Written by Ad OpsHistory
Auto Tutankamon is the autoflowering reinterpretation of Pyramid Seeds’ celebrated Tutankhamon, a selection refined from the AK-47 gene pool. Pyramid Seeds developed the auto to deliver the same pungency and resin production of the original while drastically shortening the crop cycle. The result was a cultivar designed for growers seeking speed and reliability without sacrificing potency or bag appeal.
Introduced during the 2010s, Auto Tutankamon quickly found favor among hobbyists and micro-producers for its consistency and compact timelines. Pyramid Seeds characterizes it as beginner friendly and trouble-free to grow, positioning it as a dependable option for first-time cultivators. Over successive breeding runs, the line focused on early vigor, a strong central cola, and improved flower density compared to earlier-generation autos.
The auto format preserved the recognizable Tutankhamon flavor profile—sweet, skunky, and citrus-pine—while adding the robustness of ruderalis genetics. Breeders aimed to exceed typical autoflower size benchmarks, culminating in plants that commonly reach 110–130 cm. That stature is unusually tall for an auto and reflects the “bigger and faster flowering” target Pyramid set for the release.
By blending quick turnaround with market-ready quality, Auto Tutankamon helped bridge the gap between photoperiod standards and autos. It enabled 75–85 day seed-to-harvest calendars that fit well into short outdoor seasons and tight indoor schedules. This timing, coupled with reliable yields, established Auto Tutankamon as a repeatable, season-agnostic workhorse.
Genetic Lineage
The genetic backbone of Auto Tutankamon is a ruderalis-indica composite with a meaningful sativa influence retained from its AK-47 lineage. Pyramid Seeds lists the balance at roughly 40% Indica, 30% Sativa, and 30% Ruderalis. This ratio reflects a purposeful compromise: enough ruderalis for true autoflower behavior, with indica structure and sativa-bright terpenes preserved.
The original Tutankhamon is widely regarded as an AK-47 selection, known for resinous flower and penetrating, skunky-citrus aromatics. In the auto conversion, breeders likely performed multiple generational crosses to fix the autoflower trait while backcrossing to maintain the Tutankhamon profile. The process typically spans several filial generations to stabilize bloom timing and uniformity.
Genetically, the result is an auto that expresses indica-dominant morphology—thicker stems, compact internodes, and conical colas—with sativa-leaning secondary metabolites. Caryophyllene and limonene-forward terpenes echo its AK-47 roots while myrcene lends the classic Mediterranean hashish nuance. The ruderalis input shortens lifecycle and toughens stress tolerance without overly diluting potency.
From a cultivation standpoint, the lineage manifests as a vigorous vegetative push during the first three to four weeks, followed by a rapid transition to bloom. Plants rarely stall, and they maintain consistent apical dominance unless trained. This genetic predictability is one reason Auto Tutankamon is recommended for novices and time-constrained grows.
Appearance
Auto Tutankamon is tall for an autoflower, routinely reaching 110–130 cm under adequate light intensity. The frame is spear-shaped with a dominant central cola and strong lateral branches that pack dense clusters. Internodal spacing is moderate, and the plant tends to stack, creating continuous bud columns rather than isolated pom-poms.
Fan leaves are medium-sized and slightly broader than pure sativa leaves, reflecting the indica share of the genome. In late bloom, sugar leaves take on a frost-white sheen as trichomes balloon across calyces. Mature pistils shift from cream to orange-copper, punctuating lime-to-emerald bracts.
Calyx-to-leaf ratios are favorable for hand-trimming, with less leaf mass protruding from the flower surface than in many older-generation autos. Buds cure into compact, golf-ball to cola-length nuggets that retain volume and structure. Well-grown flowers glint with trichome heads visible to the naked eye, signaling a resin-forward phenotype.
Compared to average autos that finish at 60–90 cm, Auto Tutankamon’s stature provides more light interception and potentially improved yield per plant. The plant’s rigidity supports heavy top colas, reducing the need for extensive staking. In controlled environments, the silhouette remains tidy and predictable, ideal for 2×2 or 3×3 foot tents with careful canopy management.
Aroma
The aroma profile leans skunky-sweet with a bright citrus snap and forest-pine undertones. Freshly rubbed stems release lemon zest, green mango, and a peppery tickle indicative of caryophyllene. As flowers ripen, notes of cedar, damp earth, and sweet bread dough round out the scent.
During late flower, the bouquet intensifies, and terpenes volatilize readily under warm lights. Expect a spicy, herbal top note when branches are agitated, followed by a resinous pine heart and a sweet, almost honeyed finish. Post-dry and cure, the nose turns more complex—zesty citrus softens into candied orange, while skunk and cedar persist.
