Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Auto Kong #4 is an autoflowering hybrid developed by Paradise Seeds, an Amsterdam-based breeder known for stable, high-resin cultivars. The name signposts the strain’s connection to Gorilla Glue #4 (also known as Original Glue), one of the most influential modern hybrids for potency and stickiness. By pairing elite Glue genetics with a refined ruderalis line, Paradise Seeds created a plant that flowers autonomously under long-day light cycles while preserving the dense trichome coverage and diesel-pine funk that Glue fans expect.
This strain sits firmly in the ruderalis/indica/sativa category, with a true hybrid growth habit and effects that range from uplifting to deeply relaxing. While seedbank figures vary, Auto Kong #4 is generally considered a high-potency auto, frequently testing in the upper-teens to low-20s for THC under good cultivation practices. It is popular among growers seeking top-shelf resin and among consumers who want the GG4 experience on a faster, autoflowering schedule.
In practical terms, Auto Kong #4 is built for versatility: it can thrive indoors, in greenhouses, and outdoors where summers are short. Autoflowering reliability makes it a strong choice for staggered harvests or stealth balcony grows. The strain’s resin output and terpene intensity also make it a capable candidate for solventless rosin and ice-water hash enthusiasts.
History and Breeding Background
Paradise Seeds introduced Auto Kong #4 in the late 2010s as part of a concerted push to elevate autoflower resin quality to photoperiod standards. The breeder selected a verified Gorilla Glue #4 genetic source as the cornerstone to capture heavy resin production, adhesive flower structure, and the unmistakable earthy-diesel aroma. To make the line day-neutral, they crossed it to a stabilized ruderalis-based auto parent and then backcrossed and selected across multiple generations to lock in flowering behavior and flavor.
Breeding an auto around Glue genetics presents specific challenges because GG4 phenotypes can be vigorous but also finicky, especially regarding nutrient balance and canopy management. Paradise Seeds’ approach, as reflected by consistent grow reports, prioritized a calyx-forward structure, high trichome density, and flavor retention during the transition to an autoflower framework. Stability work in autos typically requires four to six filial generations to fully fix traits, and Auto Kong #4 reflects that persistence in its uniform flowering times and reliable bud morphology.
Genealogy databases often note gaps in autoflower lineage transparency, as many breeders guard their proprietary auto parents. This reality is visible across public resources, where “unknown strain” labels are common for portions of autoflower family trees. That context matters: the visible part (GG4) is elite and well-characterized, while the hidden part (the auto donor) supplies the day-neutral flowering clock and contributes subtle shifts to terpene balance and plant architecture.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Kong #4 descends from Gorilla Glue #4 on one side and a stabilized ruderalis-indica-sativa auto parent on the other, rendering it a three-way hybrid: ruderalis/indica/sativa. Gorilla Glue #4 itself is reportedly a blend of Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel, a pedigree known for gassy, earthy, and chocolaty notes with assertive potency. This heritage is reflected in Auto Kong #4’s terpene stack, which tends to center on beta-caryophyllene, limonene, myrcene, and humulene.
The ruderalis contribution plugs in the autoflowering trait governed by a separate genetic mechanism from photoperiod sensitivity, allowing the plant to bloom independent of day length. Breeders carefully select so the ruderalis influence preserves vigor and finish time without over-diluting yield or terpene intensity. In practice, customers see a compact yet assertive architecture, shortened lifecycle, and a terpene fingerprint that leans Glue but may display brighter citrus facets.
Some public databases list portions of autoflower lineages as unknown, echoing the broader market pattern of proprietary auto donor lines. This is consistent with third-party listings that compile “unknown strain” segments when breeder disclosures are limited. For growers and consumers, the visible phenotype—resin saturation, Glue-forward aroma, and reliable auto timing—provides the functional proof of the intended inheritance.
