We’ve meticulously documented a week-by-week grow report on Citrus Fuel Automatic, capturing every stage from the initial germination phase to harvest. This versatile hybrid, developed by crossing Chemdawg and OG Kush, showcases a predominantly indica morphology and delivers impressive yields. Now, let’s explore the detailed step-by-step guide.
Flowering stage: 56 days
Total time, seed to harvest: 84 days
Final yield: 72 grams
THC content: 20.8%
Citrus Fuel Automatic was developed with Serge Cannabis for 2024’s Breeding Grounds program by hybridising two of America’s beloved strains, Chemdawg and OG Kush. This unique blend results in a predominantly sativa-dominant hybrid, boasting a genetic composition of 70% sativa and 30% indica. The careful selection and breeding process have given rise to a remarkable cultivar with distinct characteristics and potent effects.
The parent strains, Chemdawg and OG Kush, contribute to the overall appeal of Citrus Fuel. Chemdawg is renowned for its intense aroma and potent, euphoria-inducing effects, while OG Kush brings its unique blend of earthy and citrus flavours with a relaxing body high. The fusion of these genetic profiles results in a strain with a delightful combination of flavours, aromas, and effects that cater to a diverse range of cannabis enthusiasts. We couldn’t wait to get started!
We selected BAC Lava Mix as our growing medium for its essential nutrients and trace elements derived from lava rock. To supplement our 1000W Green Power HPS lighting, we utilised Bio Grow and Bio Bloom nutrients throughout the different stages of growth. During the vegetative stage, we maintained 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness, while for flowering, we switched to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
Although some growers prefer not to change the lighting schedule, we found it beneficial for maximising yields. Our daytime temperature was set at 23°C, slightly dropping to 21°C at night. The relative humidity varied throughout the growth cycle, starting at 65%. We maintained a pH of 6, while the EC levels increased as the plants matured. Beyond the equipment and nutrients, the most crucial element of our cultivation process is the love and care we provide to every cannabis plant.
Germination & seedling
We began our cultivation cycle by placing our Citrus Fuel Automatic seed in a rock wool cube under a 600W HPS light. The seedling sprouted in just 36 hours and was already showing strong growth. By the first week’s end, roots protruded from the rock wool cube, indicating it was time to transplant the seedling.
We carefully moved it into an 8L pot filled with BAC Lava Mix, providing the plant with the necessary nutrients and space for optimal growth. On the third day, we supplemented 100 ml of water with a rooting stimulant to water our Citrus Fuel Automatic plant. As our seedling was still delicate, the EC levels remained at 0.8. By the end of the week, the seedlings had grown to 14 cm!
Vegetation
During the second week, we observed a significant increase in the rate of leaf development in our Citrus Fuel Automatic. It had grown to 27 cm and had broad, pointed leaves resembling those of a classic sativa strain. We were pleased to see that our plant was healthy, so we increased the EC levels to 1.4 while giving it 200 ml of water around the main stem. This will help provide our plant with the necessary nutrients and hydration for continued growth.
As part of our integrated pest management, we introduced sachets of predatory insects. Neoseiulus Californicus feeds on spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies, while Amblyseius Swriskii is highly effective in controlling pest populations in warm and humid conditions. These sachets, placed at the plants’ base, release the predatory insects over a while, allowing them to establish a permanent presence and control pest populations effectively.
In the third week of the vegetation stage, we are excited to see that our Citrus Fuel Automatic has reached a height of 32 cm and has developed four nodes. We increased our water volume to 400 ml and raised the EC levels to 1.4 for optimal growth. The stem appears robust and well-formed, while the lush foliage is a deep shade of green, indicating sufficient nitrogen levels.
Flowering
In week four, as we were growing feminized automatics alongside other photoperiod plants while there was no need to initiate flowering for our Citrus Fuel Automatic, we changed the lights to 12 hours on and 12 hours off to maintain consistency with the photoperiod plants. This ensured that all cannabis plants received the same light exposure and allowed optimal growth and development.
To prepare for the flowering phase, we transitioned from Bio Grow to Bio Bloom and increased our nutrient supplements to 400 ml. Our pH levels remain steady at 6, providing an optimal growing environment for our Citrus Fuel, and we eagerly anticipate the stretch phase. Stretching is where the plant rapidly increases in size and lays the foundation for its dense buds. At the end of the week, our plant appeared to be in good health and had grown to a height of 38 cm.
In the fifth week of the cultivation cycle, we removed excess foliage around the lower canopy, also known as defoliation, which helped to ensure proper airflow and optimal growth. At this point, our plant had reached a height of 42 cm and was displaying pointy, dark green leaves. We were thrilled to observe the emergence of small white tufts at the joins of the nodes, which indicated the start of the optimal bud development and increased our EC levels to 1.7 and water volume to 800 ml.
