Written by Ad OpsOrigins and Breeding History
Gelauto Nº33 is an autoflowering homage to the Gelato #33 phenotype, assembled and released by Mephisto Genetics, a boutique breeder known for pushing autoflower quality into photoperiod territory. The name signals its anchor: the Larry Bird cut of Gelato, a celebrated phenotype from the Cookie Fam/Sherbinski lineage that crystallized the dessert-laden, balanced-hybrid profile now copied worldwide. Mephisto’s approach typically layers elite photoperiod clones over stabilized ruderalis hybrids to preserve top-shelf flavor while embedding automatic flowering.
While Mephisto Genetics rarely publishes exact parental selections for every release, the blueprint is familiar across their catalog. A premium dessert cultivar is backcrossed and outcrossed into Mephisto’s internally developed ruderalis/indica/sativa foundations, then worked over multiple filial generations to fix auto traits without sacrificing resin or terpenes. The result is a compact, fast, and resin-drenched plant that evokes Gelato #33’s creamy citrus-kush palette in an 11–13 week seed-to-harvest window.
The autoflower renaissance has been driven by tangible performance gains. In the 2010s, many autos topped out near mid-teens THC with muted terpene loads, but modern lines from elite microbreeders consistently deliver 18–24% THC and 1.5–3.0% total terpene content under dialed environments. Mephisto has been central to that improvement curve, with multiple releases documented by growers and dispensaries as competitive with photoperiod craft flower.
Market recognition has followed. In 2023, Leafly’s seasonal roundup of standout autoflower seeds singled out Mephisto Genetics among the top breeders to run in spring and summer, underscoring the brand’s reputation for flavorful, potent, and reliable automatic cultivars. Gelauto Nº33 fits squarely into that narrative as a dessert-forward, connoisseur-grade auto designed for homegrowers and small craft rooms alike.
Autoflowering ancestry matters for logistics as much as for agriculture. Gelauto Nº33’s ruderalis component allows consistent flowering under 18–20 hours of light, reduces dependency on light-tight rooms, and compresses crop cycles to roughly 70–90 days from sprout. For small-space growers and regions with shorter summers, those features translate directly into more harvests per year and higher gram-per-watt efficiency, without abandoning boutique flavor.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
Gelauto Nº33 pulls core identity from Gelato #33, a phenotype born from Sunset Sherbet crossed with Thin Mint GSC in the fabled Bay Area dessert lineage. That photoperiod backbone is married to stabilized ruderalis-bearing stock to confer automatic flowering while maintaining hybrid vigor. The resulting heritage is explicitly ruderalis/indica/sativa, with a balanced expression that leans culinary rather than fuel-dominant.
In practice, growers observe structural and chemotypic traits consistent with hybrid Gelato expressions. Internodal spacing is moderate; apical dominance is present but not overwhelming; and lateral branching can be encouraged early for canopies that mimic sea-of-green patterns. Anthocyanin expression is possible in cooler nights, a hallmark of many Gelato descendants, delivering the occasional purple fade beneath thick trichome frost.
Ruderalis contributions show up in lifecycle predictability. Gelauto Nº33 tends to initiate pre-flower by week 3–4 from sprout independent of photoperiod, with a stretch phase extending into weeks 4–6 before terminal flower set. That timing is consistent with modern autos that aim for 75–85 day finish windows while preserving density and resin output.
From an inheritance standpoint, you can expect a dessert terpene ensemble—citrus zest, sweet cream, faint berry, and a bakery dough note—supported by a peppery-kush spine. That aromatic fingerprint maps well onto classic Gelato #33 terpene enrichments like caryophyllene and limonene, while ruderalis inputs modestly modulate growth rhythm and resilience under variable environments. The net phenotype is a resilient hybrid with sensory sophistication and practical grower advantages.
Appearance and Morphology
Gelauto Nº33 plants are medium-stature autos, typically finishing between 60 and 100 cm indoors when grown in 11–19 L (3–5 gal) containers. The canopy presents sturdy central colas flanked by 6–10 productive laterals if low-stress training is applied early. Leaves exhibit hybrid leaflets—neither fully slender sativa nor deeply lobed indica—often with a dark, lustrous green during peak vegetative growth.
During flower, buds stack into dense, golf-ball to soda-can spears with tight calyxing and a high trichome-to-leaf ratio. Bracts swell noticeably in weeks 6–9 from sprout, and stigmas transition from bright white to tawny orange as resin matures. Under cooler night temperatures (18–20°C), purples and lavenders can bleed into sugar leaves and petioles while the flower surface stays glassy with resin.
