Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Background
Gorilla Automatic is an autoflowering cannabis strain developed by Spliff Seeds, a Netherlands-based breeder known for stabilizing vigorous, resilient hybrids. The breeder designed this cultivar to deliver the resin-drenched punch associated with the broader “Gorilla” family while compressing the grow cycle through ruderalis genetics. In practice, that means a plant that transitions to bloom on its own schedule rather than relying on a change in light cycle. The result caters to growers who want dependable speed without giving up modern potency.
As its name implies, Gorilla Automatic borrows its identity from the sticky, heavy-yielding Gorilla lineage popularized in the 2010s. Spliff Seeds has not publicly disclosed the exact photoperiod parent used to impart “Gorilla” traits, a common practice in seed making to protect intellectual property. Nonetheless, the phenotype targets hallmark characteristics: dense, gluey trichome production, a diesel-pine-earth aroma, and a hybridified high. The breeder’s focus was to capture those traits in a compact, 9–11-week seed-to-harvest window that suits both tent and balcony cultivation.
Autoflowering cultivars rose from niche to mainstream during the last decade, and Gorilla Automatic emerged as part of that wave of second- and third-generation autos. Earlier autos of the late 2000s and early 2010s often delivered 8–12% THC, but modern lines frequently test much higher, with many growers reporting mid- to high-teen potency for balanced autos and 18–22% for top-performing phenotypes. Gorilla Automatic was positioned to perform in that newer, more potent tier while preserving a user-friendly growth habit. In short, it reflects the evolution of autos from “fast but weak” to “fast and formidable.”
Market reception for Gorilla-labeled autos has been consistently strong in Europe and North America due to their simplicity and output per square meter. Gorilla Automatic taps that demand by offering straightforward management and reliable consistency across phenos. Its overall aim is to serve as a dependable, high-resin, all-purpose auto for personal growers who want an uncomplicated but rewarding experience. That makes it an attractive first or second run for new cultivators and a productive “set and forget” option for experienced gardeners scaling space with multiple cycles per year.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
By design, Gorilla Automatic incorporates ruderalis/indica/sativa genetics, with ruderalis conferring day-neutral flowering and the indica/sativa components shaping morphology, flavor, and effects. The ruderalis contribution generally lowers overall stature, accelerates sexual maturity, and adds hardiness against temperature swings and marginal photoperiods. The indica side bolsters density, resin coverage, and physical calm, while the sativa component elevates mood, adds cerebral clarity, and can lengthen the chest-expanding fuel-and-pine inhalation. Spliff Seeds blended these influences to achieve a hybrid that feels modern but remains manageable.
The Gorilla family typically traces back to glue-heavy photoperiods prized for adhesive trichomes and a layered chemotype of diesel, earthy cocoa, and sour-pinene zest. While Spliff Seeds has not publicly specified a named clone or cut, grow reports commonly highlight those expected traits surfacing in the auto form. A practical read is that Gorilla Automatic transmits a 50/50 to 60/40 hybrid expression, often leaning slightly indica in stature and recovery speed. That subtle indica tilt also improves compatibility with modest training in an autoflower timeline.
In most gardens, phenotypes break into two common lanes: a shorter, chunkier expression with golf-ball colas and pronounced earth-diesel, and a slightly taller, more open-structured expression that leans into citrus-pine and a brighter headspace. Ruderalis keeps both phenos modest in height while sativa parentage helps maintain internodal spacing for airflow. This balances bud mass and mold resistance, which is essential for autos finishing in 9–11 weeks. The inheritance, in other words, is targeted and practical rather than extreme.
Chemically, indica-leaning phenotypes often concentrate more myrcene and caryophyllene, while the airier expressions exhibit stronger limonene and alpha-pinene signals. That breakdown aligns with user reports of warm-bodied calm alongside a steady, clear-headed uplift. Taken together, the lineage suggests three priorities: resin density, a classic diesel-wood-and-citrus bouquet, and a potent yet tractable hybrid effect. The ruderalis base ensures all of that arrives on schedule regardless of lighting changes.
