Written by Ad OpsIntroduction and Overview
Auto Original #2 is an autoflowering hybrid bred by JustFeminized.com, combining ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage into a compact, fast-cycling cultivar. As an auto, it transitions from seed to harvest without relying on changes in day length, allowing flexible planting schedules and multiple outdoor runs per season. In practice, most growers see a complete cycle in roughly 9 to 11 weeks from sprout, depending on environment and phenotype.
The strain is positioned for growers who want reliable structure, straightforward management, and solid resin production without complicated photoperiod control. Its balanced genetic mix typically yields a hybrid effect profile, often described as a clean mental lift with a steadying body tone. Because autoflowers are sensitive to stress, Auto Original #2 rewards gentle training, stable nutrition, and consistent light intensity with above-average results for its size.
Although breeder-published lab panels for Auto Original #2 are limited in public sources, the strain sits within the broader performance envelope of modern autos. Across contemporary autoflowering hybrids released between 2018 and 2024, median THC values often fall around the mid to high teens, with total terpene content commonly ranging from 1.5% to 2.5% by dry weight. Auto Original #2 has developed a reputation for dependable, quick harvests and approachable grow difficulty, especially for small spaces and first-time indoor cultivators.
History and Breeding Context
JustFeminized.com, a UK-based seed producer, developed Auto Original #2 as part of its push to refine second-generation autos for better yield, vigor, and terpene expression. Early autoflowering strains in the 2000s often traded potency and terpene complexity for speed; by the early to mid-2010s, breeders dramatically improved these traits through selective backcrossing and careful outcrossing. Auto Original #2 fits squarely in this later wave, where autos began to match many photoperiods in everyday quality.
The broader historical backdrop is the introduction of the day-neutral trait from Cannabis ruderalis, popularized by early Lowryder lines and the surge of autos that followed. Modern autos like Auto Original #2 typically stabilize this trait while capturing the density and resin production of indica-leaning lines and the uplift or clarity from sativa influences. The result is a plant that behaves predictably under continuous light schedules and matures swiftly.
Within the JustFeminized catalog, the Original banner suggests a focus on classic, accessible flavor and effect rather than ultra-exotic novelty. Auto Original #2 likely represents an iterative refinement of an earlier Auto Original release, emphasizing tighter internodes, improved lateral branching, and a more robust root system. Such incremental improvements are typical in auto breeding cycles, where each generation is evaluated on speed, yield, and consistency.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The declared heritage of Auto Original #2 is ruderalis, indica, and sativa, a common tri-hybrid structure for autos. The ruderalis component passes on the day-neutral flowering trait, enabling the plant to initiate bloom based on age rather than photoperiod. The indica component often contributes compact stature, faster floral development, and denser bracts, while sativa input can add aroma complexity and a clearer cerebral edge.
JustFeminized.com has not widely published named parents for Auto Original #2, which is not uncommon in commercial auto lines. However, the morphology observed in grow reports suggests a balanced or slightly indica-leaning frame with moderate internodal spacing and good apical dominance. Phenotypic divergence tends to be modest, with most plants remaining uniform in height and structure when given consistent light and nutrition.
From a genetics-to-traits perspective, the autoflowering characteristic in cannabis has been associated with day-neutral flowering pathways akin to those governed by FT-like genes in other plants. While the exact cannabis genetics continue to be studied, the phenotype is reliably passed on in stable auto lines through selective breeding. Auto Original #2’s inheritance appears to express strong trait stability, a defining goal of second-generation auto refinements.
Morphology and Appearance
Auto Original #2 typically finishes in the 60 to 100 cm height range indoors, with a stout central cola and well-structured side branches. Internodal spacing often measures around 3 to 5 cm under strong light, contributing to a tidy stacked canopy. Leaf morphology skews toward medium-width leaflets, reflecting its hybrid identity, with occasional broad-leaf expression under cooler nights.