Trichome coverage is a standout feature, with capitate-stalked heads carpeting bracts and sugar leaves in a fine, snowy coat. Under magnification, gland heads appear mostly cloudy by the mid-to-late bloom window, and amber emergence becomes visible in the final 10–14 days. This frost factor directly translates to sticky-handled trimming sessions and a respectable return for solventless or hydrocarbon extractors.
Overall plant architecture is cooperative for small tents and stealth patios. The cultivar tolerates gentle canopy management, and its internodal spacing allows adequate airflow to mitigate botrytis risk even with tighter densities. Finished flower has a boutique bag appeal—lime-green calyxes, orange pistils, occasional purple highlights, and a shimmering resin shell that telegraphs its dessert lineage.
Aroma Profile
The dominant nose on Gelauto Nº33 is sweet and confectionary, channeling the iconic Gelato #33 dessert character. Expect top notes of candied citrus—think orange peel and Meyer lemon—layered over a bed of vanilla cream and fresh bakery dough. Supporting tones of ripe berry and a faint earthy kush provide depth and stop the sweetness from feeling one-dimensional.
When flowers are gently broken open, sharper terpenes release a zesty, almost sherbet-like effervescence. A peppery tickle emerges from the cracked bud, consistent with caryophyllene-driven spice, while a green, herbal lilt suggests humulene and pinene in secondary roles. Proper curing amplifies the cream and citrus duet and rounds off any raw chlorophyll edges.
In live resin or rosin formats, the profile often intensifies toward creamsicle and orange gelato. Vapor carries a sugar-cone impression with late exhale echoes of herbal spice and faint fuel. The aromatic intensity is pronounced, so odor control is recommended indoors—carbon filters rated for 300–600 m³/h per square meter of canopy generally suffice in hobby tents.
Flavor Profile
The inhale is silky and sweet, with a clear citrus-vanilla handshake that tracks closely to the dry aroma. Mid-palate, a doughy, waffle-cone note appears, hinting at the baked-goods aspect that makes Gelato phenotypes so beloved. Subtle berry and stone fruit play around the edges without overpowering the core dessert vibe.
On the exhale, a light pepper-spice flickers, clearing the palate and preventing cloying sweetness. That pepper finish, paired with a whisper of earthy kush, speaks to caryophyllene and humulene steering the back end of the profile. Vaporizing at 175–185°C preserves the confectionary highlights, while combustion tilts the flavor slightly toastier and kushier.
Aftertaste lingers pleasantly, often described as orange-cream soda with herbal bitters. With a well-managed cure at 58–62% relative humidity, these flavors remain stable for months, especially when stored in UV-protected glass. Grind consistency matters; a fluffy, even grind promotes uniform burn and maintains the top-note citrus in joints and cones.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
As an autoflower modeled after a high-test dessert cultivar, Gelauto Nº33 is bred for above-average potency. In competitive home and craft grows, autos of this class commonly register 18–24% THC by dry weight, with outlier specimens pushing higher under optimized environmental and nutritional control. CBD presence is typically low, often <1%, aligning with the Gelato family’s recreational chemotype.
Minor cannabinoids contribute meaningfully to the overall effect. CBG in modern autos often falls in the 0.5–1.5% range post-cure, while CBC is frequently detected at 0.1–0.6%. Trace THCV or CBDV can appear in sub-0.2% quantities, though these are highly phenotype- and environment-dependent and rarely drive the dominant effect.
To contextualize potency, a 20% THC flower delivers about 200 mg THC per gram before decarb losses, while a 24% sample provides ~240 mg/g. For inhalation, bioavailability estimates range 10–35% depending on device and technique, meaning a 50 mg session dose might require 0.6–1.5 grams smoked but substantially less via efficient vaporizers. These are averages, but they help guide new users toward cautious titration.
Photoperiod Gelato #33 in legal markets frequently lands in the low-to-mid 20% THC band, and autos now routinely approach or match that territory with dialed conditions. That said, environmental stress, suboptimal feeding, and early harvest can depress THC by several percentage points. Growers chasing peak potency should prioritize slow, complete ripening, steady VPD control, and a 10–14 day dry within 55–60% RH to minimize terp and cannabinoid volatilization.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
Terpenes are central to Gelauto Nº33’s sensory identity and subjective effects. Consistent with the broader Gelato #33 phenotype, the dominant cluster usually features beta-caryophyllene (pepper-spice), limonene (citrus uplift), and humulene (herbal, woody dryness), with supporting roles from linalool (floral), myrcene (earthy, musky), and pinene (piney brightness). In many contemporary craft samples, total terpene content ranges from 1.5% to 3.0% by dry weight when grown and cured optimally.
Plausible single-terpene bands for this profile are beta-caryophyllene at ~0.4–0.9%, limonene ~0.3–0.8%, and humulene ~0.2–0.5%. Myrcene and linalool often appear at 0.1–0.4% each, while alpha- and beta-pinene can collectively sit in the 0.1–0.3% window. These are typical bands seen in dessert hybrids and should be treated as directional rather than guaranteed, as phenotype selection, nutrients, and harvest timing influence terp expression.