Appearance and Plant Morphology
Gorilla Automatic typically grows to 60–100 cm indoors and 70–120 cm outdoors, depending on pot size, light intensity, and nutrient regime. Internodal spacing is moderate, allowing light to penetrate the canopy while still stacking compact buds. Leaves present as medium-broad, with a rich green hue that can pick up lime or dark forest notes as feeding changes. Under cooler late bloom nights, some phenotypes develop faint purples in the sugar leaves.
Buds are dense, resinous, and oil-slicked, reflecting the Gorilla brand’s “gluey” identity. Calyxes swell into firm clusters that knit together into elongated spears at the top and golf-ball satellites lower on the plant. Pistils start pale and threadlike, typically maturing to orange-copper tones that contrast against a heavy frost. Under a loupe, bulbous capitate-stalked trichomes dominate, indicating high resin output and a harvest window tied closely to gland maturity.
Stems remain proportionally thick for an auto, supporting colas without extensive staking in most indoor set-ups. However, late bloom weight can still encourage light support or soft ties, especially on outer branches that receive strong side-light. Main stems often carry a slight red or purple striping under intense LED spectrums, a cosmetic response rather than a deficiency when the plant’s overall vigor is strong. The canopy is easily shaped with low-stress training (LST) due to the plant’s flexible branches.
Root development is rapid for the first 3–4 weeks, making early pot selection and watering discipline crucial. In fabric containers, expect a fine lateral network with abundant feeder roots—ideal for efficient uptake under 18–20 hours of light. The plant’s morphology is forgiving, provided it is not overwatered during the seedling-to-early-veg window. Keeping the root zone aerated translates directly into thicker lateral branching and heavier top colas.
Aroma
The aroma of Gorilla Automatic is a layered hybrid of earth, diesel, pine, and a light cocoa or coffee accent, punctuated by citrus zest in some phenotypes. Freshly rubbed flowers release a peppery undertone as the caryophyllene asserts itself, with hops-like humulene adding an herbal-bitter nuance. When the jar is first cracked after a proper cure, the initial impression is often varnish-like diesel followed by warm soil and cedar. As the bouquet airs, sweet-sour citrus and faint chocolate cluster around the base notes.
During late flower, the grow room carries a concentrated fuel-and-wood profile that intensifies notably after irrigation and during the first hour of lights-on. Carbon filtration is recommended, as volatile organic compounds increase with temperature and air movement; a 4-inch (100 mm) filter rated around 200–300 m³/h can keep a 1 m² tent under control. Outdoors, the bouquet is stealthier at range but still pronounced during trimming. A good cure (60% RH, 10–14 days) tightens the aromatic structure and deepens the woody-chocolate trace.
Grinding releases a sharper diesel top note accompanied by pine needle, suggesting a meaningful alpha-pinene and limonene contribution to the terpene ensemble. The peppery tickle becomes clearer in the sinuses, a caryophyllene tell that persists even after the citrus fades. In jars stored at 58–62% RH, aroma stability remains high for 3–6 months, especially if the flowers are shielded from light and heat. Over-drying below 55% RH reduces the cocoa/wood character and leaves mostly sharp diesel.
Flavor
On the palate, Gorilla Automatic mirrors its nose with a diesel-first inhale, followed by earthy cocoa and a resinous pine finish. The first puff is typically fuel-forward, with the second and third revealing cedar, coffee, and a gentle herbal bitterness from humulene. Limonene brightens the middle with a whisper of orange peel or lemon pith, particularly in taller phenotypes. The exhale lingers peppery-sweet, a caryophyllene signature that pairs well with the base earth.
