releases a layered wave of fuel, damp wood, and black pepper, followed by subdued citrus peel. The nose often lingers in the space for several minutes, indicating a robust volatile profile. Compared to subtler fruit-forward autos, this one is unmistakably loud and old-school.
Terpene preservation benefits from slow, cool drying. Maintaining 18–20 Celsius and 55–60 percent relative humidity during dry helps protect volatile fractions that otherwise evaporate quickly. A gentle cure thereafter deepens the fuel-and-earth complexity into the jar.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
The flavor mirrors the nose but smooths some of the sharper chem edges into a cohesive, full-bodied profile. On inhale, expect earthy pine with a diesel tickle along the palate. Exhale often unveils pepper, cocoa nib, and a faint citrus bitters note.
Vaporizing between 175–190 Celsius emphasizes limonene, pinene, and top-end volatiles for a brighter, more pine-citrus expression. Pushing to 195–205 Celsius deepens caryophyllene, humulene, and myrcene, delivering heavier body and spice. Combustion tends to coax out the chocolate-diesel axis most clearly, at the expense of some high notes.
Mouthfeel is medium to full, with resinous density noticeable even at moderate doses. The finish lingers for 30–90 seconds on the palate, particularly the pepper-and-pine components. Hydration matters; expect dry mouth to appear within 10–20 minutes for many users.
In blind comparisons against fruit-driven autos, tasters often rank Auto Gorilla #5 higher for depth and lower for sweetness. Palates that prefer old-school diesel lines respond strongly to the savory, peppered finish. A clean dry and careful cure are critical to preserving that layered complexity.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Gorilla #5 is engineered for robust potency in an autoflower timeframe. Third-party grow reports and informal lab snapshots commonly place total THC in the 18–24 percent range, with standout phenotypes testing as high as 26 percent. CBD typically remains low at 0.1–0.8 percent, placing the strain firmly in THC-dominant territory.
Minor cannabinoids appear consistently enough to matter at the margins. CBG often registers between 0.5–1.2 percent, and CBC can hover around 0.2–0.6 percent in mature, well-cured samples. THCV is usually trace, generally under 0.2 percent, though environmental stress can nudge it higher.
To estimate effective potency post-decarboxylation, many growers use the standard THCA-to-THC conversion factor of 0.877. For example, a lab result of 24 percent THCA translates to roughly 21.0 percent THC after decarb. In practical terms, a 0.5 gram joint at 21 percent THC contains around 105 milligrams of total THC.
Dose management is therefore important, particularly for new or sensitive users. Even a small 0.15 gram vaporizer load at 20 percent THC delivers roughly 30 milligrams total cannabinoids, which is a sizable serving. Microdosing strategies of 1–2 milligrams THC are recommended for beginners before titrating upward.
Terpene Profile and Chemical Nuance
Auto Gorilla #5 tends to express a myrcene-forward profile supported by spicy sesquiterpenes. Typical cured-flower totals range 1.5–2.5 percent terpenes by weight, with a common distribution that looks like 0.5–0.9 percent myrcene, 0.3–0.6 percent beta-caryophyllene, and 0.1–0.3 percent humulene. Limonene commonly lands around 0.1–0.3 percent, with alpha-pinene at 0.05–0.15 percent and linalool at 0.03–0.10 percent.
Myrcene contributes to the heavy, herbal base and synergizes with THC for a sedative body tone. Caryophyllene, a CB2 agonist, is associated with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in preclinical data, and it supplies the peppered bite. Humulene layers woody bitterness and may work in tandem with caryophyllene to round the spice.
Limonene introduces a lighter, citrus lift that can brighten mood and temper the density of the earth-fuel core. Pinene adds conifer and can contribute to a cleaner headspace, particularly at lower doses. Trace linalool supports relaxation and softens the overall bouquet.
Preserving terpenes requires careful environmental control from late flower through cure. High heat and rapid airflow can strip lighter monoterpenes quickly, flattening the profile. Growers who dry at 18–20 Celsius and 55–60 percent RH for 10–14 days typically report the highest flavor fidelity.
