Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History of Auto Sour D
Auto Sour D is an autoflowering reinterpretation of the classic Sour Diesel, created by Real Gorilla Seeds. The breeder is known among European growers for producing rugged, high-vigor lines that perform in variable climates and low-input conditions. In Auto Sour D, the goal was to capture the unmistakable sour-fuel nose and cerebral lift of Sour Diesel while embedding the autoflowering trait for rapid harvests. The result is a compact, time-efficient hybrid that embodies ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage in one practical package.
The project likely began by selecting a proven Sour Diesel cut, valued for its resin output and terpene punch, and pairing it with an autoflowering donor. Although specific parental cuts have not been publicly disclosed, the breeder’s notes frame Auto Sour D as a ruderalis/indica/sativa blend. This implies at least one stabilizing indica line was used alongside a ruderalis carrier to fix the autoflowering gene. Such a blueprint is typical in auto projects where maintaining potency and flavor requires several cycles of backcrossing.
By the late 2010s, the autoflower segment had matured beyond novelty into high-performance cultivars testing above 20% THC. Auto Sour D fits into that modern wave, benefiting from selections that repeatedly favored chemotype consistency, fast flowering, and mold-resilient structure. With an average seed-to-harvest window of about 70–90 days under optimal conditions, it answers the demand for multiple outdoor harvests per season. For indoor growers, it enables perpetual cycles with predictable finish times.
Real Gorilla Seeds emphasizes outdoor reliability, and Auto Sour D reflects that pedigree with good cold tolerance and quick finish. These are critical traits for northern latitudes where autumn rains and short summers can compromise photoperiod plants. Autoflower genetics compress the timeline so harvest can occur before peak botrytis pressure arrives. In practice, many growers report a first chop by week 10–12 from sprout in warm months.
The Auto Sour D project also highlights a broader trend: autos that bridge potency and practicality without abandoning the parent strain’s identity. While early autos often clocked 10–14% THC and light terpene totals, modern lines commonly hit 18–23% THC with 1.5–3.5% terpene mass. Auto Sour D typically tracks in that contemporary range, offering a legitimate Sour D experience in a fast format. Crucially, the iconic sour-fuel character remains front and center.
As consumer preferences have shifted toward authentic, strain-faithful autos, Auto Sour D has earned a spot for its recognizable diesel tang and its no-fuss lifecycle. For growers, this means less time juggling photoperiod triggers and more time optimizing environment and nutrition. For consumers, it offers a familiar cerebral profile delivered through a new timeline. In sum, Auto Sour D modernizes a legend without diluting its core appeal.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance Mechanics
Auto Sour D is categorized as a ruderalis/indica/sativa hybrid, reflecting its multi-ancestral construction. The cornerstone is Sour Diesel, a sativa-leaning archetype historically associated with Chemdawg lineage and possibly Super Skunk or Northern Lights influences. While the exact Sour Diesel pedigree remains debated, its chemical fingerprint—sharp limonene-forward citrus, diesel-fuel aldehydes, and peppery caryophyllene—serves as the anchor. This chemical identity is what Auto Sour D seeks to preserve.
To add autoflowering behavior, a ruderalis donor was introduced, which carries the day-neutral flowering trait. In cannabis, autoflowering is governed by genetic pathways that bypass photoperiod sensitivity, allowing flowering under 18–24 hours of light. That trait generally requires several generations of selection to stabilize in combination with desired chemotypes. Breeders then reintroduce high-flavor and high-potency parents to lift the auto line’s overall quality.
The indica component in Auto Sour D likely functions as a structural and resilience aid. Indica-leaning genetics can shorten internodes, increase calyx density, and bolster resistance to abiotic stress. These features are especially helpful in outdoor guerrilla-style grows where fertility and irrigation can be inconsistent. The end result is a more compact plant that can still stack flower sites efficiently.
From an inheritance standpoint, preserving Sour Diesel’s terpene balance is challenging when crossing with ruderalis lines. Breeders often run multi-cycle progeny testing, selecting individuals that retain limonene- and caryophyllene-dominant ratios while keeping the fuel note. In many modern auto programs, terpene totals are tracked across siblings, and only the upper quartile with consistent chemovars are advanced. This is how Auto Sour D can smell and hit like Sour Diesel while maturing on a 10–12 week clock.
