Written by Ad OpsOverview and Identity
Auto Sweet Critical is an autoflowering hybrid created by 00 Seeds Bank, a breeder known for compact, terpene-rich cultivars with approachable grower profiles. As indicated by its ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage, it blends the day-neutral flowering trait of Cannabis ruderalis with the resin-heavy, sweet-skunky sensibilities of classic Critical lines. In practice, that means a fast life cycle, sugar-coated flowers, and an accessible effect profile designed for daily usability.
Across grow reports and breeder data for comparable autos, the full cycle typically completes in 65–75 days from sprout under optimal indoor conditions. Indoor yields commonly range from 350–500 g/m² with modern LED lighting, while single plants grown in 11–15 L containers often return 50–120 g each. Potency usually lands in the moderate-to-strong category for autoflowers, with THC commonly reported between 16–20% and CBD generally below 1%.
The sensory appeal is central to this cultivar’s reputation. Expect a sweet and creamy base supported by skunk, citrus peel, and soft herbal spice. That profile scales well from small home grows to larger rooms, making Auto Sweet Critical a repeatable favorite for growers looking for consistent flavor and friendly plant architecture.
History and Breeding Background
00 Seeds Bank developed Auto Sweet Critical to compress the flowering window and simplify cultivation without losing the candy-like character found in their photoperiod Sweet Critical. The approach mirrors a standard autoflowering strategy: take a stable photoperiod parent, introduce a ruderalis donor with reliable day-neutrality, then backcross and select over multiple generations. The objective is to stabilize the autoflowering trait while preserving resin output, terpene intensity, and yield density.
Sweet Critical itself descends from the storied Critical family tree—variously connected to Critical Mass and other Afghani/Skunk derivatives that became European mainstays in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Critical lines are famous for fast finish times, thick colas, and approachable, sweet-skunky aromatics. The autoflowering conversion started becoming mainstream around 2010–2015, when European breeders scaled up programs to meet demand for balcony and tent growers seeking sub-80-day seed-to-harvest cycles.
In Auto Sweet Critical, 00 Seeds Bank leaned into the flavor-first identity of the Critical family, prioritizing sweet, round terpenes over aggressive fuel or incense. Over successive filial generations, breeders typically select for uniform height (approximately 60–100 cm indoors), short internodes, and high trichome coverage. The result is a cultivar that feels photoperiod-like in quality but retains the ruderalis time advantage and easy scheduling.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Genetically, Auto Sweet Critical combines ruderalis with indica and sativa inputs, with an indica-leaning expression common in the phenotype range. Ruderalis contributes a recessive day-neutral flowering trait that triggers bloom independent of photoperiod, typically within 3–4 weeks of sprout. This trait is stabilized by inbreeding and selection until the majority of seeds show consistent autoflowering behavior.
The indica influence from the Critical parent tends to dictate stature and leaf morphology. Broad leaflets, compact nodes, and chunky calyx stacks are frequently observed, particularly in environments with adequate PPFD and moderate night temperatures. Sativa traces may appear in the form of a lightly uplifted headspace, slightly longer pistils, or a touch more internodal stretch during the first two weeks of bloom.
From a practical standpoint, most packs display 80–90% uniformity in onset of flowering and final height when grown under similar conditions. Plant-to-plant variation still exists—autoflowers generally show more heterogeneity than elite photoperiod clones—but careful nutrient control and consistent light intensity reduce extreme phenotypic divergence. Expect plants to initiate pre-flowers around days 18–24, with the bulk of biomass accumulation occurring between days 30–55.
Botanical Appearance and Structure
Auto Sweet Critical typically reaches 60–100 cm indoors and 80–120 cm outdoors in temperate climates, with a center-dominant cola and 4–8 productive satellite branches. Internodal spacing often falls in the 2–5 cm range under high-quality LED lighting with adequate blue spectrum early in life. Leaf color trends toward a healthy mid-green; heavy nitrogen availability can deepen it, but this cultivar rewards moderate nitrogen after early bloom.
