Written by Ad OpsOverview and Naming
White Widow Autoregular is the day-neutral, regular-seed expression of a classic European powerhouse, crafted by Annibale Genetics. As the name suggests, it unites the heritage of the legendary White Widow with Cannabis ruderalis genetics to create plants that flower automatically, while remaining regular in sex. That means seeds can produce both male and female plants, offering breeders and hobbyists a flexible, selection-friendly route to preserve and remix the White Widow profile.
In practical terms, Autoregular translates into a grow cycle driven by age rather than photoperiod, with males and females appearing at roughly a one-to-one ratio on average. This format is unusual compared to the dominant feminized auto market, yet it fills an important niche for preservation, breeding, and phenohunting. For growers who want the convenience of autoflowering with the control of regular seed lines, White Widow Autoregular stands out as a logical choice.
Annibale Genetics, known for carefully curated European and landrace-influenced stock, lists the heritage as ruderalis, indica, and sativa. That breakdown may sound simple, but it reflects a nuanced balance. Expect the stout resin production and calming body influence of indica, the cerebral uplift of sativa, and the day-neutral timing and resilience from ruderalis.
History and Origins
The original White Widow emerged in the mid-1990s on the Dutch seed market and quickly became one of the most awarded strains of the era. Its reputation spread due to remarkable trichome coverage, a potent but balanced high, and dependable yields across varying climates. By the late 1990s and early 2000s, White Widow became a staple in coffeeshops and home gardens across Europe and beyond.
Autoflowering technology came later, after breeders began crossing photoperiod champions with day-neutral ruderalis. Over the last decade, the best auto lines have closed the potency gap with photoperiod equivalents, with many modern autos regularly testing above 18 percent THC. White Widow, thanks to its robust architecture and resin density, adapted naturally to this transition.
Annibale Genetics applied an Autoregular framework to White Widow, retaining regular male and female expressions while ensuring day-neutral flowering. This approach is particularly appreciated by breeders who want to preserve genetic diversity and avoid the bottlenecking that can occur with repeated feminization. It also allows for field-scale selection, where a wider population can be grown to identify standout males and females suited to specific environments.
Genetic Lineage and Breeding Rationale
White Widow is traditionally described as a cross of a Brazilian sativa-leaning parent and a resinous South Indian indica-leaning hybrid. To achieve an auto version, breeders introduce a day-neutral ruderalis line, usually through repeated backcrossing and selection for autoflowering while maintaining the original terpene and resin profile. Over several generations, the auto trait is fixed while preserving as much of the White Widow essence as possible.
In an Autoregular format, both parents are day-neutral, so the offspring remain autoflowering with high consistency. That stands on Mendelian genetics where day-neutral flowering behaves as a recessive trait at the autoflower locus. Cross two autos and you expect nearly 100 percent autoflowering progeny; cross an auto with a photoperiod and F1 offspring are typically photoperiod while carrying the recessive allele.
Annibale Genetics lists the heritage simply as ruderalis, indica, and sativa, which is accurate shorthand for the tri-hybrid architecture. The target is a balanced expression that preserves the iconic White Widow trichome density and bright, woody-citrus spice while adding the fast, day-length independent bloom. The regular sex expression is intentional to maintain breeding pathways and robustness over time.
Morphology and Visual Appearance
White Widow Autoregular typically displays a compact to medium stature, often 60 to 110 centimeters indoors under a stable 18 to 20-hour light cycle. Phenotypes with more sativa influence can stretch a bit taller, especially under high-intensity lighting and ample root volume. Internode spacing is moderate, allowing good airflow while still supporting dense bud sites.
The hallmark is the thick blanket of trichomes that can make mature flowers look frosted or dusted in snow. When plants are dialed in, sugar leaves glisten and calyxes swell prominently in the last three weeks. Many growers report 15 to 25 percent calyx-to-leaf ratios in dialed indoor runs, which streamlines trimming and improves bag appeal.
Coloration is predominantly lime to mid-green, with occasional anthocyanin expression in cooler night temperatures below 18 degrees Celsius. Pistils begin ivory or peach, darkening to orange and amber as harvest nears. The final manicure often yields tight, resin-rich flowers that retain their structure through drying and curing when handled gently.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
Aromatically, White Widow Autoregular leans into a bright, woody-citrus and herbal spice bouquet, underscored by classic hashish notes. Limonene and pinene contribute citrus peel and pine resin tones, while myrcene and caryophyllene add earth and pepper. When properly cured, you can expect a clean, fresh nose with a slight floral sweetness.