Phenotypically, growers can expect a sativa-influenced leaf shape in early growth, tempered by indica density in later flowering. Ruderalis traits show up as rapid preflower initiation around days 18–25 from sprout, independent of light cycle. Height and stretch are moderate compared to photoperiod Sour Diesel, with total end height commonly 60–100 cm indoors. Outdoors, well-fed plants may reach 100–130 cm given long summer light and steady water.
Chemotype segregation in autos can vary batch-to-batch more than in stabilized photoperiod clones. Nonetheless, reputable breeders aim for high uniformity in THC windows and terpene abundance. Auto Sour D reflects this, with most phenos tracking within a narrow potency band and predictable sour-fuel scent. Its lineage thus blends familiars—Sour Diesel’s cut-and-spark—with the modern utility of day-neutral flowering.
Morphology and Visual Appearance of Mature Flowers
Auto Sour D plants express a medium stature with a central cola and multiple secondary branches. Internodal spacing is moderate, creating room for airflow while still packing bud sites. Leaves often present a hybrid morphology: slightly narrower blades than pure indica but broader than old-school haze lines. As flowering progresses, foliage can take on lime to forest green hues.
The flowers are dense but not rock-hard, landing in the sweet spot that resists mold while still providing weight. Calyxes stack with a slight fox-tail tendency on some phenotypes, a nod to the Sour Diesel side. Pistils start a bright tangerine-white and mature into copper to rust-orange threads. The overall structure supports easy trimming due to manageable sugar leaf coverage.
Trichome production is generous, with gland heads that become cloudy and then amber in a typical 7–9 week bloom phase within the auto’s lifecycle. Under magnification, resin heads are bulbous and abundant on both calyxes and upper sugar leaves. This coverage contributes to a wet-sour sheen, especially noticeable in late flower under high light. The resin density translates well to solventless and hydrocarbon extraction.
Color expressions in cooler finishes can include lavender or faint purpling at the bract tips, though this is phenotype and temperature dependent. Maintaining night temperatures 3–5°C lower than daytime during the final two weeks can encourage hues without stressing the plant. However, excessive cold can slow metabolism and terpenogenesis, so controlled shifts are advised. Most phenotypes remain bright green with orange-pistil contrast.
Dried buds typically cure down to compact, slightly spear-shaped nugs with obvious calyx definition. The trim reveals a silver-white trichome frost that sticks to the fingertips during handling. On break, the interior emits a pungent citrus-fuel blast accompanied by a faint herbal spice. Visual density scores are commonly high while still maintaining a crumbly-grind texture ideal for rollers.
Aroma and Olfactory Signature
The primary nose of Auto Sour D centers on a zesty sour-citrus layered over petroleum and solvent-like notes. Many growers describe the top note as lemon-lime rind, a hallmark of limonene-dominant expressions. Beneath this sits a dry diesel character often linked to volatile sulfur compounds and certain aldehydes. The finish presents peppery spice and a whisper of pine.
When fresh, the aroma can be loud, sometimes detectable across a room in under a minute after opening a jar. During curing, the sour note tends to increase in clarity as chlorophyll degrades and moisture equalizes. By week 3–4 of cure, the profile becomes more defined, with the fuel edge sharpening into a crisp, almost tonic-like cut. This progression rewards patient post-harvest handling.
Grinding intensifies the terpene release, pushing citrus and fuel to the forefront within seconds. Ocimene and myrcene may contribute a sweet floral echo that rounds the sharper edges. If the plant was grown under high light and adequate sulfur availability, the diesel note can be startlingly authentic. Conversely, stress or underfeeding may flatten the bouquet into a generic citrus-herb.
Environmental factors like temperature and humidity during late flower influence aromatic intensity. Lower late-flower humidity (45–50% RH) and stable temperatures around 22–24°C support terpene retention. Aggressive heat or prolonged dry-downs above 26°C can volatilize monoterpenes and reduce perceived loudness. For growers seeking max aroma, slow dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH is preferred.
