Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Auto Lavender Best is an autoflowering, ruderalis/indica strain developed by Bulk Seed Bank to deliver a classic floral-lavender bouquet in a compact, fast-finishing package. As an auto, it transitions to bloom without photoperiod changes, making it ideal for small spaces, balconies, and perpetual indoor cycles. The breeder intent was clear: stabilize a soothing, linalool-forward aroma while embedding the resilience and speed of modern ruderalis lines.
Autoflower genetics have matured dramatically over the past decade, and Auto Lavender Best sits in that new wave of quality. Growers routinely prioritize consistency, terpene richness, and discreet stature, and this cultivar lines up well with those goals. Expect indica-leaning effects, a calm demeanor, and a scent profile that unmistakably nods to lavender fields.
Bulk Seed Bank positioned Auto Lavender Best for both first-time growers and experienced cultivators seeking reliable turnarounds. The plant tends to stay manageable in height, making it well suited to 18–20 hours of daily light in small tents. With a balanced nutrient appetite and straightforward training requirements, it is accessible yet rewarding when dialed in.
History and Breeding Background
Bulk Seed Bank introduced Auto Lavender Best as a refinement of lavender-forward autos in response to market demand for floral, calming profiles. In the 2010s, many autoflower lines lagged behind photoperiods in potency and terpene complexity, but breeder programs steadily closed the gap. By pairing an indica-leaning backbone with robust ruderalis donors, the bank sought to amplify linalool expression while improving vigor and homogeneity.
The 'Best' tag signals an internal selection standard, where mothers and pollen donors are repeatedly pheno-hunted for aroma density, bud structure, and uniform flowering time. Stabilization cycles typically involve multiple filial generations and backcrosses to lock in chemotype traits. While breeders rarely publish every step, the result is a plant that consistently leans floral-spicy, with a predictable autoflower timeline.
Autoflower acceptance expanded as growers saw real-world results: quicker harvests, compact canopies, and year-round production. In that context, Auto Lavender Best appealed to home growers seeking soothing evening effects without the height and training complexities of tall sativas. The strain also fit micro-licensed producers pursuing boutique, terpene-rich batches with rapid turnover.
Genetic Lineage and Botany
Auto Lavender Best traces its heritage to a ruderalis/indica framework, combining the day-neutral flowering trait with an indica-style plant habit. Ruderalis contributes the autoflowering gene set that initiates bloom independent of photoperiod, typically after 3–5 weeks from sprout. The indica influence expresses in broader leaflets, thicker lateral branching, and denser, resin-heavy flowers.
Lavender-associated terpene expression points to higher linalool potential, consistent with many indica-forward chemovars. While Bulk Seed Bank does not disclose the exact parentage, selection would have emphasized floral terpenes, stable internodal spacing, and resilient growth. The result is a plant that keeps internodes reasonably tight under adequate light and maintains a rounded, bush-like silhouette.
Botanically, expect a height profile in the small-to-medium range, often staying under a meter when grown indoors under optimized conditions. Autoflowers of this class typically finish in 70–85 days from seed, depending on environment and phenotype variation. The strain is primed for 18/6 or 20/4 light schedules, with stable performance across coco, soil, and soilless blends.
Appearance and Morphology
Auto Lavender Best presents as a compact, symmetrical bush with stout branches and moderate apical dominance. Leaves are usually deep green with broad fingers and a matte sheen, particularly during mid-veg. As flowers develop, sugar leaves may pick up a faint lilac cast under cool night temperatures, accentuating the lavender theme.
Buds form as dense, golf ball to cola-length clusters with thick calyxes and tightly layered bracts. Trichome density is notable for an auto, giving the flowers a frosted finish that becomes pronounced by week 7–8. Mature pistils transition from white to copper or amber, while bract swelling continues late into the cycle for growers who push a full ripening window.
Internodal spacing is generally tight when PPFD is adequate, helping create a cohesive canopy that responds well to gentle low-stress training. Stems lignify steadily, supporting bud weight without excessive staking in moderate-yield scenarios. The finished flowers trim neatly, with minimal leaf tucked into the buds, especially when defoliation is done conservatively around week 5–6.