Vaporizers set between 180–195°C tend to showcase the citrus and pine facets, while higher temperatures emphasize the diesel and pepper. Combustion leans into cocoa-wood and reduces the citrus top notes, especially if the cure pushed beyond four weeks at stable humidity. Users who prefer a smoother, terp-forward experience often keep sessions at 185–190°C to balance flavor retention with vapor density. Ice-water hash and rosin pressings concentrate the diesel-chocolate core elegantly, often with a resin yield consistent with high-trichome hybrids.
Aftertaste is long and pleasantly adhesive, resembling a mix of cedar oil and dark roast. Hydration matters: water-only flushes during the final 7–10 days reduce residual mineral taste and make the cocoa-pine line cleaner. If the flowers were dried too quickly above 22°C or below 55% RH, the flavor skews toward raw chlorophyll and astringency. A slow cure restores some depth, but the richest chocolate-wood usually requires a controlled dry from day one.
Cannabinoid Profile
Autoflowering hybrids like Gorilla Automatic commonly target mid-to-high THC with minimal CBD, and grower reports align with that expectation. While Spliff Seeds does not publish a single official potency number for all environments, typical outcomes reported by cultivators place THC in the 16–22% range under optimized indoor LED conditions. Outdoor runs in temperate climates often land in the mid-teens, reflecting lower average daily light integral (DLI) and environmental variability. CBD is usually trace to low (≤1%), with some plants registering non-detectable levels in informal tests.
Minor cannabinoids such as CBG often appear around 0.2–0.6%, depending on harvest timing and phenotype. Early harvests with more clear/cloudy trichomes can show slightly higher THCa-to-THC conversion variability post-dry, while amber-shifted harvests typically deliver more sedative tonality with minimal change to absolute potency. Total cannabinoids, when reported for robust phenotypes, commonly reach the low-to-mid 20s percentage-wise. These ranges are consistent with modern auto hybrids that have benefited from iterative breeding since the mid-2010s.
It is important to remember that potency data in home and craft grows varies with light intensity, environmental control, and nutrient balance. Under 800–1000 µmol/m²/s PPFD and a DLI of 45–55 mol/m²/day during peak bloom, plants tend to express the higher end of the THC range. Conversely, insufficient light or chronic overwatering can depress potency by several percentage points. In this context, Gorilla Automatic behaves predictably for a refined auto hybrid: strong when well-grown, respectable but lower when conditions slip.
For users, the practical takeaway is a high-THC, low-CBD profile that drives a hybrid effect with noticeable psychoactivity. This chemotype supports both recreational and certain medical uses where THC is desired for analgesia, appetite stimulation, or mood lift. Newer consumers should approach dosing conservatively, particularly with edibles where decarboxylation converts THCa efficiently. A 5–10 mg THC edible test dose is a common harm-reduction guideline for those new to high-THC autos.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Gorilla Automatic’s terpene ensemble is typically anchored by beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with meaningful contributions from humulene and alpha-pinene. In comparable Gorilla-leaning autos, total terpene content often falls around 1.0–2.5% by weight when properly grown and cured, though values can be lower in overly warm or rushed dries. Caryophyllene’s pepper-spice glow pairs with humulene’s herbaceous dryness to sculpt the woody-diesel backbone. Myrcene brings the earthy “glue” quality, while limonene and pinene add sparkle and forest-pine freshness.
Chemically, beta-caryophyllene is notable as a dietary cannabinoid that can bind to CB2 receptors, potentially modulating inflammation in preclinical models. Myrcene is commonly associated with earthy, musky aromatics and is abundant in many indica-leaning hybrids, contributing to perceived body sedation in combination with THC. Limonene has been studied for mood-elevating and anxiolytic properties in animal and preliminary human contexts, complementing the cultivar’s uplifting side. Alpha-pinene is linked with alertness and bronchodilation, which can explain the perceived “clear airways” sensation some users report.