Buds develop into conical spears near the top of the plant, transitioning to golf ball and popcorn sites on lower branches. Bracts swell notably in late flower, while pistils shift from creamy white to orange and amber as maturity approaches. Trichome coverage is typically dense across calyxes and sugar leaves, producing a frosted appearance that is visible even on mid-tier nodes.
Coloration can vary with environment, with anthocyanin expression sometimes unlocked in cooler night temperatures below 18°C. In neutral conditions, most phenotypes remain a vibrant green with occasional lime and olive tones. Resin production is robust for an auto, and trims often reveal sticky, aromatic sugar leaves that are suitable for low-temp extracts or cooking infusions.
Aroma and Bouquet
The aromatic profile of Auto Original #2 commonly falls into two dominant clusters: a sweet-citrus forward phenotype and an earth-skunk-wood phenotype. In the first cluster, limonene and sweet esters come through as orange peel, sugared lemon, or candied citrus with subtle floral highlights. In the second cluster, myrcene and caryophyllene push damp earth, cracked pepper, and faint incense or cedar.
Freshly ground flowers tend to intensify the spice and citrus layers, revealing a soft herbal backbone reminiscent of basil or marjoram. Dry pulls on a joint often give a preview of zesty lemon and peppercorn with a light honeyed edge. As the cure progresses, the bouquet can knit into a more cohesive sweet-wood profile with a hint of cream.
Total terpene concentration for modern autos frequently lands between 1.5% and 2.5% by dry weight under optimized conditions. Auto Original #2, when grown with careful drying and curing parameters, is capable of reaching the upper portion of that range. Extended glass-jar cure at stable humidity often deepens the base notes and tames sharper citrus volatiles.
Flavor and Palate
On inhale, many users report a bright zest or sweet-citrus top note that quickly rounds into herbal spice. Mid-palate, a peppery caryophyllene signature can present as black pepper or clove, especially in vaporized samples at 190 to 200°C. Exhale finishes are typically smooth and slightly creamy with lingering wood and faint floral sweetness.
Water-cured or long-cured flowers trend toward earthier, more resinous flavors, while fresher, quickly dried samples emphasize lemon and green herb. Combustion at higher temperatures may magnify the spice and wood aspects but can mute the delicate citrus esters. Vaporization preserves the sweet top notes and reveals subtle vanilla or neroli-like traces in some phenotypes.
For concentrates made from Auto Original #2, terp retention is strongly impacted by process temperature and solvent choice. Low-temperature rosin pressing can yield a bright, zest-forward profile, while solvent extracts may lean earthy-spicy if purged hot. The balanced terpene matrix makes it versatile across smoking, vaping, and infusion formats.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Autoflowering hybrids released in the last five years often test with THC levels in the 14% to 20% range, with outliers above 20% under ideal cultivation and curing. CBD content in such lines is typically low, often between 0.05% and 1.0%, unless intentionally bred for CBD. Auto Original #2 generally aligns with this profile, delivering approachable potency for daily users and a manageable ceiling for newcomers who microdose.
Growers optimizing light intensity, nutrition, and post-harvest handling frequently report the most consistent potency. Environmental stability, including avoidance of large VPD swings and overfeeding late in flower, correlates with better cannabinoid retention. Drying conditions also impact apparent strength; rapid overdrying can degrade monoterpenes, reducing perceived potency even if THC content remains similar.
Because laboratory panels specific to Auto Original #2 are not broadly published, most potency expectations should be set by the broader autoflower category. A practical takeaway is that experienced users will likely perceive it as moderately strong, while beginners should approach with small doses. In practice, single-session consumption of 5 to 10 mg THC equivalents is a reasonable starting range for new consumers, adjusting upward cautiously.
Terpene Profile and Volatile Chemistry
Based on the aroma clusters reported, Auto Original #2 likely expresses a terpene profile anchored by myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene, with minor contributions from ocimene and linalool. In comparable autos, myrcene often ranges around 0.4% to 1.2% by weight in well-grown, well-cured flowers. Caryophyllene frequently appears in the 0.2% to 0.6% window, with limonene around 0.2% to 0.5%.
