Written by Ad OpsHistory and Breeding Origins
King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD is a modern reimagining of a celebrated powerhouse, created by Green House Seeds to make the King’s Kush experience more approachable and versatile. The original King’s Kush descends from OG Kush crossed with Grape, a pairing known for dense resin, deep grape-kush aromas, and a reported 20% THC punch with long-lasting effects. Green House Seeds took that pedigree and introduced a CBD-rich line alongside ruderalis genetics to induce day-neutral flowering. The result is a feminized autoflower designed to finish quickly while moderating psychoactivity with meaningful CBD levels.
Commercial listings trace the release of CBD-focused autos from leading European breeders to the mid-to-late 2010s, when consumer demand for functional, low-anxiety cannabis surged. In that context, King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD was positioned as a fast, compact cultivar with medical potential and reliable yields. Breeder notes and retail pages consistently cite rapid seed-to-harvest timelines of about nine weeks and impressive indoor productivity. Those numbers made it immediately attractive to home growers who wanted speed, discretion, and a balanced cannabinoid profile.
The project’s intent was clear: preserve kush-forward flavor and structure while adding CBD’s tempering influence and the convenience of autoflowering. Unlike the high-octane photoperiod King’s Kush, this iteration avoids overwhelming new users by targeting a roughly 1:1 CBD:THC balance. That balance aligns with real-world therapeutic use, where equal ratios are often favored to reduce anxiety and cognitive side effects. Paired with ruderalis-inherited speed, the strain found a niche among wellness-focused cultivators and small-space growers alike.
Genetic Lineage and Architecture
The genetic backbone blends ruderalis, indica, and sativa, a tripartite heritage confirmed by breeder descriptors for this line. The indica driver comes from the King’s Kush base, itself an OG Kush x Grape pairing leaning distinctly indica in morphology and effect. Sativa elements persist through OG Kush’s hybrid nature and selective CBD donor influences, lending a cleaner top-note to the high. Ruderalis introduces the day-neutral flowering gene complex that eliminates photoperiod dependence.
While Green House Seeds has not publicly disclosed the exact CBD donor used, industry practice points to 1:1 CBD lines similar to Cannatonic-type chemovars as common breeding partners. The result is a chemotype that typically expresses moderate THC and comparable CBD in the 5–8% range for each, though environment can push totals higher or lower. Autoflower generations are also selected for uniformity in height, internodal spacing, and finish time to ensure predictability for new growers. That selection pressure improves garden uniformity relative to many first-generation CBD autos.
Architecturally, the plant is compact with robust lateral branching and a strong apical cola, reflecting its indica dominance. Internodes are short to medium, making canopy management easier in tents under 2 meters. The ruderalis fraction keeps total height in check while preserving adequate leaf surface for vigorous photosynthesis. Taken together, the architecture supports high gram-per-square-meter efficiency in small rooms and cabinet grows.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
Expect a squat, sturdy frame with a primary central cola and 6–10 satellite branches, depending on container size. Leaves are broad and dark green, often transitioning to deeper hues in late flower as nutrients taper and temperatures drop. Buds form into dense, golf-ball to soda-can structures, with tight calyx stacking typical of kush-derived lines. Trichome coverage is heavy, creating a frosted sheen that intensifies from week six onward.
Color expression can include subtle purples or wine tones in the bracts and sugar leaves, inherited from the Grape influence. Cooler night temperatures in the final two weeks can accentuate anthocyanins, producing more pronounced violet flashes without sacrificing vigor. Orange to amber pistils contrast nicely against the darker foliage, making the flowers visually striking at harvest. The bag appeal is further enhanced by visibly thick resin heads and a sticky break-up.
Average indoor height generally lands between 60 and 100 cm in 10–12 liter pots, depending on light intensity and nutrition. Outdoors or in larger containers, plants can reach 90–120 cm with a broader crown. The structure lends itself to even canopy formation under moderate low-stress training. Growers often remark that the plant looks “finished” and professional even in compact spaces.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Aromatically, King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD leans grape, earth, and kush with a faint fuel accent. The top notes open with sweet, candied grape and ripe berry that read clearly even before the cure is complete. Beneath, damp soil, hashish, and herbal nuances provide depth and a traditional kush backbone. A bright citrus twist often appears on the exhale, suggesting limonene support within the terpene blend.
