Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Auto Triangle Kush (often abbreviated ATK) is a flagship autoflower from Mephisto Genetics, a breeder known for pioneering photoperiod-caliber resin and terpenes in compact, fast-finishing autos. The project set out to translate the mystique of the Florida-born Triangle Kush into an autoflowering format without sacrificing potency, density, or the unmistakable OG-style funk. Mephisto worked it through multiple filial generations to lock desirable traits, with F3 lines repeatedly cited in their catalog of crosses.
Public strain indices provide useful breadcrumbs about ATK’s role in Mephisto’s breeding program. SeedFinder listings for several Mephisto releases note Auto Triangle Kush at F3 as a parent or building block, including Vader’s Musk, Yogi’s Stash, and Monster Mashup. A separate entry referencing ChemBAP from Mephisto highlights “high resin density and strong terp profiles” across phenotypes—traits repeatedly associated with ATK-derived work and aligned with Mephisto’s selection goals.
The cultivar emerged in the mid-to-late 2010s, a period when autoflower quality began to rival photoperiods in resin output and cannabinoid concentration. Mephisto’s approach—selecting for frost, aroma intensity, and structure while keeping the auto-flowering trait consistent—helped ATK gain a reputation as a ‘one-tent’ producer. Growers gravitated to it for fast turnaround, OG-leaning effects, and dense flowers that press, wash, and cure well.
Contextually, Mephisto positions ATK within a ruderalis/indica/sativa framework, reflecting its blend of auto-flowering genetics with Kush-heavy influence and hybrid vigor. The shorthand tells you how it grows: compact, thick-stemmed, and hungry for light like an indica-leaning hybrid, yet responsive and energetic enough to fill out multiple colas in an auto’s compressed lifecycle. The result is a reliable, high-impact auto that became a parent-of-choice for numerous in-house mashups and collabs.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Auto Triangle Kush descends from the famed Triangle Kush, a Florida OG-line cultivar named for the state’s Miami–Tampa–Jacksonville triangle. Triangle Kush brings the hashy incense, fuelly pine, lemon-rind bite, and heavy resin density that define the OG family, and it is widely regarded as a sedative-leaning hybrid with significant potency. To make it flower automatically, Mephisto introduced ruderalis genetics and worked the line through filial generations to stabilize timing, chemotype, and morphology.
Independent listings suggest a specific possibility about the auto donor in the early work. Multiple SeedFinder pages for Mephisto crosses tag Auto Triangle Kush [F3] as “probably” based on Triangle Kush x Ripley’s OG (a Mephisto OG-leaning auto) or a closely related auto lineage. While the breeder’s official public write-ups have not always spelled out the exact donor, the repeated mention of “ATK [F3]” in crosses such as Vader’s Musk and Yogi’s Stash supports the idea that Mephisto used a consistent F3 ATK backbone once the desired traits were fixed.
The inheritance pattern is what growers would expect from a ruderalis/indica/sativa hybrid intentionally biased toward OG-Kush traits. Structure tends to be medium-short with sturdy lateral branching, high calyx-to-leaf ratios, and notably dense bracts. Chemotypically, ATK shows THC-dominant profiles, low CBD expression, and terpene spectra anchored by myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene, suggesting that selection favored the Triangle Kush nose while preserving the auto-flowering clock.
In crossing projects, ATK behaves like a true-breeding resin donor. Mephisto’s catalog and the community’s grow logs frequently note that ATK passes down heavy trichome coverage and a gassy-kushy terp backbone at a high rate. This repeatability is precisely why you see ATK F3 referenced across several Mephisto mashups—it’s a stable, predictable component that elevates frost and flavor without adding excessive stretch.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Auto Triangle Kush typically grows 60–100 cm tall indoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and photoperiod (most run 18/6 or 20/4). Plants show thick, dark-green leaflets with a slightly glossy finish and a petiole angle that makes low-stress training straightforward. Internodal spacing is tight to moderate (often 3–6 cm on the main stem under high PPFD), supporting dense nug stacking and compact colas.