The buds form dense, lime-green clusters with abundant glandular trichomes and a mid-to-high calyx-to-leaf ratio. Sugar leaves are modest and easy to trim, which improves bag appeal and post-harvest efficiency. Under cooler nights (17–19°C) in late bloom, faint purple hues may appear on sugar leaves and outer calyx tips, though the phenotype is primarily green.
Pistils begin white and plentiful, then transition to amber and tan as harvest approaches, typically when 10–15% of trichomes turn amber. Resin heads are mostly capitate-stalked and respond well to low-VPD environments during late bloom to prevent volatilization of monoterpenes. In optimized grows with steady airflow (0.3–0.6 m/s canopy surface), the flowers develop a tight structure that presses well for rosin while maintaining aromatic fidelity.
Aroma and Bouquet
The bouquet is sweet-forward with confectionery notes reminiscent of caramelized sugar and soft vanilla, followed by a classic Critical skunkiness. As the flowers cure, citrus peel, faint apple, and floral hints tend to emerge, suggesting a limonene-linalool contribution. Caryophyllene and humulene add a low, peppery-herbal backing that prevents the profile from becoming cloying.
Intensity scales with environmental control—particularly night temperature and humidity. Growers who maintain late flower conditions around 19–22°C and 45–50% RH typically report richer monoterpene retention. A slow dry (10–14 days to target 10–12% final moisture) helps the sweet top notes persist in jars for three months or more.
Broken buds reveal a spicier core and a sharper skunk spike, notably when the grind warms the material. Vaporization at 175–185°C accentuates the candy-citrus while minimizing the raw skunk edge. Combustion leans heavier into earth and pepper but retains a sugary after-aroma in the room.
Flavor and Mouthfeel
On the palate, Auto Sweet Critical delivers a sweet glaze with gentle vanilla and toffee impressions, layered over citrus zest and fresh herbs. The first draw is soft and creamy, with minimal throat scratch if properly cured and flushed. Retrohale brings a peppered-skunk finish that lingers for 30–60 seconds.
Vaping at 180°C highlights limonene and linalool, producing a bright, dessert-like flavor lasting 6–8 long pulls per 0.1 g. At higher temps (195–205°C), the peppery caryophyllene and humulene assert themselves, creating a warmer, bakery-spice profile. Water filtration during combustion smooths the pepper note while preserving sweetness, with terpenes remaining more distinct if the bowl is cornered and not overheated.
Proper mineral balance during the grow strongly affects mouthfeel. Excess nitrogen late in bloom often translates to a grassy edge; a two-week, low-EC finish (≤0.8 mS/cm input) helps express the clean, clear sweetness. Final water activity stabilized around 0.58–0.62 correlates with the least harshness and the most stable flavor shelf-life.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While exact lab results vary by phenotype and cultivation, Auto Sweet Critical commonly reaches THC in the 16–20% range under competent indoor lighting. CBD is generally low, often testing between 0.2–0.8%. Total cannabinoids, including minor components, frequently fall between 18–23% when the plant is harvested at cloudy-to-amber trichomes.
CBG content in autoflowering Critical derivatives is typically modest, around 0.5–1.2% when grown to full maturity. This minor cannabinoid may contribute to a perceived calmness without sedation, especially when combined with myrcene and linalool. CBC is often present in trace amounts (≤0.3%), adding to the total cannabinoid figure without strongly shaping subjective effects.
Potency consistency is tied to environmental uniformity. Under stable PPFD (700–900 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹) and CO₂ at 800–1,000 ppm, growers often realize upper-range potency and denser resin heads. Outdoor plants in full sun can match quality if they receive 35–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ DLI during bloom and avoid heat spikes above 32°C, which can degrade THC and volatile monoterpenes.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Auto Sweet Critical is typically myrcene-forward, with supporting limonene, beta-caryophyllene, humulene, and linalool. Total terpene content in well-grown indoor samples usually spans 1.5–3.0% by dry weight. Representative distributions often look like: myrcene 0.4–0.8%, limonene 0.2–0.5%, beta-caryophyllene 0.2–0.4%, humulene 0.1–0.2%, and linalool 0.05–0.15%.
Myrcene is associated with the sweet-herbal base and a relaxed physical tone, while limonene provides brightness and perceived mood elevation. Beta-caryophyllene, a dietary cannabinoid that binds to CB2 receptors, may add anti-inflammatory synergy, particularly when present alongside humulene. Linalool contributes floral sweetness and can soften the profile at lower inhalation temperatures.