Phenotypic spread can shift the ratios: broader-leafed expressions often show a caryophyllene/myrcene dominance, while narrower-leafed, taller phenos pop with limonene/pinene brightness. Growers can emphasize terpene development by maintaining canopy temperatures around 24–26°C day, 20–22°C night in late bloom, and by avoiding overfeeding nitrogen after week 4–5. Proper cure at 60% RH for 10–14 days preserves monoterpenes before they volatilize. Every 1–2% drop in relative humidity during cure can reduce perceived citrus by a noticeable margin.
From a sensory standpoint, this terpene matrix explains the diesel-wood-citrus triad that defines Gorilla Automatic’s bouquet. The peppery tickle is caryophyllene; the herbal-bitter echo is humulene; the forest edge is pinene; and the sweet-sour lift is limonene. Together they chart a hybrid chemovar that is broad in appeal and durable in storage when cured and jarred correctly. Focusing on environmental finesse in late bloom is the most reliable way to push the terpene content to the top of its natural range.
Experiential Effects and Onset
Gorilla Automatic delivers a hybridized experience: swift mental elevation followed by a steady, body-centered calm. Inhalation onset typically arrives within 3–8 minutes, peaking around 20–30 minutes and maintaining a plateau for 60–120 minutes in most users. Edible onset can range 45–120 minutes with effects lasting 4–6 hours, depending on dose and metabolism. The opening notes are often described as mood-brightening and mildly euphoric without jitter.
As the session progresses, the body effect grows warmer and heavier, relaxing shoulders and easing background tension. Users commonly report a comfortable mental focus rather than couch-lock at moderate doses, making the strain suitable for creative tasks, music, or light socializing. Higher doses can shift the balance toward sedation, particularly in the last hour of the effect window. This curve aligns with a high-THC, low-CBD profile that starts heady and settles into a tranquil base.
Side effects are typical of potent hybrids: dry mouth, dry eyes, and occasional dizziness if overconsumed. Anxiety-prone users should start with low doses and avoid high-energy environments until individual response is known, as limonene/pinene-forward phenotypes can feel a touch racy on the front end. Hydration and pacing help maintain an enjoyable experience; so does pairing with snacks if the cultivar’s appetite stimulation kicks in. Many users find 1–2 small inhalations sufficient to test personal tolerance.
Time-of-day usage depends on dose. In the afternoon, Gorilla Automatic can be productive at small amounts, keeping mood elevated and body relaxed without overshooting into drowsiness. In the evening, modestly higher doses trend toward restful calm and may complement winding down or sleep preparation. The cultivar’s versatility is a key reason it is widely grown by hobbyists who want one jar to handle multiple scenarios.
Potential Medical Applications
Given its THC-forward chemotype and caryophyllene-rich terpene profile, Gorilla Automatic is often considered for pain modulation, muscle relaxation, and stress relief. THC has demonstrated analgesic properties in a range of preclinical and clinical contexts, while beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 agonism may complement anti-inflammatory pathways. Anecdotally, users report relief from tension headaches, neck and shoulder tightness, and DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) after workouts. Its mood-elevating onset may also assist with mild depressive symptoms or situational stress.
For sleep support, moderate evening doses can ease sleep onset, particularly in myrcene-forward phenotypes that carry a heavier body note. However, very high THC can paradoxically disturb sleep in sensitive individuals, so titration is essential. Many patients find that a small inhaled dose 30–60 minutes before bed provides relief without next-day grogginess. Edibles should be approached carefully due to their extended duration and variability.
Appetite stimulation and nausea mitigation are also common reasons patients consider THC-rich hybrids. Inhalation often provides rapid relief from queasiness within minutes, useful for those dealing with appetite loss from stress or medication. The clear-headed portion of the experience helps some users maintain daytime functionality while boosting caloric intake. As always, medical use should occur under the guidance of a healthcare professional familiar with cannabinoid therapeutics.
