Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Auto Gorilla
Auto Gorilla is the autoflowering expression of the revered Gorilla line, envisioned and released by 00 Seeds Bank as a vigorous, resin-soaked hybrid. Built on a ruderalis, indica, and sativa foundation, it captures the potency and gluey trichome coverage of the original Gorilla lineage while delivering a fast, low-maintenance grow cycle. The result is a compact yet high-output plant that moves from seed to harvest in weeks rather than months without sacrificing the heavy-hitting experience that Gorilla fans expect.
Autoflowering genetics give Auto Gorilla the ability to flower regardless of light cycle, making it a versatile option for indoor and outdoor cultivators. This trait is especially valuable for growers at northern latitudes with short summers or for those seeking perpetual harvests under an 18/6 light schedule. With correct inputs and careful training, Auto Gorilla can rival many photoperiod plants for density, bag appeal, and yield per square foot, even in modest spaces.
Among Gorilla-derived autos, 00 Seeds Bank’s selection is often singled out for stability and aroma retention. The variety typically exhibits a diesel-forward nose with earthy, piney undertones and hints of chocolate, all wrapped in a potent THC package. Its popularity reflects larger market trends, where high-potency auto cultivars continue to close the gap with photoperiods in both cannabinoid content and terpene intensity.
This guide provides a data-driven, grower-tested overview of Auto Gorilla’s history, genetics, morphology, chemistry, effects, medical potential, and cultivation best practices. Where possible, we present quantitative ranges commonly reported by breeders, lab tests, and experienced growers. The goal is to equip you with precise expectations and actionable tactics so you can get the most out of this high-performance autoflower.
History and Breeder Background
00 Seeds Bank, a Spanish breeder known for robust, accessible genetics, developed Auto Gorilla to bring the classic Gorilla experience into a fast, beginner-friendly format. Their catalog focuses on reliable germination, stable chemotypes, and strains that respond well in small indoor spaces, all of which suit the auto market. Auto Gorilla fits this mission by combining potency and speed in a plant that’s straightforward to manage across a wide variety of media.
The strain traces its inspiration to the Gorilla Glue family, specifically the GG4 phenotype that won numerous cups and became synonymous with heavy resin and couch-locking strength. Autoflowering conversion typically involves crossing the chosen photoperiod parent with a stabilized ruderalis donor, then backcrossing and selecting for potency, aroma, and automatic flowering. 00 Seeds Bank’s work followed this general template, emphasizing terpene preservation and resin density in their selections.
By the mid-to-late 2010s, the auto category had shifted from novelty to serious contender, with modern lines showcasing THC levels routinely above 18% and yields exceeding 400 g/m² indoors. Auto Gorilla emerged during this credibility boom, offering true high-test potency in a 70–85 day seed-to-harvest package. In effect, it brought Gorilla’s signature depth and stickiness to growers who lacked the space, patience, or scheduling flexibility for photoperiod plants.
Market interest in Gorilla derivatives remains strong, and autos are a significant part of that demand. As an example of the broader context, industry directories such as CannaConnection list a variety of Gorilla-themed autos, including Gorilla Zkittlez Auto, illustrating how breeders continue to hybridize Gorilla traits into quick-finishing formats. Auto Gorilla by 00 Seeds Bank sits near the center of this movement as a clear, terpene-forward representation of the idea.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Strategy
Auto Gorilla’s heritage is ruderalis, indica, and sativa, reflecting a multifaceted breeding approach. The base profile leans hybrid, with an indica-forward body feel layered over an energizing initial lift from its sativa side. Ruderalis contributions enable automatic flowering, robustness under variable light, and improved cold tolerance, without overwhelming the aromatic and cannabinoid expressions of the Gorilla parent.
Breeders typically execute a staged process to develop a stable auto. First, a photoperiod Gorilla is crossed with a reliable ruderalis auto line. Subsequent filial generations focus on re-capturing the desired Gorilla terpene spectrum and potency while fixing the autoflower trait, followed by selection for bud density, internodal spacing, and uniform finishing times.
Reported phenotypic stability in modern runs is high, with most plants automatically initiating bloom between days 20 and 30 from sprout under an 18/6 schedule. A majority of phenotypes finish within 70–85 days from seed, depending on environmental optimization and pot size. Larger containers and cooler late-flower temperatures can add several days as plants bulk up and ripen trichomes.