Scent lingering is notable: fabrics can hold Auto Sour D’s sour-fuel ghost for hours after handling. This has practical implications for odor control when grown indoors. Carbon filtration and negative pressure ventilation are recommended for discretion. Outdoors, wind direction and harvest timing near neighbors should be considered.
Flavor, Mouthfeel, and Combustion Character
On inhale, Auto Sour D delivers bright lemon-zest with a tangy acidity that blooms across the palate. That acidity feels almost sparkling, akin to tonic water or citrus soda, likely driven by limonene and terpinolene traces. Mid-palate, a classic diesel-fuel tang arrives, clean rather than skunky, with a peppered edge from beta-caryophyllene. The exhale trails into herbal-pine.
Vaporization at 175–190°C emphasizes lemon-lime and floral sweetness while softening the fuel. At higher vapor temperatures (200–210°C), the pepper and earthy components become more pronounced. Combustion in a joint yields a white to light-gray ash when properly flushed and cured. Poorly dried product may produce a harsher, darker ash and mask citrus brightness.
Mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a slight tingle on the tongue, often described as effervescent. Terpene-forward phenotypes can feel expansive in the sinuses, almost menthol-adjacent without actual mint. Water curing or over-drying can dull this pop, so standard cure protocols preserve the intended texture. Pairing with sparkling water accentuates the sour-grapefruit analogs.
The flavor persists for several pulls, with the last third of a joint leaning more pepper-diesel than citrus. Glassware cleanliness significantly affects perception; resin buildup mutes the high notes. For concentrates, live resin or rosin from early-amber harvests maintains the brightest sour-fuel top end. Decarboxylated edibles retain lemon-peel bitterness but lose most of the solventy nuance.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency Data
Auto Sour D generally tests as a THC-dominant chemovar, with most reports placing total THC in the 17–23% range by dry weight. Well-grown, dialed-in phenotypes can occasionally push 24–25% THC, especially under high PPFD and optimal VPD. CBD is typically minimal, commonly under 0.5%, situating the strain in the high-THC, low-CBD category. Total cannabinoids often fall between 18–26% when including minor fractions.
Minor cannabinoids like CBG often appear in the 0.3–1.0% window. Trace CBC and THCV may register below 0.3% in many samples, though variation is expected between phenotypes. In mg/g terms, a 20% THC flower contains approximately 200 mg THC per gram of dried material. Likewise, 1% CBG would equate to ~10 mg/g CBG.
Autos have historically lagged photoperiods in potency, but modern lines like Auto Sour D have closed the gap. Under strong indoor LED lighting at 700–900 µmol/m²/s PPFD and consistent nutrition, lab outcomes above 20% THC are common. Outdoors, THC may average slightly lower due to variable conditions, but summer sun can still push samples into the 18–22% band. Proper curing can preserve 5–15% more terpene content compared to rushed processes, indirectly enhancing perceived potency.
Decarboxylation efficiency affects edible outcomes. Heating ground flower at 110–115°C for 35–45 minutes can convert THCA to THC with 75–90% efficiency depending on moisture and oven accuracy. In extracts, winterization and careful purging preserve minor cannabinoids that contribute to the entourage effect. For medical users, understanding these metrics helps dial in dosing.
Consumers sensitive to THC should approach with caution due to the relatively narrow CBD buffer. A starting inhalation dose of 1–2 mg THC equivalent is reasonable for low-tolerance users. Experienced consumers may find a 5–10 mg inhaled session delivers the classic Sour D uplift without overwhelm. As always, individual metabolism and endocannabinoid tone produce different responses.
Batch variability exists, especially in seed-grown autos, but reputable breeders keep ranges tight through selection. Growers can track trichome maturity to modulate effect: harvesting at mostly cloudy heads skews toward energetic clarity, while 10–20% amber introduces more body feel. Measuring water activity (aw) during cure between 0.55–0.65 helps maintain cannabinoid and terpene stability. Proper storage slows oxidative degradation that can reduce THC over months.
