Written by Ad OpsIntroduction to Auto Reek'n
Auto Reek'n is an autoflowering cannabis variety bred by The Devil's Harvest Seed Company, a European breeder known for crafting pungent, terpene-forward hybrids. As an autoflower, it integrates Cannabis ruderalis genetics into a balanced indica/sativa backbone, allowing it to flower by age rather than photoperiod. For growers and consumers, that means a quicker, more predictable path from seed to harvest without light schedule management.
The strain’s distinct selling point is right in its name: a heavy, diesel-forward aroma that “reeks” in the best way. Expect a layered nose of fuel, sour citrus, and earthy kush undercurrents that announce themselves even before the jar is opened. Auto Reek'n has been recognized by major strain databases, appearing on CannaConnection’s sitemap listings, a sign of its established footprint among autoflower enthusiasts.
Because this is a modern auto, performance has caught up to many photoperiods in practical terms. Typical indoor cycles range between 70 and 90 days seed-to-harvest, with growers reporting reliable yields and a potency ceiling that competes with classic hybrids. For home cultivators seeking a short, stealthy plant that still delivers a robust terpene experience, Auto Reek'n is a compelling fit.
History and Breeding Origins
The Devil’s Harvest Seed Company created Auto Reek'n by combining their Reek'n line with a well-selected ruderalis donor, locking in autoflowering while preserving the hallmark aroma. Autoflower breeding usually requires several generations of backcrossing and selection to stabilize flowering times and restore terpene output after introducing ruderalis. For Auto Reek'n, the aim was straightforward: keep the reek while streamlining the growth cycle.
The photoperiod Reek'n was known for its strong, fuel-laced profile and hybrid vigor, which made it a prime candidate for an auto conversion. When breeders add ruderalis, they often lose some resin and aroma initially, so it takes meticulous selection to rebuild density and potency. Over successive generations, breeders push toward uniformity in structure, trichome coverage, and target flavors while maintaining the automatic flower trigger.
By the time Auto Reek'n reached wider availability, it had been refined for indoor tents and short-season outdoor runs. Reports from European and North American hobbyists pointed to a stable flowering window under long-day schedules, confirming successful stabilization of the auto trait. Its listing across databases such as CannaConnection underscores that the cultivar has moved beyond experimental status into the regular catalogs of auto growers.
Autoflowers rose to prominence over the last decade as seedmakers learned to balance speed with quality. Where early autos often topped out at modest potency and thin terpene expression, modern autos like Auto Reek'n commonly land in THC ranges competitive with many photoperiod hybrids. That evolutionary step is a product of better parent selection, higher population sizes during pheno-hunts, and increased access to lab analytics during the breeding process.
Genetic Lineage and Architecture
Auto Reek'n carries a three-part heritage: ruderalis, indica, and sativa. The ruderalis portion provides the autonomous flowering switch, typically asserting bloom initiation around week 3–5 from germination. The indica and sativa contributions shape plant architecture, resin density, and the psychoactive signature that balances body relaxation with mental lift.
Breeders seldom disclose exact percentage splits for proprietary autos because the ratios evolve across filial generations. Nonetheless, the structure observed in Auto Reek'n suggests a hybrid leaning slightly indica in its internodal spacing and bud structure. Expect medium-height plants with lateral branching that fills a small tent footprint efficiently, an indicator of indica influence tempered by sativa vigor.
In terms of breeding mechanics, achieving uniform autoflower timing without sacrificing terpenes often involves backcrossing the best auto offspring to a high-terpene photoperiod parent. Each pass aims to recover fuel-forward monoterpenes while keeping the day-neutral flowering cue fixed. The result is an auto that typically completes its cycle in 10–12 weeks while still delivering the gassy, sour, and earthy complexity characteristic of the original line.