Aroma and Flavor
True to its name, Auto Lavender Best leads with a lavender-forward bouquet anchored by linalool. The top notes are floral and slightly sweet, reminiscent of lavender sprigs and crushed basil. Underneath, there are earthy and herbal tones that suggest myrcene, with a peppery tickle hinting at beta-caryophyllene.
On the palate, the first impression is soft and perfumed, settling into a smooth, herbal sweetness. A faint citrus lift often appears on the exhale, consistent with a minor limonene thread. Some phenos add a honeyed or chamomile nuance that points to bisabolol in the mix.
Terpenes are the aromatic oils that give cannabis its scent diversity, and they contribute significantly to flavor perception. They do not intoxicate in the way THC does, but they can shape the experience via aroma and entourage effects. In Auto Lavender Best, the interplay of floral and spice tones creates a refined, relaxing profile that stands out in mixed gardens.
As flowers cure, the lavender core tends to deepen and become more cohesive, while harsher chlorophyll edges fade. A 4–8 week cure typically enhances sweet-floral characteristics and smooths the draw. The lingering aftertaste is clean, with a lightly herbal finish that pairs well with evening routines.
Cannabinoid Profile
As a ruderalis/indica auto, Auto Lavender Best is generally aimed at moderate-to-robust THC production with low baseline CBD. In modern autos, total THC commonly falls in the mid-teens to low-20s percentage by dry weight when grown under optimal conditions. It is reasonable to expect a window around 16–22% THC for well-grown specimens, with environmental and phenotypic variation influencing outcomes.
CBD expression in lavender-forward, indica-leaning autos is typically low, often below 1%. Trace minor cannabinoids such as CBG may appear in the 0.1–1.0% range, depending on selection and stress management during flowering. These minor constituents can subtly affect perceived smoothness and the sense of body relaxation.
Potency outcomes are strongly linked to light intensity, temperature control, and nutrient management. Under high-quality LED lighting with 700–900 PPFD in late flower, growers often report stronger resin output and denser trichome heads. Conversely, excessive heat above 30°C can suppress cannabinoid synthesis and volatilize terpenes, reducing sensory quality.
Extraction yields from sugar leaf and trim often benefit from the strain's resin density. Hash rosin and ice water hash producers may find a respectable return when plants are harvested at peak milky trichomes with limited ambering. However, as with all autos, handling stress and avoiding late-stage nutrient imbalances are critical to maximize both cannabinoids and volatiles.
Terpene Profile
Auto Lavender Best leans heavily on linalool, the much-loved terpene found in lavender and basil that has been linked in research to calming and anxiolytic properties. Floral linalool signatures are a hallmark of many indica-leaning cultivars and frequently drive the relaxation-forward impression. In well-grown flowers, total terpene content often falls in the 1.0–2.5% of dry weight range, with linalool commonly leading the fraction.
Myrcene is a likely co-dominant or strong secondary terpene, contributing earthy, herbal, and musky depth. In cannabis literature, myrcene has been associated with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative characteristics in preclinical contexts. Its presence can slow the perceived tempo of the high and amplify body ease when paired with moderate THC.
Beta-caryophyllene frequently rounds out the profile with a peppery bite and a unique ability to bind to CB2 receptors. This terpene has been discussed for potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic roles and is common in indica-forward chemotypes. Even as a secondary player, it can subtly steer the experience toward body comfort.
Limonene often shows up as a bright top note, cushioning the floral bouquet with a light citrus zip. In some strains, limonene is discussed for mood-elevating potential, offering mental clarity amid relaxation. When present at modest levels, it helps keep the lavender aroma from becoming too linear or perfumey.
Bisabolol, known from chamomile, may appear in select phenotypes as a honeyed, tea-like undertone. Research and industry reporting have linked bisabolol to soothing, skin-friendly properties, which is why it appears in many topical formulations. In the jar, it adds a soft sweetness that harmonizes with linalool's floral core without overwhelming it.
Critically, terpenes bestow the scent and flavor of cannabis and help shape the overall experience through aroma and synergy, but they do not get you high in the same way THC does. Multiple educational sources emphasize this distinction, highlighting that terpenes contribute to relaxation and relief while psychoactivity is driven primarily by cannabinoids. In Auto Lavender Best, that aromatic synergy is the star of the show.