Monoterpene preservation depends heavily on dry/cure parameters. A slow, 10–14 day dry at 18–21°C and 55–60% RH preserves limonene and myrcene, which are more volatile than sesquiterpenes. Light exposure degrades terpenes quickly; opaque jars and minimal jar-open time during the first two weeks of cure help retain 70–80% of peak aroma compared to rushed processes.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Auto Sweet Critical tends to deliver a balanced, feel-good effect with a clear front-end uplift and a gentle, body-centered exhale. Onset is rapid when inhaled—usually 2–5 minutes—with peak effects around 15–25 minutes and a total duration of 2–3 hours for experienced consumers. Novices report a slightly longer total window and stronger body heaviness at equivalent doses.
The headspace is positive and social at low-to-moderate doses, supporting light conversation, household tasks, and creative noodling. As the session extends, the muscle relaxation becomes more apparent, loosening shoulders and jaw tension without locking the user to the couch. The strain’s sweetness and low acridity encourage re-dosing, so measured intake is advised to avoid overshooting into drowsiness.
Reported side effects are standard for mid-THC hybrids: dry mouth and eyes are the most frequent, with occasional transient anxiety at high doses or in stimulating settings. Proper hydration and paced inhalation mitigate most issues. For vapor users, keeping temperatures near 180–190°C maintains clarity and reduces the likelihood of heavy sedation.
Potential Medical Applications
Given its balanced profile, Auto Sweet Critical may be a fit for stress modulation and situational anxiety in THC-tolerant individuals. The limonene-linalool signature supports mood brightening and relaxation, while the myrcene-caryophyllene base may help with mild inflammatory discomfort. Users often report better wind-down at the end of the day without immediate couchlock.
For pain, this cultivar is best aligned with mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal soreness and tension headaches rather than severe neuropathic pain. Myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, when present at the mid ranges noted above, are frequently associated with reduced perceived pain intensity and improved sleep quality. People sensitive to THC-related anxiety can microdose at 1–2 mg THC and titrate slowly to 5–10 mg to find relief without disorientation.
Sleep benefits appear at higher doses due to the body relaxation and a gentle decline into drowsiness 60–90 minutes post-session. Those using it specifically for sleep may prefer late-evening use and vapor temperatures above 190°C to emphasize sedative sesquiterpenes. As always, patients should consult a clinician, especially if taking medications metabolized by CYP3A4, CYP2C9, or CYP2C19, which THC and several terpenes can influence.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Auto Sweet Critical’s ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage makes it accessible to beginners while rewarding precision. Plan for a 9–11 week seed-to-jar schedule, with flowering initiating automatically around days 18–24. Because autos are time-locked, early environmental mistakes dramatically affect final yield, so front-load your attention to germination and the first three weeks.
Germination and early veg: Hydrate seeds for 12–18 hours in pH 6.0 water at 20–22°C, then plant 1–1.5 cm deep in final containers to avoid transplant shock. Ideal container sizes are 11–15 L for indoor grows; outdoors, 20–30 L improves water buffering. Maintain 24–26°C canopy temperature, 65–70% RH, and 250–400 μmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ PPFD for the first 5–7 days, gradually increasing light to 500–600 PPFD by day 10.
Medium and nutrition: In soil, target pH 6.2–6.5 and EC 0.6–0.8 mS/cm for seedlings, 1.0–1.4 for veg, and 1.4–1.8 for early bloom. In coco or hydro, aim pH 5.8–6.2 with EC 1.0–1.4 veg and 1.5–1.9 bloom. Autos dislike heavy nitrogen after the stretch; reduce N by 20–30% once pistils appear, and keep Ca:Mg ratio near 3:1 with supplemental Cal-Mag if using RO water.
Light and photoperiod: Autos do not require a 12/12 switch. Use 18/6 or 20/4 throughout to balance growth and energy costs; 20/4 can add 5–10% yield in some rooms if temperatures are controlled. Target PPFD 650–750 during mid-bloom, rising to 800–900 in late bloom if CO₂ is 800–1,000 ppm and leaf temps hold 24–26°C.