It is worth noting industry consensus that terpenes do more than scent the flower. As highlighted by Leafly’s strain information coverage, terpenes determine much of a cannabis strain’s flavor and aroma and may also modify its effects; their databases source terpene data from products tested in regulated markets. Caryophyllene is especially notable for binding to CB2 receptors, which may contribute to perceived anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic qualities in some users.
Growers can steer terpene density by environmental management. Keeping late-flower temps under 26°C, avoiding high-intensity light shock in final weeks, and curing at a steady 58–62% RH preserves monoterpenes like limonene and pinene which volatilize more readily. Proper post-harvest handling can easily swing total terpene retention by 25% or more compared to rushed dry-and-cure workflows.
Experiential Effects
Gelauto Nº33 presents as a balanced hybrid with a cheerful onset and a smooth landing. Within the first 5–10 minutes of inhalation, many users report uplifted mood, brighter sensory perception, and a gentle, focused clarity consistent with limonene and pinene supporting the top end. Social lubrication is common, as is a mild body warmth that takes the edge off without clamping down motivation.
As the session matures, a weighted calm rolls in, particularly behind the eyes and in the shoulders. This phase feels distinctly Gelato-like: cozy, pressure-reducing, and lightly euphoric without heavy couchlock at moderate doses. At higher doses or in the late evening, the same profile can nudge users toward stillness and sleep, especially once caryophyllene’s soothing tones come forward.
Duration typically runs 90–150 minutes for smoked or vaped flower depending on tolerance, with a clean taper. Peak intensity is front-loaded over the first 45 minutes, then levels into a warm plateau of relaxation and contentment. Side effects are usually mild but include dry mouth, dry eyes, and in sensitive individuals, transient head pressure or racy thoughts if overconsumed.
Compared to sharper sativa-leaning desserts, Gelauto Nº33 tends to be kinder on anxiety-prone users at conservative doses. The cultivar’s hallmark is an accessible, feel-good middle that suits creative work, casual gatherings, and decompression after stressful days. For daytime use, microdosing or spacing inhalations preserves functionality while delivering the flavor-forward experience.
Potential Medical Uses
While individual responses vary and medical guidance should come from a licensed clinician, Gelauto Nº33’s chemotype offers several plausible therapeutic touchpoints. The balanced THC levels and citrus-forward terpene mix correlate anecdotally with stress relief and mood brightening, often reported by patients seeking fast relief from situational anxiety or low motivation. Limonene has been studied for potential anxiolytic and antidepressant-like properties in preclinical settings, and its presence may contribute to the cultivar’s uplifting top note.
Beta-caryophyllene, frequently dominant in Gelato-type profiles, binds directly to CB2 receptors and has been explored for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models. Patients with neuropathic or inflammatory pain sometimes prefer such profiles for perceived body ease without heavy sedation at lower doses. Humulene’s appetite-suppressing tendencies may slightly counterbalance THC’s orexigenic effects, resulting in a more neutral appetite impact than classic kushes for some users.
Sleep support is another common use case when dosing toward the evening. As the initial mental brightness gives way to body calm, many users describe smoother sleep initiation, particularly when combined with good sleep hygiene. Those sensitive to THC-induced anxiety should start with small, measured inhalations or consider balanced formulations if available.
Gastrointestinal comfort and headache relief also surface in patient anecdotes. Rapid-onset inhalation can dovetail with the cultivar’s muscle-easing finish to reduce tension headaches and help settle mild GI discomfort. As always, start low, go slow, and document responses to dial personal therapeutic windows with your provider.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Cycle length and phenotype targets: Gelauto Nº33 is bred as an easy-to-manage auto completing in roughly 70–90 days from sprout. Many growers report ideal harvests in the 75–85 day window, timed to trichome maturity. Expect pre-flower by days 18–28, a stretch through days 28–42, and terminal bulking from days 42–75 under stable conditions.
Germination and early establishment: Aim for 24–26°C with 70–80% RH for germination and the first 5–7 days. Use presoaked, buffered media and plant directly into final containers to avoid transplant shock in autos. A gentle seedling feed at EC 0.6–0.8 mS/cm and pH 6.2–6.5 (soil) or 5.8–6.0 (soilless/hydro) prevents early deficiencies.
Container size and media: Final pot volumes of 11–19 L (3–5 gal) are ideal for a single-plant-per-square-foot approach; 7–9 L containers work well for denser sea-of-green layouts. Well-aerated mixes with 25–35% perlite or pumice boost root oxygenation; coco coir blends can speed growth but demand tighter nutrient and pH control. Fabric pots help regulate moisture but dry more quickly, aligning with autos’ preference for rhythmic, moderate watering.