On the palate, many growers describe a crisp inhale with hints of lemon zest and timber, followed by a grounding, peppery finish. The aftertaste can be slightly sweet with resinous pine and a faint eucalyptus edge if alpha-pinene is prominent. Vaporization at 180 to 190 degrees Celsius tends to emphasize the citrus and pine, while combustion brings forward the earthy spice.
Intensity depends on cultivation and cure. In well-cured samples with total terpene content around 1.5 to 2.5 percent by weight, the aroma leaps from the jar with notable persistence. Under-dried or rushed cures can mute the top notes, so slow drying is essential to preserve the higher-volatility monoterpenes that define the strain.
Cannabinoid Composition and Potency
Autoflowering lines have caught up significantly with photoperiods in potency over the last decade. Across public lab reports for White Widow autos from reputable European and North American labs, THC commonly falls in the 16 to 22 percent range, with standout phenotypes occasionally edging near 24 percent under optimal cultivation. CBD usually rests low, often 0.1 to 0.7 percent, keeping the chemotype firmly in the THC-dominant category.
Minor cannabinoids can contribute to the effect. CBG is frequently detected between 0.3 and 1.0 percent in well-developed auto lines, while CBC often appears in trace amounts below 0.3 percent. These minor compounds are subtle, but they may modulate the experience, especially when paired with a rich terpene spectrum.
Potency depends on variables like light intensity, nutrition, and harvest timing. For example, increasing average flowering PPFD from 600 to 850 can improve cannabinoid and terpene density, provided CO2, temperature, and nutrition are balanced. Harvesting at around 10 to 20 percent amber trichomes often maximizes perceived potency while avoiding a heavy sedative turn that can occur at higher amber levels.
Dominant Terpenes and Minor Volatiles
White Widow Autoregular typically presents a balanced terpene profile with myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, and pinene among the frequent leaders. In autos of this lineage, total terpene content often measures between 1.2 and 2.5 percent by dry weight under skilled cultivation. Within that, myrcene may range around 0.4 to 0.9 percent, limonene around 0.2 to 0.5 percent, caryophyllene near 0.2 to 0.6 percent, and alpha-pinene around 0.1 to 0.4 percent.
Secondary contributors like humulene, linalool, and ocimene can appear in smaller fractions, often 0.05 to 0.2 percent each. These subtleties shape the final bouquet, with humulene reinforcing the woody, hop-like bitterness and linalool adding floral calm. In some phenotypes, terpinolene traces lend a faintly sweet, evergreen nuance, though terpinolene dominance is less common here than in certain sativa-heavy cultivars.
Beyond terpenes, sulfur-containing volatiles and esters may appear in minute concentrations that still impact aroma. Even micrograms per gram of specific thiols can shift perceived complexity toward a sharper, bright finish. Protecting these volatiles requires gentle drying and proper storage at stable humidity to limit oxidation and evaporation.
Experiential Effects and Use Cases
Most users describe a balanced onset that begins with a clear, uplifting head change within 5 to 10 minutes of inhalation. That alertness is often accompanied by a warm body ease that does not immediately lock the user to the couch. The effect curve typically reaches a comfortable plateau for 60 to 90 minutes in moderate doses and tapers cleanly over another hour.
At lower doses, the experience can feel social, mildly euphoric, and creatively stimulating. Tasks that require focus but not intense precision often feel more engaging, such as music listening, casual gaming, or light brainstorming. At higher doses, the body relaxation deepens and can lead to calm introspection or rest.
Individual responses vary, and set and setting matter. Users sensitive to THC may experience transient anxiety or tachycardia, particularly with high-THC phenotypes above 20 percent. A measured approach—one or two inhalations, then wait 10 minutes—helps calibrate the experience, especially for new users.
Potential Medical Applications and Risks
While formal clinical trials on White Widow Autoregular specifically are limited, the general chemotype suggests several plausible use cases. THC-dominant profiles with modest myrcene and caryophyllene are often reported by patients for relief of stress, low mood, and mild to moderate pain. Observational data from medical programs frequently show patient-reported improvement in sleep latency and muscle tension with similar profiles.
Analgesic potential is supported by THC’s role in pain modulation and beta-caryophyllene’s interaction with CB2 receptors, which may influence inflammation. Inhaled forms can act within minutes, which is useful for breakthrough symptoms. For persistent issues, patients often prefer scheduled dosing through vaporization or oral tinctures to smooth peaks and valleys.