Botanical Appearance and Bag Appeal
Auto Kong #4 plants typically reach 70–120 cm indoors depending on pot size, light intensity, and training. The structure is medium-tall for an auto, with a dominant central cola and balanced lateral branches that form a near-symmetrical crown. Internodes are moderately spaced, allowing good airflow if pruning is handled sensibly.
Buds are dense, calyx-forward, and resin encrusted, often showing a calyx-to-leaf ratio around 2:1 to 3:1 under optimized light and nutrition. The trichome head density is high, with milky glands arriving before week ten from seed, and amber coloration appearing thereafter. Pistils evolve from white/cream to orange-brown, and some phenotypes exhibit muted purples in cooler night temperatures.
The cured appearance is classic GG4-inspired: frosted lime-green flowers with orange pistils and a varnish-like sheen that telegraphs stickiness. Bag appeal is commonly elevated by the strain’s strong terpene carry, which holds up well through a correct slow dry and cure. Trim quality is manageable thanks to the calyx-forward structure, making it a suitable choice for both machine and careful hand-trim operations.
Aroma and Bouquet
The immediate nose is Glue-forward—earthy, gassy, and piney—tempered by citrus zest that becomes more noticeable during the final weeks of ripening. Beta-caryophyllene and humulene contribute a peppery, woody undertone, while limonene and pinene supply brightness and lift. Myrcene often rounds the bouquet with a faint herbal-sweet touch that softens the diesel edge.
On a dry pull, users often describe a “garage-and-lime” note: industrial glue and diesel layered with a lemon-candy accent. Post-cure, deeper chocolate-coffee whispers—echoes of Chocolate Diesel ancestry—can appear, especially in jars cured for 3–6 weeks. Even small jars can perfume a room when opened, a telltale sign of a terpene total frequently landing above 1.5% by dry weight in well-grown samples.
It’s worth noting that many modern autos have moved toward brighter candy profiles, and retail listings in the category often call out “citrus-candy” flavors. Auto Kong #4 sits at the intersection of these trends, preserving the Glue diesel-pine core while allowing a sweet citrus edge to peek through. Proper drying at 60–62% RH helps lock in this layered bouquet without volatilizing the more fragile top notes.
Flavor and Palate
The inhale is resinous and full, carrying diesel, dry pine, and pepper. As vapor expands, limonene-driven citrus and a faint cocoa bitterness emerge, lending a coffee-lime complexity. The exhale is cleaner and brighter, with pine-solvent and lemon peel lingering on the palate.
With a slow cure, pepper and wood notes recede slightly, allowing a smoother chocolate-diesel thread to show. This makes Auto Kong #4 an intriguing choice for connoisseurs who appreciate flavor evolution across the cure window. Water-cured rosin often highlights the lemon-pine layers, while hydrocarbon extracts accentuate earth, diesel, and cocoa.
Flavor persistence is above average for an auto, often lasting 5–10 minutes in the mouth post-session. Keeping cure jars at 60–62% RH and burping gently in the first 10–14 days preserves volatile monoterpenes that drive the citrus and pine. Over-drying below 55% RH tends to flatten citrus notes and skew the profile toward earthy diesel.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Auto Kong #4 is commonly reported in the 17–22% THC range when grown under high-intensity LED lighting with optimal nutrition. This places it in the upper tier of autoflower potency, comparable to the better modern autos and many mid-20th percentile photoperiods. Retailers across the auto category frequently cite 17–20% THC as a typical band for high-quality autos, and Auto Kong #4 generally falls within that envelope.
CBD levels are usually low (<1%), with trace THCV and CBC typical of Glue-derived hybrids. CBG can present in the 0.3–1.0% range, especially in samples cut with a higher proportion of cloudy trichomes. The overall minor cannabinoid fraction often totals 0.5–2.0%, which can subtly modulate the primary THC experience.
Users should expect a fast onset, especially with inhalation, with peak effects arriving in 30–45 minutes and a total duration of 2–4 hours depending on dose and tolerance. Edible infusions made from Auto Kong #4 frequently feel heavier due to decarboxylated THC and myrcene-caryophyllene content, often lasting 4–6 hours or more. As always, potency is highly contingent on grow conditions, harvest timing, and cure quality.
