Which Doctor’s Choice Autoflowers Should You Grow First?

For over two decades, Doctor’s Choice has bred dozens of autoflower strains. Some chase speed. Some chase yield. Some chase an aroma or effect nobody else has nailed.

If you’re just getting to know Doctor’s Choice, the question is: where do you even start? Below are five strains that show what DC autoflower genetics can actually do.

1. Lowryder — the strain that started it all

Every autoflower on the market owes something to this genetic line. Lowryder from Doctor’s Choice is a stabilized descendant of the strain bred in the early 2000s by Sasha Przytyk, better known as Joint Doctor. It was the strain that first made autoflowering commercially viable.

This version combines those original genetics with Santa Maria, a Brazilian indica/sativa hybrid. The cross adds resin and flavor without losing Lowryder’s compact frame.

Why growers pick it:

• Genuinely tiny — 30–60 cm indoors or outdoors, built for grow boxes, balconies, and low-key outdoor spots.
• Fast — around 65 days from seed to harvest.
• Forgiving — handles cooler climates and rougher conditions better than most autos.

Expect a balanced daytime high: relaxed, not heavy, with a sweet, faintly floral pine flavor. Curious about the plant behind the legend? Read the full Lowryder story. Breeders and hobbyist selectors can also grab the regular, non-feminized version to work with the genetics directly.

2. Devotchka — sativa energy that forgives mistakes

The name comes from the Nadsat slang in A Clockwork Orange — devotchka simply means “girl.” Its flagship status comes from something more practical: this strain rewards effort and survives neglect in equal measure.

Bred from AK-47, Haze, and the original Lowryder, Devotchka leans sativa in both growth and effect.

Why growers pick it:

• Vigorous and forgiving — a strong choice for a first grow, though experienced growers can push it hard, too.
• Real yield — 400–600 g/m² indoors, up to 150 g per plant outdoors.
• Distinct flavor — forest berry, blackberry, and wild cherry, with resin-heavy buds.

Indoors, it reaches around 70–100 cm; outdoors, given enough room, it can reach 150 cm and fill every inch with sticky colas. One planning note: start managing its height early if space is tight. Clear your schedule for trim day, too — this plant produces a lot to manicure.

3. Rock Machine — built like a biker, grows like a tank

Rock Machine takes its name from the Montreal motorcycle club, a nod to Sasha’s hometown. The character, though, comes straight from the genetics: Afghani × Northern Lights × Lowryder, bred for near-total reliability.

Why growers pick it:

• Indica genetics, sativa manners — long side branches and an open structure most indica crosses don’t have.
• Hardy in any setup — indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse, with straightforward care.
• High yield for an autoflower — 400–600 g/m² indoors, 100–150 g per plant outdoors.

The buds are dense and trichome-heavy, with a classic Afghani hash aroma — earthy, herbal, and unmistakable. The effect starts out uplifting and giggly, then settles into strong, full-body relaxation. Better for closing out a long day than starting one.

4. DC Cure 1:1 — the balanced pick for a mellower session

Not every grower wants maximum THC. DC Cure 1:1 has a balanced 1:1 CBD:THC ratio, with roughly 6% of each cannabinoid, and was bred from Chronic Ryder × a CBD-rich line.

Why growers pick it:

• Balanced, mild effect — a gentler experience without the intensity of a high-THC strain.
• Easy to grow — around 70 days from seed to harvest, low-maintenance, and forgiving of beginner mistakes.
• Distinct terpenes — dense, sticky buds with a citrus-and-spice aroma.

Some growers reach for a balanced ratio like this specifically for an evening wind-down. It grows equally well indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. The plant also responds well to SCRoG, which can help you make the most of its modest yield of around 50 g per plant.

5. Deepforest Super Auto — outdoor only, built to prove a point

Outdoor and greenhouse only — this one does not belong in an indoor tent.

Deepforest answers a specific question: how big can an autoflower actually get? Built from a North American indica, a hashplant indica, and a wild landrace, it runs long for an auto. Expect 115–135 days in total, including roughly six weeks of vegetative growth before flowering begins.

Why growers pick it:

• Serious scale — over 250 cm tall, with a large root system and broad branch spread.
• Yield to match — 200–300 g per plant outdoors, well above typical autoflower yields.
• Genuinely potent — hash, pine, and earthy flavor with a heavy, couch-lock body effect.

This is not a beginner strain, nor is it an indoor strain. It needs generous feeding, real root space, and branch support once the colas start putting on weight. Give it that support and proper care, and it finishes looking more like a photoperiod plant than an autoflower.

Which one should you actually grow?

Growing your first autoflower? Start with Lowryder or Devotchka — both forgive mistakes while you learn. Chasing yield with plenty of outdoor space? Rock Machine or Deepforest Super Auto will get you there, with Deepforest reserved for growers who genuinely want a challenge. Want a milder, balanced high rather than raw potency? DC Cure 1:1 is built for exactly that.