Total terpene content can approach 2% or higher in ideal conditions, especially with slow drying at 60°F and 60% RH for 10 to 14 days and careful jar curing. Limonene-driven phenotypes present stronger citrus aromatics and a perceived uplift, whereas myrcene-weighted phenotypes trend muskier and more relaxing. Caryophyllene contributes pepper and wood while engaging CB2 receptors, which some users associate with soothing after-activity body feel.
Small shifts in dry-room conditions can materially change the terpene fingerprint, as monoterpenes are more volatile and susceptible to loss. Maintaining consistent airflow and avoiding high-temperature purges in concentrates helps preserve the bright top notes. Auto Original #2’s terp balance often reads as approachable and multidimensional rather than overwhelmingly gassy or aggressively floral.
Experiential Effects and User Reports
Auto Original #2 is commonly described as a balanced hybrid effect, beginning with a light cerebral lift and settling into a calm, centered body tone. Onset for inhaled routes typically occurs within 5 to 10 minutes, with peak effects around 30 to 45 minutes and a general duration of 2 to 3 hours. The sativa-side clarity can foster conversation and creative focus, while the indica-rooted body presence keeps the experience grounded.
Tolerance, set and setting, and dose remain the biggest determinants of subjective effect. Lower doses often bring mood elevation, sensory enhancement, and gentle anxiolysis, especially in citrus-forward phenotypes. Higher doses can become more introspective and sedative, particularly in myrcene-dominant expressions.
Adverse effects are similar to other THC-dominant autos. Dry mouth and dry eyes are commonly reported in roughly 30% to 40% of users, with transient anxiety or racing thoughts in a smaller fraction, often under 10%, especially at higher doses. Hydration, moderate pacing, and a comfortable environment reduce the likelihood of negative experiences.
Potential Medical Applications and Harm Reduction
While strain-specific clinical trials are rare, the general pharmacology of THC, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes offers clues to potential uses. THC has supportive evidence for analgesia, appetite stimulation, and chemotherapy-related nausea reduction, while limonene is often associated with mood-brightening and myrcene with relaxation and sleep propensity. Beta-caryophyllene, as a CB2 agonist, has been explored for its potential anti-inflammatory action in preclinical models.
Patients navigating stress, low appetite, mild to moderate pain, or sleep-onset difficulties may find Auto Original #2’s balanced effect helpful. Citrus-forward phenotypes, linked with limonene, may be more uplifting for daytime use, while earthier myrcene-leaning plants may better suit evening wind-down. Individual response varies widely, and medical consultation is recommended before using cannabis to address specific conditions.
A harm-reduction approach is crucial. New users should start low and go slow, beginning with 2.5 to 5 mg THC and reassessing after two hours for ingested routes or 10 to 15 minutes for inhaled routes. Those with a history of anxiety, cardiovascular concerns, or sensitivity to THC should consider microdosing or selecting lower-THC phenotypes, and all users should avoid combining cannabis with alcohol or sedative medications without medical advice.
Cultivation Guide: Indoors
Auto Original #2 performs well under 18/6 or 20/4 light cycles from seed to harvest, with many growers targeting 18 to 20 hours of light daily for efficiency and plant health. Aim for PPFD of 400 to 600 µmol m−2 s−1 in early veg, increasing to 700 to 900 µmol m−2 s−1 during peak flower. Keep VPD near 0.9 to 1.2 kPa during early growth, rising to 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in flower for strong transpiration and resin output.
In soil, a pH of 6.2 to 6.8 is optimal; in coco or hydro, 5.8 to 6.2 is preferred. Typical EC targets are 0.6 to 1.0 mS cm−1 for seedlings, 1.2 to 1.6 in veg, and 1.6 to 2.0 in bloom, tapering slightly in the final 7 to 10 days if you practice a mild flush. Pot sizes of 9 to 15 liters support a complete auto lifecycle without transplant stress; many growers start directly in the final container to protect the taproot.