Terpene Profile, Ratios, and Chemovar Insights
The dominant terpene in many Auto Sour D phenotypes is limonene, frequently co-dominant with beta-caryophyllene. Myrcene often occupies a secondary slot, supporting diffusion and perceived potency. Minor contributors like ocimene, humulene, and alpha- or beta-pinene appear in small but meaningful amounts. Total terpene content commonly ranges from 1.5–3.5% by weight in well-grown, slow-cured flowers.
A representative ratio might look like limonene 0.6–1.2%, beta-caryophyllene 0.3–0.8%, myrcene 0.2–0.6%, and ocimene 0.1–0.4%. Pinene and humulene together may add 0.1–0.3%. While these ranges are typical, individual plants will shift proportions based on environment and nutrition. Sulfur availability in late flower is correlated with sharper fuel notes in many diesel-line plants.
Limonene contributes the bright sour-citrus attack and can subjectively elevate mood. Beta-caryophyllene interacts with CB2 receptors, offering anti-inflammatory potential while adding peppery spice. Myrcene can modulate permeability, influencing how quickly other terpenes and cannabinoids are felt. Ocimene brings a floral-sweet layer that prevents the profile from feeling one-dimensional.
Terpene persistence benefits from controlled drying. A 10–14 day dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH minimizes monoterpene loss relative to rapid dries. Studies show terpene evaporation accelerates above 25–26°C, which can cut totals by double-digit percentages. Additionally, excessive handling during trim can strip gland heads and reduce measured terpene mass.
Chemovar classification would place Auto Sour D in a limonene/caryophyllene dominant cluster with moderate myrcene. This mirrors the archetypal Sour Diesel perfume, tying the auto to its parent line’s identity. For extraction artists, this profile shines in live resin and fresh-frozen rosin where volatile retention is highest. Hydrocarbon extractions can preserve the diesel-thiol edge with meticulous temperature control.
Growers seeking maximum terpene output often maintain slightly lower EC in late flower to avoid nutrient harshness. Foliar oils should be avoided after week 2–3 of flower as they can dampen gland production and leave residues. Instead, rely on environmental control and biological IPM to keep flowers pristine. The payoff is a clearer, more assertive aroma and flavor.
Experiential Effects, Onset, and Duration
Auto Sour D is generally uplifting and head-forward, with a fast onset that many users feel within 2–5 minutes of inhalation. The early phase can deliver an alert, focused clarity that suits creative tasks and social settings. As minutes pass, a buoyant euphoria settles in without heavy sedation. The body feel is present but secondary to the mental lift.
At moderate doses, users report enhanced motivation and sensory brightness, including music appreciation and visual crispness. The sativa-leaning quality is tempered by indica structure, preventing runaway raciness in most consumers. However, sensitive individuals or those prone to anxiety should keep dosage conservative. Limonene-forward chemovars can accentuate stimulation if overconsumed.
Duration typically spans 2–3 hours for inhalation, with the first hour most cognitively energetic. A gentle taper follows, leaving a clear afterglow rather than a hard crash. Edible formats extend the timeline to 4–6 hours with a later-arriving body tone. Concentrates shorten onset to near-immediate and intensify the headspace.
Functionally, Auto Sour D can be a daytime driver for experienced users. It pairs well with tasks requiring idea generation, brainstorming, or light physical activity. Those seeking sleep may prefer a more sedative cultivar, though later-harvest, amber-leaning batches offer a heavier exhale. As always, set and setting influence outcome.
Side effects include dry mouth and eyes at typical rates, with occasional heart rate awareness at higher doses. Hydration and mindful pacing mitigate most discomfort. Some users find a small snack or tea helps smooth the stimulating edge. For new consumers, waiting 10–15 minutes between inhalations allows effects to peak before redosing.
Tolerance builds with frequent high-THC use; spacing sessions can restore responsiveness. Rotating chemovars with different dominant terpenes also maintains novelty and perceived potency. Using a vaporizer at moderate temperatures can reduce harshness while preserving top notes. Individuals on medication should consult a clinician knowledgeable about cannabis.
Potential Medical Applications and Cautions
Given its THC-dominant chemistry and limonene/caryophyllene profile, Auto Sour D may support mood elevation and stress relief. Anecdotally, patients report benefits for depressive mood states, motivational deficits, and fatigue-associated conditions. The CB2 activity of beta-caryophyllene suggests potential anti-inflammatory effects, which can complement analgesic relief. Myrcene’s permeability influence may enhance onset of effect.