Risks include intoxication, short-term memory impairment, and potential anxiety, especially in naive users or those predisposed to panic. Higher THC with low CBD can amplify these risks, so conservative titration is advisable. People with cardiovascular conditions should consult a clinician, as THC can temporarily increase heart rate and change blood pressure.
Cultivation Guide - Indoors, Greenhouse, and Outdoors
White Widow Autoregular is day-neutral, meaning it does not require a change in light cycle to flower. Indoors, most growers run 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness from seed to harvest for efficiency and plant health. A full cycle typically completes in 70 to 90 days from sprout, with preflower often visible around days 20 to 28.
Plants usually top out at 60 to 110 centimeters indoors when grown in 7 to 15-liter containers. Under high-intensity LEDs, aim for 500 to 650 PPFD in early bloom and 700 to 900 PPFD mid to late bloom, provided CO2 is around ambient 400 to 500 ppm. If enriching CO2 to 800 to 1,000 ppm, 900 to 1,050 PPFD can be utilized with tight environmental control.
Target day temperatures of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius in flower and 22 to 25 in early growth, with nights 18 to 21. Keep relative humidity around 60 to 70 percent in seedling and early veg, 50 to 60 percent in early bloom, and 45 to 55 percent through late bloom. VPD in the range of 0.8 to 1.2 kPa for veg and 1.2 to 1.6 kPa for flower helps balance transpiration and nutrient uptake.
In soil, pH of 6.2 to 6.8 is appropriate, while hydro or coco favors 5.8 to 6.2. Electrical conductivity commonly runs 1.0 to 1.4 mS per cm in early growth and 1.4 to 1.8 in peak flower, with many growers peaking near 1.6 before tapering. Overfeeding autos early can stunt development—err on the lighter side until plants are fully into bloom.
Outdoors, autos shine in latitudes with short summers or unpredictable weather. White Widow Autoregular can yield well when planted after the last frost, ideally when nighttime lows stay above 12 degrees Celsius. Expect heights of 70 to 120 centimeters and single-plant yields commonly in the 50 to 150-gram dry range, with skilled growers pushing higher under full sun.
Greenhouses provide a happy medium, capturing solar intensity with weather protection. Ventilation is crucial, as the dense trichome load can raise botrytis risk in humid conditions. Integrated pest management from day one—yellow sticky cards, beneficial mites, and sanitation—keeps problems small before they become yield-killers.
Training, Nutrition, and Irrigation Strategy
Low-stress training is the most reliable method to shape White Widow Autoregular without sacrificing momentum. By gently tying branches outward beginning around day 18 to 25, you can open the canopy to light and create multiple tops. Many growers report 10 to 25 percent yield bumps from even modest LST compared to an untrained central cola.
Topping and high-stress methods can work in experienced hands, but timing is critical. Autos do not have the same recovery window as photoperiod plants, so topping should only be done early—typically around the fourth to fifth node and no later than day 20 to 24 for most phenotypes. Even then, yield gains are not guaranteed and can backfire if stress slows the plant during its brief vegetative phase.
Nutritionally, aim for a balanced base with a gentle nitrogen curve and robust calcium and magnesium support under LED lighting. Early growth favors an NPK near 2-1-2, transitioning to roughly 1-2-3 in early bloom and 1-3-3 at peak bloom, with attention to sulfur and micronutrients. Many growers see leaf-edge chlorosis when calcium or magnesium falls behind—supplement 100 to 150 ppm Ca and 50 to 80 ppm Mg as needed.
Irrigation should favor frequent, moderate feedings with ample oxygenation. In coco, fertigate to 10 to 20 percent runoff once to twice daily at peak uptake; in soil, water thoroughly to slight runoff and allow the top 2 to 3 centimeters to dry before the next event. Maintaining a consistent wet-dry rhythm helps prevent root issues and keeps EC stable in the root zone.
For lighting, a daily light integral around 35 to 45 mol per square meter per day during bloom is a realistic target without CO2 enrichment. If enriching CO2, a DLI up to 50 mol per square meter is achievable with adequate nutrients and temperature. Keep average leaf surface temperature aligned with VPD targets to avoid photoinhibition at high PPFD.
Yield Expectations and Performance Benchmarks
Indoors under optimized LED conditions, White Widow Autoregular commonly delivers 350 to 500 grams per square meter in experienced hands. Novice growers typically see 250 to 350 grams per square meter while dialing in environment and feeding. Individual plants in 11-liter pots often yield 60 to 120 grams dry, with standout phenotypes breaking 150 grams.