The end product is a consistent, diesel-leaning hybrid with a sticky resin blanket reminiscent of its Gorilla roots. Plant architecture tends toward compact bushiness with one dominant cola and numerous strong satellite branches. With light training, the canopy can be arranged for excellent light penetration and uniform bud development, the hallmark of a well-bred auto hybrid.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Auto Gorilla typically grows 70–120 cm tall indoors, with final height influenced by pot size, light intensity, and early training. In 11–15 liter containers, expect sturdy stems and short-to-medium internodes that create a dense, Christmas-tree structure. Outdoors, heights can push 120–140 cm in warm, sunny climates with rich soil and frequent watering.
The buds are tight, golf-ball to cola-sized, and exceptionally resinous, often appearing sugar-frosted by week 7–8 from seed. Calyxes swell late in bloom, and the bract-to-leaf ratio favors easy trimming, a welcome trait for home growers. Pistils start off cream to tangerine and mature to deep amber, while bracts range from olive to lime green, with occasional purple streaking under cool nights.
Stems are notably robust for an autoflower, reducing the need for staking in moderate-yield environments. Plants often exhibit lateral branching that keeps pace with the main cola, especially under early low-stress training. This architecture yields an efficient canopy of evenly spaced tops, maximizing the value of limited indoor square footage.
Trichome coverage is one of Auto Gorilla’s standout features, rendering scissors gummy and gloves necessary during trim. Growers frequently report that even sugar leaves carry dense capitate-stalked trichomes. On a resin intensity scale typical of modern autos, Auto Gorilla consistently ranks in the upper tier, supporting both flower and extraction-focused harvests.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Auto Gorilla’s nose opens with a vivid diesel note rooted in its Gorilla ancestry. Earthy, forest-floor undertones follow, rounded by pine and a faint bitterness reminiscent of cocoa or coffee. As flowers cure, sweet and sour facets develop, revealing a nuanced bouquet that is bold but not harsh.
On the palate, the first impression is fuel and soil, transitioning into a mouth-coating pine-resin quality on the exhale. Subtle chocolate and herb tones linger, a profile that pairs well with roasted or savory foods. Vaporization at 180–190°C brightens citrus flashes from limonene while keeping earthy components intact.
Grinding a cured bud releases a pungent, almost solvent-like diesel aroma within seconds. This intense top note is typically balanced by humulene-driven woody, hoppy accents that prevent the bouquet from becoming one-dimensional. A well-managed dry and cure will preserve terpenes and soften any sharp edges, creating a rounded experience.
Users who are sensitive to aggressive diesel can mitigate intensity by extending the cure to 4–6 weeks at 58–62% relative humidity. This extra time allows chlorophyll to break down and terpenes to meld, often bringing out deeper chocolate and cedar qualities. For the fuel chasers, a shorter two-week cure retains the pop and bite of the initial volatile compounds.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Gorilla is designed to deliver strong THC levels for an autoflower, with many grows reporting 18–24% THC under optimized conditions. Select phenotypes, especially those pushed with high-intensity LED lighting and dialed-in nutrition, have been anecdotally measured above 24%, though 20–22% is a realistic target for most home setups. CBD content is typically low, often below 1%, positioning the chemotype as THC-dominant.
Minor cannabinoids commonly observed include CBG at 0.1–1.0% and CBC at trace to 0.3%. THCV presence tends to be minimal, but may appear as a trace component in certain phenotypes. The combined minor cannabinoid fraction generally falls under 2%, with the psychoactive profile driven overwhelmingly by delta-9 THC.
Potency is influenced by environmental control, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling. Waiting for 10–15% of trichomes to shift amber with the rest cloudy often leads to a stronger, heavier effect compared with early, mostly cloudy harvests. Improper drying—too fast or too hot—can reduce terpene retention and the perceived depth of the high, even when total THC remains high.
As a benchmark, indoor growers using full-spectrum LED lighting at 600–900 µmol/m²/s and stable CO2 around 400–800 ppm consistently report potency in the 18–22% range. Autos grown outdoors under high UV exposure can exhibit equally potent resin, though variable weather conditions may widen the range. Regardless of environment, Auto Gorilla is among the more psychoactive autos available when grown to potential.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Auto Gorilla commonly expresses a dominant myrcene-caryophyllene-limonene triad, reflecting its hybridized Gorilla heritage. Typical distributions reported by grower tests include myrcene at 0.4–1.0%, beta-caryophyllene at 0.2–0.8%, and limonene at 0.1–0.6% by dry weight. Humulene and alpha-pinene often feature as secondary contributors, each in the 0.05–0.3% range.
Myrcene supports the earthy, musky base and may synergize with THC to promote sedative body effects at higher doses. Beta-caryophyllene brings peppery spice and engages CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammatory responses. Limonene adds lift and focus, contributing to a brighter top note and a more upbeat onset.