Experiential Effects and Practical Use
The initial onset after inhalation typically arrives within 1–3 minutes, with peak experience between 30–45 minutes. Early phase effects include a noticeable pressure behind the eyes, creeping body ease, and a sapid, resin-heavy palate. Many users report a calm, steady uplift rather than a racing ascent.
At moderate doses, the strain scores around 7–8 out of 10 on body relaxation and 5–7 out of 10 on mental clarity, depending on individual tolerance. The middle of the session often features mood stability and quiet focus suitable for music, film, or light creative work. Sedative qualities become more pronounced past the one-hour mark, particularly with higher intake.
Duration after inhalation commonly runs 2–3 hours, with a gentle tail that can last another hour. Edible formats elongate the timeline significantly, with onset in 45–120 minutes and total duration of 4–6 hours or more. Users sensitive to THC may find the body weight substantial and should plan accordingly.
Potential side effects include dry mouth and ocular dryness, reported frequently with resin-heavy indica-leaning strains. Anxiety is less common than with racy sativas but can occur with aggressive dosing; slow titration helps minimize this risk. A comfortable setting and hydration improve the experience appreciably.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
Auto Gorilla #5’s profile makes it a candidate for evening pain management and stress relief. THC in the 18–24 percent range, supported by caryophyllene and humulene, can contribute to analgesia and anti-inflammatory effects. Many patients use indica-leaning autos like this for muscle tension, back pain, and arthritic discomfort.
For mood, the limonene and pinene fraction may provide a gentle uplift that counters lethargy without tipping into anxious stimulation. Some users report benefit for situational anxiety at low doses, while moderate doses trend toward sleep support. Insomnia sufferers often prefer this cultivar 60–90 minutes before bed to leverage its body heaviness.
From a dosing standpoint, conservative titration is recommended. Medical newcomers often start at 1–2 milligrams THC, reassess after 90 minutes, and scale to 5–10 milligrams as needed. For experienced patients managing chronic pain, 10–20 milligrams per session is common, with careful attention to cumulative effects.
Contraindications include a history of THC-induced anxiety or paranoia, in which case lower-THC or CBD-rich alternatives may be safer. Those with cardiovascular conditions should consult a clinician due to transient increases in heart rate. As always, medical decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare provider who understands cannabinoid therapy.
Cultivation Guide: Seed to Jar
Overview and lifecycle. As a ruderalis/indica auto bred by Bob Marley Seeds, Auto Gorilla #5 is designed to finish in roughly 70–85 days from seed under standard indoor conditions. It thrives with an 18/6 or 20/4 light schedule from start to finish, requiring no change to initiate bloom. Expect preflowers around day 21–30 and a final swell starting approximately day 50–65.
Germination and early vigor. Seeds usually crack within 24–72 hours when kept at 24–26 Celsius with 70–80 percent RH. Use a lightly moistened starter plug or paper towel method and transplant as soon as the taproot is 1–2 cm to avoid stress. Many auto growers plant directly into a final 11–20 liter container to minimize transplant shocks that can reduce yield.
Medium and containers. In soil, a well-aerated mix of 30–35 percent perlite or pumice improves oxygenation for the fast-developing autoflower root system. In coco, a 70/30 coco-perlite blend works well with frequent, low-volume feeds. Fabric pots promote root pruning and help prevent overwatering; 11–15 liters is a sweet spot for indoor tents.
pH and EC guidelines. In soil, target a pH of 6.2–6.8; in coco, aim for 5.8–6.2. Early feeding can begin around EC 0.8–1.0 for seedlings, rising to 1.2–1.6 during early bloom, and peaking near 1.6–1.8 in mid bloom if the plant signals demand. Always watch leaf tips for burn and back off 0.2 EC if you see clawing or crisping.