Environment control: Keep VPD around 0.8–1.0 kPa in seedling/veg, then 1.1–1.3 kPa in bloom to minimize botrytis risk while sustaining gas exchange. Day temps 24–28°C and night 18–22°C are ideal; swings >8°C can stall growth early or dump monoterpenes late. Maintain steady airflow (0.3–0.6 m/s at canopy) with filtered intakes to reduce PM and pest pressure.
Irrigation: Autos appreciate frequent, modest watering rather than saturation. In 11–15 L containers, early veg may need 250–400 mL per watering every 1–2 days; by mid-bloom, 800–1,200 mL may be appropriate depending on evapotranspiration. Always water to 10–15% runoff in coco; in living soil, water to field capacity and avoid runoff to preserve the microbiome.
Training: Low-stress training (LST) is recommended from days 12–24 to open the canopy, then release ties once pistil clusters set. Avoid topping past day 18–20; many growers skip topping entirely with autos to prevent lost time. Defoliate lightly—1–2 fan leaves per session—only to uncover bud sites and improve airflow, especially around day 30 and day 45.
CO₂ and advanced tactics: Supplementing CO₂ to 800–1,000 ppm during lights-on can increase biomass by 10–20% if PPFD exceeds 700 and nutrients/water are sufficient. UVA (365–385 nm) for 30–60 minutes daily in late bloom may increase resin density, but use caution to avoid leaf stress. Far-red (730 nm) at lights-off for 5–10 minutes can slightly reduce shade-avoidance stretch early on.
Week-by-Week Timeline and Feeding
Days 1–7: Establishment. PPFD 250–400, 65–70% RH, EC 0.6–0.8, pH 6.2 soil/5.8 coco. Keep medium lightly moist; avoid overwatering to prevent damping off.
Days 8–14: Early vegetative. Raise PPFD to 450–550, RH 60–65%. Feed EC 0.9–1.2 with a mild veg formula and 2–3 mL/gal Cal-Mag if using soft water.
Days 15–21: Transition. Expect pre-flowers around days 18–24. Begin LST; maintain EC 1.2–1.4 and reduce N in the feed by 10–15% as pistils appear. RH 55–60%, VPD ~1.0 kPa.
Days 22–35: Early bloom. PPFD 600–700, EC 1.4–1.8, pH 6.3 soil/5.9 coco. Increase P and K modestly; keep Ca consistent to prevent blossom-end rot-like symptoms in dense colas. RH 50–55%.
Days 36–50: Mid bloom and bulking. PPFD 700–800, EC 1.6–1.9. Consider adding 1–2 mL/gal magnesium sulfate if leaf interveins pale while veins remain green. Maintain RH 45–50% and watch for botrytis.
Days 51–70: Ripening. Drop EC to 0.6–0.8 for the final 7–10 days with plain, properly pH’d water to improve burn and flavor. Keep temps 19–22°C at night to preserve monoterpenes and tighten structure. Harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 10–15% amber.
Yield Expectations and Quality Optimization
Indoor yields of 350–500 g/m² are attainable in dialed-in tents using 18–20 hours of light with modern LEDs achieving 2.2–2.8 μmol/J system efficacy. Per-plant yields of 50–120 g are common in 11–15 L pots, with experienced growers occasionally exceeding 150 g on standout phenotypes. Outdoors in full sun, expect 70–150 g per plant in 20–30 L containers, depending on season length and DLI.
Several variables exert outsized influence on outcomes. Increasing DLI from 30 to 40 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ during bloom can raise final dry weight by 10–25% if nutrients and water are non-limiting. Keeping late-bloom RH near 45–50% reduces mold losses to near-zero in clean rooms, compared to 5–15% losses often reported when RH drifts above 60%.
Quality correlates with dry/cure discipline. A 10–14 day dry yields brighter sweetness and reduces harshness compared to a 3–5 day fast dry, which can diminish terpene intensity by 20–40%. Target final moisture around 10–12% and water activity 0.58–0.62 to extend jar stability beyond 90 days with minimal aroma fade.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing hinges on trichome maturity and desired effect. For a brighter, more energetic profile, harvest at mostly cloudy with 5–10% amber trichomes. For heavier body relaxation, wait until 10–15% amber with minimal clear heads remaining.