For anxiety, results vary. Limonene and pinene can be supportive for some, but high-THC chemovars can exacerbate anxiety in others, especially at larger doses or in stimulating settings. Microdosing strategies—1–2 mg THC via tincture or a single, brief inhalation—may yield benefits without adverse effects for a subset of users. Patients should keep logs of dose, timing, and outcomes to identify their personal therapeutic window.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Cycle length and planning: Gorilla Automatic normally completes in 9–11 weeks from seed to harvest, with some phenotypes finishing as early as day 63 and others pushing to day 77. Indoors, an 18/6 or 20/4 light schedule from start to finish maximizes daily light integral without stressing the auto cycle. Outdoors, expect a slightly longer total duration due to cooler nights and variable light, with best performance in mid-to-late summer. Three indoor runs per season are common in controlled spaces because of the compressed timeline.
Environment and lighting: Aim for 24–26°C day and 20–22°C night in veg and early bloom, drifting to 22–24°C day, 18–20°C night in late bloom to preserve terpenes. Maintain RH around 60–65% for seedlings, 55–60% for veg, and 45–50% for bloom; target VPD of 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2–1.5 kPa in flower. In LED tents, provide 350–500 µmol/m²/s PPFD in early veg and 800–1000 µmol/m²/s in peak bloom; this yields a DLI around 35–45 mol/m²/day in veg and 45–55 mol/m²/day in flower under 18 hours of light. Add CO2 to 700–900 ppm only if you can keep temperature, humidity, and nutrients balanced—autos can benefit, but they already run fast.
Medium, pots, and watering: Use a well-aerated medium such as coco coir with 30–40% perlite or a light “super soil” with ample aeration. Final containers of 11–15 liters (3–4 gallons) balance root mass and speed; many growers start seeds in their final pot to avoid transplant shock. Water to 10–15% runoff in coco once the root ball is established, keeping EC 1.4–1.8 in bloom and pH 5.8–6.2. In soil, water more slowly and less frequently with pH 6.2–6.8, allowing the top 2–3 cm to dry between irrigations to discourage fungus gnats.
Nutrition and EC targets: In coco, begin with EC 0.8–1.0 during early veg, rising to 1.2–1.4 by week 3–4, and 1.4–1.8 through mid-late bloom. Keep nitrogen moderate after day 28 to avoid leafy buds; increase phosphorus and potassium from week 4 onward. Calcium and magnesium supplementation (Ca 100–150 ppm, Mg 50–70 ppm) is helpful under LED. In soil, follow the amended recipe and top-dress at the first sign of bloom; avoid heavy late-nitrogen inputs.
Training and canopy management: Because autos have limited veg time, rely on low-stress training (LST) from day 14–21 once the fifth node shows. Gently anchor the main stem to encourage lateral growth and an even canopy; rotate ties weekly as the plant grows. Light defoliation of interior fan leaves around day 28–35 can improve airflow, but avoid aggressive stripping. Topping is possible only very early (around the 4th node by day 14–18) but is generally unnecessary; a single topping can delay some phenotypes.
Week-by-week snapshot: Days 1–10, focus on steady moisture and modest light (~200–300 µmol/m²/s). Days 11–21, step up to 400–600 µmol/m²/s, begin LST, and ease EC to 1.2–1.4. Days 22–35, preflower/early bloom begins; maintain 700–900 µmol/m²/s, RH ~50–55%, and increase bloom inputs. Days 36–63+, stack flowers with 800–1000 µmol/m²/s, RH 45–50%, and watch trichomes for the harvest window.
Pest and disease management: Maintain clean intakes with fine mesh, sticky traps for fungus gnats, and regular leaf inspections. A weekly IPM rotation in veg—such as neem-free essential-oil-based sprays or biologicals like Bacillus subtilis and Beauveria bassiana—can suppress common pests without harming bloom quality. Keep air moving with at least one oscillating fan per 1.2 m² and avoid leaf-on-leaf congestion to deter powdery mildew. Root zone hygiene is critical: avoid standing runoff and sanitize saucers and tools.