On the palate, the smoke is smooth with a syrupy grape entry that quickly broadens into earthy, peppery kush. Many tasters describe a finish of black pepper, bittersweet cocoa, and a lingering grape peel astringency. Vaporization at 180–190°C highlights the sweetness and fruit before revealing spice and wood in subsequent draws. The aftertaste is clean, with very low acridity when plants are properly flushed and cured.
Total terpene content in well-grown samples typically falls in the 1.5–3.0% range by dry weight, a common band for resinous autos. That level is sufficient to deliver a full-flavored experience even at modest THC potency. Proper drying and curing preserve the lighter grape esters and prevent oxidation of monoterpenes that can flatten aroma. Airtight storage in the 58–62% RH range helps retain top notes for months.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
Breeder and retailer notes for King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD emphasize a balanced CBD:THC ratio aimed near 1:1. In practice, many gardens see THC in the 5–8% band and CBD in a similar 5–8% band, depending on light intensity and nutrition. That total psychoactive load is markedly lower than the original photoperiod King’s Kush, which is commonly listed near 20% THC with long-lasting intensity. The reduced THC is intentional, trading sheer force for function and accessibility.
Minor cannabinoids often register in trace to modest amounts. CBG frequently appears between 0.2–1.0%, with CBC and THCV far lower and often below 0.1% in typical homegrown analyses. While minor cannabinoids are not the primary focus of this cultivar, their presence may subtly modulate the effect profile. Terpenes likely play a larger role in steering perceived effects at these THC levels.
Potency expression is sensitive to environmental optimization. Higher daily light integrals and dialed-in nutrition can push total cannabinoids upward by 10–30% relative to underlit or nutrient-stressed grows. Conversely, excessive heat above 30°C during mid-flower can reduce resin production and oxidize monoterpenes, dulling both potency and flavor. Regularly calibrated instruments and stable environmental control help lock in batch-to-batch consistency.
Terpene Profile and Aromatic Chemistry
The leading terpenes in King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD are typically myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene, aligning with its earthy-grape-kush profile. Myrcene often dominates with a musky, herbal base that deepens perceived body relaxation. Beta-caryophyllene imparts peppery spice and engages CB2 receptors, providing a plausible anti-inflammatory pathway. Limonene contributes citrus lift and a mood-brightening top note that keeps the profile from feeling heavy.
Secondary terpenes can include linalool, humulene, ocimene, and terpinolene in small but meaningful amounts. Linalool adds floral lavender nuances and has been associated with calming properties in preclinical research. Humulene supplies woody, hoppy accents and may contribute to appetite-moderating effects when present with caryophyllene. Terpinolene and ocimene, if expressed, inject a fleeting fresh brightness noticed especially in vape sessions.
Total terpene concentration of 1.5–3.0% by weight pairs well with the moderate THC, allowing the aromatics to take center stage. At lower temps, vaporization preserves monoterpenes like myrcene and limonene that volatilize early in the draw. Combustion tilts the sensory balance toward caryophyllene and humulene, which stand up better to heat. Careful curing prevents terpene oxidation, maintaining the grape-kush signature over time.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
The onset is quick and friendly, with an initial lift in mood and a sense of calm focus replacing background noise. Many users report a subtle euphoric glow without the racing thoughts or intensity common to high-THC kush cultivars. As the session progresses, a warm body relaxation spreads, easing physical tension and encouraging unwinding. The head remains clear enough for light tasks, conversation, or a movie.
Because of its balanced ratio, the strain rarely produces anxiety or paranoia in typical doses. Instead, it smooths stress and supports a grounded mindset ideal for late afternoon and evening use. The duration often runs 2–3 hours for inhalation, with a gentle taper rather than a hard comedown. At higher doses, the body heaviness becomes more pronounced, nudging toward couch-friendly relaxation.