Compared with many autos, the terp intensity is strong, especially when grown with low-nitrogen late bloom feeding and careful drying. Carbon filters are recommended for indoor growers due to the aromatic punch. Avoid overdrying; retaining 58–62% RH in jars preserves the citrus-laced sweetness that defines the bouquet.
Grinding a cured bud tends to release a layered profile: lemon-peel volatility at first twist, then pine-resin and warm spice, and finally a sweet, biscuity base. That sequence mirrors the lineage—limonene’s top note, pinene’s evergreen center, and caryophyllene’s peppery spice. The overall scent is familiar to AK-derived lines but friendlier and brighter.
Flavor
On the inhale, Auto Tutankamon favors zesty citrus with sweet skunk and light herbaceousness. The mid-palate is piney and resinous, recalling cedar box and fresh-cut conifer. Exhale brings a warm pepper flicker followed by a lingering, slightly honeyed sweetness.
The flavor is clean when properly flushed and slow-cured, with minimal chlorophyll bitterness after a two-week dry. At a 62% curing humidity, the orange-zest accent remains vivid for months, while earthy notes deepen into toasted grain. Terp retention is improved by low-and-slow drying at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH.
Vaporizers highlight the citrus and pine top notes at 175–185°C, before shifting into spicy-sweet territory above 190°C. Combustion rounds the edges and increases the pepper kick, which some users prefer for evening sessions. Concentrates made from this cultivar often push lemon-pine with a peppercorn sparkle.
Compared to photoperiod Tutankhamon, the auto’s flavor is slightly brighter and less musky at lower temperatures. The balance plays well with daytime use, offering a crisp, palate-cleansing character. With time, jars develop a deeper pastry sweetness that complements the skunky backbone.
Cannabinoid Profile
Potency for Auto Tutankamon typically sits in the mid-teens to high teens for THC, with many batches reporting roughly 14–20% THC by dry weight. While exact lab values vary by environment and phenotype, this range is consistent with modern autos that prioritize both speed and resin. CBD is usually low, commonly below 1%, with minor cannabinoids like CBG observed at trace levels (approximately 0.1–0.5%).
This profile translates to approximately 140–200 mg THC per gram of flower, assuming standard decarboxylation. That potency hits a reliable middle ground: strong enough to satisfy experienced users in a single joint, yet approachable for novices at lower doses. When harvested earlier (mostly cloudy trichomes), THC expression is typically higher, while extended ripening increases CBN and sedative perception.
Autos can show modest variability in cannabinoid content due to the rapid lifecycle and narrow stress windows. Stable environment, adequate PPFD, and consistent nutrition correlate with upper-range THC outcomes. Overfeeding nitrogen late in bloom can mute resin output; conversely, mild stress from optimized light intensity and VPD often coincides with richer cannabinoid expression.
Edible makers should note the mid-THC range makes portioning easier than ultra-potent photoperiods. A 0.2 g serving of 18% THC flower approximates 36 mg THC pre-extraction, before process losses. Proper decarb at 110–115°C for 35–45 minutes generally maximizes conversion without excessive terpene loss.
Terpene Profile
Auto Tutankamon’s dominant terpenes are most commonly myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene, with supporting roles from pinene and humulene. Typical qualitative ranges observed in similar AK-line autos place myrcene around 0.6–1.2% of total mass, caryophyllene at 0.2–0.5%, and limonene at 0.2–0.4%. While exact percentages vary by grow, these distributions align with the cultivar’s spicy-citrus and pine signature.
Myrcene contributes to the earthy-sweet substrate and may enhance perceived relaxation. Caryophyllene adds peppery spice and engages CB2 receptors, which some users associate with inflammatory modulation. Limonene brings the bright citrus top note, lifting mood and sharpening the aroma’s initial hit.
Pinene, often present at 0.1–0.3%, lends the evergreen character and may influence alertness. Humulene supports a woody, herbal layer akin to hops, rounding out the bouquet. Together, the terpene synergy presents as lively yet grounded—a balance recognizable in AK-derived lines.
Cultivation choices significantly influence terpene outcomes. Lower night temperatures (18–20°C) in the final weeks help preserve monoterpenes like limonene and pinene, while gentle handling limits volatilization. Slow drying and curing at 58–62% RH typically retains 10–20% more terpene content than fast, warm dries, improving both aroma intensity and flavor persistence.
Experiential Effects
The effect profile balances a clear, upbeat onset with a relaxing body finish, reflective of its 40% indica, 30% sativa, 30% ruderalis blend. Initial effects often include mild euphoria, uplifted mood, and sensory crispness—frequently credited to limonene and pinene. Within 30–60 minutes, a soothing body melt rolls in, easing physical tension without heavy couchlock at moderate doses.