For neuropathic pain, THC-rich chemovars can reduce pain intensity in some patients, particularly when combined with caryophyllene. However, low CBD means there’s less buffering against THC-induced anxiety. Individuals sensitive to paranoia or panic may prefer microdosing or blending with a CBD flower at 1:1 or 2:1 ratios. This approach can maintain functional clarity while softening edges.
Attention-related challenges may benefit from the strain’s focusing qualities in low to moderate doses. Users frequently describe task engagement and mental flow for 60–120 minutes after consumption. Overconsumption reverses this benefit by increasing distractibility, so titration is key. Vaporized microdoses of 1–2 mg THC equivalent are a practical starting point.
Appetite stimulation is moderate, consistent with many limonene-dominant THC strains. Those undergoing appetite-suppressing treatments may find it useful around mealtimes. Nausea reduction is reported by some users, especially via vaporization that avoids combustion irritants. As always, individual responses vary widely.
Sleep support is not the primary strength of Auto Sour D, though later-harvested material with 10–20% amber trichomes may add body relaxation. For insomnia, pairing with a myrcene- or linalool-rich cultivar at night is often more effective. Patients with PTSD or anxiety disorders should use caution and consider CBD adjuncts. Consultation with a healthcare provider ensures better alignment with treatment goals.
Side effect profile includes dry mouth, transient dizziness, and occasional anxiety at higher doses. Orthostatic hypotension can occur in susceptible individuals, so standing slowly and hydrating is sensible. Potential drug interactions include additive sedation with CNS depressants and cytochrome P450 modulation. Medical users should keep a log of dose, timing, and effects to refine their regimen.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide: Indoors, Outdoors, and Guerrilla
Auto Sour D was bred by Real Gorilla Seeds with real-world ruggedness in mind, which makes it approachable for new and experienced growers. The autoflowering habit means no need to flip lights or rely on seasonal daylength. Most plants finish in 70–90 days from sprout, depending on environment and phenotype. Plan backwards from your preferred harvest window to avoid late-season weather risks.
Germination is straightforward: use the paper towel method or sow directly into the final container to avoid transplant shock. Autos dislike root disturbance, so starting in a 3–5 gallon (11–19 L) fabric pot is ideal for indoor grows; outdoors, 5–7 gallons (19–26 L) give better buffer. Maintain 24–26°C and 65–75% RH for the first 5–7 days to encourage rapid establishment. Germination rates of quality seeds often exceed 90% when handled properly.
Lighting for autos is flexible; 18/6, 20/4, or even 24/0 schedules can work. Many growers favor 20/4 to balance growth and plant recovery, targeting a DLI of 40–50 mol/m²/day for peak performance. PPFD around 300–400 µmol/m²/s in early veg, 500–700 in mid-veg, and 700–900 in bloom is a solid template. Keep canopy temperatures in leaf range at 24–28°C and night temps only 2–4°C lower.
In soil or soilless mixes, aim for pH 6.2–6.8; in hydro or coco, maintain 5.8–6.2. EC targets: 0.3–0.6 mS/cm for seedlings, 0.8–1.2 for early veg, 1.2–1.6 for early flower, and 1.6–2.0 during peak bloom. A balanced NPK around 3-1-2 for veg transitioning to 1-2-3 in flower usually suits Auto Sour D. Ensure calcium and magnesium supplementation in RO water systems at 100–150 ppm Ca/Mg combined.
Water management is critical; avoid overwatering by allowing the top 2–3 cm of media to dry before re-watering. In fabric pots, expect to water every 1–3 days depending on pot size, environment, and plant size. Good oxygenation boosts root health and nutrient uptake, visible as rapid turgor recovery after lights-on. If leaves canoe upward or claw, reassess VPD or nitrogen levels.
Training should be gentle and early. Low-stress training (LST) between days 14–28 from sprout can spread the canopy and improve light distribution. Topping is optional and should be done only once around day 18–21 on vigorous phenotypes to avoid stunting. Defoliation should be conservative: remove only leaves that truly block sites or rest on the medium.
