Written by Ad OpsOverview and Origin
Misty Gorilla Automatic is an autoflowering cannabis strain bred by Zambeza, a European seed company known for compact, fast-finishing cultivars. The strain’s heritage is a balanced ruderalis, indica, and sativa mix, producing a true auto that flowers regardless of photoperiod. It was developed to capture gorilla-style resin production in a quicker, more forgiving format suitable for small spaces and shorter seasons.
As an automatic, Misty Gorilla Automatic transitions from seed to harvest on a fixed biological clock, typically in under three months. Growers choose it for convenience and reliability, as well as its dense, trichome-heavy flowers. While the exact pedigree has not been officially disclosed, the phenotype behavior and reported aroma strongly suggest a Gorilla-leaning influence stabilized with ruderalis.
The strain’s feature set targets modern demands: potent THC potential, robust terpene output, and streamlined cultivation. In practice, it can fit both micro-grows and modest commercial runs due to its uniformity and speed. Zambeza’s focus on accessible genetics is reflected here, making it a practical entry point into high-resin autos.
History and Breeding Context
Zambeza rose to prominence during the 2010s, a period when autoflowering genetics rapidly evolved from novelty to serious contenders. Industry estimates indicate autos accounted for under 10 percent of seed sales early in the decade but climbed to roughly one-quarter of the market by the early 2020s as potency and yield improved. Misty Gorilla Automatic joined this wave by translating Gorilla-like frost and punch into an autoflowering format.
Autoflowers derive their independence from light schedules through Cannabis ruderalis heritage. Earlier autos often topped out around 10 to 14 percent THC, but ongoing hybridization with elite photoperiod lines now commonly results in 17 to 22 percent THC under dialed-in conditions. Misty Gorilla Automatic fits within this new generation, prioritizing intensity alongside speed.
Zambeza’s automatic line was designed for growers who wanted predictable harvests in 70 to 85 days without sacrificing resin density. That timeline lets small-scale cultivators run multiple cycles per year with minimal equipment. In Northern latitudes, the quick finish can also dodge early autumn rains that frequently compromise photoperiod crops.
Genetic Lineage and Inheritance
The breeder lists Misty Gorilla Automatic as a ruderalis, indica, and sativa hybrid, confirming its autoflowering backbone. While Zambeza did not publicly release a full pedigree, grower reports consistently note Gorilla-style traits, including strong caryophyllene-driven spice, dense calyx formation, and a gluey resin texture. These signals point toward a Gorilla-leaning parent integrated with a compact, sweet-leaning line and stabilized by ruderalis.
Phenotypically, the strain trends indica-dominant in structure with moderate sativa influence in resin head morphology and uplift. Internodes usually remain tight, supporting short to medium plant height that suits tent cultivation. The ruderalis component confers early flower onset, typically as soon as day 21 to 28 from sprout.
In practical terms, the inheritance creates a fast, stocky plant with a terpene profile that blends earth, pine, and gas with a sweet mist-like top note. The balance helps it appeal to both flavor chasers and potency seekers. The genetic mix also enhances durability, giving it above-average resilience to minor stress compared with many long-flowering photoperiods.
Botanical Appearance
Misty Gorilla Automatic tends to remain compact, with indoor heights typically between 70 and 120 cm depending on container volume, light intensity, and environment. Plants present broad, slightly serrated leaf blades that signal indica dominance, while the apical cola often becomes the heaviest point of mass. Secondary branches can be numerous in larger pots, producing a constellation of golf ball to torpedo-shaped buds.
Calyx-to-leaf ratio is generally favorable, simplifying trimming and improving airflow through the canopy. Under strong LED lighting at 700 to 900 µmol m−2 s−1 PPFD during peak bloom, flowers swell with abundant glandular trichomes. The resin coat is often visibly thick, giving dried buds a silver-green sheen speckled with amber pistils.
Coloration stays lime to forest green, though night temperatures dropping below 18 to 20°C in late bloom may coax subtle purpling due to anthocyanin expression. Bud density is medium-high, which helps fill jars without risking hard-as-stone foxtail formation if VPD is managed well. Overall, the morphology supports high resin yield with manageable plant size.