Terpene Profile and Minor Volatiles
While individual lab results vary, Auto Kong #4 typically expresses a terpene total in the 1.5–3.0% range by dry weight. The dominant terpene is frequently beta-caryophyllene (0.3–0.9%), followed by limonene (0.2–0.6%), myrcene (0.2–0.8%), and humulene (0.1–0.4%). Secondary contributors include alpha-pinene (0.05–0.2%), linalool (0.03–0.1%), and ocimene in occasional citrus-leaning phenotypes.
Caryophyllene and humulene co-expression is characteristic of Glue-derived plants, imparting the spicy-woody backbone and contributing to anti-inflammatory potential via CB2 engagement (particularly for caryophyllene). Limonene provides mood-elevating brightness and synergizes with pinene to keep the experience clear rather than muddy. Myrcene, when present at the higher end, can soften the profile and tilt the effects more sedative at larger doses.
Minor volatiles such as guaiol and fenchol may appear in trace amounts, supporting the forested, resinous impression. The chocolate-diesel suggestion is an interplay of terpene balance with non-terpene aromatics formed during curing. Maintaining cure temperatures near 18–20°C and RH at 60–62% helps minimize terpene loss and preserves the nuanced top notes.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Kong #4 delivers a rapid, uplifting onset that many describe as mentally buoyant without being jittery. Within the first 10–15 minutes, attention and mood often improve, making it suitable for light creative work or social activities. As the session progresses, body relaxation deepens, often landing in a comfortable, grounded state.
At moderate to high doses, GG4 lineage can show through as a heavier couch-lean, especially in evening settings. This duality makes Auto Kong #4 adaptable: microdosed, it can be daytime-friendly; pushed, it becomes a reliable unwind cultivar. The arc of effects is ideal for mixed-use scenarios—weekend errands followed by a movie night, for example.
Common user-reported effects include uplifted mood, reduced muscular tension, and a gentle weight behind the eyes. Anxiety-prone users often fare better with small, spaced doses to harness limonene’s brightness without tipping into overactivation. Expect modest dry mouth and occasional dry eyes; hydration and eye drops address both effectively.
Potential Medical Applications
Auto Kong #4’s caryophyllene-forward profile and solid THC content make it a candidate for addressing pain, stress, and appetite issues. Patients with musculoskeletal discomfort often report reduced perceived pain intensity after inhalation, particularly when combined with light stretching or heat therapy. For stress and mood, the limonene-pinene pairing offers an uplifting element that avoids fogginess in many users.
Sleep support can be dose-dependent: small doses may be neutral or slightly stimulating, while larger evening doses tend to be sedative, especially in phenotypes with higher myrcene. Appetite stimulation is common, a trait inherited from GG4 lineage and high-THC autos broadly. Some patients find it helpful for post-exercise recovery, pairing anti-inflammatory terpene action with muscle relaxation.
As with any cannabis-based approach, medical outcomes vary widely, and autos are not a substitute for clinical care. Observational data in medical cannabis cohorts frequently shows improved pain and anxiety scores with high-THC, caryophyllene-rich hybrids, though controlled trials remain limited. Patients should begin with low doses, keep a usage journal, and consult healthcare professionals, particularly when using other medications that may interact with THC.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Harvest
Auto Kong #4 performs strongly in 18/6 or 20/4 light schedules, with 20/4 providing a small but measurable boost in daily light integral when temperatures can be managed. From seed to harvest, most growers finish in 65–80 days, with resin ripeness typically peaking around days 70–75 under high-intensity LED. Some faster phenotypes and warmer, high-PPFD rooms may bring plants down in as little as 60–66 days, but waiting for trichome maturity usually pays dividends in flavor and density.