Indoor yields with good environmental control often land between 350 and 500 g m−2 using LED fixtures and a light-intensity map to ensure uniform canopy coverage. A moderate-density plant count, such as 9 plants per square meter in 11-liter pots, provides a good balance of veg time and bud site development. Try low-stress training early, between days 14 and 21, to widen the canopy; avoid topping after week 3 from sprout to prevent stunting.
Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, Auto Original #2’s day-neutral habit enables multiple runs per season in temperate zones. From late spring to early autumn, growers often achieve two to three successions, each averaging 9 to 11 weeks from sprout to harvest depending on temperature and day length. Warmer climates with consistent 20 to 30°C days and moderate nights produce the most reliable bulk and resin.
In open sun, target a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct light daily, with the best results at 8 to 10 hours. Outdoor plants commonly finish at 60 to 90 cm and yield around 40 to 120 grams per plant, with the top end achieved in rich, well-draining soil and low-stress training. Greenhouses allow light dep if desired, but autos do not require it; focus instead on airflow, humidity control, and pest exclusion.
Use raised beds or fabric pots with a living soil or amended mix optimized for high porosity and strong microbial life. Prevent overwatering by letting the top few centimeters of soil dry between irrigations, particularly in cooler nights. Consider beneficial insects and sticky traps as proactive integrated pest management to reduce pressure from thrips, aphids, and whiteflies.
Nutrient Management, Media, and Irrigation
Auto Original #2 responds best to moderate feeding rather than aggressive EC levels. A balanced program with an NPK ratio near 2-1-2 in early growth and 1-2-2 in bloom is effective, supplemented with calcium and magnesium, especially under LED lighting. Excess nitrogen in mid to late flower can delay ripening and reduce terpene intensity.
For media, growers succeed with both coco-perlite blends and organic living soils. A common inert recipe is 70% buffered coco and 30% perlite with a drip or hand-water schedule targeting 10% runoff to avoid salt accumulation. In living soil, top-dressings of worm castings, kelp meal, and a bloom-tilted amendment around week 3 to 4 can sustain the plant without bottled nutrients.
Irrigation frequency should scale with pot size and plant age. Seedlings prefer light, frequent watering around the root zone rather than full pot saturation. By mid-flower, autos in 11-liter pots may drink 1 to 2 liters daily under strong light; monitor pot weight and leaf turgor rather than relying on a rigid schedule.
Training, Canopy, and Plant Management for Autos
Because autos have a predetermined lifecycle, training must be gentle and timely. Start low-stress training once the plant has 4 to 5 nodes, bending the apical stem and securing it to open the canopy. This approach increases light capture and exposes secondary branches, improving bud uniformity.
Avoid heavy defoliation; instead, selectively remove only the leaves that cast persistent shade on key bud sites. A light cleanup around day 21 to 28 from sprout is usually sufficient to reduce fluff while maintaining energy production. Overly aggressive topping or supercropping can stall growth and reduce yield, especially if done after the third week.
If you choose to top, do it early at the 3rd to 4th node by day 14 to 18, only on vigorous plants and with the understanding that some autos will resent any interruption. Most growers achieve better consistency with LST alone. A supportive trellis or soft plant ties help distribute branches under LED grids for even PPFD.
Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM)
Proactive IPM prevents most issues with Auto Original #2’s short lifecycle. Begin with clean spaces, quarantined clones or seeds, and sterilized or pasteurized media when applicable. Use yellow and blue sticky traps to detect fungus gnats, thrips, and whiteflies early.
Biological controls such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for gnats and Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips can be deployed preventively in greenhouses. Neem or potassium salt sprays are useful in veg, but avoid late flower applications to preserve trichome quality and consumer safety. Maintaining a tidy floor, controlling standing water, and ensuring directional airflow reduces pathogen pressure.
Environmental control is crucial for disease prevention. Keep veg and early flower RH around 55% to 65%, lowering to 45% to 55% later to deter botrytis. Space plants adequately and defoliate minimally but strategically to improve air exchange through the mid-canopy.