Users sensitive to THC often choose this cultivar as a bridge into kush flavors without overwhelming psychoactivity. Creative pursuits like sketching, journaling, or music listening pair well with its mellow clarity. For social settings, the strain’s anxiolytic tilt can take the edge off without impairing conversation. Many find it suitable for winding down after work while remaining functional enough to cook dinner or tidy up.
Potential Medical Applications
Balanced 1:1 THC:CBD chemotypes are studied for broad symptom coverage with improved tolerability. CBD appears to mitigate some THC-related adverse effects, including anxiety and short-term memory disruption, in many individuals. This makes King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD a candidate for new medical users seeking gentle relief. The calm, steady effect profile favors daily symptom management rather than intense, episodic relief.
Commonly reported use cases include stress, generalized anxiety, and mood stabilization. The steady body relaxation may help with mild to moderate musculoskeletal pain, tension headaches, or post-exercise soreness. Beta-caryophyllene’s CB2 engagement and myrcene’s sedative synergy suggest potential for inflammatory conditions, though individual response varies. Evening use may aid sleep onset without heavy next-morning fog in modest doses.
Inhalation allows for rapid titration; many patients start with 1–2 small inhalations and wait 10–15 minutes before adjusting. For reference, a typical inhalation can deliver 2–5 mg combined cannabinoids, though devices and technique vary considerably. Those using oral preparations from this cultivar often begin with 2.5–5 mg THC plus 2.5–5 mg CBD, adjusting slowly over several days. As always, patients should consult a clinician—particularly when managing complex conditions or concurrent medications.
Cultivation Guide: From Seed to Harvest
As an autoflower, King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD transitions to bloom without a photoperiod trigger, making timing management straightforward. From germination to harvest, breeder listings cite a rapid 9-week lifecycle under stable conditions. Transplant stress can slow autos, so many growers start seeds directly in their final container, especially in soil or coco. Feminized seeds further streamline the process by eliminating male selection.
Germinate using a 24–26°C environment with 95–100% media saturation and gentle lighting around 150–250 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹. Within 3–5 days, seedlings typically emerge and are ready for a gradual increase in light intensity. Maintain 60–65% relative humidity for the first week to reduce VPD and prevent desiccation. Avoid early overfeeding; autos prefer light nutrient levels during their short vegetative phase.
By days 10–14, raise PPFD to 350–500 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ and RH to 55–60% while keeping temperatures at 24–26°C days and 20–22°C nights. Light schedules of 18/6 or 20/4 both work; many growers choose 18/6 for energy efficiency and plant recovery. Plants usually show preflowers by days 16–22, with clear pistils by week three. From here, incrementally increase PPFD to 600–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ for peak flowering performance.
Flowering ramps from weeks 4–8 with rapid calyx stacking and resin formation. Shift RH to 45–50% to minimize botrytis risk in dense kush buds. A mild defoliation of large fan leaves that shade bud sites around day 28 can improve light distribution without stressing the plant. Most phenotypes reach peak ripeness around days 60–63, with 5–15% amber trichomes depending on personal preference.
Flush in the final 7–10 days if growing in soil or coco with salt-based nutrients, keeping EC low and pH stable. Look for visual cues like swollen calyxes, receded pistils, and milky trichomes before pulling. Harvest window precision improves consistency of flavor and effect from batch to batch. With practice, the 9-week target is both realistic and repeatable.
Environmental Parameters and Training Strategies
Target daytime temperatures of 24–26°C and nights of 20–22°C for steady metabolic throughput. Maintain seedling RH near 60–65%, early flower near 50–55%, and late flower at 40–45% to curb mold risk. Ventilation should exchange tent air at least once per minute, with oscillating fans eliminating microclimates. Under LEDs, add 100–150 ppm supplemental CO2 from ambient (for a total of 500–650 ppm) to see mild gains without specialized gear.
Aim for a daily light integral of 30–45 mol·m⁻²·day⁻¹ through flower, which corresponds to 600–900 µmol·m⁻²·s⁻¹ over 18 hours. If running 20/4, reduce PPFD slightly to keep DLI similar while allowing adequate dark period physiology. Keep canopy distance appropriate to your fixture; quantum boards often land at 30–45 cm in flower, while bar LEDs can run closer. A PAR map of your space can guide pot placement for even coverage.