Start seeds directly in their final container to avoid transplant shock, a best practice for autos whose vegetative window is short. Containers of 11–20 L (3–5 gal) are common indoors; outdoors, 25–40 L (7–10+ gal) can maximize root volume and yield. Maintain root zone temperatures at 20–22°C to promote fast growth and avoid overwatering during the first two weeks.
For mediums, coco coir with 20–30% perlite supports fast growth and predictable feeding; soil mixes with light-to-moderate precharge also work well. In coco, target pH 5.8–6.2 and an EC of 0.8–1.2 mS/cm in weeks 1–3, rising to 1.5–2.0 mS/cm in mid-flower based on plant response. In soil, water to healthy runoff and aim for pH 6.3–6.8 while letting the medium dry slightly between irrigations to encourage root expansion.
Environmental parameters that hit the sweet spot include day temps of 24–27°C, night temps of 19–22°C, and VPD of 0.8–1.3 kPa depending on stage. Maintain RH at 65–70% in early veg, 55–60% in early flower, and 45–55% in late flower to balance growth and botrytis risk. Airflow is critical—use oscillating fans and ensure clean intake filtration to keep spores and pests at bay.
Under LED fixtures, a PPFD of 400–600 µmol/m²/s in early growth rising to 700–900 µmol/m²/s in mid-to-late flower is a reliable range. Calcium and magnesium supplementation (100–150 ppm Ca, 40–60 ppm Mg) helps prevent LED-associated deficiencies. Silica at 30–50 ppm can strengthen cell walls, improving turgor and making plants more resistant to abiotic stress.
Training is best kept gentle: low-stress training (LST) and early tie-downs in days 10–25 help create a flatter canopy without stalling. Topping autos is possible but should be done by experienced growers at the 3rd–4th node very early, or avoided entirely to preserve momentum. Light defoliation to remove shaded interior fans around weeks 3–5 can reduce humidity pockets and direct energy to top sites.
Nutrient management should emphasize a slightly higher nitrogen intake through early stretch, then pivot to phosphorus and potassium in bloom. Many growers do well with a 3-1-2 NPK ratio in early growth, sliding toward 1-2-3 by mid-late flower. Start flower enhancers gradually to avoid tip burn, as Glue-derived autos can be sensitive to overfeeding.
Integrated pest management (IPM) should be preventive: sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and periodic applications of beneficial microbes or plant-safe oils during veg. Avoid foliar sprays after week four to protect trichomes and prevent residue. Keep the grow room clean between runs and consider a 48–72 hour room rest with HEPA filtration cycles to knock back lingering spores.
Environmental Controls and Nutrition Strategy
Run a gentle temperature drop of 3–5°C at night to keep internodes compact and improve color expression without stalling metabolic activity. If CO2 enrichment is available, target 900–1200 ppm in vegetative growth and early flower, then taper to ambient for the final two weeks to protect terpene integrity. Higher CO2 can support PPFD in the 900–1000 µmol/m²/s range if leaf temps are maintained around 26–28°C.
Auto Kong #4 appreciates steady Ca/Mg availability, particularly in coco and under LEDs, where transpiration patterns can create localized deficiency. If using RO water, add a baseline of 0.2–0.3 mS/cm Ca/Mg before base nutrients to stabilize the solution. Keep runoff EC within 0.2–0.4 mS/cm of feed EC to avoid salt buildup.
Flush strategies should be tailored to the medium. In coco, a gentle 7–10 day taper with reduced EC (0.5–0.8 mS/cm) preserves weight while improving burn quality. In soil, rely more on earlier nutrient reductions and plain water in the final 7–10 days, watching leaves fade gradually to yellow while trichomes finish.
Harvest Indicators, Drying, and Curing
The most reliable harvest indicator is trichome head color: aim for 5–10% amber for a balanced effect, or 15–25% amber for heavier body. Pistil coloration supports the call but is less definitive; expect 80–90% browned pistils near optimal harvest. Glue-derived autos tend to keep swelling late, so a 3–5 day patience buffer can noticeably increase density and resin.