During the sixth week, we noticed an increase in internodal spacing as the plant grew taller. The branches also showed signs of development, with many almost reaching the top of the main stem. As we progressed through the flowering stage, we increased the EC to 1.8 and supplemented the plant with 1500 ml of water. To increase ventilation, we dropped the relative humidity to 60%, and by the end of the week, our Citrus Fuel Automatic had reached a height of 50 cm.
As an experienced grower, it is always essential to have an effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy in place. In week twelve, we took preventative measures by hanging additional sachets of predatory mites in the garden. These sachets are a natural and safe way to ward off unwanted pests, ensuring a healthy and thriving crop. It is always better to be proactive and prevent any issues before they arise!
As we entered the seventh week of the cultivation cycle, we were thrilled that our plant had grown to 61 cm. The foliage looked vibrant, with lush green leaves and no signs of yellowing discolouration. The development of the apical stem was a particularly promising indicator of progress, as it appeared to be robust. Buds were developing quickly and filling out, and we could see the beginnings of trichome development. The calyxes, the small pods holding the flowers, were also starting to swell.
By the end of week eight, Citrus Fuel Automatic had experienced even more vertical growth and had reached a height of 70 cm. The increase in trichome production was noticeable, and the relative humidity levels were maintained at around 60%. This ideal humidity level ensures that the plant’s leaves do not dry out, and no excess moisture could cause mould growth, which can be detrimental to the plant’s health.
In the ninth week of our cultivation process, we noticed a significant growth spurt in our Citrus Fuel Automatic plant. It grew by 5 cm, reaching a height of 75 cm. The internodal spacing filled with dense buds, and the broad leaves filled out the lower canopy. We observed no signs of wilting or nutrient deficiencies, which is crucial for the final few weeks of the cultivation process and an essential factor in achieving a successful harvest.
We took proactive measures in week ten to ensure our garden stays healthy. We added more sachets of predatory mites to our garden as we had not hung any in the past four weeks. Our Citrus Fuel Automatic plant was now 78 cm high, and the bracts were beginning to swell dramatically, which was a good sign. The trichome production was increasing, and the plant looked fantastic.
During the beginning of week eleven, we carefully examined the trichome heads of our plants. As experienced growers, we determined that approximately 20% of the trichomes were clear, 5% were amber, and 75% were milky. However, we wanted to see around 80% of the trichomes to be amber and expected harvest to fall within the next week. Our Citrus Fuel Automatic had only grown 3 cm taller, and to decrease the chance of botrytis (bud rot), we dropped the Humidity levels to 56%.
As we approached the end of our cultivation cycle in week twelve, Citrus Fuel continued to excel, reaching an impressive height of 81 cm. Its sturdy frame, closely spaced nodes, and productive branching were a testament to its overall indica morphology. The plant produced long, conical olive-green buds with a thick layer of frosted resin glands and bright orange pistils, showcasing its dense, compact structure, unlike most sativa-dominant strains.
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Harvest
We removed large fan leaves to prevent excess moisture from entering the drying area. We then used pruning scissors to cut the plant about an inch from its base and separated the smaller branches, hanging each one individually. After this, we carefully transferred the plant to a controlled drying area with a temperature of 21°C and a humidity level of 50%, ensuring it was hung upside down to complete the drying process.
After allowing the plant to hang in the controlled drying area for 14 days, we conducted a simple check to confirm that the drying process was complete. To do so, we gently bent the smaller branches of the buds to see if they snapped. We were pleased to find that the exterior of the buds had become nearly crisp, and the branches snapped when bent. It was trimming time!
Once the drying process was complete, we trimmed off any excess fan leaves and carefully placed the buds into airtight containers, ready for the curing process. We burped the jars daily during the first few weeks and then reduced the frequency to once a week for the remaining three months. After curing our buds, we obtained a total of 72 grams with an impressive THC content of 20.8%. Perfect for experienced cannabis consumers who are seeking a potent and long-lasting high.
Terpene profile
During the flowering stage of Citrus Fuel, a sweet and subtle floral aroma filled our indoor grow room. As the plant matured and was harvested, the buds had a strong diesel-like scent complemented by delicate undertones of gas and a potent skunky aroma.
After rolling a joint, the flavour profile is revealed, with subtle hints of sourness emerging, adding a layer of complexity to the overall taste. Upon consumption, the strain unveils its rich character with a highly pronounced gassy flavour, further intensified by prominent zesty citrus notes. As we began to feel the effects of the strain, we experienced a long-lasting and uplifting cerebral euphoria. It was potent and cheerful, enhancing our happiness, creativity, and concentration.
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The outcome
Citrus Fuel Automatic exceeded our expectations, and we ended up with 72 grams of dry flower. We were pleasantly pleased with their potency after testing the buds in the laboratory. With an exciting THC content of 20.8%, it’s perfect for an autoflower. Citrus Fuel Automatic is an easy-to-grow, low-maintenance strain with a remarkable lineage. Trimming was a breeze as we removed excess foliage before drying, and the terpene profile was divine. We can’t wait to grow it again!
If you’ve tried Citrus Fuel Automatic or any other autoflowering strains, we’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and insights with us!
- Disclaimer:Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.