The genetic architecture also impacts resilience. Ruderalis inputs generally improve tolerance to cool nights and shortened seasons compared to strict photoperiods. In practice, Auto Reek'n tends to handle minor environmental variability better than more delicate photoperiod hybrids, making it suited for first-time growers and northern outdoor microplots.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Auto Reek'n plants usually present a medium stature, often finishing between 60 and 100 cm indoors depending on pot size and lighting intensity. The main stem supports a conical central cola with several productive laterals forming a compact, symmetrical canopy. Internodal spacing is moderate, allowing airflow while keeping flowers close enough to form continuous spears.
Mature flowers are dense and resin-coated, with calyxes stacking into tight clusters that flash lime-to-forest green hues. Pistils begin a pale ivory and mature to deep orange or rust, while exposed sugar leaves may pick up darker greens or faint purples in cooler end-of-flower conditions. Trichome coverage is notable, often giving buds a frosted appearance that’s unmistakable under magnification.
Leaf morphology sits in the hybrid range, with medium-width blades suggesting an indica-leaning influence. During mid-flower, fan leaves may show a slight claw if nitrogen is pushed too hard, so a watchful eye on feeding prevents dark, overly lush foliage. Plants respond well to careful leaf tucking to open bud sites without resorting to heavy defoliation.
Root systems in autos tend to be efficient rather than vast, and Auto Reek'n is no exception. A final container size of 11–19 liters (3–5 gallons) is typically sufficient for maximizing yield without inducing stunting from late transplants. The plant’s overall architecture is friendly to small tents, balconies, and discreet garden corners.
Aroma: What Makes It ‘Reek’
As its name telegraphs, Auto Reek'n leans heavily into fuel-forward aromatics that many enthusiasts associate with classic diesel/Kush profiles. Open a cured jar and the first impression is a sharp, solvent-like gasoline top note that rapidly expands in a room. Beneath that sits sour grapefruit and lemon rind, grounded by earthy, herbal kush and a faint savory onion or skunk undertone.
The most intense nose typically emerges in late flower and during the first month of curing as monoterpenes stabilize. Total terpene content in well-grown modern cultivars commonly ranges from 1.0% to 3.0% of dry weight, and Auto Reek'n can present toward the higher side when grown under optimized conditions. Growers often note that even small quantities will perfume a space, so carbon filtration is advisable in odor-sensitive settings.
Grinding the flowers amplifies limonene-driven citrus and releases peppery, spicy accents likely tied to beta-caryophyllene and humulene. A cool, menthol-like flicker may flash on the back end, hinting at minor contributions from terpenes such as eucalyptol or terpinolene in trace amounts. The bouquet reads assertive yet layered—more than simple “gas,” it’s a stack of fuel, sour, earth, and spice in shifting proportions.
Because volatility varies by compound, handling and storage significantly influence the perceived “reek.” Warmer rooms, prolonged jar opening, and rapid drying can flatten the high notes by driving off monoterpenes first. For maximum intensity, aim for slow drying and cool, airtight curing to maintain the full aromatic spectrum.
Flavor and Consumption Experience
On inhalation, Auto Reek'n immediately communicates its identity with a bold diesel flavor that can feel slightly astringent in the best, palate-wakening way. The front palate gets sour citrus—think grapefruit pith and lemon zest—while the exhale trails into earthy, peppery spice. Vaporization at moderate temperatures tends to accentuate the citrus and herbal layers, while combustion emphasizes fuel and pepper.
At lower vaporizer settings (170–185°C), expect brighter limonene-laced tones with a cleaner aftertaste. Raising the temperature (190–205°C) brings forward beta-caryophyllene and humulene, deepening the spice and adding a faint woody bitterness. Many users find a dual-temp session reveals the full spectrum without overwhelming the senses in one go.
The aftertaste lingers, with a resinous mouthfeel typical of dense, trichome-rich flowers. When properly flushed and cured, the finish is clean and savory, without the harshness associated with excess chlorophyll or residual nutrients. Joint and bong smokers often report that the paper or water reveals subtle differences: papers highlight citrus; waterpipes underscore pepper and hash-like base notes.