Dry whole plants or large branches at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH for 10–14 days, with gentle airflow and no direct fan on flowers. A slow dry preserves monoterpenes and prevents chlorophyll lock-in. Target a final moisture content around 10–11% (water activity 0.55–0.65) before moving to cure jars or bins.
Cure in sealed containers burped daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly for 3–6 weeks. Most Auto Kong #4 expressions show their best flavor between weeks 3 and 8 of cure, gaining chocolate-diesel depth as citrus rounds. For extraction, consider harvesting slightly earlier (more cloudy trichomes) to maximize terpene brightness in fresh-frozen runs.
Yield Expectations and Quality Metrics
Indoor yields of 450–550 g/m² are realistic under high-efficiency LEDs with good canopy management. Skilled growers running dialed environments and CO2 occasionally report 600+ g/m², though this represents the upper envelope with optimal phenotypes. Outdoor plants in favorable climates commonly return 80–180 g per plant, scaling with pot size and season length.
A practical performance metric is grams per watt (g/W), where 0.7–1.2 g/W is typical and 1.3–1.5 g/W is achievable in tuned rooms. Rosin press returns of 18–25% from well-cured flower are common for Glue-derived material, with ice-water hash/rosin workflows delivering excellent quality from the strain’s dense trichome coverage. Hydrocarbon extraction yields can land in the 18–25% range depending on biomass quality and moisture.
Quality metrics to watch include terpene total (aim for 1.8%+), trichome head integrity (minimal oxidation and broken heads), and ash quality (clean gray-white post-burn). A faint cocoa-diesel nose with lemon-pine top notes after 3–6 weeks cure indicates a strong showing. If aroma skews hay-like, look to improve dry/cure conditions and revisit final-week feed reductions.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Overfeeding during weeks 3–6 is a frequent issue, as plants are enthusiastic but sensitive and can show tip burn quickly. Reduce EC by 10–15% at the first sign of leaf edge crisping and reassess runoff. Excess nitrogen late in flower can suppress aroma and delay ripening.
Overaggressive training, particularly late topping or heavy defoliation after day 25, can stall autos and reduce final yield. Keep training gentle and early; if in doubt, rely on tie-downs instead of cuts. Poor airflow in dense canopies can invite botrytis, so lollipop lightly and maintain a gentle cross-breeze.
Drying too fast—temperatures above 22°C or RH below 50%—flattens the citrus-pine top end and locks in chlorophyll. If small buds dry in under 5–7 days, retool the dry room. Finally, harvesting purely on a breeder’s day count without checking trichomes often leaves weight and flavor on the table; inspect with a loupe or microscope.
Comparisons and Market Position
In the autoflower market, Auto Kong #4 competes directly with Gorilla Glue auto variants and other resin-focused lines. Its selling proposition is Glue-grade stickiness with an authentic diesel-pine core and a citrus lift, wrapped in a reliable 65–80 day seed-to-harvest window. This places it in the premium auto tier, where resin quality and terpene carry are judged against photoperiod standards.
Compared to sweeter, candy-first autos, Auto Kong #4 tilts more savory and earthy, appealing to users who want classic hybrid depth. Versus ultra-compact autos, it can be taller and slightly more demanding of space and airflow, but it returns that space with higher top-shelf bud ratio. For extractors, its trichome coverage and Glue ancestry are key, often translating to better-than-average solventless potential.
Retail snapshots across the auto category frequently mention 17–20% THC potency, citrus-candy flavors, and 56–66 day finishes. Auto Kong #4 aligns on potency while trading pure candy for diesel-pine complexity, and most phenotypes benefit from an extra week for full ripeness. That maturity window is part of what gives the strain its layered flavor and strong bag appeal.