Users commonly report enhanced focus for light tasks, creative work, or conversation in the first phase. As the session progresses, the indica edge becomes more pronounced, promoting calm and stress relief. For many, it’s a day-to-evening strain—functional at low to moderate intake, restorative at higher consumption.
Inhalation onset typically arrives within 2–5 minutes, peaking at 30–45 minutes, and tapering over 2–3 hours. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the most frequent side effects, while anxiety can occur at high doses in sensitive individuals. Staying hydrated and pacing consumption help maintain the balanced character for which the strain is valued.
Dose planning can be straightforward given the mid-THC profile. Beginners may start with 2–5 mg THC equivalents, experienced users often find 10–20 mg comfortable for routine sessions, and higher tolerance individuals may prefer 25–40 mg during evening use. Spreading intake in small increments preserves the strain’s clarity and mitigates overshoot into sedation.
Potential Medical Uses
Auto Tutankamon’s blend of uplifting mood and muscle relaxation makes it a candidate for stress-related complaints, situational anxiety, and low-level depression symptoms in adult patients. Its caryophyllene content may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory effects, which some users find helpful for joint stiffness or delayed-onset muscle soreness. Myrcene’s presence often correlates with ease of falling asleep, especially after the alert phase tapers.
For pain, randomized and real-world evidence on THC-dominant cannabis suggests average reductions in chronic neuropathic pain intensity of roughly 20–30%. Inhalation can provide relatively rapid relief within minutes, which some patients use to curb breakthrough pain. The mid-THC range allows practical titration without the abrupt psychoactivity of very high-THC cultivars.
Patients with appetite challenges frequently report benefit from THC-forward strains; 14–20% THC is generally sufficient to stimulate hunger. The bright limonene edge may add mood elevation that supports eating in stressful contexts. Gentle sedation later in the arc can aid post-meal relaxation.
Medical users should consider delivery method and timing. Vaporized or smoked flower offers fast onset for acute symptoms, while tinctures or edibles provide longer coverage at the expense of delayed onset. As with all cannabis use, medical guidance is recommended, especially for individuals with cardiovascular concerns, psychiatric history, or those taking CYP3A4/CYP2C9-metabolized medications.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Overview and Core Stats
Auto Tutankamon from Pyramid Seeds is positioned as beginner friendly and trouble-free to grow. It’s a nicely balanced genetic blend—roughly 40% Indica, 30% Sativa, and 30% Ruderalis—with a true autoflower lifecycle. Expect 75–85 days from seed to harvest, plants that commonly reach 110–130 cm, and per-plant yields around 30–100 grams in typical setups.
Compared to average autos, the cultivar is both bigger and faster flowering, making it a good fit for short cycles and frequent turnovers. The height allows better light capture, but canopy planning is important in tents under 180 cm tall. With the right environment, it transitions smoothly from rapid vegetative growth into a dense, resinous bloom.
Germination and Seedling Stage (Days 0–10)
Start seeds directly in their final containers to avoid transplant shock—11–20 L pots are ideal for the plant’s expected size. Maintain 24–26°C ambient temperature, 65–70% RH, and gentle airflow. Under LEDs, use 200–300 µmol/m²/s PPFD at 18/6 or 20/4 lighting; autos typically respond well to extended photoperiods.
Water with pH 6.2–6.8 in soil (5.8–6.2 in coco) and minimal EC (0.2–0.5). Avoid overwatering; let the upper 2–3 cm of medium dry slightly before re-watering. Seedlings should show vigorous growth by day 4–6 and be ready for light low-stress training by the end of week one if internodes stretch.
Vegetative Push and Pre-Flower (Days 10–25)
Auto Tutankamon exhibits fast early growth, often showing pre-flowers around days 18–25. Increase PPFD to 350–500 µmol/m²/s while keeping DLI in the 35–45 mol/m²/day range on 20/4. Temperature at 24–27°C and RH at 55–60% supports leaf expansion without pathogen risk.
Feed at EC 0.8–1.2 with balanced NPK (e.g., 2–1–2) and added calcium and magnesium, especially in soft water. Begin LST around day 12–18 by gently pulling the main stem laterally to open the canopy; avoid topping after day 20 due to reduced recovery time in autos. Aim for symmetrical branch spacing for even light distribution.
Flower Initiation (Days 25–40)
By day 25, many plants pivot decisively into bloom while still stretching. Increase PPFD to 500–700 µmol/m²/s with DLI around 45–50; keep temperatures at 24–26°C days and 20–22°C nights. Drop RH to 50–55% to limit botrytis risk as flowers start stacking.
Shift nutrition to a bloom-oriented ratio (e.g., 1–2–2) and raise EC to 1.4–1.6 as pistils proliferate. Maintain stable pH; fluctuations in coco can quickly affect uptake. Keep defoliation light—remove only leaves that block clusters or trap humidity.