Aroma Profile
Aromatically, Misty Gorilla Automatic leans into a diesel-pine core lifted by sweet creamy undertones. The nose opens with earthy caryophyllene spice, shifts into coniferous pinene, and finishes with a faint vanilla-cookie or marshmallow mist. This top note is subtle on the plant but becomes more obvious during cure.
During late flower, rubbing the bracts releases a strong solvent-like fume reminiscent of Gorilla-leaning hybrids. Post-harvest, a slow 60 to 62 percent RH cure helps polish the diesel edge and bring out lemon-lime brightness from limonene. Terp intensity is medium-high, and sealed jars can perfume a room within minutes when opened.
Environmental factors significantly modulate aroma. Elevated day temps above 29°C can mute sweet notes and push the profile toward pure gas and pepper. Cooler, stable conditions with minimal late-flower stress preserve the layered bouquet and reduce terpene volatilization.
Flavor Profile
On the palate, the first impression is earthy resin with a peppery tickle that signals beta-caryophyllene. Pine sap follows quickly, and a diesel zing lifts on the exhale, often accompanied by a faint cocoa or cream finish. Vaped at 175 to 185°C, the citrus-lime from limonene brightens noticeably versus smoking.
At higher vaporizer temperatures, myrcene’s herbal, slightly musky tones become dominant and the experience turns heavier. Combustion emphasizes the fuel and pepper axis, with a lingering forest-floor aftertaste. Properly cured samples display lower harshness, with many users reporting smoother draws by week three to four of jar time.
Pairing suggestions include citrus-forward beverages that complement limonene or dark chocolate that echoes the faint cocoa hint. Savory pairings like rosemary bread or aged cheese can play off the pine and spice spectrum. For concentrates, live resin preserves the gas and pine while distillate tends to flatten the nuance unless re-terped carefully.
Cannabinoid Profile
As an autoflower derived from potent photoperiod lines, Misty Gorilla Automatic typically lands in the mid-to-high THC tier for autos. In dialed-in indoor runs, community lab results for comparable Gorilla-leaning autoflowers commonly range from 17 to 22 percent THC, with standout phenotypes occasionally surpassing 23 percent. CBD is usually low, often 0.2 to 0.8 percent, with CBG frequently detected around 0.5 to 1.5 percent.
Total cannabinoids commonly reach 18 to 24 percent depending on cultivation inputs and post-harvest handling. Extended stress, high heat, and rapid drying can depress totals by several percentage points versus optimized conditions. Conversely, strong light intensity, stable VPD, and a slow cure often correlate with higher potency outcomes.
For extractors, resinous flowers with robust trichome heads typically yield well in hydrocarbon or rosin processes. Mechanical separations like dry sift can produce respectable returns if flowers are frozen and handled gently. Potency concentrates further in extracts, with 60 to 80 percent THC not uncommon for hydrocarbon live products made from comparable inputs.
Terpene Profile
The terpene stack is led by beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene, with notable support from humulene and pinene. In well-grown indoor samples, total terpene content of 12 to 25 mg per gram of flower is achievable, aligning with high-aroma autos. Typical individual ranges include caryophyllene at 2.0 to 6.0 mg g−1, myrcene at 2.0 to 7.0 mg g−1, and limonene at 1.0 to 3.0 mg g−1.
Humulene often tracks between 0.5 and 2.0 mg g−1, contributing woody and herbal subtleties. Alpha-pinene may present at 0.3 to 1.2 mg g−1, lending the pine snap many growers report. Minor contributors such as linalool at 0.2 to 1.0 mg g−1 can add a faint floral sweetness, especially in cooler cures.
Environmental control strongly shapes terp expression. Keeping late-flower day temperatures at 24 to 27°C and night temperatures near 18 to 20°C helps preserve volatiles, while rapid drying above 22°C can reduce total terp levels by 20 percent or more. Gentle handling and a 10 to 14 day dry at 60 percent RH are key to retaining the top notes.
Experiential Effects
Misty Gorilla Automatic tends to deliver a fast-acting onset when inhaled, often noticeable within 2 to 5 minutes. The first wave is a bright, focused lift sometimes described as clean and pine-fresh, followed by deep body calm as the myrcene and caryophyllene presence takes hold. Many users report a balanced hybrid arc that starts motivational and eases into a grounded, contented finish.
