Auto #1: The Stealth Backbone
Auto #1: The Stealth Backbone
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Autoflower (Ruderalis Dominant)
Breeder: Auto Seeds (The commercially available standard)
Lineage: Ruderalis x Indica (Stabilized "Dwarf" Genetics)
Market Status: The "Universal Donor"; often used as breeding stock to create other autoflowers, but a legendary stealth strain in its own right.
THC Content: 10% – 14% (Mild/Moderate)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Mild Relaxation, Mood Lift, Functional Calm, "Stone" without Stupor
If you read the lineage of many modern autoflowers (like Tangerine Dream Auto), you will often see a parent listed simply as "Autoflower #1" or "Auto #1." This is that strain.
Auto #1 is the foundational bedrock of the autoflowering world. Developed by Auto Seeds, it was one of the first strains to successfully stabilize the autoflowering trait of the wild Cannabis Ruderalis while improving its potency with Indica genetics.
It is not a hype strain. It does not smell like cookies, and it won't test at 30% THC. Instead, it is the ultimate "Guerrilla Strain." It is incredibly short, almost odorless, and finishes so fast you can watch it grow. It is the strain you grow when you don't want anyone—neighbors, roommates, or helicopters—to know you are growing.
History and Lineage: The Genetic Bridge
Auto #1 acts as the bridge between wild ditch weed and modern high-grade cannabis.
The Origin: In the early 2000s, breeders were trying to figure out how to make Cannabis Ruderalis (a small, low-THC plant from Siberia that flowers automatically) useful.
The Innovation: Auto Seeds took a highly vigorous Ruderalis and crossed it with a potent, compact Indica (likely a Skunk or Northern Lights derivative). They then backcrossed it for generations until the "automatic" flowering trait was 100% stable.
The Breeding Role: Because Auto #1 is so stable and adds the "autoflower gene" without messing up the flavor of the other parent, it is used by major seed banks (like Barney's Farm) as a "donor" to turn photoperiod strains into autos.
Terpene Profile: The Sound of Silence
The most defining characteristic of Auto #1's profile is what it lacks: a strong smell. It is widely considered one of the lowest-odor strains in existence.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Earth): Provides a subtle, damp soil aroma that blends in with natural vegetation.
Pinene (The Pine): Gives it a faint "forest" scent, making it easier to camouflage outdoors.
Caryophyllene (The Pepper): A very light spicy note that appears only when the bud is broken open.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: Extremely discreet. It smells faintly of musk, herbs, and dirt. Unless you stick your nose directly into the cola, you might miss it.
The Smoke: Retro and earthy. It tastes of wood, roasted nuts, and mild skunk. It is not a flavor-chaser's strain; it is a utility strain.
Strain Effects: The Everyday Smoke
Auto #1 reminds us of what weed used to be before the "Potency Wars." It is a pleasant, manageable buzz.
The Experience
The Chill: The high is immediate but gentle. It takes the edge off a bad day without making you incompetent.
The Body Buzz: There is a noticeable physical relaxation, but it is not a heavy "couch-lock." You can still walk the dog or do laundry.
The Clarity: Because the THC is moderate (around 12–14%), there is very little paranoia or anxiety. It is a "happy" stone rather than a "trippy" one.
The Functionality: It is the perfect strain for light users or those who want to smoke a joint and still function at 100% capacity.
Best For: First-time smokers, stealth growing, daytime anxiety relief, and adding CBD to your rotation (it often contains higher CBD traces than modern hybrids).
Growing Auto #1: The Balcony King
This is the easiest plant you will ever grow. Period.
Growth Structure
The Height: It is a true dwarf. It typically grows between 25cm – 60cm (1–2 feet). It can easily be hidden behind a row of tomatoes or inside a computer tower (PC Grow).
The Speed: It is lightning fast. It can go from seed to harvest in 60 to 65 days.
The Stealth: As mentioned, the low odor makes it perfect for apartment growers who cannot use industrial carbon filters.
The Yield: Modest but reliable. Expect 30–50g per plant. It is designed for "Sea of Green" (SOG) growing—packing many small plants into a small space.
The Resilience: It is nearly indestructible. It handles cold, heat, nutrient burn, and underwatering with ease.
Grower’s Tip: Because its life cycle is so short, do not transplant Auto #1. Start the seed in its final pot. Any stress from transplanting will stunt it, and it won't have time to recover before it starts flowering.
Final Verdict: The Stealth Standard
Auto #1 is not a strain you grow to show off on Instagram. It is a strain you grow to survive. It is the tactical knife of the cannabis world: small, reliable, and discreet. Whether you are a breeder looking for a stable father to create your own crosses, or an apartment dweller terrified of the smell, Auto #1 is the solution. It is the unsung hero that made the modern autoflower revolution possible.
You should choose Auto #1 if:
You need maximum stealth (Lowest odor/Smallest size).
You are growing on a balcony or windowsill.
You want to try breeding your own autoflowers.
You prefer a mild, old-school high (Low anxiety).
Score: 9.0/10 (The Utility Legend)