Humulene provides woody, hoppy dimensions that shape the final bouquet, while pinene introduces subtle forest and clarity elements. The balance among these terpenes depends on phenotype and terroir, with cooler finishing temperatures often preserving monoterpenes like limonene and pinene. Warmer dries can drive off some monoterpenes, shifting the nose toward heavier sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene and humulene.
From an extraction standpoint, the terpene mix is resilient and produces flavorful concentrates. Hydrocarbon or rosin techniques frequently capture the diesel-pine signature with a pronounced caryophyllene bite. Proper low-temp curing of concentrates (below 20°C) helps preserve limonene and pinene for a brighter profile.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Gorilla delivers a fast onset with inhalation, typically within 2–5 minutes, beginning as a clear cerebral lift. Within 15–25 minutes, the body stone becomes prominent, dissolving tension and anchoring the experience in a warm, weighted calm. At moderate doses, many users report a steady euphoria and talkative mood suitable for music, films, or low-stakes socializing.
At higher doses, the indica-forward body effects dominate, often culminating in deep couch-lock and a slowed sense of time. This heaviness pairs well with recovery days, late-evening relaxation, or pain flare-ups when mobility is not a priority. For daytime productivity, microdosing or choosing a terpene-leaning, limonene-dominant phenotype can help maintain clarity.
Common side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, with occasional dizziness if consumed rapidly on an empty stomach. Those prone to anxiety with potent THC should start with small inhalations spaced a few minutes apart. Compared to racy sativa autos, Auto Gorilla generally runs calmer but can still overwhelm new users if overconsumed.
The perceived duration of effects is strong for an auto, often lasting 2–3 hours with inhalation and 4–6 hours with edibles. Residual sedation can persist into the comedown, which many users leverage for wind-down routines. If focus is required afterward, caffeine or terpene balancing via limonene-rich strains in rotation can mitigate lingering heaviness.
Potential Medical Applications
Given its THC-dominant profile, Auto Gorilla may support short-term relief from pain, muscle tension, and insomnia. The myrcene-caryophyllene foundation encourages body relaxation, while limonene adds an uplifting top that can soften low mood. Patients often describe reductions in perceived discomfort and improved sleep latency, particularly with evening use.
Beta-caryophyllene’s affinity for CB2 receptors suggests a potential anti-inflammatory role, complementing THC’s analgesic properties. Although individual responses vary, anecdotal reports frequently cite relief in neuropathic pain, back spasms, and migraine intensity. For persistent daytime symptoms, small, spaced doses can provide relief without a full sedative effect.
Anxiety responses to THC are highly individual; for some, Auto Gorilla’s heavier body stone counterbalances jitteriness, while others may find high-THC chemotypes challenging. Patients sensitive to THC may consider pairing with CBD-rich products in a 1:1 to 1:2 CBD:THC ratio to moderate intensity. Careful titration—waiting 10–15 minutes between inhalations—can help identify a comfortable dose.
Medical users should consult local regulations and healthcare professionals where possible and maintain a symptom and dosage journal. Noting terpene impressions (fuel-forward vs. citrus-forward phenotypes) can help predict response patterns. With thoughtful use, Auto Gorilla can be a practical tool for evening pain control and sleep support, while lighter daytime doses may assist with stress management.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Auto Gorilla thrives in stable, high-light environments and rewards precision with strong yields. Indoors, maintain temperatures of 24–27°C during the day and 20–23°C at night in veg and early flower. In late flower, a slight drop to 18–21°C at lights off can enhance color expression and terpene retention.
Humidity should track a vapor pressure deficit (VPD) curve: target 0.8–1.1 kPa in early growth (typically 60–70% RH at 25°C), 1.0–1.2 kPa in mid flower (50–55% RH), and 1.1–1.4 kPa in late flower (45–50% RH). Good airflow with oscillating fans prevents microclimates and reduces botrytis risk in dense colas. Maintain a clean environment and replace prefilters often to protect carbon filters from diesel-heavy aromas.
Lighting is a key yield driver for autos. Provide 18 hours on and 6 hours off throughout the lifecycle; most growers find 18/6 outperforms 20/4 by reducing metabolic stress. Aim for 300–500 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early growth, 500–700 µmol/m²/s in preflower, and 700–900 µmol/m²/s in mid-to-late flower. Daily Light Integrals of 35–45 mol/m²/day are achievable without CO2; if enriching to ~800–1000 ppm, 900–1000 µmol/m²/s can be used with care.
Soil, coco, and hydro all work; coco coir with perlite (70/30) is popular for autos due to rapid root aeration and easy EC control. Maintain pH at 6.2–6.8 in soil and 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro. Start seedlings in their final container to avoid stall—autos dislike transplant shock and can lose 10–20% of potential yield from a poorly timed pot-up.
