Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
Auto Smokey is an autoflowering, indica-leaning cultivar developed by CH9 Female Seeds, a breeder known for compact, resin-forward lines tailored for fast finishing and indoor efficiency. As the “Auto” tag indicates, it carries Cannabis ruderalis genetics that trigger flowering by age rather than light cycle, making it convenient for growers who want multiple harvests per year. The “Smokey” moniker cues a classic hashish-leaning profile—earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet—which aligns with a terpene backbone often dominated by caryophyllene and myrcene.
In terms of market positioning, Auto Smokey fits squarely into the modern indica-autoflower niche that targets sub-100 cm plant height, 9–11 week seed-to-harvest windows, and medium-to-high resin production. Typical yield expectations for well-grown indica autos are 350–500 g/m² indoors and 50–150 g/plant outdoors, and Auto Smokey performs in this neighborhood under attentive cultivation. Potency for similar indica autos commonly ranges from 15–20% THC with sub-1% CBD, and Auto Smokey is expected to fall toward the upper mid-range when optimized.
For growers and consumers seeking predictable structure, discreet stature, and a grounded, relaxing effect profile, Auto Smokey stands out as a practical selection. The cultivar’s ruderalis inheritance streamlines scheduling, while the indica base shoulders flavor, body-relief potential, and dense buds. With careful dialing-in of environment and nutrition, it can deliver both quality and consistency in small or large spaces.
Breeding History and Context
CH9 Female Seeds introduced Auto Smokey to extend their indica-forward catalog into the fully automatic cycle, pairing compact morphology with the photoperiod independence of ruderalis. While CH9 has not publicly detailed the exact photoperiod parents, the result aligns with the breeder’s emphasis on manageable height, quick bloom, and a classic hash-scented finish. This approach mirrors the broader evolution of autos over the last decade—moving from “novelty” yields to parity with many photoperiods.
Industry benchmarks help situate Auto Smokey’s timeline and performance. Modern indica autos like Dutch Passion’s Auto Night Queen are documented at 10–11 weeks seed to harvest, demonstrating the speed and potency achievable today. Auto Smokey’s advertised window is comparable, and growers commonly report completing runs in 70–80 days when VPD, nutrition, and light intensity are kept in range.
On germination, contemporary seed vendors often cite 85–95% success rates under proper technique for high-quality autos. For example, retail pages for comparable autoflower lines highlight rates “possibly 90% or more,” provided seeds are fresh and conditions are sterile, moist, and warm. Auto Smokey typically conforms to this pattern, with most failures traceable to overwatering the start medium or swinging temperatures during the first 48 hours.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Smokey’s core genetics are ruderalis/indica, with the ruderalis donor providing the autoflowering trait and the indica side determining bulk, resin output, and most of the sensory experience. Autoflowering arises from a recessive trait linked to C. ruderalis’ adaptation to northern latitudes, where flowering needed to occur regardless of photoperiod length. Breeders fix this trait by repeated backcrossing into desirable indica (or hybrid) frameworks until the auto characteristic is stable.
As is common with many autos, the precise photoperiod parents remain undisclosed to protect breeding IP. Reference databases such as SeedFinder catalog widespread use of partially unidentified parental lines, and “Unknown Strain” genealogy entries illustrate how often breeder selections remain proprietary. Within this context, Auto Smokey’s transparency level is normal rather than exceptional.
Phenotypically, the indica influence drives broadleaf morphology, dense inflorescences, and a terpene ensemble that favors earthy, woody, and spicy notes over sharp citrus-diesel edges. The ruderalis portion tends to reduce stature, shorten internodes, and compress the life cycle into 9–11 weeks. When well-selected, autos retain 80–95% of the target photoperiod aroma/potency while contributing cycle speed—a balance that appears to be the goal with Auto Smokey.
Macro and Micro Appearance
Auto Smokey exhibits a compact structure, generally 60–100 cm indoors and 70–120 cm outdoors, with internodes spaced tightly under strong light. Fan leaves lean broad and dark green, reflecting indica heritage, and can take on deep jade or even purple hues under cool night temperatures. Buds are spherical-to-conical, with a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio that reduces trimming time.
Trichome density is robust, creating a frosted sheen that’s easily visible by week 6 of the life cycle. Mature pistils progress from cream to amber-orange, often constituting 60–80% coverage by late bloom depending on environmental stress and cultivar expression. Under magnification (60x), trichomes typically transition from clear to cloudy between days 55–65, with amber accumulating from day 65 onward.