Troubleshooting common issues: Overwatering in weeks 1–3 is the most frequent mistake with autos; aim for light, frequent irrigation that encourages root hunt rather than waterlogging. Nitrogen toxicity shows as very dark, clawed leaves—reduce N and increase light if this appears around week 4. Calcium/magnesium deficiency can emerge under high-intensity LEDs; correct with balanced Cal-Mag and stabilize pH. Light stress manifests as tacoing leaves and raised leaf serrations; lower PPFD or increase light distance by 10–15%.
Harvest timing, dry, and cure: Use a 60–70% cloudy, 10–20% amber trichome target for a balanced hybrid effect, adjusting for personal preference. Wet-trim in humid climates to reduce dry time, or dry-trim in arid environments to preserve moisture. Dry for 10–14 days at 18–20°C and 58–62% RH until small stems snap rather than bend; aim for 10–12% moisture content. Cure in glass jars at 60% RH for 3–6 weeks, burping daily for the first 10 days and then weekly; target water activity (aw) of 0.55–0.65 for long-term stability.
Yields and expectations: Indoors, experienced growers commonly report 350–500 g/m² with optimized lighting and environment, and 50–120 g per plant in 11–15 L containers. Outdoors, single plants can range from 40–150 g depending on sunlight hours, pot size, and season timing. Dense buds and thick resin are the hallmark rather than absolute plant size, and the cultivar rewards even canopies with few larfy sites. The fastest phenos may yield slightly less but often finish 5–7 days earlier.
Outdoor notes: Plant after the last frost when night temperatures stay above 10–12°C to avoid early stress. Full sun for 8+ hours per day produces the best density; in partial shade, consider reflective surfaces or a brighter pot placement. Guerrilla spots benefit from well-draining soil mounds and mulch to moderate moisture swings. In rainy regions, select the airier phenotype by avoiding heavy defoliation and favoring a slightly taller, open structure to reduce bud rot risk.
Naming, Market Context, and Sources
Gorilla Automatic by Spliff Seeds shares part of its name with other “Gorilla” autos in the market, which can cause understandable confusion. Many seedbanks and media sites list similarly named cultivars, including breeder-specific entries like “Royal Gorilla Automatic,” a product from Royal Queen Seeds. For example, CannaConnection’s sitemap includes a page title for Royal Gorilla Automatic, alongside other autos such as Royal Haze Autoflowering and Royal Jack, underscoring how common and cross-branded the Gorilla moniker has become online. When researching or buying, always match the breeder name—here, Spliff Seeds—to ensure you’re comparing the correct cultivar.
This naming overlap does not mean the genetics are identical across brands. Each breeder assembles its own parent stock, stabilization plan, and selection criteria, leading to distinct chemotypes and growth habits even under shared naming conventions. Gorilla Automatic, as presented here, refers specifically to the Spliff Seeds line with a ruderalis/indica/sativa heritage. Recognizing the breeder-specific context helps set realistic expectations for aroma, effect, and cultivation.
Broader market data show that autoflowering cultivars have climbed dramatically in quality since the mid-2010s. Modern autos regularly achieve THC potencies that rival or exceed older photoperiod lines, while maintaining short cycles that benefit small-space and seasonal growers. Gorilla Automatic sits inside that trend: it aims to deliver high resin density and a full-spectrum hybrid experience within a dependable 9–11-week window. For growers and consumers, this translates into an efficient, versatile option that does not compromise on character.
When you encounter online resources aggregating autos across brands, use them for high-level comparisons but verify specific breeder notes for cultivation details. Environmental recipes, harvest windows, and terpene emphases can vary meaningfully between lines with similar names. Aligning breeder, phenotype descriptions, and cultivation parameters is the best way to get repeatable outcomes. In short, precision with names and sources pays dividends in the grow room and in the jar.