The flowers are notable for their high calyx density and early trichome onset, with visible frost often appearing by week 3–4 from sprout. Mature buds are golf-ball to spear-shaped, with peach to rusty-orange pistils that corkscrew into a forest of capitate-stalked trichomes. Late in flower, some phenotypes express deep olive hues and occasional anthocyanin blush in cooler night temperatures.
Resin coverage is a calling card, and it shows in macro. Heads in the 90–120 µm range are commonly observed by hash makers, a sweet spot for both solventless and solvent-based extraction. Sugar leaves are heavily dusted, contributing to strong trim-bin yields and making ATK an efficient cultivar for dry sift and bubble hash.
Structural vigor translates into uniform canopy fill when plants are started in their final containers and guided with early LST. Side branches often reach 60–80% of the main cola’s height, producing multiple top-shelf sites rather than a single dominant spear. This architecture makes ATK well-suited to 2x2 or 2x4 tents where light footprints favor even distribution over extreme height.
Aroma
Auto Triangle Kush channels classic OG-Kush aromatics with a contemporary twist. The leading notes are earthy pine and petrol, backed by hashish incense and a distinct lemon-zest brightness. On a stem rub, many growers report a gassy snap followed by damp forest floor and peppery spice.
As flowers cure, the diesel and pine deepen while the lemon rind becomes more candied, sometimes hinting at lime or grapefruit pith. Under low-and-slow cures, secondary nuances of leather, cedar, and faint jasmine-like floral qualities can emerge. The overall intensity is high, with room fills that are difficult to mask without a carbon filter.
Aromatics vary slightly by phenotype but trend toward gas-first profiles that read “Triangle Kush heritage” at first sniff. Terpenes most aligned with this nose include myrcene (earthy, musky), limonene (citrus), and beta-caryophyllene (peppery, woody), with humulene and alpha-pinene often contributing to the conifer and dry-hop edges. Notably, several Mephisto crosses credited to ATK F3 also carry “strong terp profiles,” echoing the ChemBAP note that all phenos deliver assertive aroma density.
Flavor
Inhalation opens with lemon-pine fuel, an almost Sprite-and-sawdust brightness wrapped in petrol. The mid-palate shifts to OG earth and kushy incense, with beta-caryophyllene lending a peppery tickle on the exhale. Vaporization at 180–190°C tends to emphasize citrus peel and conifer, while combustion adds toasted wood and faint clove.
On the finish, ATK can deliver a persistent resinous coating that reads as diesel, cedar, and a touch of bitter grapefruit pith. Extended cures of 6–8 weeks at stable humidity accentuate sweetness and reduce sharp edges, rounding the lemon to a candied rind and tempering the pepper. Many users note the flavor holds through the joint or session, indicating robust terpene retention in the cured flower.
For extraction, the flavor translates well into rosin and hydrocarbon concentrates. Solventless presses preserve the lemon-fuel core with a slightly greener, pine-heavy tint, especially from 120–159 µm bags. Hydrocarbon extracts often highlight a sweeter, diesel-forward top note with cleaner citrus separation, mirroring the underlying limonene-myrcene-caryophyllene stack.
Cannabinoid Profile
Auto Triangle Kush is THC-dominant, with community and vendor-adjacent reports commonly placing finished flower in the 18–24% THC window when grown under optimized indoor conditions. Individual phenotypes and environmental factors can push potency higher or lower, but ATK reliably clears the mid-teens with competent cultivation. CBD expression is typically minimal (<1%), consistent with OG-lineage autos selected for psychoactive impact.
Minor cannabinoids appear in trace-to-moderate amounts. CBG is often detected in the 0.2–0.8% range in comparable Mephisto autos, while CBC and THCV tend to register below 0.2% each in most home or boutique tests. While publicly available, third-party COAs specific to ATK are limited, the chemotypic pattern aligns with its Kush ancestry and the breeder’s selection priorities for resin and heady effects.