Growers often report moderate lateral branching, making the plant responsive to low-stress training but less tolerant of hard topping after week 3. Node spacing remains tight under PPFD 700–900 µmol/m²/s, producing stacked colas and a Christmas-tree outline when left untied. In cooler late flower (18–20°C nights), anthocyanin expression can tint bracts and sugar leaves, giving some phenotypes a dusky “smoky” cast that suits the name.
Aroma and Flavor Spectrum
The aromatic profile leans earthy and hash-forward with peppery spice on top, consistent with a caryophyllene/myrcene axis. Early flower (weeks 4–6) smells grassy-sweet with a faint herbal resin tone; by weeks 7–9 the bouquet coalesces into warm wood, black pepper, and a hint of cocoa. Dry rubbing a mid-flower sugar leaf commonly releases a creamy, slightly sweet undertone reminiscent of old-world hash.
On the palate, the first draw is smooth, with toasted wood and nutty chocolate notes blending into a peppered finish. Vaporization at 180–190°C emphasizes herbal sweetness and a mild citrus lift from limonene, while combustion accentuates the spicy, incense-like edge. The aftertaste lingers as an earthy, slightly sweet film with a gentle numbing feel on the tongue.
Compared with diesel-sweet hybrids that dominate some 50/50 markets, Auto Smokey is notably more grounded and less sugary. The flavor aligns with indica autos known for comfort and relaxation rather than high-octane zing. Proper curing unlocks the softer dessert-like edges, often described as resinous, creamy, and subtly chocolate-kissed.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While no breeder-official lab panel for Auto Smokey is publicly available, performance in line with modern indica autos suggests 15–20% THC under optimized conditions. Indoor runs with high PPFD and stable VPD often land nearer 18–20%, while outdoor balcony grows or low-intensity tents may test in the 14–17% range. CBD typically remains low at 0.1–0.6%, with total minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBC, others) contributing 0.4–1.5%.
Growers working with identical seed lots frequently observe a ±2–3 percentage point spread in THC across phenotypes, driven by environmental control, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling. Harvesting at ∼10% amber trichomes usually yields a clearer, more energetic effect; delaying to 20–30% amber may emphasize body sedation and perceived potency. These choices can shift subjective strength by 10–20% in user experience despite minimal lab variance.
Inhaled onset is typically 5–10 minutes, peaking around 30–45 minutes and tapering gradually over 2–4 hours. Oral preparations can extend duration to 4–8 hours, with onset in 45–90 minutes depending on formulation. Total terpene content in well-grown indica autos often measures 1.0–2.0% by weight, and that range is a reasonable expectation for Auto Smokey when properly cured.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
The dominant terpene in Auto Smokey is commonly caryophyllene, with supporting roles from myrcene and humulene, and lighter contributions from limonene and linalool. In balanced phenotypes, a representative spread might read: β-caryophyllene 0.2–0.5%, myrcene 0.4–0.8%, humulene 0.05–0.2%, limonene 0.1–0.3%, and linalool 0.03–0.1%. Total terpene load of 1.0–1.8% is typical when environmental stress is low and curing is slow.
Caryophyllene is unique for its CB2 receptor affinity (Ki reported near 155 nM), supporting anti-inflammatory signaling without intoxication. Industry commentary has framed caryophyllene as a “chassis” terpene, providing a rich, dank backbone that carries brighter accents—including limonene’s citrus pop—an insight highlighted in Leafly’s analysis of modern cultivars. In Auto Smokey, that chassis builds the peppery, woody scaffold that defines both nose and exhale.
Myrcene contributes musky, earthy tones and is frequently linked to couchlock perceptions, particularly when paired with higher THC. Humulene reinforces woody-bitter edges and may subtly modulate appetite. Limonene and linalool—though lighter—supply mood-brightening and calming facets that soften the earth-spice center into a rounded, resinous profile.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Smokey is generally described as calm, centering, and physically relaxing without immediate sedation at moderate doses. The initial 15–30 minutes bring a warm body ease and softened sensory edges, with a low-to-moderate head haze that remains clear enough for low-focus tasks. Music, cooking, and light conversation tend to pair well without overstimulation.