Nutrient strength should be moderate. Begin with 0.6–0.8 mS/cm EC (300–400 ppm 500-scale) for seedlings, 0.9–1.2 mS/cm in early veg, and 1.4–1.8 mS/cm in flower depending on strain hunger and runoff readings. Cal-Mag supplementation is often necessary under LED lighting; watch for interveinal chlorosis in fast growth phases.
Watering frequency depends on media; in coco, irrigate to 10–20% runoff once or twice daily once roots are established. In living soil, water less often but more deeply, allowing 10–20% of the pot mass to dry between events. Overwatering early can stunt autos; keep media airy and avoid waterlogged conditions during the first 10–14 days.
Training should emphasize low stress. Begin gentle low-stress training (LST) between days 10 and 18, bending the main stem and securing it to open the canopy. Topping is possible but must be done before day 18–20; many growers skip it to avoid delays, relying instead on LST and leaf tucking for even light distribution.
Defoliation should be conservative. Remove large fan leaves that shade interior sites around days 25–35, and then again lightly in week 6 if needed. Avoid heavy stripping; autos lack the recovery time photoperiods have and can reduce yields if stressed late.
Nutrient schedule can be simplified: higher nitrogen in early growth, shifting to phosphorus and potassium in bloom. Consider a PK boost around weeks 5–7 (from seed) as flowers bulk, but watch EC to avoid salt buildup. Flushing in inert media the final 7–10 days with pH-balanced water helps clean up flavor; in living soil, just taper inputs and let the soil biology finish the job.
Outdoors, plant after the last frost when night temps remain above 10–12°C. In full sun (8+ hours direct), Auto Gorilla often finishes in 75–85 days from sprout, with earlier completion in hot, bright climates. Guerrilla growers often choose 20–40 liter fabric pots and stealth spots with dappled sun to balance vigor and security.
Pest management should be preventative: introduce sticky traps, maintain cleanliness, and inspect undersides of leaves weekly. Neem alternatives such as cold-pressed neem or potassium bicarbonate can be used in veg, but avoid oil-based sprays once flowers set. Beneficial insects like lady beetles or predatory mites can be deployed as necessary for mites or thrips.
For hydroponics, deep water culture or recirculating systems can push rapid growth, but keep root-zone temperatures in the 18–20°C range to avoid pathogens. Dissolved oxygen above 7 mg/L supports explosive root development. Maintain cleanliness in reservoirs and consider beneficial inoculants to outcompete pythium in warm periods.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Auto Gorilla typically reaches harvest readiness between days 70 and 85 from seed, depending on phenotype and environment. A jeweler’s loupe or microscope is essential: aim for mostly cloudy trichomes with 10–15% amber for a deeply relaxing effect. Harvesting at mostly cloudy with minimal amber skews toward a lighter, more uplifting experience.
Flush in coco or hydro for 7–10 days and reduce light intensity slightly during the final week to manage stress and avoid foxtailing. Some growers extend dark periods to 24–36 hours before chop to nudge resin output, though evidence is mixed; prioritize stable conditions over unproven tricks. Branches should be cut with care to reduce agitation and loss of volatile terpenes.
Dry in a space held at 18–20°C and 55–60% relative humidity with gentle airflow, not directly on the flowers. A 10–14 day slow dry preserves terpenes and produces smoother smoke; stems should snap but not shatter when the dry is complete. Rapid drying below 5–7 days can lock in chlorophyll and reduce aroma intensity.
Cure in airtight glass jars filled to about 70–80% capacity. Burp daily for 10–15 minutes the first week, then every 2–3 days for the next three weeks. Target a final internal jar humidity of 58–62% for flower; at 4–6 weeks cured, Auto Gorilla’s diesel and pine notes become rounded and complex.
Yields, Resin Production, and Extraction
Indoor yields for Auto Gorilla commonly range from 400 to 550 g/m² with high-efficiency LEDs, CO2 at ambient levels, and optimized nutrition. Skilled growers pushing light intensity and environmental control can see 550–650 g/m² in dialed-in runs. Outdoors, per-plant yields of 50–200 grams are typical, with exceptional reports above 250 grams in long, sunny seasons.
Resin production is a key strength, with trim often as sticky as sugar leaves on photoperiod Gorillas. Ice water hash yields of 12–18% from high-quality, fresh-frozen material are attainable, and hash quality frequently includes a notable fraction of 90–120 µ trichome heads. Rosin yields from well-cured flower commonly fall in the 18–24% range, reflecting dense resin heads and a generous oil fraction.
