Critical Kush Auto: The Reliable Heavyweight
Critical Kush Auto: The Reliable Heavyweight
Strain Overview
Type: Indica-Dominant Autoflower (90% Indica / 10% Sativa)
Breeder: Barney’s Farm
Lineage: Critical Kush x BF Super Auto #1
Market Status: The "Guaranteed Harvest"; Critical Kush Auto is one of the most popular autoflowers in Europe for a simple reason: it never fails. It takes the legendary Critical Kush—a strain famous for blending the massive yields of Critical Mass with the knockout power of OG Kush—and speeds it up. It is widely regarded as the perfect "entry-level" strain for new growers because it is short, tough, and produces rock-hard buds that look like they were grown by a pro.
THC Content: 15% – 20% (Solid & Sedative)
Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, Caryophyllene, Humulene
Key Effects: Deep Body Stone, Muscle Relaxation, Sleepiness, Stress Relief
If you are looking for a strain that prioritizes function over hype, Critical Kush Auto is the answer.
This isn't a fruity dessert strain or a purple Instagram model. This is a working-class hero. It was bred to fill jars with dense, high-potency Indica flowers in under 10 weeks. It smells like damp earth and pine, tastes like classic Kush, and hits with a physical heaviness that reminds you why Indicas are medicinal.
History and Lineage: The Perfect Collision
This strain combines the two most important commercial genetics of the last 20 years.
The Mother (Critical Kush): A cross of Critical Mass x OG Kush. This photoperiod legend brought the "Gas" and potency of the OG Kush and merged it with the "Structure" and yield of the Critical Mass.
The Father (BF Super Auto #1): Barney’s Farm’s proprietary breeding stock. It was used to introduce the autoflowering trait without sacrificing the density or the earthy flavor profile of the mother.
The Synthesis: The result is a plant that retains the 90% Indica dominance of the Critical Kush. It grows with the vigor of a weed but produces flowers that are indistinguishable from photoperiod buds.
Terpene Profile: Pine, Earth, and Gas
The terpene profile is "Classic Kush." It is savory, pungent, and serious.
Dominant Terpenes
Myrcene (The Musk): The dominant terpene. It provides the heavy, earthy base that is responsible for the "couch-lock" effect.
Pinene (The Forest): Very prominent. It gives the buds a sharp, fresh pine scent, like snapping a twig in a forest.
Caryophyllene (The Fuel): Inherited from the OG Kush ancestor. It adds a spicy, diesel kick that coats the mouth.
Humulene (The Hops): A woody undertone that adds depth to the flavor.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is loud. It smells of wet soil, pine needles, lemon fuel, and spice.
The Smoke: Thick and expansive. It tastes of earthy hash, wood, and herbal spice. It is a smooth but heavy smoke.
Strain Effects: The Night Cap
Critical Kush Auto is a 90% Indica. It is designed to end your day.
The Experience
The Slow Down: There is very little "head high." The effects start in the body. You feel your heart rate settle and your muscles loosen.
The Stone: A wave of physical heaviness moves through the limbs. It is excellent for "melting" into a chair.
The Quiet: It silences mental chatter. It is a very peaceful, meditative state.
The Sleep: In higher doses, it acts as a powerful sedative. It is one of the best autoflowers for treating insomnia.
Best For: Evening relaxation, chronic pain relief, muscle spasms, insomnia, and stress management.
Growing Critical Kush Auto: The Stealth Bomber
This is arguably the easiest strain to grow in the Barney’s Farm catalog.
Growth Structure
The Height: It grows Short and Compact. It rarely exceeds 80cm – 90cm. It is perfect for stealth grows, balconies, or small cupboards.
The Yield: High. Despite its small size, it is a heavy producer. The buds are incredibly dense (like stones). Indoor yields of 550g/m² are common.
The Time: It finishes in 9 to 10 weeks (70–80 days) from seed.
The Resistance: It is tough. The Critical genetics provide high resistance to mold and pests, while the Ruderalis adds cold tolerance.
The Bud Structure: The colas are fat and tight. They have a high calyx-to-leaf ratio, making them surprisingly easy to trim.
Grower’s Tip: Because the buds are so dense, humidity control in late flower is key. Keep humidity below 50% in the final two weeks to prevent mold from forming inside the massive main cola. Also, this strain loves a "Sea of Green" (SOG) setup—packing many small plants into one space to maximize yield.
Final Verdict: The Reliable Heavyweight
Critical Kush Auto is the strain you grow when you can't afford to fail. It is consistent, robust, and heavy-hitting. It ignores the trends of "Candy" and "Purple" to focus on what matters: Potency and Yield. If you want a plant that stays small, finishes fast, and produces a stash of classic, earthy Kush that will knock you out every single night, this is the reliable choice.
You should choose Critical Kush Auto if:
You are a Beginner Grower.
You have Limited Space (Stealth).
You want Heavy Indica effects.
You love Earthy/Pine flavors.
Score: 9.6/10 (The Commercial King)