Lemon Auto

Germination & Early Veg (Days 1-14): Lemon seeds typically crack within 48 hours using the damp paper towel method and break soil by around day 3. Early growth was steady and symmetrical — neither racing ahead nor lagging behind. Four well-developed nodes by day 14 with balanced internodal distance that hinted at the hybrid structure to come. Damping off is uncommon at around 70% relative humidity during this phase.

Vegetative Growth (Weeks 3-6): Responded beautifully to a simple top-and-train approach. Topping at node 4 produced six strong lateral leaders that we tied down gently, resulting in an even canopy across a 70cm x 70cm area by the time we flipped.

Flower (Weeks 1-9): This is where the 57/43 genetics of Lemon truly revealed itself. The caryophyllene aroma appeared in week 3 of flower and intensified steadily. Trichome coverage became visually striking from week 5 onward. Final indoor yield: 350-400 g/m2. Plant height: 100 cm. THC testing at 18%. Difficulty rating: intermediate.

Mid-Flower (Weeks 4-6): The transformation accelerated dramatically. Bud sites that were wispy clusters at week 3 swelled into properly defined colas. Balanced development across all bud sites. The canopy we established during veg paid dividends now — eight equally developed colas rather than one dominant top and a collection of lesser branches. Trichome production was visible to the naked eye from week 4 onward.

Late Flower and Ripening (Weeks 7-9): Nutrient input dropped to plain water with a splash of molasses for the final 10 days. The caryophyllene aroma became powerful enough that carbon filtration was essential — our neighbours would have noticed otherwise. Trichomes progressed from clear to milky across the final fortnight, with amber heads appearing on sugar leaves first. A common harvest window is around 15% amber on the calyxes.

Dry and Cure (Post-Harvest): Whole-plant hang dry in a darkened room at 17°C and 58% humidity for 12 days. Stems snapped cleanly rather than bending, confirming the moisture content was appropriate for jarring. After 4 weeks of glass jar curing with twice-daily burping (first 2 weeks) then daily burping (weeks 3-4), the bouquet fully developed. Final weight confirmed the 350-400 g/m2 yield estimate. The limonene secondary terpene became far more pronounced after curing than it was at harvest — a reminder that the drying and curing process genuinely creates flavour rather than merely preserving it.

Indoor yield: 350-400 g/m2. Outdoor yield: 80-100 g/plant. Plant height: 100 cm. Rated intermediate difficulty. Regular seeds with autoflowering genetics.

The sensory arc of Lemon unfolds in stages. Initial inhalation at 18% THC brings a warm peppery spice that tingles at the back of the throat. The euphoric, creative, focused, calm effects emerge within minutes, presenting as a simultaneous head-and-body experience. Mental clarity remains intact whilst the muscles release tension progressively. This dual action makes it adaptable — a lighter dose suits afternoon tasks, a heavier dose transitions seamlessly into evening relaxation. The limonene secondary terpene adds a distinct layer: a mood-elevating brightness that counterbalances any heaviness.

Primary: Caryophyllene · Secondary: Limonene · Tertiary: Myrcene. Flavour translation from flower to vapour and smoke differs with this terpene combination. Low-temperature vaporisation (180-188°C) highlights the limonene and myrcene notes whilst keeping caryophyllene as a foundation. Higher temperatures or combustion flatten the profile into a single-note experience — still pleasant, but lacking the complexity that makes this cultivar genuinely interesting to those who appreciate flavour.

Who grows Lemon successfully? Balcony growers in apartment blocks from Auckland to Christchurch. Regional cultivators wanting a quick-turnaround outdoor crop. Indoor growers with limited headroom in small tents. The autoflowering genetics run on their own internal clock — no light schedule adjustments, no stress about light leaks, and harvest arrives 10-12 weeks after germination regardless of the season. Difficulty is rated intermediate, meaning a moderate learning curve that rewards attention without demanding laboratory-grade conditions. Delivered nationwide in discreet, unbranded packaging with sourced grow data on every strain page.