Edible and extract applications also translate well, given the strain’s terpene density. In infused oils, sour-fuel elements mellow into herbaceous citrus, while in hydrocarbon extracts the profile can become intensely gassy. Because monoterpenes are volatile, low-and-slow decarboxylation preserves more of the top-end flavor for culinary use.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While exact lab results vary by phenotype and grower technique, modern autoflowers commonly reach THC levels between 16% and 22% by dry weight, and Auto Reek'n falls within this competitive range under optimized conditions. CBD is typically low, often 0.1% to 0.6%, with minor cannabinoids like CBG commonly testing around 0.1% to 0.5%. Total cannabinoids tend to fall around 18% to 24% in well-finished samples.
Potency depends on environmental control, harvest timing, and curing discipline. THC generally peaks when most trichomes are cloudy with a small fraction amber; harvesting too early can reduce perceived potency by 10% to 20% compared to optimal timing. Conversely, extended ripening increases CBN formation, shifting effects toward sedation without increasing overall psychoactivity.
Extraction yield from resinous autos can be robust, particularly with hydrocarbon or rosin techniques. Hydrocarbon extraction efficiencies commonly range from 15% to 25% by weight for quality flower, while high-pressure rosin yields often land between 15% and 22% for properly cured material. These figures vary widely with trichome density, moisture content, and pressing parameters.
Because CBD is minimal, the psychoactive profile is driven primarily by THC synergizing with terpenes in the so-called entourage effect. For consumers sensitive to THC, starting doses should be conservative—especially in concentrates where potency may exceed 60% to 75% total cannabinoids. Individual variability is significant; body mass, tolerance, and set-and-setting all shape outcomes.
Terpene Profile: Dominant and Supporting Compounds
Auto Reek'n’s nose strongly suggests dominance by myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene, with supporting roles from humulene and pinene isomers. Across legal markets, total terpene content in quality flower typically ranges from 1.0% to 3.0% of dry mass, and high-expression phenotypes sometimes crest above 3.5% in exceptional grows. This density underlies the loud, room-filling aroma the strain is known for.
Myrcene often registers as the anchor, delivering earthy, musky, and slightly sweet undertones that thicken the base of the bouquet. Limonene contributes the sparkling citrus notes—grapefruit and lemon peel—that rise sharply when buds are ground. Beta-caryophyllene adds peppery, woody spice and is notable for its activity at the CB2 receptor, a potential pathway for anti-inflammatory effects.
Humulene, a structural relative of caryophyllene found in hops, bolsters the woody bitterness and can express as a dry, herbaceous counterpoint to the sour-citrus top. Alpha- and beta-pinene may appear in trace-to-moderate levels, offering a crisp, piney lift and the perceived “air clearing” sensation many describe. Minor contributors like ocimene, linalool, or terpinolene can appear in select phenotypes, subtly shifting the bouquet toward floral or sweet-herbal shades.
Keep in mind that terpene ratios are sensitive to cultivation and post-harvest handling. Faster, hotter drying preferentially reduces monoterpenes (limonene, myrcene, pinene), flattening the top notes and muting the signature reek. A controlled dry and cure, coupled with airtight storage, preserves both intensity and complexity over months.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Reek'n delivers a hybrid experience that begins with a quick cerebral spark followed by a steady, body-centered calm. Inhaled routes often onset within 2–10 minutes, peak around 30–45 minutes, and taper over 2–3 hours, depending on dose and tolerance. The early phase can feel mood-lifting and focused, giving way to a grounded ease without heavy couch lock at moderate amounts.
Users frequently describe enhanced sensory detail—a brightened palate, sharper music textures, and amplified aromas—consistent with terpene-rich hybrid profiles. Beta-caryophyllene’s peppery edge pairs with THC to produce a feeling of warm relaxation in the shoulders and neck, often appreciated after long desk sessions. Overconsumption can turn the experience sedative, so dose titration is key for daytime use.
Social settings benefit from the strain’s pleasant euphoria, which is generally clear enough for conversation while keeping anxiety in check for most. Creative tasks that thrive on pattern recognition or lateral thinking—brainstorming, sketching, beat-making—can also pair well with the early phase. As effects wind down, appetite stimulation and a gentle heaviness are common.