VPD management increases growth efficiency. Target 0.8–1.0 kPa in early veg, 1.0–1.2 in late veg, and 1.2–1.4 in early flower, tapering to 1.4–1.6 late flower. This VPD progression supports transpiration without excessive stress. Stable airflow with oscillating fans prevents microclimates and reduces mold risk.
Nutrient milestones: introduce bloom boosters modestly at week 4–5 from sprout as pistils proliferate. Excess phosphorus can antagonize micronutrients; maintain balanced feeds and watch runoff EC to avoid salt buildup. A 10–20% runoff every few irrigations helps prevent lockouts in coco and soil-less media. In living soils, top-dress with worm castings and a light bloom mix at preflower.
Outdoors, Auto Sour D excels in full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In northern latitudes, sow after the last frost when nighttime lows remain above 10–12°C. For guerrilla grows, amend native soil with compost, perlite, and slow-release organic nutrients, and mulch to conserve moisture. Drip stakes or water crystals can bridge dry spells without frequent visits.
Pest and disease prevention relies on clean starts and layered IPM. Use beneficial insects like Hypoaspis miles and Amblyseius swirskii in veg to control fungus gnat and thrip pressure. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis for larvae and Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma drenches for root disease suppression. Avoid oil-based sprays after week 2–3 of flower to protect trichomes.
Odor control indoors requires a properly sized carbon filter and sealed ducting. Aim for slight negative pressure in the tent or room so odors don’t escape through cracks. Check filter life; many last 12–24 months under typical use. For high-terp phenos, consider an oversized filter to maintain discretion.
Timeline planning: by day 18–25, expect visible preflowers; by day 35–42, pistil clusters and early stacking; by day 56–70, bulk and resin ramp; by day 70–90, finish and ripeness checks. Autos don’t wait for you—delays in feeding or environment corrections cost yield quickly. Maintain consistent care in the first 40 days to set the ceiling for final weight. Late heroics rarely compensate for early shortcomings.
Yield expectations vary with skill and environment. Indoors under strong LEDs, 60–150 g per plant is common in 3–5 gallon pots, with 1.0–1.6 g/W feasible in dialed rooms. Outdoors, 80–200 g per plant is achievable in favorable climates with 20+ hours of summer daylight at high latitudes. Guerrilla plots with minimal inputs may land at 40–100 g depending on rainfall and soil fertility.
Nutrient cues include slight fade in lower leaves during late flower and persistent resin swell. If tips burn and leaves claw, reduce EC by 10–20% and check runoff PPM. Magnesium deficiency often appears as interveinal chlorosis on mid leaves during weeks 4–6; add Mg at 30–50 ppm to stabilize. Avoid dramatic feed changes; autos respond best to steady, incremental adjustments.
Harvest readiness should be assessed with a jeweler’s loupe. For an energetic profile, harvest at ~5–10% amber trichomes with most heads cloudy; for a bit more body, target 10–20% amber. Pistil color is helpful but secondary to trichome observation. Keep detailed notes across cycles to fine-tune your preferred effect.
Environmental stress tests show Auto Sour D tolerates brief dips to 16–17°C and spikes to 30–31°C without catastrophic setbacks. However, prolonged extremes will reduce terpene content and yield. If a heatwave is forecast, increase airflow, dim lights 10–20%, and raise CO₂ to 800–1,000 ppm if available to maintain assimilation. In low-tech setups, simply raising lights and venting at night mitigates stress.
Finally, remember the breeder’s intent: Real Gorilla Seeds selected this line to be both flavorful and forgiving. Respect the auto timeline, keep roots happy, and avoid heavy-handed techniques past week 3. With those guardrails, Auto Sour D rewards with unmistakable sour-fuel aroma and fast, potent returns. It is a practical way to put a legendary profile on your shelf multiple times per season.
Post-Harvest: Drying, Curing, and Storage for Peak Sour
Drying and curing make or break the sour-fuel signature in Auto Sour D. After harvest, perform a gentle wet trim or a light defoliation followed by a slow dry. Aim for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with constant, indirect airflow. Stems should snap rather than bend when ready for the jar.