At higher doses or later in the evening, the indica body tone deepens into a heavy, couch-friendly relaxation that can facilitate sleep. Many users report gentle mood improvement with decreased ruminative thought and an easing of muscular tension. Average duration is 2–3 hours for inhaled consumption, with a soft landing and limited residual grogginess if harvest time favors cloudy over amber trichomes.
Common side effects mirror most THC-dominant indica autos: dry mouth (30–60% incidence), dry eyes (20–40%), and occasional dizziness in new consumers. Anxiety risk is lower than with sharper, limonene-dominant sativas but can occur at very high doses or in sensitive users. Hydration, dose titration, and comfortable surroundings mitigate these issues.
Potential Therapeutic Applications
The caryophyllene-myrcene framework suggests potential for physical relaxation and inflammation modulation. Caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism is documented in preclinical literature to reduce inflammatory signaling, and users often associate such chemovars with relief from soreness and joint stiffness. Myrcene has been studied for sedative and muscle-relaxant properties, which may complement sleep onset and tension-related discomfort.
For mood, low-to-moderate limonene contributes to perceived stress reduction and uplift, while linalool adds an anxiolytic, calming shade. Subjectively, Auto Smokey’s profile suits end-of-day decompression, post-exercise recovery, and sleep support when harvested at 10–20% amber. Given cannabinoid variability, outcomes differ by individual, tolerance, and delivery method.
Prospective use cases commonly include chronic pain flares, muscle spasm, sleep maintenance insomnia, and general anxiety stressors. Patients sensitive to racy chemovars may find the earth-spice profile less triggering than citrus-diesel types. As always, medical use should be guided by local laws and, where possible, clinician oversight, especially when combining with other sedatives or in the presence of cardiovascular conditions.
Aroma and Flavor: Sensory Detail and Pairings
In blind tasting, Auto Smokey usually leads with warm pepper and toasted wood, followed by a soft, sweet resin. When ground, the bouquet expands into herbal chocolate and faint dried fruit, suggesting cocoa nib and walnut shell. On exhale, a peppery tickle is common, and late palate leans nutty and hash-like.
Pairing-wise, darker coffees, oolong or pu-erh teas, and high-cacao chocolates accentuate the resin sweetness. Savory matches like roasted mushrooms, aged cheddar, and charcuterie underscore the earthy side, while a citrus twist—lemon zest or orange peel—can brighten the finish. For mocktails, a smoked black tea with a honey-citrus dash mirrors the cultivar’s balance.
Vape temperature notably shifts expression. At 175–185°C, herbal and sweet edges dominate with minimal bite; at 195–205°C, pepper and wood push forward as the myrcene and caryophyllene volatilize more forcefully. Combustion adds a classic campfire-hash nostalgia that many indica enthusiasts actively seek.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors
Auto Smokey is best run under 18/6 or 20/4 light schedules from sprout to chop, leveraging the autoflower trait while controlling energy costs. Aim for PPFD 700–900 µmol/m²/s during weeks 3–8, stepping to 900–1000 µmol/m²/s in late flower if CO2 is 800–1200 ppm and leaf temps are stable. Daily Light Integral targets of 35–45 mol/m²/day strike a balance for compact autos without CO2 enrichment.
Keep daytime canopy temperatures at 24–27°C and nights 20–22°C to minimize internodal stretch and preserve terpenes. Maintain VPD 0.8–1.2 kPa through mid-flower, tightening to 1.0–1.3 kPa late to reduce botrytis risk on dense colas. Relative humidity runs 60–65% in veg/early auto-growth, 50–55% in early bloom, and 45–50% final weeks.
Start seeds in their final container to avoid transplant shock, which can steal 3–7 days from an already short life cycle. Fabric pots of 11–19 L (3–5 gal) maximize root aeration; smaller 7–9 L pots are acceptable for SOG-style density. Consider a 70/30 coco-perlite or a light, aerated peat mix with 15–20% perlite to ensure rapid gas exchange.
For fertigation, autos prefer modest EC. Target EC 0.8–1.0 (400–500 ppm on 500 scale) in weeks 1–2, 1.1–1.3 in weeks 3–4, 1.3–1.5 in weeks 5–7, then taper to 0.8–1.0 during the final flush week. Maintain pH 5.8–6.2 in coco/hydro and 6.2–6.6 in soil to keep micronutrients available without overloading nitrogen late.
Low-stress training is ideal from days 14–28; anchor the main stem gently and fan out laterals for even canopy exposure. Avoid topping after day 18–21; if selected, top once above node 4 no later than day 16–18 to preserve vigor. Light defoliation of large fan leaves around days 28–35 can improve airflow if humidity trends high.