Training should prioritize low-stress methods due to the autoflower timeline. Gentle LST from days 10–21 opens the canopy, encouraging a more even multi-cola set. Topping is possible only very early, around day 14 in vigorous phenotypes, but carries risk of stunting; many growers skip it. Avoid heavy defoliation beyond 10–15% leaf removal per session and leave at least 10 days for recovery before peak flower.
Nutrients, Substrates, and Irrigation
In soil, use a light, aerated mix such as 30% perlite, 60% quality potting soil, and 10% compost or worm castings. Coco coir with 30–40% perlite offers excellent oxygenation but demands attentive fertigation and calcium-magnesium supplementation. Final containers of 8–12 liters balance root volume and space efficiency for 9-week autos. Fabric pots improve air pruning and root zone oxygenation, accelerating growth.
Autos prefer conservative feeding early. Target feed strength around EC 0.6–0.8 mS·cm⁻¹ for week one, 1.0–1.2 in week two, and 1.2–1.4 by the onset of flower. Peak bloom often lands around EC 1.4–1.8, tapering to 0.4–0.6 during the flush. Maintain pH at 6.0–6.5 in soil and 5.8–6.0 in coco for optimal nutrient availability.
Under LEDs, supplement calcium and magnesium at 0.3–0.5 mL·L⁻¹ as needed to offset higher transpiration dynamics. Silica at 0.3–0.5 mL·L⁻¹ can strengthen stems and improve abiotic stress tolerance. Feed with a balanced NPK early (e.g., 3-1-2 ratio), then transition to a bloom-focused profile around week three (e.g., 1-2-3) while monitoring leaf color. Always water to 10–20% runoff in coco to prevent salt buildup, and allow light dry-back in soil to promote root vigor.
Pest, Disease, and Stress Management
Autoflowers’ rapid timeline leaves little room for setbacks, so prevention is paramount. Sticky traps and weekly leaf inspections catch pests like fungus gnats, spider mites, and thrips early. Maintain good floor hygiene and avoid overwatering, which can invite gnats and root pathogens. Quarantine any new plant additions or clones brought into the space.
Integrated approaches keep interventions gentle and effective. Beneficial insects such as Amblyseius cucumeris for thrips and Amblyseius californicus for mites can be released preventatively. Neem alternatives like neem-derived azadirachtin or biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (for gnats) can be used cautiously during early veg. Avoid foliar sprays once buds set; rely on environment, predators, and root-zone treatments instead.
For molds, airflow and humidity control are your best defense. Keep late-flower RH near 40–45% and ensure at least two oscillating fans cross the canopy. Space plants so leaves are not constantly touching, and remove any dying lower growth that traps moisture. If botrytis appears, remove affected tissue promptly and consider reducing irrigation frequency.
Yield Expectations and Harvest Metrics
Green House Seeds and retailer listings report compelling indoor performance for this cultivar. With optimized conditions, growers routinely target up to 600 g·m⁻² indoors, aligning with breeder claims of heavy yields in only nine weeks from germination. Outdoors or on balconies, single plants can produce roughly 80–120 g per plant in 8–12 liter containers. These numbers assume strong light, correct nutrition, and minimal stress.
Bud structure is dense, so wet trimming can be efficient, though some prefer a short hang-dry before fine manicuring. Expect 20–25% weight loss from fresh to dried flower depending on moisture content at chop. A typical plant in a 10-liter pot can yield 40–80 g indoors under 300–350 watts of efficient LED per square meter. Scaling canopy area and evenness has a large impact on final totals.
Ripeness is best judged by trichome coloration and pistil recession. For a bright, functional effect, harvest near all-milky with minimal amber and more intact clear heads. For deeper body relaxation, wait for 10–15% amber, understanding that terpene volatility increases with extended ripening. Record-keeping across multiple runs will help you dial in a repeatable target window.