Outdoors, single-plant yields vary widely with sun hours, pot size, and season length. In regions with a strong June to August sun window, 70 to 150 grams per plant is realistic, with early starts and 20-liter containers occasionally exceeding that. Greenhouse runs can approach indoor efficiency when humidity is controlled and pests are prevented.
Time to harvest is generally 10 to 12 weeks from sprout for most populations, with some faster phenotypes finishing in 9 weeks and others extending to 13 in cooler climates. The flowering window typically spans 6 to 8 weeks after a short juvenile phase. Watching trichomes rather than calendar dates gives the most reliable finish.
Breeding With Autoregular Lines and Pollen Management
Regular autos are rare but powerful tools for breeders. Because day-neutral flowering is recessive, crossing an auto male to an auto female yields nearly 100 percent auto progeny, which accelerates selection cycles. White Widow Autoregular from Annibale Genetics provides a classic terpene and resin framework that many breeders want to stabilize or re-interpret.
Sex ratio in regular seed populations trends near 50 to 50 across large numbers, though small sample sizes can deviate. Males can be evaluated by vigor, internode structure, early preflower timing, and stem-rub aroma. Selecting males with dense preflower resin on bracts and a pleasing spice-citrus stem rub often correlates with desirable offspring.
Pollen management is paramount. A single open male can pollinate an entire room, leading to seeded flowers and yield loss if sinsemilla is the goal. Collect pollen in a separate area, dry it with silica gel to roughly 20 to 30 percent relative humidity, and store it at freezer temperatures in airtight containers for up to several months while maintaining desiccation.
When making crosses with photoperiod females, expect the F1 to be photoperiod while carrying the auto allele. To recover auto expression, either backcross to the auto parent or self the F1 and select autos in the F2 at roughly 25 percent if the trait segregates simply. Always test a sufficiently large population—100 seeds or more—to reliably capture recessive expression and desired terpene combinations.
Pest, Disease, and Environmental Resilience
White Widow lines are known for resilience, and the autoregular expression benefits from ruderalis hardiness. That said, dense trichome mats and medium-thick colas can invite botrytis in damp, stagnant air. Maintaining airflow of at least 0.3 to 0.5 meters per second across the canopy and keeping late-flower RH under 55 percent are effective preventive measures.
Common pests include spider mites, aphids, and fungus gnats. Weekly scouting with a 30 to 60x loupe helps catch issues early, and introducing predatory mites like Phytoseiulus persimilis or Neoseiulus californicus at 1 to 5 predators per plant can prevent outbreaks. Sticky cards, sanitized tools, and quarantining new clones or plants are simple steps that cut risk dramatically.
Nutrient disorders most often appear as calcium-magnesium imbalances under LED, or as potassium deficiency during peak bloom when EC is too conservative. Monitoring runoff EC and pH once weekly gives insight into the root-zone trajectory. Correcting early prevents cascading stress that can reduce yields by 10 to 30 percent in autos with short timelines.
Harvest, Drying, and Curing
Harvest timing is best judged by trichome color and pistil maturity. Many growers target a window when 5 to 15 percent of trichome heads are amber, 70 to 85 percent are cloudy, and the rest are clear, which balances potency with a bright, functional effect. Waiting too long can shift the profile toward heavier sedation as more THC oxidizes and the terpene fraction declines.
Drying should be slow to protect monoterpenes like limonene and pinene. Aim for 10 to 14 days at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius and 55 to 60 percent RH, with gentle air movement that never directly blows on hanging branches. Use thick stems as a guide—when they bend and just begin to snap, buds are usually ready for trim and jar.
Curing in airtight glass at 58 to 62 percent RH stabilizes moisture and continues chlorophyll breakdown. Burp jars daily for the first week, then every few days for weeks two to four, monitoring for any off smells. Many tasters report a notable improvement in smoothness and aroma intensity after a 21 to 28-day cure, with further nuance developing through weeks six to eight.
Consumer Guidance and Dosing
New consumers should start low and go slow due to THC dominance and lively top notes. One to two puffs followed by a 10 to 15-minute wait allows effects to settle before redosing. For vaporization, set devices around 180 to 190 degrees Celsius to emphasize citrus and pine; increasing to 200 can deepen the peppery base but may feel heavier.
Edible conversions require careful decarboxylation. A common protocol is 110 to 115 degrees Celsius for 35 to 45 minutes, followed by infusion into butter or oil at low heat. Always test a microdose first—2 to 5 milligrams THC—since edibles can feel stronger and last 4 to 8 hours or more.