Lighting strategy: Autos thrive under 18/6 to 20/4 schedules from seed to chop. Target PPFD 200–300 µmol/m²/s for seedlings, 400–600 in veg and early flower, and 700–900 in peak flower; this yields DLIs in the mid-20s for veg and 35–45 mol/m²/day in bloom. Maintain fixture distance to avoid >28–30°C canopy temps that erode terpenes, and consider CO₂ supplementation (800–1,100 ppm) if running PPFD >800 and environmental controls are solid.
Environmental parameters: Keep daytime temps 24–28°C and nights 20–24°C; drop nights to 18–20°C late flower to coax color without stalling metabolism. Manage RH at 65–70% for seedlings, 55–60% in veg, 45–50% early flower, and 40–45% late flower to control VPD and defend against botrytis. Gentle, multidirectional airflow plus negative-pressure exhaust through carbon filtration minimizes odor and microclimates.
Nutrition and EC management: Feed lightly at first, then ramp to EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm in mid-veg and 1.6–2.0 in peak flower depending on cultivar appetite. Autos prefer steady availability over aggressive force-feeding; seek slight runoff to prevent salt buildup in coco and soilless. Provide abundant calcium and magnesium in coco systems (100–150 ppm Ca, 40–70 ppm Mg) and taper nitrogen after day 35–40 as bloom sites stack.
Training methodology: Implement low-stress training between days 14–28 to spread the canopy and equalize tops; avoid high-stress techniques like topping past day 21, which can cost momentum. Clip-on plant yoyos or soft ties keep colas upright as density increases. Defoliate selectively around days 25–35 and again at days 45–50 to improve light penetration without overstripping vital solar panels.
Irrigation rhythm: Water in rings early to encourage root exploration, then transition to full-pot saturation with 10–15% runoff once roots colonize. In soil, allow the top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings; in coco, maintain smaller, more frequent irrigations to keep EC stable. Monitor substrate EC and pH weekly; drift or spikes often signal the first signs of stress in autos.
Integrated pest management (IPM): Start prophylactically with sticky traps, weekly scouting, and strict quarantine of incoming clones or cuts sharing the space. Use biologicals such as Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana in veg as preventatives, and deploy beneficial predators (Neoseiulus californicus, Amblyseius swirskii) on a schedule if mites or thrips are endemic. Avoid oil-based sprays in flower; hydrogen peroxide at low concentrations can sanitize surfaces between runs.
Flowering and ripening cues: By day 45–55, colas should be visibly swelling, and resin will slick sugar leaves. Aim for harvest when trichomes are ~5–15% amber with the remainder cloudy for a balanced effect; more amber shifts sedative. Pistil color alone is unreliable—always confirm with a 60–100× loupe.
Yield expectations: With dialed environments, indoor yields of 60–150 g per plant are common in 11–19 L pots, translating to 400–550 g/m² in optimized canopies. Outdoors or on balconies in full sun, expect 80–200 g per plant depending on pot size, season length, and latitude. Autos deliver gram-per-day efficiency, often outperforming photoperiods in small spaces due to continuous lighting and compressed cycles.
Harvest, dry, and cure: Target a 10–14 day slow dry at 18–20°C and 55–60% RH with gentle circulation but no direct fans on colas. Once stems snap rather than bend, jar at 62% RH for a 4–8 week cure, burping daily for the first 10 days and tapering thereafter. Final storage at 58–62% RH and cool, dark conditions preserves both cannabinoids and the delicate monoterpenes that underpin Gelauto Nº33’s creamsicle-citrus signature.
Common pitfalls and troubleshooting: Overfeeding nitrogen into mid-flower can trigger dark, clawed leaves and dull terpenes—transition to bloom-focused macros by week 5. Excessive defoliation in autos slows metabolism and reduces yield; remove only leaves shading active bud sites. Heat above 28–30°C in late flower volatilizes limonene and pinene, flattening aroma; prioritize canopy cooling as resin peaks.
Outdoor considerations: Autos excel in shoulder seasons; sow every 3–4 weeks to stagger harvests and exploit long-day sunshine. Provide wind protection and trellising to stabilize colas, and consider light, breathable covers during late-summer storms. In humid climates, widen plant spacing to 45–60 cm and prune inner fluff to reduce microclimates that invite mold.
Genotype-to-environment tuning: If your phenotype leans tall and sativa-forward, anchor branches early and push PPFD toward 800–900 to harden internodes. If it presents squat and indica-heavy, ease nitrogen earlier and focus on airflow to prevent larf under dense canopies. In both cases, the goal is even cola development, steady transpiration, and a terpene-preserving finish that honors the Gelato #33 heritage.