Drying, Curing, and Storage
Dry in the 18–20°C range at 55–60% RH for 7–10 days to preserve monoterpenes and prevent chlorophyll bite. Keep airflow gentle, not directly on the flowers, and ensure the room is dark to minimize UV degradation. Stems should snap rather than bend before jarring. If you live in a dry climate, consider drying whole branches or whole plants to slow the process.
For curing, place dried buds in airtight glass jars at 58–62% RH using humidity packs if needed. Burp daily for the first week, then every other day in week two, and weekly thereafter. Noticeable improvements in smoothness and terpene expression appear after 2–3 weeks, with peak flavor commonly observed at 4–6 weeks. Proper curing maximizes the grape-kush aromatics and prolongs shelf life.
Store cured jars in a cool, dark place around 15–18°C to slow oxidation. Avoid refrigerators due to humidity swings and odors, and never freeze unless vacuum-sealed and fully dried. Proper storage can maintain top-tier aroma and potency for six months or more. Label jars by harvest date and phenotype notes for future reference.
Phenotype Variability and Chemotype Stability
As a stabilized autoflower, King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD shows moderate uniformity in size, structure, and timeline. Most plants finish within a narrow 60–65 day band from sprout under consistent conditions. Height variability is driven largely by environment and container volume rather than genotype drift. The bud shape and density remain reliably kush-like across phenos.
Chemotype targets a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, but expect natural variation typical of seed-grown cannabis. Lab tests of similar 1:1 autos often show ±20% relative fluctuation in each cannabinoid due to environment and phenotype. Growers seeking maximum CBD can select mothers from the first run based on personal testing and reproduce with clones where legal, though most autos are cultivated from seed. If running multiple packs, logging aroma and effect can help you identify your preferred expression.
Terpene distribution tends to be more stable than cannabinoid totals, with myrcene, caryophyllene, and limonene frequently leading. Environmental stress that reduces yield can also suppress total terpene content, blunting aroma. Conversely, excellent light quality and careful curing noticeably elevate the grape-kush signature. Consistency improves as you refine your room’s parameters over consecutive cycles.
Comparative Context and Consumer Suitability
Compared to the original King’s Kush photoperiod, this autoflower CBD variant trades sheer potency for speed, usability, and a gentler experience. It is an ideal entry point for kush-curious users who want the flavor without the 20% THC intensity. Against other CBD autos, it stands out for its dense buds, classic kush profile, and strong yield potential. The 9-week seed-to-harvest timeline sets a high bar for efficiency in small spaces.
For recreational consumers, it serves as a social and after-work option that won’t derail the evening. For wellness users, the balanced ratio offers daily-driver potential for stress and mild pain. Home growers with limited time or stealth constraints benefit from its compact stature and straightforward schedule. The feminized nature of the seeds further compresses timelines by eliminating sexing.
If you need heavy sedation or maximal euphoria, the original photoperiod King’s Kush or other high-THC kushes may fit better. If you prefer daytime clarity with flavor-forward kush notes, this auto CBD version excels. In mixed gardens, it pairs well with a stronger sativa or indica to provide spectrum coverage. Its reliability also makes it a good candidate for a perpetual harvest rotation.
Sourcing Seeds and Authenticity Notes
Look for seeds directly from Green House Seeds or authorized retailers to ensure authentic genetics. Product pages will explicitly state King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD and list a total lifecycle near nine weeks. Many outlets also cite indoor yields up to 600 g·m⁻², a useful cross-check against generic listings. Packaging should include breeder branding and batch identifiers where applicable.
When comparing retailer descriptions, differentiate between King’s Kush photoperiod, King’s Kush Autoflower, and King’s Kush Autoflowering CBD. The photoperiod version frequently lists THC near 20% and a longer flowering period, which is not the CBD auto. The CBD auto should reference balanced ratios and a shorter life cycle. If in doubt, contact the seller for confirmation before purchase.
Store seeds in a cool, dry place away from light, ideally at 4–8°C with desiccant for long-term viability. Label strain, breeder, and date of purchase to track freshness. Most seeds remain viable for 2–3 years under proper storage, with germination rates gradually declining thereafter. Fresh stock improves uniformity and vigor in autoflower runs.