Harvest, Post-Harvest, and Curing
Auto Original #2 typically reaches harvest readiness around days 65 to 80 from sprout, though environmental factors can shift this window. Trichome inspection remains the gold standard; many growers target roughly 5% to 15% amber with the majority cloudy for a balanced effect. Pistil color alone can mislead; always verify with a jeweler’s loupe or macro camera.
For drying, the 60/60 method is a reliable baseline: 60°F and 60% relative humidity for 10 to 14 days with gentle, indirect airflow. Rapid drying at higher temperatures can strip volatile monoterpenes and reduce perceived potency and flavor. Once stems snap rather than bend, move flowers into airtight glass jars for curing.
During the first two weeks of cure, burp jars daily for several minutes to release moisture and replenish oxygen. Many growers find a 4- to 6-week cure significantly improves aroma cohesion and smoothness, with continued development up to 8 weeks. For storage, keep jars in a cool, dark place and aim to maintain internal jar humidity around 58% to 62% with humectant packs if needed.
Expected Yields, Timelines, and Performance Benchmarks
Indoors, Auto Original #2 commonly produces 350 to 500 grams per square meter under optimized LEDs and proper canopy management. Single-plant yields in 11- to 15-liter pots often range from 50 to 120 grams, depending on phenotype vigor, light intensity, and training. Outdoors, 40 to 120 grams per plant is a reasonable target across temperate seasons with strong sun and good soil.
From germination, anticipate a rapid seedling phase of 10 to 14 days, followed by a short vegetative stretch through days 14 to 28. Flower initiation often occurs around days 21 to 28 regardless of light schedule, with bulk accumulation continuing through days 35 to 60. Most phenotypes are ready in days 65 to 80, though cooler conditions or heavy nitrogen can push maturity later.
KPIs to watch include node spacing, leaf color, and daily water use. A steady increase in daily uptake toward mid-flower is a positive sign of health. If growth pauses for more than 3 to 5 days after training or transplant, reassess environment, root health, and EC to avoid stunting an auto’s limited clock.
Phenotype Variation, Stability, and Selection
Auto Original #2 displays modest phenotype variation consistent with a stabilized auto across reputable batches. The primary observable differences tend to be aroma cluster dominance, with one phenotype leaning citrus-sweet and the other earth-spice. Structure is generally consistent, but slight differences in internodal spacing and leaf width may appear.
For personal seed selection, prioritize plants that show early vigor by day 10 to 14 and a symmetrical branch layout by day 21. These traits often correlate with better nutrient use efficiency and more even flower set later. If aroma is the deciding factor, select citrus-forward plants for daytime clarity and spice-wood plants for evening relaxation.
If running multiple seeds, document height progressions at weekly intervals and photograph trichome development to inform future selections. Keeping detailed notes on feeding tolerance and response to LST will help identify keeper phenotypes that suit your specific environment. Over two or three cycles, you can refine your approach to consistently express the traits you prefer.
Environmental Optimization and Troubleshooting
Aim for stable temperatures of 24 to 27°C during the photoperiod and 20 to 22°C at night for optimal metabolism. RH targets of 55% to 65% early and 45% to 55% late help manage disease risk and resin quality. Keep CO2 around ambient levels for simplicity, or enrich to 900 to 1,100 ppm if your space is sealed and you have dialed-in PPFD and VPD.
Common issues include overwatering in large pots during the first two weeks and excessive nitrogen during weeks 4 to 7. Both can cause dark, glossy leaves, slowed growth, and larfy buds. Correct by reducing irrigation frequency, increasing pot aeration, and switching to a bloom-forward nutrient profile with appropriate calcium and magnesium support.
Light stress can manifest as tacoing leaves and bleached tips if PPFD exceeds the plant’s tolerance, especially in early flower. Use a PAR meter or manufacturer’s hanging-distance guidelines to maintain target intensity. If symptoms occur, raise lights 10 to 20 cm or dim 10% to 20% and reassess within 48 hours.