Hydrocarbon extraction captures the diesel-forward profile vividly but requires professional safety protocols due to flammability. For home-friendly options, dry-sift and rosin methods preserve much of the aromatic complexity, especially when pressed at 90–95°C for 45–90 seconds. Terp-heavy phenotypes can produce jars with a pronounced caryophyllene and limonene snap that persists for weeks under refrigeration.
If growing primarily for extraction, harvest slightly earlier (mostly cloudy trichomes) to maximize terpene brightness. Conversely, for heavier edibles, slightly later harvests with 15–20% amber can deepen sedative impact. Decarboxylate at 110–115°C for 35–45 minutes to activate THCA to THC before infusion, and store infusions cold and dark to slow degradation.
Comparisons and Market Context
Compared with other diesel-forward autos, Auto Gorilla is notable for resin density and a heavy late-phase body effect. Some autos emphasize speed at the cost of depth; Auto Gorilla generally delivers both, finishing rapidly while retaining a well-layered flavor. For growers chasing maximal speed, ultra-quick autos may chop at 60–65 days, but Auto Gorilla’s 70–85 day window often yields better density and potency.
Against photoperiod Gorilla cultivars, the auto version is shorter and less tolerant of aggressive training, but the potency gap has narrowed substantially. Where top photoperiod Gorillas can chart above 25% THC, Auto Gorilla’s practical range of 18–24% places it firmly within modern strong-flower territory. For many home growers, the flexibility of autos—multiple harvests per year under a single light schedule—outweighs the marginal differences.
The auto segment continues to diversify, integrating dessert terpenes and classic lines into faster formats. As referenced by industry listings like CannaConnection’s guide to strains such as Gorilla Zkittlez Auto, market demand for compact, flavorful, and potent autos remains strong. Within this ecosystem, 00 Seeds Bank’s Auto Gorilla holds a spot as a dependable, diesel-first option that pairs simple cultivation with serious resin.
For consumers, this means greater access to Gorilla-style experiences even when supply chains favor small-batch or personal grows. For cultivators, it means a reliable choice when scheduling, stealth, or space constraints preclude photoperiod runs. The result is an approachable entry point to the Gorilla world that does not feel like a compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Tips
How long from seed to harvest? Most growers report 70–85 days, with 75–80 days being a common sweet spot under 18/6 lighting. Cooler finishes and larger pots can extend this by a few days as flowers harden and trichomes amber.
What are ideal environmental targets? Aim for 24–27°C day and 20–23°C night early, shifting slightly cooler in late flower. Keep RH near 60–70% early, 50–55% mid bloom, and 45–50% late bloom while tracking VPD.
How big should the pot be? Use 11–15 liter containers indoors for a balance of root volume and speed. Outdoors, 20–40 liter fabric pots encourage strong growth and support top-end yields without excessive height.
Can I top or fim autos? Yes, but only very early (before day 18–20) and with the awareness that a slow recovery will cost yield. Many growers skip high-stress training and rely on LST and defoliation to shape the canopy.
What yields can I expect? Indoors, 400–550 g/m² is realistic with quality LEDs and good environment; outdoors, 50–200 g/plant is typical. Expert-level grows can exceed these figures with optimal conditions and phenotype selection.
Final Thoughts
Auto Gorilla from 00 Seeds Bank is a high-utility, high-reward autoflower that condenses the Gorilla experience into a compact and efficient format. It combines a sticky, diesel-forward bouquet with real potency, dense structure, and a growth curve accessible to newer growers. The strain’s ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage is evident in its hardiness, body-laidback effect, and buoyant initial lift.
From a cultivation standpoint, success hinges on early life stability, moderate feeding, and thoughtful low-stress training. Light intensity and environment drive the difference between good and great results, with PPFD, VPD, and gentle drying and curing all affecting final quality. When optimized, Auto Gorilla offers yields and resin output that rival many photoperiods in practical home setups.
For consumers and patients, the experience is robust and long-lasting, carrying a blend of euphoria, calm, and couch-friendly weight. While individuals vary in their responses to THC, careful titration reveals a wide usable range from social sips to full evening sedation. In a market crowded with quick-finishing hype, Auto Gorilla endures as a proven, data-friendly choice that delivers what it promises: high-caliber Gorilla character on an autoflowering schedule.
As autos continue to evolve, expect future iterations to refine terpene breadth and efficiency further. For now, Auto Gorilla sits comfortably among the autos that have moved the category forward, showing that speed and substance can absolutely coexist. Grow it thoughtfully, cure it patiently, and you’ll understand why it remains a staple in autoflower rotations.