Perform a controlled dry at 18–21°C and 55–60% RH with consistent, gentle air exchange. Whole-plant hangs or large-branch hangs slow the process and preserve monoterpenes better than bucking buds immediately. Expect a 4:1 to 5:1 wet-to-dry weight ratio, meaning 400–500 g wet yields roughly 80–100 g dry.
Once stems snap but don’t shatter, trim and jar with 62% RH packs, filling jars to 70–80% to allow air space. Burp jars 1–2 times daily for 10 minutes during the first week, then every other day in week two. A 4–8 week cure noticeably rounds the sweetness and integrates peppery undertones.
Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting
Overwatering in the first 14 days is the most common yield killer in autos; time lost cannot be recovered due to fixed life cycles. Use pot weight and knuckle-deep checks to guide irrigation rather than a calendar. If leaves claw early, reduce nitrogen by 20–30% and increase drybacks between irrigations.
Light stress manifests as upward tacoing and bleached tips; measure canopy PPFD and keep it below 900 unless CO₂ is enriched and leaf temps are right. If calcium deficiency appears (rust spots, crinkled new growth) in coco, raise Ca by 30–50 ppm and ensure pH stays around 5.8–6.0. Magnesium interveinal chlorosis can be corrected with 25–50 ppm Mg via Epsom salts.
Bud rot risk spikes when dense colas meet RH above 55% with inadequate airflow. Thin inner leaves lightly around day 35–45, elevate oscillation, and keep VPD near 1.2 kPa. For pests, adopt IPM: sticky cards, weekly leaf inspections, and prophylactic releases of beneficials like Amblyseius swirskii or Orius insidiosus in susceptible environments.
Use in Extracts and Post-Processing
The dense trichome coverage and sweet-forward terpene profile translate well to rosin and hydrocarbon extracts. Yields for fresh-frozen hydrocarbon runs often sit around 4–6% of fresh biomass as finished sauce/badder, while dry-sift rosin can deliver 15–22% return from well-grown flowers. Pressing at 85–95°C preserves sweetness, whereas 95–105°C shifts flavor deeper into spice.
For edibles, decarboxylation at 115–120°C for 35–45 minutes activates THC with minimal terpene loss. The resulting oil carries a caramel-citrus character that integrates well into butter, caramels, and citrus pastries. Because CBD is typically low, users sensitive to THC should start with 1–2 mg doses and scale slowly.
Long-term storage is best in vacuum-sealed, opaque containers at 4–8°C to slow oxidative loss. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can fracture trichome heads and push aromatic volatiles out of solution. Proper storage can retain more than 70% of original terpene intensity after six months compared to room temperature in clear jars.
Who Should Grow and Who Should Choose It
Auto Sweet Critical is a strong match for growers seeking a compact, fast cycle with minimal training complexity. The cultivar’s reliability makes it appealing for first- and second-time growers, but it has enough aroma density to satisfy advanced hobbyists. Small tent operators, balcony growers, and those with unpredictable schedules benefit from the autoflowering convenience.
Consumers who enjoy sweet, candy-like profiles with a gentle herbal-skunk twist will find this strain satisfying. The effect is day-friendly at modest doses and transitions to evening relaxation when consumed more liberally. Those needing maximal sedation or heavy gas/diesel funk may prefer alternative genetics, but this remains a broadly enjoyable, well-mannered option.
Context and Provenance
This article focuses on Auto Sweet Critical by 00 Seeds Bank, reflecting its ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage. The breeding objective was to capture the sweetness, density, and reliability of Critical-type lines in a compact, time-efficient autoflower format. Reported cultivation and chemical ranges represent common outcomes for this cultivar class when grown under modern indoor conditions.
Because individual seed lots and environments vary, readers should treat potency, terpene percentages, and yield as ranges rather than guarantees. Environmental control and post-harvest handling explain a large portion of observed differences among growers. With a measured approach to nutrition, light, and drying, Auto Sweet Critical reliably achieves its hallmark sweet aroma and balanced, user-friendly effects.