Expect variability across individuals. Novices may experience stronger psychoactivity and should start with one or two inhalations and wait 10 minutes before redosing. Experienced consumers often find a sweet spot where the mental lift and body relief coexist without tipping into sedation.
Potential Medical Uses and Considerations
While Auto Reek'n is primarily a recreational cultivar, its cannabinoid-terpene matrix points to several potential therapeutic niches. The combination of THC with beta-caryophyllene and myrcene suggests possible benefits for short-term stress reduction and muscle tension. Limonene’s presence is associated anecdotally with mood elevation, which some patients find helpful in low-motivation phases.
For pain, users often cite relief for moderate, non-acute discomforts such as tension headaches, lower back tightness, or DOMS after workouts. The strain’s appetite-stimulating tendency can be useful for those experiencing reduced intake from stress or certain medications. Sleep support may emerge at higher doses as the effects become heavier toward the end of the arc.
That said, the low CBD content means THC drives the experience, which can be counterproductive for individuals prone to anxiety or racing thoughts at high doses. Starting low and going slow remains best practice—especially with edibles, where onset can take 45–120 minutes and last 4–6 hours. For patients seeking daytime functionality, microdosing strategies may provide symptom relief without impairment.
Medical outcomes are highly individualized and should be discussed with a clinician familiar with cannabis pharmacology. Drug–drug interactions are possible; THC and terpenes can affect cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in metabolizing many pharmaceuticals. Vaporization at controlled temperatures may offer a cleaner, more titratable route compared to combustion for sensitive users.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide (Seed-to-Jar)
Auto Reek'n thrives when given a stable, low-stress environment from day one, as autos begin counting down to bloom immediately after emergence. The full cycle commonly completes in 70–90 days from sprout under long-day lighting, with flowering onset often around day 21–28. Planning the entire run before germination ensures the plant never stalls from avoidable stress.
Germination and seedling care benefit from gentle handling. Aim for a root zone temperature of 23–25°C and ambient 24–26°C with 65–70% RH for the first 7–10 days. Using a light intensity around 200–300 µmol/m²/s (PPFD) prevents stretching while avoiding stress.
Transplant timing is critical for autos, and many growers skip it entirely. Plant directly into the final container—11–19 liters (3–5 gallons) is ideal—to avoid any growth check. If transplanting is necessary, do it by day 10–14 at the latest and handle the root ball delicately.
Choose a medium that delivers both aeration and consistency. In soil, a light, amended mix with 20–30% perlite and a starting EC around 1.0–1.2 mS/cm works well. In coco, maintain daily irrigation with 10–20% runoff, keeping EC near 1.2–1.6 mS/cm during early growth.
Lighting for autos is straightforward: 18–20 hours of light daily throughout the entire cycle supports robust growth without complicating light schedules. During early veg/preflower (days 10–28), raise PPFD to 400–600 µmol/m²/s; in bloom, target 700–900 µmol/m²/s. Excessive intensity above 1,000 µmol/m²/s without supplemental CO2 can cause photoinhibition in many autos.
Nutrient management should be moderate and responsive. Keep nitrogen modest in preflower and taper it as pistils appear, shifting to phosphorus and potassium support. Typical feed targets: veg EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm, early flower 1.5–1.8, mid-to-late flower 1.6–1.9 as needed, always guided by leaf color and tip integrity.
pH management keeps uptake steady. In soil, aim for pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2. Consider calcium–magnesium supplementation (1–2 ml/L) if using reverse osmosis water or noticing interveinal chlorosis under LED lighting.
Environmental controls determine density and terpene retention. Maintain RH at 55–60% in veg, 45–50% in early bloom, and 40–45% in late bloom to reduce botrytis risk. Temperature targets of 24–28°C lights-on and 20–24°C lights-off keep metabolism brisk without sacrificing terpene stability.
Airflow and odor management are essential for a strain that lives up to its name. Create a gentle, uniform breeze across and through the canopy—targeting 0.3–0.5 m/s airspeed—to deter pests and mold. A properly sized carbon filter matched to your exhaust fan will control the pungent aromatic output.
