Autoflowering Seeds: Everything You Need to Know About Autoflower Cannabis Seeds

Key Takeaways

1. Autoflower seeds are loved by beginners and experienced growers alike.
2. They offer a fast and easy to grow with minimal maintenance.
3. They are compact and resilient, making them suitable for discreet grows.
4. Once fully grown, auto plants can output numerous ranges of crops in a year.

Autoflowering cannabis seeds enable quick and easy growth of cannabis. In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about these seeds.

What Are Autoflowering Seeds?

Seeds that automatically start flowering between 2–4 weeks regardless of light exposure. Unlike feminized photoperiod strains (requiring specific light cycles to trigger flowering), autoflower plants operate on an internal clock (making them non-photoperiod strains).

Key characteristics of autoflower seeds

Key features of these cannabis seeds are:

• Automatic flowering based on age.
• Short life cycle, with many strains ready to harvest in 8 to 10 weeks.
• Compact size (30–100cm), ideal for discreet cultivation.
• Feminized seeds, ensuring female plants for maximum yields.
• These plants can produce multiple harvests per season.

Autoflowering Plants Origin

Autoflower plants are a hybrid of indica or sativa strains with Cannabis ruderalis, a wild cannabis subspecies native to regions with short summers and extended daylight hours, such as Siberia and Northern Europe. Combining ruderalis’s blooming without light cycles and age plus the combined strength of Indica and Sativa creates strong, productive auto-flowering plants.

Breeders often cross Skunk, OG Kush, and Haze genetics with autoflower varieties.

Why Choose Autoflower Seeds?

There are various reasons why you should choose this non-photoperiod strain.

For Growers:

• Ease of Cultivation: No need to monitor light schedules.
• Harvest in as little as 8 weeks.
• They are perfect for small indoor spaces or stealthy outdoor grows.
• Are tolerant of temperature fluctuations and stress.

For Smokers:

• A variety of flowers for smokers to choose from, ranging from High THC, high CBD, or balanced.
• Many flavors and aromas thanks to varying terpene profiles.
• The stable genetics ensure reliable results.

How do Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds Work?

Autoflower seeds differ from photoperiod seeds in their genetic makeup. Traditional cannabis needs changes in light exposure to begin flowering. However, for them, they do not follow light cycles, automatically flowering after  2-4 weeks from germination.

This is thanks to the cannabis ruderalis. When crossed with cannabis sativa or indica, ruderalis genes enable flowering after a certain age. The entire growth cycle of these hybrid plants from seed to harvest, usually lasts between 8-12 weeks, making autoflowering strains faster than photoperiod strains.

How to Grow Autoflower Seeds

Below is a step-by-step guide:

1. Soil and Nutrients

• Use light, well-draining soil to promote healthy root development.
• Reduce nutrient doses to 50% or less of what is recommended for larger plants.

2. Light Schedule

• Indoors: Keep lights on an 18/6 or 24/0 schedule from seed to harvest.
• Outdoors: Plant any time of the year( in frost-free conditions).

3. Temperature and Humidity

• Ensure the temperature is 70°F(21°C).
• Adjust humidity levels based on plant age: higher for seedlings, lower during flowering.

4. Watering

• Avoid overwatering.
• Let the soil dry between waterings.
• Use water of a pH of 6-7 for optimal nutrient absorption.

5. Plant Training

• Light stress approach LST should be utilized to enhance the light level in plants without damaging them.
• Avoid high-stress techniques like topping or super cropping.

Top Cultivation Tips for Success

To have success with growing autoflowers, start by choosing reputable seed banks for reliable genetics. Keep temperatures and humidity stable and use nutrients sparingly. Next, monitor trichomes for optimal ripeness and harvest on time. Lastly, sow the seeds at different intervals for successive harvests.

Tips for Maximizing Yields

Some things you can do to maximize the yield of autoflowering cannabis plants are listed below:

1. Similar to cannabis culture, these hybrids also need daily 18 hours of sunlight or artificial light to grow optimally.
2. The ideal temperature range is between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
3. Use organic fertilizers and provide proper nutrients. Be mindful of overfeeding which can harm growth.
4. Don’t overcrowd to reduce the risk of mold, and improve overall airflow.
5. Pick premium seeds from reputable breeders. These are more likely to produce strong, resilient plants with higher yields. Also, select them based on the strain’s growth characteristics and your growing environment.

Common Challenges with Autoflowering Seeds

Some of the common challenges with autoflower seeds include:

• Low yields: Autoflowering plants tend to be smaller than photoperiod ones. In instances where there is limited room, light or nutrients they may not grow properly. To prevent this ensure there’s no overcrowding.
• Nutrient deficiencies and overfeeding: These strains are more sensitive and can easily experience nutrient burn or deficiencies. Use balanced, organic fertilizers and feed them in moderation. Overfeeding (especially during the early stages) leads to stress and stunted growth, while deficiencies can lead to yellow leaves and poor yields.
• Pests and diseases: Due to the short life cycle that these plants have, they will also be prone to pests and diseases. Regularly examine for aphids, spider mites, and mold.
• Stunted growth/ mold: caused by temperature fluctuations, poor airflow or excess humidity. Keep the environment stable and optimal.

Popular Autoflowering Strains

Some popular autoflower strains are:

• Amnesia Haze Auto: High THC, uplifting effects.
• Northern Lights Auto: Relaxing indica with a sweet aroma.
• Blueberry Auto: Fruity flavor with balanced effects.
• CBD Critical Mass Auto: High CBD, mostly used therapeutically.

Conclusion

Autoflower seeds are perfect for beginner and experienced growers alike. By understanding their genetics, growth cycle, and care requirements, you can maximize their potential and enjoy bountiful harvests. Happy growing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are autoflower seeds?

Cannabis seeds which transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage based on age.

Do autoflowering plants require specific nutrients?

Yes, depending on their growth stages. For the vegetative stage, use a balanced fertilizer and for the flowering stage, use a phosphorus and potassium-rich fertilizer. Remember to avoid overfeeding.

What is the typical growth cycle for autoflowering plants?

Depending on the strain and growing conditions, it takes 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest.

Can autoflowers be grown indoors and outdoors?

Yes, they grow and thrive both indoors and outdoors.

Do autoflowers need special soil?

Light, well-draining soil is ideal for autoflowers. Amend with perlite if necessary.

What is the difference between autoflowering and feminized seeds?

Autoflower seeds flower automatically, while feminized ones require specific light cycles.

Is it possible to grow autoflowers all year?

Yes, so long there are suitable indoor or outdoor conditions.