Nutrient ratios. A 3-1-2 NPK profile supports early growth, transitioning to 1-2-2 as buds set, and 0-3-3 in late bloom. Calcium and magnesium are critical in coco; maintain roughly a 2:1 Ca:Mg ratio and supplement 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–75 ppm Mg when needed. Organic growers can top-dress with 2–4 tablespoons per gallon of a balanced bloom amendment at week 3–4, then again at week 6.
Environmental targets. Daytime temperatures of 24–28 Celsius and nighttime 20–22 Celsius keep metabolism steady without overstressing terpenes. Relative humidity should sit near 60–70 percent in the seedling phase, 55–65 percent in early veg, 45–55 percent in flower, and 40–50 percent for the final two weeks. Aim for VPD of about 0.8–1.2 kPa through most of the run.
Light intensity and DLI. Autos respond well to 500–800 PPFD in early growth and 800–1,000 PPFD in late flower under LED, provided CO2 and nutrition are sufficient. Daily Light Integral targets of 35–45 mol per square meter in vegetative development and 45–55 mol per square meter in bloom are effective benchmarks. Keep fixtures 30–45 cm above the canopy, adjusting to avoid bleaching.
Training strategy. Because autos have a fixed clock, prioritize low-stress training from day 14–28 to open the canopy and even tops. Soft tethers can guide laterals outward, creating 8–12 prime sites without halting growth. Some growers top at the fourth node by day 18–21, but topping after day 21 risks yield loss; if in doubt, stick to LST.
Irrigation rhythm. In soil, water to 10–20 percent runoff once the pot feels light, typically every 2–4 days early and every 1–2 days mid bloom. In coco, plan for multiple small feeds per day at 10–15 percent runoff, keeping EC steady and avoiding large swings. Consistent, moderate moisture helps prevent calcium lockout and tip burn.
Pest and pathogen prevention. Start clean with sticky cards and weekly inspections of leaf undersides. In warm seasons, consider preventative releases of predatory mites such as Neoseiulus californicus at 5–10 mites per plant. Manage airflow with an oscillating fan to reduce microclimates that favor powdery mildew and botrytis.
Flowering window and cues. Most phenotypes begin visible pistil formation by week 3–4 from sprout and bulk significantly weeks 6–9. Watch trichomes with a 60x loupe; harvest for balanced effects when most heads are cloudy with 5–15 percent amber. For a more sedative outcome, some growers wait for 15–25 percent amber, accepting a small terpene loss.
Yield expectations. Indoors under LED at 800–1,000 PPFD, well-grown canopies average 450–600 grams per square meter. Single plants in 11–15 liter pots typically produce 60–150 grams, with top performers exceeding 180 grams. Outdoors, 70–200 grams per plant is common in temperate climates with 10–12 weeks of stable weather.
Harvest, dry, and cure. Wet trim fan leaves, then hang whole or in large branches at 18–20 Celsius and 55–60 percent RH for 10–14 days. Target a final moisture content near 11–12 percent or a water activity of 0.55–0.65 before jarring. Burp jars daily for the first 10–14 days, then weekly; a 4–8 week cure noticeably improves aroma integration and smoothness.
Common pitfalls. Overfeeding nitrogen past week 5 leads to dark, leathery leaves and reduced terpene brightness. Overdefoliation slows autos more than photoperiods; remove only leaves that block prime budsites or trap moisture. Sudden light intensity jumps can cause bleaching; ramp intensity by 10–15 percent every few days.
Outdoor notes. In higher latitudes, start seeds indoors 10–14 days before last frost and transplant into 20–30 liter fabric pots once nights stay above 10–12 Celsius. Position plants for 8+ hours of direct sun to push density. Consider light rain covers late season to protect against botrytis in dense colas.
Post-harvest metrics. Typical potency after a careful cure remains within 5–10 percent of peak lab values, while rushed, hot drying can shave more than 20 percent off perceived terpene intensity. Gentle handling preserves trichome heads, which are mechanically fragile when overly dry. Take time here; the last 10 percent of the process delivers a disproportionate share of quality.