Context Notes on Public Lineage Data
Genealogy resources sometimes show incomplete parentage for autoflower lines, listing parts of their backgrounds as “unknown strain.” This is not unusual in the auto segment, where breeders protect day-neutral donor lines that took years to stabilize. For Auto Kong #4, the visible half—Gorilla Glue #4—anchors expectations on flavor and resin, while the proprietary auto side supplies flowering behavior and subtle terpene modulation.
Public seed listings for autos commonly cite potency bands and finish times that align with the category rather than a single cultivar. In that context, ranges like 17–20% THC and 56–66 day finishes are often used as benchmarks for modern high-quality autos. Auto Kong #4 typically sits within or just beyond these ranges, with many growers opting for 65–75 days to capture maximal density and terpene maturity.
These category snapshots help set expectations but do not replace in-room observation. Environmental controls, nutrition, and harvest timing remain decisive. Growers are encouraged to treat day counts as guides and depend on trichome development to determine actual readiness.
Step-by-Step Grow Schedule (Example Timeline)
Days 1–7: Germinate directly into final pots. Keep medium warm (20–22°C), lightly moist, and under 200–300 µmol/m²/s PPFD. Feed lightly (EC 0.6–0.8) with a balanced starter and Ca/Mg support.
Days 8–14: Begin LST as the 3rd–4th node emerges. Increase PPFD to 350–450 and maintain RH near 65%. EC 0.8–1.0 with a 3-1-2 NPK bias and silica supplementation.
Days 15–28: Rapid vegetative stretch. Tie down tops to create a flat canopy, prune only the lowest sites. Raise PPFD to 500–650, RH 60%, and EC 1.1–1.4 while watching leaf tips.
Days 29–42: Early flower set. Shift feeding to 2-1-2 then 1-2-2, PPFD 650–800, RH 55–58%, VPD 1.1–1.2. Light defoliation to open the interior and improve airflow.
Days 43–60: Bulk and resin push. EC 1.5–1.8, keep Ca/Mg steady, PPFD 750–900 if temps allow. RH 50–55%, ensure strong but indirect airflow around top colas.
Days 61–75: Ripening and taper. Reduce EC progressively to 0.6–0.8 over final 7–10 days. Watch for 5–15% amber trichomes, then harvest and move into a slow dry at 60/60 conditions.
Responsible Use and Dosing Considerations
Because Auto Kong #4 often tests in the upper-teens to low-20s for THC, new users should start low and go slow. One or two small inhalations are sufficient to gauge initial response, with reevaluation after 10–15 minutes. Experienced consumers can titrate to effect, but stacking large hits quickly can shift the experience from uplifting to heavy.
For edibles, carefully calculate decarboxylation and infusion strength. Autos with GG4 lineage can feel stronger than their milligram label suggests due to terpene synergy and minor cannabinoids. Pairing with food and staying hydrated can improve comfort and reduce side effects like lightheadedness.
If anxiety occurs, shift to smaller doses, pair with calming activities, or consider CBD co-administration as some users find it softens the edge. Avoid mixing with alcohol if you are unfamiliar with your response, as crossfading can amplify dizziness. Always follow local laws and consume responsibly.
Conclusion and Buyer’s Checklist
Auto Kong #4 brings Gorilla Glue #4’s resin and diesel-pine depth into an autoflower format that is fast, potent, and flavorful. It rewards attentive growers with dense, trichome-laden colas and a terpene profile that balances earth, fuel, pine, and citrus. For consumers, it offers a versatile effect arc: bright at low doses, grounding and restful at higher doses.
Before buying, confirm your garden can handle a medium-tall auto with strong branching and high aroma output. Plan for a 65–75 day run, robust airflow, and a careful dry/cure to protect terpenes. If extraction is your goal, consider freezing a portion fresh for live hash/rosin or press cured flower at 18–22% target returns.
For those seeking a premium auto with authentic Glue character, Auto Kong #4 justifies its reputation. It sits comfortably in the modern auto potency band and punches above its weight on resin quality. With disciplined cultivation and patience at harvest, it delivers the top-shelf results Paradise Seeds intended.