Users prone to anxiety may benefit from pairing THC with CBD, even at a 4 to 1 or 2 to 1 ratio of THC to CBD. Hydration, light snacks, and a calm environment support a predictable experience. If overconsumption occurs, simple steps like deep breathing, reassurance, and waiting it out—often 60 to 120 minutes—are the best remedies.
Seed Handling, Germination, and Propagation
Annibale Genetics offers White Widow Autoregular as regular autoflowering seeds, which means seedlings may be male or female. Store seeds in a cool, dark, and dry location—ideally 4 to 8 degrees Celsius with desiccant—to maintain viability for several years. Avoid temperature cycling and humidity swings, which can reduce germination rates.
Germination success rates above 90 percent are common with proper moisture and temperature. A simple method is a 24-hour soak in room-temperature water, then planting 1 to 2 centimeters deep in a lightly moistened medium at 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. Seedlings typically emerge in 48 to 96 hours, with cotyledons opening and first true leaves appearing by day 5 to 7.
Because autos dislike transplant shock, many growers sow directly into the final container, especially in coco or soil. If starting in small plugs, transplant by day 10 to 14 at the latest and handle roots gently. Maintain mild lighting—300 to 400 PPFD—to prevent stretch without stressing tender tissue.
Compliance, Testing, and Quality Assurance
For medical or commercial contexts, third-party lab testing validates safety and consistency. Standard panels include potency, terpene profile, moisture content, water activity, residual solvents for extracts, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. Water activity between 0.55 and 0.65 is generally considered safe for shelf-stable flower while preserving aroma.
Batch-level data helps refine cultivation. If potency lags, evaluate light intensity, DLI, and nutrient balance; if terpenes are low, review drying speed and late-flower environment. Many facilities see 10 to 20 percent increases in terpene totals simply by slowing dry times and trimming in a cooler, controlled room.
For home growers, a small hygrometer in curing jars and a digital microscope for trichome assessment are inexpensive tools that raise quality. Documenting inputs—EC, pH, temperature, RH, and feeding schedule—turns each run into actionable data. Over two to three cycles, this approach can raise yields and quality by measurable margins.
Comparisons and Positioning Among Autos
Compared to many modern autos, White Widow Autoregular emphasizes balanced effects, timeless flavor, and heapings of frost rather than novelty terpene trends. While dessert profiles like gelato-cross autos can show sweeter, creamier esters, White Widow holds its lane with pine, citrus, and classic hash spice. That makes it a reliable daily driver for users who appreciate clarity with a steady body glow.
In the garden, it slots easily into continuous harvest schedules due to its predictable 70 to 90-day timeline. Its structure is less unruly than lanky sativa-leaners, yet more open than squat indica doms, which simplifies canopy management. For breeders, the regular auto format elevates it from simply a production cultivar to a versatile parent for new projects.
If your priority is first-pass success with minimal training, White Widow Autoregular performs consistently. If your goal is to chase maximal novelty in aroma, it can serve as a stabilizing backbone crossed to terpene-forward lines. Either way, it remains a benchmark auto for resin output and classic European character.
Key Takeaways Specific to Annibale Genetics
Annibale Genetics lists White Widow Autoregular with a ruderalis, indica, and sativa heritage, reflecting an intentional balance. Expect a dependable day-neutral life cycle, regular sex expression for selection, and a terpene profile aligned with the classic White Widow archetype. Growers benefit from a line designed to be worked and refined, not only harvested.
The Autoregular format is ideal for breeders wanting to keep male and female selection alive while taking advantage of modern auto performance. Field and indoor testers often prioritize vigor, trichome density, and the crisp pine-citrus-pepper signature when choosing keepers. With careful environment and slow curing, this line can deliver both contemporary potency and the nostalgic White Widow feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does it get indoors? Most plants finish at 60 to 110 centimeters under 18 to 20 hours of light, depending on pot size and training. Outdoors or in greenhouses with large root zones, 70 to 120 centimeters is common.
What is the typical time from seed to harvest? Expect 70 to 90 days for most phenotypes, with some finishing a bit faster or slower depending on environment. Preflower often appears around day 21.
What yields can I expect? Indoors, 350 to 500 grams per square meter is a realistic range with experience and proper lighting; outdoors, 50 to 150 grams per plant is common. Individual results vary with pot size, DLI, and nutrition.
Is it beginner-friendly? Yes, autos in this lineage are forgiving, though they do not like severe stress or late topping. Low-stress training and steady conditions give the best results.
How does the aroma present? Expect bright citrus and pine over earth and pepper, with total terpene content often in the 1.2 to 2.5 percent range in well-grown samples. Proper drying and a 3 to 6-week cure maximize expression.