Duration for inhaled use commonly runs 2 to 4 hours, with the heavier body component peaking around the 60 to 90 minute mark. Vaporization at moderate temperatures may skew effects toward clarity and mood elevation, while combustion or higher vape temps tend to amplify body sedation. In higher doses, couchlock becomes more likely, particularly in the evening.
Side effects are consistent with THC-dominant strains. Dry mouth and dry eyes are common, affecting roughly 30 to 60 percent of users depending on dose. Transient anxiety or racing thoughts can appear in susceptible individuals at doses beyond their tolerance, a pattern reported in approximately 10 to 20 percent of THC-naive users with potent hybrids.
Potential Medical Uses
THC-dominant autos like Misty Gorilla Automatic may assist with short-term relief of stress, low appetite, and certain types of pain. Studies of THC in neuropathic pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea have shown clinically relevant benefits, particularly when combined with supportive care. The presence of beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist, may confer additional anti-inflammatory signaling in preclinical models.
Patients often cite improvement in sleep onset when using this strain in the evening, attributed to myrcene’s sedative synergy with THC at higher doses. Limonene’s mood-brightening properties may be helpful for transient low mood or situational stress, though it is not a replacement for professional treatment in depressive disorders. Appetite stimulation is commonly reported within 30 to 60 minutes post-inhalation.
As with any potent cannabis, start low and titrate slowly, especially for those new to THC or with anxiety sensitivity. Individuals with a history of psychosis or unstable cardiovascular conditions should seek medical advice before use. Vaporization at lower temperatures can reduce harshness and allow more controlled dosing compared with combustion.
Comprehensive Cultivation Guide
Misty Gorilla Automatic is designed for ease and speed, completing its cycle in roughly 70 to 85 days from sprout. The ruderalis component means flowering begins automatically around week three to four, so early vigor and stress minimization are critical. Because autos lack a photoperiod veg extension, any early stall tends to reduce final yield.
For indoor lighting, aim for 18 hours on and 6 hours off throughout the entire cycle, or 20 on and 4 off if heat is controlled. Target PPFD around 400 to 600 µmol m−2 s−1 in weeks 1 to 2, 600 to 800 in weeks 3 to 5, and 700 to 900 in weeks 6 to finish. DLI under an 18 hour schedule often lands between 25 and 45 mol m−2 d−1 across the run.
Temperature sweet spots are 24 to 28°C by day and 18 to 22°C by night. Relative humidity should start near 65 to 70 percent in seedling stage, drop to 55 to 60 percent in early veg, then 45 to 50 percent in early bloom, finishing near 40 to 45 percent to limit botrytis risk. Keep VPD around 0.8 to 1.2 kPa in veg and 1.2 to 1.5 kPa in bloom.
In soil, maintain pH between 6.2 and 6.8, while soilless and hydro perform well at pH 5.8 to 6.3. Nutrient EC can be gentle at 0.8 to 1.2 in weeks 1 to 2, rising to 1.4 to 1.8 in mid bloom, and tapering slightly before harvest. Autos are often sensitive to overfeeding; monitor runoff EC and leaf tips for early burn.
Use final containers from the start to avoid transplant shock. Common choices are 7 to 11 liter fabric pots for a compact indoor run, or 15 to 20 liter containers if you want larger branching and higher ceiling space. Highly aerated media with 25 to 35 percent perlite or pumice supports rapid root oxygenation and consistent dryback.
Avoid high-stress training after day 21, as autos have little time to recover. Low-stress training that pulls the main stem laterally around day 15 to 20 can open the canopy and even out colas. Gentle defoliation of a few fan leaves that block multiple bud sites is acceptable in weeks 4 to 6 if the plant is healthy.
Watering should target full media saturation followed by a controlled dryback, maintaining 10 to 20 percent runoff in soilless systems to prevent salt buildup. Many growers see best results with frequent, smaller irrigations during peak uptake, keeping oxygen levels high in the root zone. In coco, fertigation 1 to 3 times daily once the root mass is established can drive strong growth.
CO2 supplementation to 800 to 1,200 ppm in a sealed environment can increase biomass and resin output if light, nutrition, and watering are already optimized. Keep the canopy flat and consistent to exploit that additional CO2. Ensure strong, oscillating airflow to prevent microclimates in dense buds.