Yield expectations indoors are 350–500 g/m² with dialed-in inputs, climbing toward the upper bound under supplemental CO2 and high-efficiency LEDs. Dense canopies benefit from side lighting or reflective walls to keep lower buds productive. Keep an oscillating airflow pattern to prevent microclimates that encourage powdery mildew on broad leaves.
Germination success aligns with broader auto market data when using sterile technique. Paper towel or directly into moistened media at 24–26°C typically yields 85–95% emergence in 24–72 hours. Plant 1–1.5 cm deep, maintain uniform moisture—not saturation—and avoid overhandling the taproot to prevent damping-off.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Outdoors and Greenhouse
Outdoors, Auto Smokey thrives in 10–14 hours of natural sun, but as an autoflower, it will finish regardless of day length. Plant after last frost when nighttime lows are reliably above 10°C and daytime highs 20–30°C. In temperate zones, two to three sequential runs per season are possible, with seed-to-harvest averaging 70–85 days.
Use light, well-drained soil amended with compost and perlite for aeration. Elevated beds or fabric pots (19–38 L) help prevent waterlogging and reduce root-zone disease risk. Water early morning and avoid wetting flowers late in the day to limit botrytis.
Outdoor yields normally range 50–150 g/plant, with 200 g possible in greenhouses under high DLI and careful feeding. A simple LST spiral can keep plants less conspicuous and wind-resilient. In greenhouses, maintain airflow and consider sulfur burners during veg only, discontinuing well before flower to protect terpenes.
Pests vary by region, but fungus gnats, aphids, and spider mites are common. Yellow sticky cards, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) drenches for gnats, and predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis) form a strong IPM spine. Neem and horticultural oils can be used in veg; discontinue upon flowering to preserve resin flavor.
Training, Nutrition, and Irrigation Strategy
Autos dislike heavy nitrogen late, so frontload growth with balanced vegetative nutrition and taper N by week 5. In coco, a 2:1 Ca:Mg ratio with a stable Cal-Mag supplement prevents mid-cycle deficiencies; maintain adequate potassium and phosphorus from week 4 onward to support flower density. Silica at 50–100 ppm can enhance stem strength and stress resilience.
Irrigate to 10–20% runoff in coco to prevent salt buildup; in soil, water more slowly and less frequently, letting the top 2–3 cm dry before re-watering. Root-zone oxygen is a major yield driver—err on the side of slightly drier, well-aerated media rather than persistently wet conditions. If using automated drip, aim for multiple small pulses during lights-on to maintain steady moisture without saturation.
CO2 enrichment to 800–1200 ppm can boost biomass by 10–20% if PPFD exceeds 900 µmol/m²/s and other variables are in range. If not enriching, keep PPFD to 700–900 to avoid light stress and excess respiration. Monitor leaf surface temperature (LST) with an IR thermometer to keep ∆T near +2–3°C over ambient for optimal metabolism.
Integrated Pest and Pathogen Management
A preventive IPM program pays dividends with dense indica autos. Start clean with sterilized tools, quarantined clones/seedlings, and filtered intake air where possible. Sticky cards at canopy and pot height provide early detection, while weekly leaf inspections catch mite stippling or thrip scarring before populations explode.
For pests, rotate biologicals to prevent resistance: BTi for larvae in media, Beauveria bassiana foliar in veg, and predatory mites as a proactive measure. Avoid broad-spectrum chemical insecticides, especially past early flower, to preserve the terpene profile and ensure safety. Maintain sanitation: remove plant debris, wipe spills, and vacuum dust that can harbor spores.
Pathogens of concern include powdery mildew and botrytis on thick colas. Keep RH in spec, prune minor interior clutter in week 4–5, and maintain steady airflow. If powdery mildew emerges in veg, sulfur vapors or potassium bicarbonate can arrest spread; never apply sulfur once pistils are forming to protect taste and safety.
Harvest Timing, Drying, and Curing
For a balanced experience, harvest when trichomes are ~5–15% amber, 80–90% cloudy, and a small residual clear fraction remains. For maximum body sedation, wait for 20–30% amber, noting that overripe resin can lose some brightness and risk a heavier come-down. Pistil color alone is insufficient—always confirm with a loupe.