Cannabinoid outcomes depend strongly on harvest timing in autos, which can vary by a week or more across phenos. Allowing a small percentage of amber trichomes (5–15%) often correlates with a heavier, more sedative feel, whereas harvesting at mostly cloudy can feel slightly more energetic. Cured cannabinoid stability benefits from proper storage; keeping flower at 58–62% RH in airtight containers and below 21°C slows THC degradation into CBN and sustains the cultivar’s intended potency over months.
Terpene Profile
Auto Triangle Kush typically expresses a terpene hierarchy led by myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. In similar OG-leaning autos, myrcene frequently ranges 0.3–0.8% by dry weight, limonene 0.2–0.6%, and beta-caryophyllene 0.2–0.7%, with total terpene content commonly exceeding 1.5%. ATK’s overall terpene output tends to be robust, matching anecdotal reports of room-filling aroma and aligning with Mephisto’s emphasis on “strong terp profiles.”
Secondary contributors include alpha-pinene and humulene, each often 0.05–0.2%, which lend the conifer, wood, and dry-hop elements. Linalool may appear in the 0.05–0.15% band, adding a faint floral-lavender lift noticeable in longer cures or vaporization at lower temperatures. Trace ocimene and terpinolene occasionally peek through, but ATK rarely leans into a sweet-candy terp profile; it remains firmly kush-forward.
From a sensory standpoint, this terpene stack explains the flavor arc: myrcene provides the earthy, musky base; limonene brightens with citrus; and beta-caryophyllene contributes peppery heat and woody resin. The combination is widely sought for both recreational complexity and targeted relaxation, and it helps ATK hold its own in rosin jars and long cures. Growers who dry at 60/60 (60°F/15.5°C and 60% RH) for 10–14 days report better terpene retention and less “sharp” lemon compared to faster, warmer dries.
Experiential Effects
Auto Triangle Kush delivers a fast-onset, OG-like ride that starts with a warm rush behind the eyes and a crisp lift in mood. Within 5–10 minutes of inhalation, users often report relief from racing thoughts and a broader, calmer focus. As the session progresses, a soothing body heaviness emerges, easing physical tension without immediate couchlock at moderate doses.
At higher doses or with later harvests, ATK can become distinctly sedative, encouraging quiet, creative introspection or deep relaxation. Many describe a two-stage arc: bright euphoria and sensory sharpening up front, followed by an enveloping kush calm that softens the edges of stress. Socially, it pairs well with low-key gatherings, films, and music where a heavy, resinous flavor profile is part of the enjoyment.
Duration is typical for a potent THC-dominant flower—roughly 2–3 hours for most users, with the heavier tail end lingering longer in inexperienced consumers. Common side effects mirror other strong OGs: dry mouth, red eyes, and, in sensitive individuals, momentary dizziness when standing. Users prone to anxiety with high-THC cultivars may prefer smaller inhalations or vaping at lower temperatures to moderate intensity.
Compared with classic Triangle Kush photoperiod cuts, ATK retains the deep-kush relaxation and gassy clarity but feels slightly more “tidy” in the head for many, likely reflecting selection within the auto framework. The overall profile remains decisively nighttime-leaning, yet controlled enough for late afternoon use if tolerance is established. It’s a modern “comfort kush” effect that has made the auto form a reliable daily driver for OG-inclined consumers.
Potential Medical Uses
Nothing here is medical advice, and responses vary widely, but ATK’s chemistry suggests several potential use cases. The THC-forward profile, supported by beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 activity, points to possible relief in mild-to-moderate musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory discomfort. Myrcene’s sedative properties, paired with the cultivar’s calming OG arc, also recommend it for evening wind-down and pre-sleep routines.
Stress and mood support are frequently reported by users, with the initial lift helping disengage rumination and the back-half easing body tension. For some, this translates to situational anxiety relief, particularly when dosing is conservative and environments are calm. Appetite stimulation is also common after the first hour, a familiar effect in Kush-leaning THC-dominant cultivars.
Migraine and neuropathic pain sufferers anecdotally report benefit from OG-line strains, and ATK aligns with those chemotypes in its terpene and cannabinoid stack. Those new to high-THC autos should start low—one or two inhalations—and titrate slowly to avoid overshooting into transient anxiety or sedation. Vaporization at 180–190°C can deliver terpenes efficiently with a gentler psychoactive slope than high-temperature combustion.