Outdoors, schedule spring and summer runs to avoid cold snaps in the first three weeks. In temperate climates, two to three successive crops per season are possible due to the 10 to 12 week cycle. Expect the best performance in full sun with free-draining soil amended with compost and balanced minerals.
Integrated pest management should begin before issues appear. Sticky cards and weekly scouting under leaves catch early mites and thrips, while periodic applications of beneficial microbes can support root health. Keep floors clean and avoid overwatering to reduce fungus gnat pressure.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Most growers find optimal harvest when trichomes show mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 percent amber heads. This window typically occurs around day 70 to 85 from sprout, depending on phenotype and environment. Harvesting earlier emphasizes heady clarity, while a later cut deepens body relaxation.
For drying, aim for 10 to 14 days at 18 to 20°C and 58 to 62 percent relative humidity with gentle air movement. Quick drying above 22°C often leads to terpene loss and harsher smoke. Expect 70 to 80 percent weight loss from wet to dried flower.
Cure in airtight glass at 60 to 62 percent RH, burping jars daily for the first week and then every few days thereafter. Within 3 to 4 weeks, harsh chlorophyll notes fade and flavor integrates, with further improvements up to 6 to 8 weeks. Target water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 for long-term storage stability.
Trim style depends on your drying approach. Whole-plant hanging slows the dry and can retain more terpenes, while wet trimming can reduce the risk of mold in humid regions. Use nitrile gloves and cold rooms to protect trichome heads during handling.
Quality Assurance and Storage
If you plan to lab test, request a full panel that includes cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents for extracts, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and pesticides where applicable. Consistency in sampling, such as homogenizing from multiple colas, yields more representative data. Many craft growers target total yeast and mold counts under 10,000 CFU g−1 for safety and shelf stability.
Proper storage preserves potency and flavor. Keep jars in the dark at 15 to 20°C and 55 to 62 percent RH to limit cannabinoid and terpene degradation. Light and heat can oxidize THC to CBN over months, changing the effect profile and dulling aroma.
For longer-term storage, vacuum sealing with inert gas flushing can help, though compressing buds risks trichome damage. UV-resistant containers and humidity-control packs stabilize conditions, reducing terpene loss by double-digit percentages over multi-month periods. Avoid freezing finished flower unless you will later process it; freeze-thaw cycles can shatter trichome heads and increase dryness.
Phenotypes, Stability, and Seed Selection
Autoflower lines are stabilized over several generations to lock in timing and morphology. In practice, growers may still observe minor phenotype variation in height, internode spacing, and terpene emphasis. With reputable autos, germination rates typically exceed 85 to 95 percent under correct conditions.
Most automatic seeds in this category are sold feminized, leading to female expression well above 95 percent. Environmental stress, light leaks, or nutrient extremes can induce rare intersex traits, so maintaining stable conditions is prudent. Selecting vigorous seedlings with early lateral branching correlates with stronger final yields.
If popping multiple seeds, consider culling slower starters by day 10 to 14 to concentrate resources on the best performers. Keep notes on aroma during late flower and resin density to guide future selections. Over time, growers can dial in a preferred phenotype window that matches their environment and goals.
Yield Benchmarks and Economic Considerations
Yield varies with pot size, light intensity, and grower skill, but practical benchmarks are well established for autos in this class. Indoors under efficient LEDs, 350 to 500 grams per square meter is a realistic target for a healthy sea of green, with advanced growers occasionally achieving 550 to 600 g m−2. Outdoors, 60 to 150 grams per plant is common in 10 to 20 liter containers with at least 6 hours of direct sun.
Grams per watt is a useful shorthand for efficiency. Many growers report 0.8 to 1.3 g W−1 with optimized autos under modern diodes, noting that environmental stability and canopy uniformity are decisive drivers. Dense, resin-heavy buds also enhance extraction value per square meter for solvent or solventless workflows.
From a planning standpoint, the 10 to 12 week cycle allows for more harvests per year. Running three to four auto cycles can outproduce two longer photoperiod cycles in small tents when downtime is minimized. For personal growers, this cadence offers a steady supply without expansions in space or infrastructure.