Jar cure in glass at 62% RH using humidity packs as needed, but avoid overreliance that can stall the cure. Burp jars daily for the first 7–10 days, then every few days for the next two weeks. Monitor internal jar RH with mini hygrometers; keep it between 58–62%. Excess moisture invites mold; too dry accelerates terpene loss.
Flavor maturation is noticeable after 14–21 days of cure, with the diesel note sharpening and citrus clarifying. Many connoisseurs consider 30–45 days the sweet spot for peak aroma intensity. Beyond 60–90 days, terpene drift can flatten the top notes unless stored cold. Keep jars in the dark at stable temperatures to slow oxidation.
For long-term storage, consider vacuum-sealed mylar bags or nitro-flushed containers. Cold storage at 2–8°C preserves terpenes and slows cannabinoid degradation, though avoid freezing cured flower due to trichome brittleness. If freezing is necessary for fresh-frozen extraction, freeze immediately post-harvest before drying. Thaw only when ready to extract to minimize ice damage.
Ash color is a common quality check but is not a definitive measure of flush; environment and drying also impact combustion. More reliable signals include smoothness on inhale, brightness of flavor, and lingering aroma on exhale. If flavors seem muted, revisit drying temperature, airflow, and cure cadence. Patience is rewarded with a louder, cleaner sour-fuel expression.
Troubleshooting, Benchmarks, and Grower FAQs for Auto Sour D
Why did my Auto Sour D stall after topping? Autos have limited vegetative windows; topping later than day 21 from sprout can redirect energy into recovery rather than growth. If topping, do it once, early, and only on vigorous plants. Otherwise, stick to LST and leave apical integrity intact.
The aroma is weak—what went wrong? High drying temperatures and rapid moisture loss are common culprits. Keep the dry at 18–20°C and 10–14 days, then cure for at least 3–4 weeks. Also confirm adequate late-flower sulfur and consistent irrigation to support terpene biosynthesis.
Leaves are clawing and tips are burning in week 5—help. This usually indicates excess nitrogen or overall EC too high. Reduce feed by 10–20%, increase runoff, and verify root-zone pH. Within 3–5 days, new growth should appear flatter and healthier.
What yields should I expect indoors under a 240W LED? With 2–3 plants in 3–5 gallon fabric pots, a total of 200–350 g is realistic for skilled growers, equating to ~0.8–1.5 g/W. Dialed environments with PPFD 800–900, strong IPM, and perfect irrigation can exceed 1.5 g/W. Beginners often see 0.5–0.8 g/W while learning the auto rhythm.
Is CO₂ worth it for autos? Yes, if your environment, light intensity, and nutrition are already optimized. Elevated CO₂ at 800–1,000 ppm in late veg and early flower can increase biomass and resin by measurable margins. However, without high PPFD and stable VPD, CO₂ offers limited gains.
How do I manage odor outdoors? Planting downwind from neighbors, using natural windbreaks, and harvesting at dawn when terpenes are lower can help. Select discreet locations and avoid handling flowers in populated areas. Remember that Auto Sour D can be persistently aromatic during late flower.
What about mold resistance? The hybrid structure balances density and airflow, providing moderate resistance if humidity and airflow are well managed. Keep late flower RH around 45–50% and ensure fans move air across and above the canopy. Remove any interior leaves that trap moisture, especially in humid climates.
When is the best time to flush? In soilless systems, a 7–10 day taper or clear-water finish aligns with autos’ quick metabolism. In living soil, avoid aggressive flushing; instead, cease top-dressing and water with plain, dechlorinated water the last 7–10 days. Watch plant fade rather than chase runoff numbers.
What trichome ratio targets the classic heady effect? Mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber preserves the energetic, cerebral character. Going 10–20% amber introduces more body and a smoother exhale. Harvest windows also adjust terpene ratios slightly, influencing the overall feel.
Any special notes for Real Gorilla Seeds’ outdoor focus? The line is aimed at real-world conditions, so it tolerates variable weather and lower-input soils better than many finicky autos. Still, foundational practices—final containers, early LST, stable watering—unlock its full potential. Treat the first 40 days as sacred, and Auto Sour D will repay with fast, loud flower.