Data-Driven Best Practices for Autos
Map your light footprint and align plant spacing so each top receives 700 to 900 µmol m−2 s−1 during peak bloom. Maintain consistent irrigation EC and pH, and log inputs to identify correlations in performance across cycles. In many home grows, simply standardizing VPD within a 0.2 kPa band improves resin output and reduces foxtailing.
Adopt a start-in-final-pot approach for autos to protect the taproot and avoid transplant shock. If you must up-pot, do so by day 10 to 14 at the latest, handling the root ball gently and watering in with a low EC solution containing beneficial microbes. Use LST rather than topping for the most consistent yield per square meter.
Post-harvest, target a 10- to 14-day dry with slow moisture egress to preserve monoterpenes that drive citrus and floral brightness. Record jar humidity and burp frequency to refine your cure protocol over time. Across grow cycles, these simple metrics can raise your keeper-rate and help Auto Original #2 achieve its full aromatic and potency potential.
Compliance, Safety, and Storage
Always verify local laws regarding cultivation, possession, and use before growing or consuming Auto Original #2. Keep all cannabis products out of reach of children and pets, and label homemade extracts or infusions clearly with content and date. If you plan to share, ensure recipients understand potency and dosing to avoid overconsumption.
For seed storage, maintain a cool, dark, and dry environment, ideally around 5 to 8°C with desiccant and stable humidity near 20% to 30%. Properly stored seeds can retain high germination viability for several years. For dried flower, airtight glass in a dark cupboard preserves quality; avoid clear jars in direct light which can degrade cannabinoids within days.
When vaporizing, start at 180 to 190°C to experience the brightest terpene expression, then step to 200 to 205°C for heavier cannabinoids. If smoking, use clean glassware and moderate draw speeds to reduce throat irritation. Be mindful of driving and operating machinery; impairment can persist for hours depending on dose and tolerance.
Positioning in the Market and Use Cases
Auto Original #2 is a versatile choice for hobbyists in small tents, balcony growers, and anyone needing quick turnaround without sacrificing resin quality. Its compact structure suits micro-grows, stealth setups, and mixed canopies with other autos under continuous light. The flavor profile is friendly and familiar, straddling sweet citrus and earthy spice for broad appeal.
For personal use, it fits afternoon creative sessions, casual social settings, and evening wind-downs at moderate doses. Growers who value predictable cycles and approachable training find it a dependable anchor strain. In rotating harvest schedules, staggering seeds every two to three weeks can keep a steady pipeline of fresh flowers year-round.
As a teaching cultivar, Auto Original #2 is forgiving enough for first-timers but responsive enough for veterans to optimize. Its performance rewards attention to detail in environment and post-harvest handling. With JustFeminized.com’s ruderalis/indica/sativa foundation, it exemplifies the modern auto’s balance of speed, structure, and sensory quality.
Conclusion
Auto Original #2 distills the strengths of contemporary autoflower breeding into a compact, predictable package. Bred by JustFeminized.com with a ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage, it delivers quick cycles, manageable structure, and a multifaceted aroma that spans sweet citrus to earth-spice. For growers, it offers a clear playbook to respectable yields through gentle training, steady environment, and disciplined post-harvest.
In the absence of widely published strain-specific lab panels, reasonable expectations can be set from its peer group: mid- to high-teen THC potential, total terpenes around 1.5% to 2.5% under optimized conditions, and finishing times near 9 to 11 weeks from sprout. The result is a hybrid experience with a smooth onset, balanced body-mind effects, and broad utility across daytime and evening contexts. With consistent practice and data-driven refinement, Auto Original #2 can become a reliable staple in home and craft grows.
Whether you are seeking a first successful auto run or an efficient addition to a perpetual harvest system, Auto Original #2’s stability and speed make it an appealing choice. The strain’s approachable cultivation footprint, coupled with its polished flavor and effect spectrum, underscores the maturation of autos in the modern cannabis landscape. When handled thoughtfully from germination to cure, it readily exceeds the expectations many still hold for autoflowers.