For medical-oriented growers, ATK’s relatively short seed-to-harvest cycle (often 70–85 days) offers quick access to fresh material. This speed, combined with high resin density, makes it suitable for small-batch home extraction where full-spectrum preparations are desired. As always, patients should consult qualified clinicians regarding cannabis use for specific conditions and potential interactions.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Cure
Lifecycle and timing
Auto Triangle Kush is typically ready in 70–85 days from sprout under 18–20 hours of light. Faster phenotypes can finish in 65–70 days, while resin-heavy outliers may run 85–90 days. Plan your nutrient taper and defoliation windows around an assumed 75–80 day finish to avoid late stress.
Environment and VPD targets
Day temperatures of 24–27°C and nights of 20–22°C keep metabolism humming without pushing excessive stretch. RH should sit around 65–70% in seedling, 55–60% in early veg, 50–55% in mid-flower, and 45–50% near finish, corresponding to a VPD range of roughly 0.8–1.2 kPa. Stable airflow and canopy-level oscillation reduce microclimates and help prevent powdery mildew in OG-leaning foliage.
Light intensity and photoperiod
Autos like ATK flourish at 18/6 or 20/4 schedules, with many growers favoring 20/4 for slightly faster node development. Aim for 500–700 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early growth, then 700–900 µmol/m²/s through bulk flower for a daily light integral (DLI) of roughly 35–45 mol/m²/day. If using CO₂ enrichment (up to ~1,000–1,200 ppm), you can push PPFD toward 1,000 µmol/m²/s if temperatures and nutrition are dialed.
Medium and containers
Start seeds directly in the final container to avoid transplant shock in the auto clock. Fabric pots of 11–20 L (3–5 gal) are ideal for indoor runs; smaller volumes (7–9 L) can still yield well if irrigation and nutrition are precise. In soil or soilless mixes, include 25–35% additional aeration (perlite, pumice, or rice hulls) to encourage rapid root oxygenation and prevent compaction.
Nutrition and EC management
ATK prefers a moderate feed that ramps as biomass accumulates. In soilless/hydro, target EC 0.8–1.2 in early veg, 1.2–1.6 in early flower, and 1.6–1.8 in peak bloom; soil growers often feed every other irrigation at 25–50% labeled strength depending on base fertility. Keep pH at 5.8–6.2 for hydro/coco and 6.2–6.8 for soil to maximize nutrient availability.
NPK and supplements
Emphasize nitrogen early (e.g., 3-1-2 style in seedling/early veg), then shift to bloom ratios like 1-2-2 by week 4–5 from sprout. Calcium and magnesium support is important under LED; provide 100–150 ppm Ca and 50–70 ppm Mg equivalent if your source water is soft. Amino acids, silica, and low-rate kelp can improve stress tolerance and turgor, but keep additives lean to avoid lockout in a short lifecycle.
Irrigation strategy
Water to 10–15% runoff in soilless once roots are established, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry between irrigations. In soil, water more slowly and less frequently, aiming for full pot saturation and then waiting until the container feels ~50% lighter by lift test. Consistent moisture encourages even growth; large wet/dry swings can stunt autos and reduce final yield.
Training and canopy management
Begin low-stress training around day 12–18 when the fourth node is emerging, gently pulling the main stem laterally to open the center. Avoid topping unless the plant is extremely vigorous and you can do it by day 14–18; late high-stress events can cost significant biomass in autos. Leaf tucking and selective removal of large fan leaves that shadow bud sites improves penetration without over-defoliating.
Plant density and layout
ATK’s medium stature suits 4–6 plants in a 120x120 cm (4x4 ft) tent or 2–3 plants in a 60x120 cm (2x4 ft) under 240–400 W of efficient LED. A sea-of-green approach using multiple small plants (7–9 L pots) can maximize grams per square meter due to even cola size and easier light management. Maintain 20–30 cm between plant edges to allow airflow through the canopy.