Experiential Effects
The first wave of effects from Auto Lavender Best is generally calm and centering, with a gentle lift that settles into the body. Inhalation onset typically arrives within 5–10 minutes, while edibles made from the strain can take 30–90 minutes to bloom. Users commonly report muscle unclenching, a softened edge to racing thoughts, and a tranquil mood curve.
As time progresses, body heaviness can increase, particularly at higher doses late in the evening. The floral-linalool signature guides the experience toward a serenely sedating finish rather than a racy, cerebral arc. For many, it becomes a lights-down, screens-off companion conducive to winding down.
The duration of noticeable effects by inhalation often spans 2–4 hours, with residual drowsiness possible for sensitive users. Microdoses may yield a more functional calm, while larger sessions can invite couch lock. Because terpene perception varies by individual, some find a slightly more uplifting character when limonene is pronounced.
Pairing and set-and-setting matter. Low-stress, warm environments and measured breathing deepen relaxation, while busy or stimulating scenes may blunt some of the strain's gentle charm. Many consumers keep it as an evening tool, reserving energizing strains for daytime tasks.
Potential Medical Uses
Indica-dominant strains are commonly reported by patients to help with insomnia, and Auto Lavender Best fits that pattern. The linalool-driven aroma, noted in lavender and certain indicas, has been discussed in the context of sleep and anxiety relief by both herbal and cannabis communities. When combined with moderate THC, the strain's profile aligns with wind-down routines and sleep hygiene practices.
People managing stress and situational anxiety often seek floral, non-jittery cultivars. While terpenes themselves do not produce a high, linalool, myrcene, and bisabolol have been associated in literature with calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory qualities. Beta-caryophyllene's interaction with CB2 receptors may further support perceived body comfort.
Chronic pain and inflammatory complaints are another area where users anecdotally report benefit. The combined presence of beta-caryophyllene, linalool, and limonene has been highlighted in strain write-ups for pain modulation potential. In Auto Lavender Best, these compounds are embedded in an indica-leaning matrix that emphasizes body relief and decompression.
As with all cannabis use for medical purposes, responses are highly individualized, and rigorous human clinical data remain limited for specific cultivars. Patients should consult healthcare professionals, start with low doses, and track outcomes across several sessions. Delivery method also matters; vaporization at lower temperatures can preserve linalool and other volatiles for targeted effect profiles.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Growth habit and timeline: Auto Lavender Best is designed for a fast, predictable run, typically finishing 70–85 days from sprout. The plant stays compact, often 60–100 cm indoors when lighting is managed correctly. Because autos enter bloom based on age, early health and root establishment strongly influence final size and yield.
Lighting strategy: Autos perform reliably under 18/6 or 20/4 light cycles from seed to harvest. A reasonable target is 300–500 PPFD in early veg, rising to 700–900 PPFD in late flower for quality LED setups. Keep canopy temperatures in the 24–28°C range during lights-on, with a 2–4°C drop at night to preserve terpene integrity.
Environmental control: Relative humidity should start at 65–70% in seedling stage, taper to 55–60% in veg, and hold around 45–50% in early flower. In late flower, aim for 40–45% to minimize botrytis risk inside dense colas. A VPD window of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa supports steady transpiration without undue stress.
Medium and containers: Autos prefer being sown directly into their final container to avoid transplant shock. For soil, use a light, well-aerated mix with 20–30% perlite; for coco, ensure high-frequency irrigation with proper cation balance. Pot sizes of 8–12 liters are typical indoors; 15 liters can be used if you have space and light intensity to support additional root volume.
Germination and early root care: Hydrate seeds in clean water for 12–24 hours, then move to a lightly moistened starter plug or pre-wetted medium. Avoid overwatering; early autos are vulnerable to damping-off and sluggish root expansion. Keep gentle airflow and a dome or high humidity to prevent desiccation during the first 3–5 days.
Nutrition and EC: Autos often require lighter nitrogen in early bloom compared with photoperiod indicas. In coco or hydro, start around 0.8–1.0 EC for seedlings, 1.2–1.4 EC mid-veg, and peak near 1.6–1.8 EC in mid-to-late flower if the plant is demanding it. In soil, feed lightly at first and let the plant signal hungry behavior before increasing inputs.
pH control: In coco/hydro, maintain 5.8–6.2 pH to optimize cation uptake and avoid lockout. In soil, 6.2–6.8 pH is a good window that favors calcium and magnesium assimilation. Cal-mag supplementation is often helpful under strong LED lighting, particularly in coco.
