Auto Critical Ryder by Black Skull Seeds

Auto Critical Ryder seeds: Critical Mass in automatic form

Auto Critical Ryder is a strain from Black Skull Seeds, feminized (it only produces female plants, the ones that grow buds) and autoflowering (it flowers with age, not with the number of light hours it gets). The breeder started from Critical Mass, a strain well known for its big yields that itself comes from crossing Big Bud and Skunk. They crossed it with Skull Ryder, one of their autos, and kept selecting until every plant flowered by itself. The result is 25% ruderalis (a cold-climate cannabis subspecies that brings the automatic flowering), 37.5% indica and 37.5% sativa. At oaseeds we like it because it offers old-school skunk character in a plant that doesn't make you manage the photoperiod (the hours of light and darkness per day).

Flavour, aroma and effect of Auto Critical Ryder

Black Skull describes it as a strong-smelling "auto skunk" that can fill the grow room with a pungent aroma. It is the profile you would expect from a Skunk descendant: intense, earthy and easy to recognise.

According to the breeder, it has between 10 and 14% THC (the compound behind the psychoactive effect) and a medium level of CBD (a non-psychoactive compound that softens the effect). That is moderate potency, a good fit if you prefer a manageable effect over a very strong strain. Black Skull doesn't go into more detail about the effect, so each grower's own experience is the best guide here.

How to grow Auto Critical Ryder indoors and outdoors

The breeder recommends it for both indoor and outdoor growing. It reaches 60 to 90 cm and, according to Black Skull, grows taller than the average auto, with slender leaves and long buds, traits from its sativa side. Its flowering phase (when the plant builds its buds) lasts 60 to 70 days, and the yield the breeder gives is 30 to 60 g.

Two specific tips for this plant. First, the smell: if you grow indoors, run a carbon filter (a filter that traps the smell from the air leaving your tent) from the start of flowering. Second, space: since it stretches more than other autos, leave room between the lamp and the top of the plant. As an autoflower, outdoors the harvest date depends on the day you sow, not on the month, so you can plant it in spring or summer.

Auto Critical Ryder characteristics

Frequently asked questions about Auto Critical Ryder

Is Auto Critical Ryder indica or sativa?

It is a balanced hybrid: 37.5% indica, 37.5% sativa and 25% ruderalis, according to Black Skull Seeds. The ruderalis part is what makes it flower by itself, without depending on light hours.

How long does Auto Critical Ryder take to flower?

60 to 70 days, according to the breeder. Because it is an autoflower, you can keep the same light schedule throughout the whole indoor grow.

Does Auto Critical Ryder smell a lot while growing?

Yes. Black Skull calls it a strong-smelling auto skunk that fills the grow room. Indoors a carbon filter is a good idea, and outdoors pick a spot away from the neighbours.

How much THC does Auto Critical Ryder have?

Between 10 and 14% THC, with a medium CBD level. That is moderate potency, suitable if you want a softer effect than very high-THC strains.