Training should be low-stress and front-loaded. Gentle low-stress training (LST) beginning around day 14–18 can open the canopy and boost light penetration without triggering a stall. Avoid topping after day 20 and keep defoliation conservative; remove only leaves that block multiple bud sites or trap moisture.
Watering discipline prevents the most common auto pitfalls. In soil, water to runoff only once the container has lightened significantly, then allow a partial dryback to keep roots oxygenated. In coco, smaller, more frequent irrigations with runoff prevent salt buildup and maintain steady growth.
Pest and disease prevention works best proactively. Sticky traps, clean intakes, and quarantining new clones or plants deter infestations. If powdery mildew risk is elevated, ensure nighttime leaf surface temperatures do not fall more than 3–4°C below ambient and increase airflow.
Flowering progression for Auto Reek'n typically shows robust pistil formation by week 4–5 from sprout. Buds stack quickly between weeks 6 and 9, with calyx swelling and trichome density peaking toward the end. Many phenotypes are ready between days 70 and 85, though letting them run to 90 days can deepen the body effect and resin maturity.
Harvest timing should be guided by trichome observation rather than calendar alone. For a balanced profile, target mostly cloudy trichomes with 5–10% amber; for heavier sedation, push to 15–20% amber. Expect that harvesting a week later can perceptibly shift the experience without drastically altering yield.
Flushing practices vary by medium. In soil, many growers taper nutrients over the final 10–14 days and water at plain pH to encourage a clean burn. In coco/hydro, a 7–10 day reduction or switch to a finishing solution can be sufficient to clear excess salts.
Drying and curing preserve the hallmark “reek.” Dry for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH, aiming for a slow, even moisture release; faster dries can reduce perceived terpene intensity. Once jarred, burp daily for the first 10–14 days, then weekly, stabilizing water activity around 0.58–0.62 for long-term storage.
Yield expectations for modern autos under good LED lighting typically range from 350–500 g/m² indoors, with 50–150 g per plant outdoors depending on season length and pot size. Auto Reek'n falls comfortably within these bands when environmental and nutritional parameters are dialed in. Steady growth with minimal stalls is the strongest predictor of landing at the top of the range.
For outdoor and balcony grows, choose the sunniest, windiest site available. Autos are less forgiving of shade because they cannot extend veg to compensate, so 8+ hours of direct sun is ideal. In cooler climates, a black fabric pot can raise root temperatures and accelerate metabolism early in the season.
Post-harvest storage keeps quality steady. Use airtight glass in a dark, cool space; temperatures above 25°C accelerate terpene evaporation and cannabinoid degradation. With proper handling, flavor and potency remain robust for several months, though the brightest citrus top notes gradually soften over time.
Finally, plan odor control ahead if discretion matters. Auto Reek'n’s strong terpene output means flowering periods can easily overwhelm a small apartment or tent without filtration. Integrated planning—filter sizing, negative pressure, and routine maintenance—makes the whole run smoother and stress-free.
Recognition and Sources
Auto Reek'n’s presence across enthusiast resources underscores its traction in the autoflower space. Notably, it appears in the CannaConnection sitemap among other auto cultivars, a simple but clear indicator that it is tracked by major cannabis databases used by growers and consumers. While public lab datasets specific to Auto Reek'n are limited, the cultivar’s reported performance aligns with broader market trends for modern autos.
The breeder of record is The Devil’s Harvest Seed Company, referenced consistently by retailers and community grow logs. Their reputation for potent, terpene-centric hybrids informs expectations for the Auto Reek'n experience. As always, local phenotypes and grow conditions shape outcomes, so regional reports provide valuable, practical context.
When interpreting potency and terpene statistics, remember that values reported here reflect ranges typical across comparable autos and hybrid profiles. Grower technique, environment, and post-harvest handling can swing outcomes substantially—by 10–30% in potency and more in terpene intensity. For strain-specific precision, consult laboratory COAs from your local market when available.