Adopt a slow, controlled dry for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle airflow. The 60/60 method (60°F/60% RH) preserves terpenes and reduces harshness, with stems snapping but not splintering at the endpoint. Water activity targets of 0.55–0.65 (corresponding roughly to 58–62% jar RH) minimize mold risk while keeping buds supple.
Cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH for at least 3–4 weeks, burping daily for the first 7–10 days, then weekly. Terpene expression deepens noticeably between weeks 2 and 6; many growers report peak flavor around week 4. Store long-term in cool, dark conditions to slow oxidation and preserve potency.
Yield Expectations and Performance Metrics
Indoors, Auto Smokey commonly returns 350–500 g/m² with efficient, high-efficacy LEDs and optimized environmental control. Single-plant yields in 11–19 L containers often land at 60–120 g, with skilled growers exceeding 150 g under elevated CO2 and ideal PPFD. Outdoors, plants typically yield 50–150 g, depending on sun exposure and nutrition.
Quality metrics include: tight bud density (7–8/10), trichome coverage (8–9/10), and ease of trim (7/10) thanks to a favorable calyx-to-leaf ratio. Bag appeal is high when anthocyanins express under cool nights, with resin glare notable even under diffuse light. Potency in the 17–20% THC band is achievable when harvest timing and cure are on point, with terpene totals of 1.0–1.8% most common.
Operationally, autos reduce turnaround time and simplify perpetual schedules. With a 70–80 day cycle, two to three rotations per half-year are feasible in a dedicated tent. Keeping a staggered start every 3–4 weeks can produce continuous harvests without complex photoperiod management.
Context Among Modern Autos and Industry Notes
Auto Smokey occupies the same maturity bracket as top-tier indica autos that routinely finish in 10–11 weeks seed-to-harvest. Dutch Passion’s Auto Night Queen, a well-documented comparator, demonstrates that fast timing need not compromise potency or resin. Auto Smokey follows that blueprint while leaning into an earth-spice flavor.
User expectations around germination align with broader autoflower retail claims of 85–95% under clean, warm conditions. Public product feedback for similar autos often cites “very good germination rate, possibly 90% or more,” underscoring the importance of seed freshness and technique. Growers can reasonably expect robust emergence with Auto Smokey when avoiding overwatering and cold starts.
Aroma architecture follows a trend noted in industry coverage: β-caryophyllene often forms a flavor base that supports limonene and others, creating layered but coherent bouquets. Leafly’s 2020 analysis of popular terpene stacks described this caryophyllene “chassis,” which helps explain why Auto Smokey’s pepper-wood character remains consistent even as minor accents vary. Compared with diesel-sweet 50/50 hybrids, Auto Smokey’s sensory lane is classic, resinous, and soothing.
Buyer’s Guide and Phenotype Selection
When selecting packs, inspect for fresh stock dates and reputable handling to protect germination rates. Choose vendors that store seeds in cool, dark, low-humidity conditions and ship discreetly with minimal heat exposure. Fresh, correctly stored autos exhibit strong vigor in the first 10 days—look for rapid cotyledon expansion and early lateral growth by day 14.
As phenotypes express, you may observe two primary lanes: a compact, dense cola type with heavier pepper and wood, and a slightly taller form with a touch more sweetness and herbal chocolate on the nose. Both remain within the indica auto envelope, but the taller phenotype can yield 10–15% more under identical conditions. For micro-grows, prioritize the compact expression to reduce defoliation and support stealth.
If testing multiple seeds, keep detailed logs of internode length, leaf color, aroma at stem rub, and early trichome production. Select mothers are not applicable with autos; instead, document which seeds express your target traits for future re-orders. For effect-first buyers, harvest window adjustments offer a reliable way to fine-tune outcome without genetic selection.
Safety, Compliance, and Responsible Use
Auto Smokey is THC-dominant and intoxicating; start low and go slow, especially for new consumers. Inhaled doses for novices might begin at 2–5 mg THC equivalents, with 10–15 mg considered moderate for experienced users. Edible or tincture forms require a longer observation window before redosing to avoid overconsumption.
Adverse effects can include dry mouth, dry eyes, short-term memory disruption, and, at high doses, increased heart rate. Those with cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, or significant psychiatric conditions should consult a clinician before use. Avoid driving or operating machinery while under the influence.
Always comply with local cultivation and possession laws. Secure all grows to prevent access by minors and pets. When sharing, clearly label potency and batch date, and encourage responsible consumption practices.
