BCN Critical XXL©

Introducing BCN Critical XXL Auto, the autoflowering version of one of the most successful strains in the Seedstockers catalogue. It’s no wonder this strain is revered by all types of growers, as it exhibits all the properties one could wish for in an auto: it is a robust, fast, and vigorous plant, with out-of-this-world yield potential and an incredible aroma and flavour. Few genetics are as complete and easy to grow. In this article, you will discover all the characteristics of this classic strain that never disappoints.

BCN Critical XXL Auto is easy to handle and can be planted both indoors and outdoors. This plant produces a large number of buds with incredible psychoactive power, making it one of the highest-yielding strains within our autoflowering category. Prepare for an XXL harvest that will be ready in just 11 weeks from seed germination.

When it comes to appreciating the benefits of the Critical family, no one understands more than Mediterranean growers. And it was precisely here, in Barcelona, that we created one of the greatest successes in our catalogue: BCN Critical XXL, the most resistant and productive feminized version of this lineage ever created. And alongside this beauty, its autoflowering version: BCN Critical XXL Auto, a strain that maintains the same powers as its photoperiod sister but was specially designed to satisfy those users looking for a faster and easier to grow collectible strain.

Our team of breeders placed special emphasis on combining the most exclusive genetics to create this 'made in Barcelona' strain, resulting in an incredible high-quality auto that exhibits truly special characteristics.

To create this collectible gem, two legendary genetics were crossed: Kritikal Bilbo and Critical + (both from the Basque Country). They were then crossed with a Critical Mass Auto to provide the autoflowering character and achieve a perfect balance between sativa and indica, resulting in an extremely vigorous plant with a growth cycle of 75 days from seed to harvest.

Morphology: Designed to Support Large Buds

BCN Critical XXL Auto is slightly indica-dominant, which results in a very branched plant with a broad structure and short internodes, leading to a high number of compact and tight buds.

All thanks to bushy specimens with a main cola that stands out over the secondary branches, although these also produce larger than usual flowers and exhibit a very characteristic sticky and crystalline layer of trichomes. This is a super resinous strain, which makes it the perfect candidate for extractions.

Its yield potential is truly high relative to its flowering period of just two months. After this time, you will obtain a harvest that will surprise even the most demanding growers.

BCN Critical XXL Auto is a very rewarding plant in this regard, and everyone who tries it repeats the experience. It has been blessed with incredible stability, which translates into a firm structure of branches and stem, optimised to support very heavy flowers.

Another fundamental attribute that has made Critical strains so popular among growers is, undoubtedly, their aroma and flavour. We are talking about those distinctly intense and flavoursome citrus nuances, which on this occasion are accompanied by a curious halo of sweet and earthy touches.

The result of this combination is an unbeatable dense and compact smoke, which is smooth and tasty at the same time. Any experienced smoker will certainly be able to appreciate it for its balanced nuances: a symphony of flavours where all the instruments are in tune, and which ends with a lemon aftertaste that brings freshness to each puff, making you want to repeat again and again.

Let's not forget its pungent Skunk and lemon aroma. This is the hallmark of BCN Critical XXL that is successfully maintained in its automatic version, offering a complete sensory experience. Its terpene profile, dominated by myrcene, is primarily responsible for this palette with an earthy and musky background, fused with a spicy and even lemony touch, which clearly confirms its high pinene and limonene content.

BCN Critical XXL Auto is characterised by its high psychoactive load. Its THC levels can reach 22%, resulting in a powerful effect that begins with a very happy and pleasant cerebral wave, which progressively transforms into a gentle sensation of lasting body relaxation. This is a strain with a very balanced effect, which is joyful and comforting in equal measure, and which is accompanied by calming sensations with enormous therapeutic potential. Regarding the calming aspect for the body and mind, this strain is perfect for moments of maximum relaxation, for relieving muscle tension, for combating daily stress or for enjoying a little before going to bed to help deal with dreaded insomnia.

BCN Critical XXL Auto can be grown effectively both indoors and outdoors, proving its powers in different growing mediums.

Indoor Cultivation

We always recommend using an aerated substrate to speed up the plant's metabolic processes. 18-litre pots are ideal to avoid transplants and get the most out of this strain. As soon as the seeds germinate, place them directly into the final pot: with such a short life cycle, it is necessary to maximise the plant's potential, avoiding any type of stress that could delay its development (transplanting being one of them).

• Vegetative Phase: If you grow indoors, you can use an 18-hour light and 6-hour dark photoperiod throughout the plant's life cycle, although a 20/4 photoperiod is recommended to maximise growth and subsequent flowering. However, it is not advisable to go for 24 hours of light, as plants always appreciate a small break of darkness, which helps prevent unnecessary stress.
• Flowering Phase: Despite being a slightly indica-dominant hybrid, BCN Critical XXL Auto stays true to its Critical + origins and grows like a sativa, stretching considerably during the flowering period. You can expect indoor plants over a metre tall, depending on growing conditions. This stretching means it responds well to different training techniques, something that is usually difficult to achieve with autoflowers due to their short life cycle.
• Nutrition: Due to its size, BCN Critical XXL Auto does not require large amounts of nutrients. Water your plants sparingly but frequently during the first few weeks of life. A waterlogged substrate can be problematic, as it could block the plant and stop growth.

Growing Tips

Remember also that the correct pH levels for a BCN Critical XXL Auto growing in soil range from 6.0 to 7.0, while hydroponic systems work well with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. And don't forget to use activated carbon filters to control the smell. As we mentioned, this is a very aromatic strain, with super intense Skunk and citrus aromas.

Outdoor Cultivation

Outdoors, BCN Critical XXL Auto is perfect for areas with warm, dry and sunny climates and long summers, like Mediterranean countries. However, it is also great for greenhouse cultivation if you live in a more northern region.

• Flowering Phase: If you only want one harvest, take advantage of summer to get the most out of this strain, as the most intense sunlight will make it grow at its maximum rate of development. Because it doesn't grow very tall and its flowering period is short (just two months), it is perfect for grows where discretion prevails. And since it's an autoflower, you won't have to worry about light pollution.
• Vegetative Phase: If you want to grow outdoors, BCN Critical XXL Auto can flower regardless of the number of daylight hours it receives. If the weather in your area is warm, you can germinate your seeds in late March or early April, and your plants will be ready for harvest around 75 days later. This will give you time to grow several harvests in the same season.

BCN Critical XXL Auto is a robust and reliable plant, which shows great resistance to mould and pests, making it extremely easy to grow and tolerant of novice growers' mistakes. Due to its short life cycle, this strain is also less vulnerable to spider mites, thrips, powdery mildew, etc., so you will have a lower risk of these annoying guests ruining your harvest.