Training and canopy management: Prioritize low-stress training (LST) once the 4th–5th node is established, gently bending and securing the main stem to open the canopy. Topping can work in vigorous phenotypes if done early between days 14–18, but is optional and carries some risk of stunting. Light defoliation at week 5–6 can improve airflow around forming colas; avoid heavy stripping that autos struggle to recover from.
Watering cadence: In soil, water to about 10–15% runoff when the top 2–3 cm of medium is dry, increasing frequency as the root mass fills the pot. In coco, multiple small irrigations per day during peak growth can deliver superior results. Consistent oxygenation of the root zone drives the biomass accumulation that underpins yield.
Integrated pest management: Implement preventative measures rather than reactive sprays late in flower. Sticky cards, clean intakes with filtration, and beneficial predators like Phytoseiulus persimilis for spider mites can avert issues. Foliar IPM should be stopped once dense trichomes emerge to protect the lavender-forward terpene profile.
Week-by-week guide: Days 1–7, keep high humidity and gentle light to encourage rapid cotyledon expansion. Days 8–21, ramp light to 400–600 PPFD, introduce LST, and ensure steady nutrition without overfeeding nitrogen. Days 22–35, expect preflower and stretch; dial RH to ~50–55% and begin bloom feed with increased phosphorus and potassium.
Weeks 6–7 (days 36–49), flowers stack; maintain strong but not excessive light, around 700–800 PPFD, and watch calcium/magnesium levels to prevent mid-rib chlorosis. Weeks 8–9 (days 50–63), aroma increases; protect terpenes by avoiding canopy temps above 28°C and keep RH at 45–50%. Weeks 10–12 (days 64–84), evaluate trichomes and decide on harvest window; many phenotypes finish in the earlier half of this range.
Yield expectations: Indoor growers commonly target 350–500 g per square meter with dialed environments and quality LEDs. Single-plant yields of 40–120 g are realistic depending on pot size, phenotype vigor, and light intensity. Outdoors, latitude and seasonality drive outcomes, but fast finishes can outpace fall rains in many regions.
Terpene preservation: To protect linalool and other volatiles, avoid over-drying and harsh late-flower conditions. Consider lowering daytime temperatures slightly in the final week to reduce volatilization and preserve floral top notes. Minimizing late-stage stress keeps the lavender aroma intact and smooth on the palate.
Harvest strategy: Monitor trichomes with a jeweler's loupe; many growers prefer a mostly cloudy field with 10–20% amber for relaxed, sleep-friendly effects. Pistil color alone is not a reliable indicator; focus on resin head maturity. Flush practices vary; if used, keep it modest to avoid unnecessarily extending the finish window.
Drying and curing: A slow dry at approximately 60°F/60% RH for 10–14 days helps maintain structural integrity and terpene density. After drying, cure in airtight containers, filling jars to about 60–70% capacity and burping daily for the first week. Target a water activity around 0.62 and continue curing for 4–8 weeks to refine the lavender-forward aroma.
Post-harvest processing: Gentle hand-trimming preserves trichome heads, especially on the outer edges of dense colas. For extraction, fresh frozen material can yield expressive terpene fractions, with linalool lending a perfumed clarity to live products. Dry-sift and ice water hash benefit from clean, pesticide-free inputs and careful temperature control.
Common pitfalls: Overfeeding nitrogen into early bloom can suppress terpene brightness and slow bud set. Excessive defoliation can stunt autos, given their fixed life clocks; favor subtle, targeted leaf tucks. Finally, inconsistent irrigation schedules often lead to calcium issues that manifest in mid-flower and reduce both yield and quality.
Scaling and perpetual runs: Because autos do not require photoperiod changes, staggering seedlings every 2–3 weeks allows continuous harvest cycles in a single room. Maintaining uniform environmental conditions across ages is a balancing act but pays off in uninterrupted supply. Auto Lavender Best's compact habit makes it especially well suited to 2–3 tier shelf systems with LED bars.
Sustainability notes: LED fixtures reduce heat load and energy use while preserving volatile compounds. Coco can be reused with proper sterilization and re-buffering, and living soils reward long-term investment with improved root microbiomes. For water conservation, consider automated drip systems with precise runoff capture and reuse policies where regulations permit.