Expected yields
Under competent indoor conditions, ATK routinely produces 350–550 g/m², with standout runs surpassing 600 g/m² under high-efficiency LEDs and tight environmental control. Per-plant yields of 75–150 g are common in 11–20 L containers, with larger root zones and CO₂ occasionally pushing higher. Outdoor and greenhouse plants, given strong sun and moderate temperatures, average 40–120 g per plant, finishing rapidly enough to fit multiple cycles in long seasons.
Pest and disease prevention
OG-leaning foliage can be susceptible to powdery mildew if humidity and airflow slip, so prioritize canopy movement and leaf-surface drying. Implement integrated pest management with weekly inspections, yellow sticky cards, and, if needed, preventative sprays of Bacillus subtilis or potassium bicarbonate during veg. Avoid foliar treatments after week 3–4 from sprout to protect trichome quality.
Flowering behavior and support
By week 3–4, ATK typically shows pistils and accelerates into flower, with rapid bud set by week 5–6. Stems are sturdy but benefit from soft ties or netting to hold bulking colas upright and prevent stem crease at the bend points from early LST. Keep vertical distance to LEDs within manufacturer PPFD guidance; OG-style resin often improves with consistent, not excessive, intensity.
Ripening, flush, and harvest
Most phenotypes are ready when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber, generally around day 75–82. A 7–10 day nutrient taper or plain-water finish can reduce residual salts in soilless but is not mandatory if your feed was moderate and runoff EC is controlled. Harvest in early dark cycles if possible to preserve volatile monoterpenes responsible for the lemon-fuel top notes.
Drying and curing for terpene retention
Aim for 60°F/60% RH drying conditions for 10–14 days, with gentle airflow that does not directly hit the flowers. Target a 10–12% moisture content before jarring, then cure at 58–62% RH, burping daily for the first week and weekly thereafter. Many ATK growers report a dramatic flavor polish between weeks 3 and 6 of cure, with diesel and incense rounding while citrus becomes more integrated.
Extraction and resin handling
Mephisto selections—reinforced by SeedFinder notes like ChemBAP’s “high resin density and strong terp profiles”—make ATK a strong candidate for hash and rosin. Cold, clean handling preserves trichome heads; consider harvest windows when heads are plump and glassy for best solventless returns. Even trim from ATK often produces terp-rich extracts, so keep sugar leaf separate and frozen if you plan to wash.
Outdoor considerations
In temperate zones, sow after last frost when nights remain above 10–12°C to avoid early stall. Choose full-sun locations with free-draining soil; adding 30% perlite to native soil or using raised beds improves aeration and prevents overwatering during summer storms. Outdoor finish typically occurs 9–11 weeks from sprout, making ATK a good candidate for shoulder-season runs where photoperiod cultivars might struggle to finish.
Conclusion
Auto Triangle Kush by Mephisto Genetics is a thoroughly modern autoflower that honors its Triangle Kush heritage with unapologetic gas, pine, and incense—and the resin blanket to match. Multiple SeedFinder entries for Mephisto mashups cite ATK at F3, underscoring its role as a dependable donor of frost and terp intensity, traits echoed by notes like ChemBAP’s “high resin density and strong terp profiles.” In practical terms, growers can expect a compact, vigorous auto that churns out dense colas in roughly 10–12 weeks from sprout.
Chemically, ATK trends THC-dominant with total terpene content frequently exceeding 1.5%, led by myrcene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene. The effect arc is classic OG: an initial mood lift and clarity followed by a draped, body-centered calm that leans toward evening use at standard doses. With straightforward cultivation parameters—steady light, modest but attentive nutrition, and early LST—ATK reliably produces top-shelf flowers and extract-ready resin in small spaces.
For both new and experienced growers, ATK represents a sweet spot of speed, quality, and personality that helped redefine what an autoflower can be. It is ruderalis/indica/sativa in heritage yet unmistakably Kush in soul, compressing photoperiod gravitas into a convenient, compact package. Whether grown for jars, presses, or washes, Auto Triangle Kush remains one of Mephisto’s most influential autos and a benchmark for gas-forward autoflower performance.
