Tangerine Dream Auto: The Purple Citrus Soda
Tangerine Dream Auto: The Purple Citrus Soda
Strain Overview
Type: Sativa-Dominant Autoflower (60% Sativa / 40% Indica)
Breeder: Barney’s Farm
Lineage: Tangerine Dream x BF Super Auto #1
Market Status: The "Flavor Icon"; Tangerine Dream Auto is the autoflowering version of the legendary strain that swept the 2010 High Times Cannabis Cup. It is famous for breaking a major rule in cannabis botany: usually, purple strains taste like grapes/berries, and citrus strains are green. Tangerine Dream Auto defies this by producing stunning purple and red buds that smell intensely of fresh oranges and tangerines. It is widely regarded as one of the best-tasting autoflowers ever created.
THC Content: 12% – 15% (Moderate & Functional)
Dominant Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene
Key Effects: Clear-Headed Focus, Mood Elevation, Muscle Relaxation, "Daytime" Buzz
If you are tired of strains that are "too strong" to function on, Tangerine Dream Auto is your antidote.
This strain isn't chasing record-breaking THC numbers; it is chasing perfection in flavor and experience. It offers a moderate, manageable high that enhances your day rather than ending it, wrapped in a terpene profile that tastes like a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. It is the ultimate "Wake and Bake" strain for the productive smoker.
History and Lineage: The Cup Winner Evolved
The original Tangerine Dream was a complex project involving G13, Afghan, and Neville’s A5 Haze. Stabilizing that into an autoflower was a feat of engineering.
The Mother (Tangerine Dream): The 2010 Cannabis Cup winner. It was famous for combining the structural toughness of the G13 with the soaring, citrusy high of the Neville’s Haze.
The Father (BF Super Auto #1): Barney’s proprietary breeding tool. It introduced the autoflowering trait and the compact structure.
The Synthesis: The result is a plant that grows faster and shorter than the original photoperiod (which was a lanky Haze cross) but retains the distinct mandarin orange aroma and the cerebral effects. Crucially, the autoflower version seems to express the "Purple" phenotype even more frequently than the original.
Terpene Profile: Oranges and Cream
The aroma is unmistakable. It does not smell like "lemon" (like Super Lemon Haze); it smells specifically like tangerines.
Dominant Terpenes
Limonene (The Citrus): The star of the show. It provides the sweet, distinct scent of orange peel and mandarin.
Myrcene (The Sweetness): Adds a fruity depth that turns the sharp citrus smell into something softer, like orange cream.
Caryophyllene (The Spice): A background note of pepper that prevents the sweetness from smelling artificial.
Pinene (The Freshness): Adds a crisp, clean finish to the smoke.
Flavor Notes:
The Aroma: It is sweet and zesty. It smells of tangerine zest, sweet berries, and tropical fruit.
The Smoke: Light and aromatic. It tastes of orange soda, apples, and sweet spices. It is incredibly smooth on the throat.
Strain Effects: The Productive Buzz
This is one of the few strains on the market that can genuinely be described as "Functional."
The Experience
The Lift: The high hits with a gentle cerebral clarity. You feel awake and alert, similar to a mild caffeine buzz.
The Mood: A wave of happy positivity washes over you. It is excellent for combating stress or a bad mood.
The Body: There is a mild muscle relaxation (thanks to the G13 ancestry), but it does not weigh you down. You can still hike, clean, or work.
The Clarity: The THC is moderate (around 14-15%), meaning there is very little brain fog or paranoia. You stay sharp.
Best For: Morning use, creative work, social gatherings, hiking, and pain relief without sedation.
Growing Tangerine Dream Auto: The Purple Surprise
For a Sativa-dominant plant, it grows surprisingly short and fast.
Growth Structure
The Height: It grows Short and Bushy. It typically stays between 70cm – 80cm, making it an excellent stealth Sativa.
The Speed: It finishes in 10 to 11 weeks (70–75 days). It takes a little longer than the pure Indicas, but the flavor is worth the wait.
The Color: This is the wow factor. In the final weeks, the buds often turn deep purple, red, and almost black, creating a stunning contrast with the bright orange pistils.
The Yield: Moderate to High. It produces many side branches with dense, resinous nuggets.
The Smell: It is pungent but pleasant. It smells more like a fruit basket than a skunk, which can be helpful for discretion.
Grower’s Tip: Because this strain branches out significantly, use LST (Low Stress Training) to open up the canopy. The side branches can produce colas just as big as the main stem if they get enough light. Also, flush the plant well for 2 weeks to ensure the delicate citrus flavor isn't masked by nutrients.
Final Verdict: The Flavor Chaser’s Choice
Tangerine Dream Auto is a masterpiece for the connoisseur. It defies the logic that "Purple weed makes you sleepy" and "Auto weed has no flavor." It is a stunningly beautiful plant that offers a unique visual appeal (purple buds) matched with a unique flavor (tangerines) and a unique high (clear and functional). If you want a jar that smells like a Florida orange grove and looks like a bag of amethysts, this is the dream.
You should choose Tangerine Dream Auto if:
You want Unique Flavor (Mandarin/Orange).
You want Stunning Bag Appeal (Purple buds).
You prefer Moderate THC (Functional high).
You have Limited Height (Short Sativa).
Score: 9.4/10 (The Purple Citrus)