Peak Flower (Days 40–65)
Stretch slows and calyx swell accelerates. Push PPFD to 700–900 µmol/m²/s if CO2 is ambient, ensuring leaf surface temperatures remain 1–2°C below ambient to protect monoterpenes. Hold RH at 45–50% and target a VPD around 1.2–1.4 kPa.
Feed EC 1.6–1.9 with increased potassium and phosphorus, while moderating nitrogen to enhance terpene and resin output. Supplemental sulfur and magnesium can support terpene biosynthesis in late bloom. Watch for nutrient burn at the leaf tips—small burns are tolerable, but back off if margins crisp.
Ripening and Harvest (Days 65–85)
In the final 10–14 days, many growers taper EC to 0.8–1.0 or switch to low-mineral feeds to improve ash quality. Night temps 18–20°C help preserve limonene and pinene, while a 24–36 hour dark period before chop can slightly increase resin appearance. Target harvest when trichomes are mostly cloudy with 5–15% amber for a balanced effect.
The strain is forgiving, so slight deviations won’t derail quality. Expect wet-to-dry mass loss of 70–80%, yielding 30–100 g per plant under typical home conditions. Larger yields are tied to early LST, full-pot root development, and stable VPD through mid-late flower.
Training, Density, and Light Management
Because Auto Tutankamon reaches 110–130 cm, plan vertical clearance of at least 40–50 cm above the canopy for lights. Single-plant LST and light leaf tucking usually suffice; scrogging is optional but helpful in low headroom tents. Avoid high-stress training beyond day 20 to prevent flowering delays.
For multi-plant layouts, 4 plants per square meter in 11 L pots is a practical density. Modeled yields at 60 g per plant equate to ~240 g/m², and with optimization, experienced growers can exceed that. Maintain even PPFD distribution; a 2×2 foot tent often benefits from bar-style LEDs to minimize hotspots.
Mediums, pH, and EC
In soil, aim for pH 6.2–6.8; in coco/hydro, 5.8–6.2 keeps micronutrients bioavailable. Autoflowers dislike heavy early feeding—begin light and ramp to the plant’s demand curve. Maintain consistent calcium and magnesium, especially under LEDs where transpiration dynamics can shift uptake.
Typical EC roadmap: 0.2–0.5 (germination), 0.8–1.2 (early veg), 1.4–1.6 (early flower), 1.6–1.9 (peak bloom), 0.8–1.0 (ripening/flush, optional). Monitor runoff EC and pH weekly to catch salt accumulation. In organic systems, build a living soil with adequate aeration and top-dress phosphorus and potassium pre-flower.
Environment and IPM
Maintain steady airflow with an inlet and oscillating fans to forestall microclimates in the dense mid-canopy. Keep RH around 45–55% during bloom to minimize botrytis and powdery mildew. Replace carbon filters on schedule—Auto Tutankamon’s aroma is assertive.
For integrated pest management, use sticky traps for fungus gnats, regular canopy inspections, and gentle, preventative biofungicides like Bacillus subtilis in high-risk climates. Avoid foliar sprays after week 3 of flower. Sanitize tools and surfaces between cycles to keep pressure low.
Outdoor and Greenhouse Tips
Outdoors, Auto Tutankamon thrives in temperate-to-warm regions, handling spring through early fall runs. From seed, expect 75–85 days to finish, making 2–3 cycles possible per warm season at mid-latitudes. Choose airy, well-draining soil and 20–30 L fabric pots for root cooling if planting above ground.
Place plants in full sun; autos respond linearly to light hours and intensity even if they don’t rely on photoperiod for bloom. Plan staking for wind-prone sites due to tall colas. In damp climates, prioritize spacing and morning sun exposure to dry dew quickly.
Harvest, Dry, and Cure
Chop during the coolest part of the day to reduce terpene volatilization. Dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH for 10–14 days until small stems snap rather than bend. Keep gentle airflow but never directly on flowers.
Cure in airtight jars at 62% RH, burping daily for the first week, then weekly for 3–4 weeks. Expect aroma development to deepen notably by week two of cure. Proper curing can preserve 10–20% more terpene content versus rapid dry-and-jar methods.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Overfeeding nitrogen past week 3–4 of flower blunts terpene brightness and slows ripening. Excess defoliation early reduces the plant’s ability to produce carbohydrates during the stretch. Topping after day 20 in autos risks yield loss due to recovery time eating into the finite lifecycle.
Light burn is another frequent issue; watch for upward-curling leaf edges and bleaching at PPFD >900 µmol/m²/s without supplemental CO2. Keep pH within the recommended ranges to avoid lockout, especially in coco. Finally, plan ahead for height—the cultivar’s 110–130 cm stature can surprise growers accustomed to compact autos.
