What Are Autoflowering Seeds?

What Are Autoflowering Seeds?

Autoflowering seeds produce cannabis plants that automatically switch from the vegetative growth stage to the flowering stage based on time rather than light cycle, making them incredibly convenient for growers of all levels.

The Rise of Autoflowering Cannabis: A Background

Traditional cannabis plants, often referred to as photoperiod plants, rely on the duration of light exposure to trigger flowering. When the days shorten in the autumn, these plants sense the change and begin to produce buds. This dependency can create complexities for growers, especially those in regions with irregular light cycles or those growing indoors who need to manually adjust their lighting schedules.

Enter autoflowering cannabis. These plants, thanks to the introduction of Cannabis ruderalis genetics, flower automatically, regardless of light. Cannabis ruderalis is a wild cannabis species native to areas with short growing seasons, like Russia. This species evolved to flower quickly and independently of light cycles.

By carefully breeding Cannabis ruderalis with Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa varieties, breeders created autoflowering strains that retained the desirable traits (potency, flavor, etc.) of indica and sativa while inheriting the autoflowering trait from ruderalis.

Benefits of Growing Autoflowering Seeds

The popularity of autoflowering seeds stems from a number of significant advantages:

  • Fast Life Cycle: Autoflowering plants mature much faster than photoperiod plants, often completing their entire life cycle in as little as 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest. This rapid turnaround allows for multiple harvests per year.
  • Simplicity: No need to adjust lighting schedules. Autoflowers flower automatically after a set period of vegetative growth. This makes them ideal for beginners or growers who prefer a hands-off approach.
  • Compact Size: Autoflowering plants generally remain smaller than photoperiod plants, making them perfect for small spaces, balconies, or stealth grows.
  • Resilience: Cannabis ruderalis genetics often lend increased resilience to autoflowering plants, making them more resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions.
  • Multiple Harvests: Due to their quick maturation, growers can achieve multiple harvests per growing season, even in climates with short summers.

The Autoflowering Process: How They Work

The autoflowering process is governed by the genetic clock inherited from Cannabis ruderalis. Unlike photoperiod plants, which require a change in the light cycle to initiate flowering, autoflowers begin flowering after a predetermined number of weeks, usually 3-4 weeks after germination. This internal clock dictates the plant’s transition from vegetative growth to flowering, regardless of the amount of light it receives.

Here’s a typical lifecycle of an autoflowering plant:

  1. Germination (1-3 days): The seed sprouts and a taproot emerges.
  2. Seedling Stage (1-2 weeks): The plant develops its first true leaves.
  3. Vegetative Stage (3-4 weeks): The plant rapidly grows in size and develops foliage.
  4. Flowering Stage (5-8 weeks): The plant focuses its energy on producing buds.
  5. Harvest: The buds are fully mature and ready to be harvested.

Light Cycles and Autoflowers: Debunking Myths

While autoflowering plants don’t require a specific light cycle to flower, light is still crucial for their growth and bud production. Longer periods of light generally result in larger, more productive plants.

Many growers opt for a 20/4 light cycle (20 hours of light, 4 hours of darkness) throughout the entire life cycle of their autoflowering plants. This maximizes growth and bud development. Other common light cycles include 18/6 and 24/0 (constant light). The choice depends on your specific setup, environmental conditions, and personal preferences.

Common Mistakes When Growing Autoflowering Seeds

While autoflowers are relatively easy to grow, there are some common pitfalls to avoid:

  • Transplanting: Autoflowering plants don’t respond well to transplanting due to their short life cycle. It’s best to plant the seed directly into its final container.
  • Overwatering: Overwatering is a common mistake that can stunt growth and lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
  • Over-Fertilizing: Autoflowers typically require less nutrients than photoperiod plants. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn and reduced yields.
  • Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning. Autoflowers have a limited time to recover from stress.
  • Ignoring pH: Maintaining the proper soil pH is essential for nutrient uptake. The ideal pH range for cannabis is between 6.0 and 7.0.
  • Using Low-Quality Seeds: Starting with high-quality seeds from a reputable breeder is crucial for success.

Choosing the Right Autoflowering Strain

Selecting the right strain is critical. Consider these factors:

  • Desired Effects: Do you prefer a relaxing indica, an energizing sativa, or a balanced hybrid?
  • Grow Space: How much space do you have available? Choose a strain that will fit your growing area.
  • Climate: Some strains are better suited to certain climates than others.
  • Yield: How much bud are you hoping to harvest?
  • Potency: How strong do you want the effects to be?

Consult seed banks and online resources for detailed information on specific strains. Read reviews from other growers to get a better understanding of their experiences.

StrainDominanceTHC LevelTypical HeightFlowering TimeNotes
Northern LightsIndica18-22%60-90 cm7-9 weeksClassic indica with relaxing effects. Easy to grow.
Amnesia HazeSativa20-24%80-120 cm10-12 weeksPotent sativa with uplifting effects. Requires more space.
Blue DreamHybrid17-24%75-110 cm9-11 weeksBalanced hybrid with sweet berry flavor. Relatively easy to grow.
White WidowHybrid18-25%60-100 cm8-10 weeksClassic hybrid with balanced effects. Known for its resin production.

Harvesting and Curing Autoflowering Buds

Knowing when and how to harvest and cure your buds is crucial to maximizing potency and flavor. Harvesting typically occurs when the trichomes (the resin glands on the buds) are mostly cloudy with some amber.

The curing process involves drying the buds slowly in a controlled environment to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take for autoflowering seeds to germinate?

Generally, autoflowering seeds germinate within 24-72 hours under ideal conditions. Ensure adequate moisture and warmth. Paper towel method, direct sowing, or using a seed starter kit are all common and effective methods.

What is the best soil for autoflowering plants?

A light and airy soil mix is ideal for autoflowering plants. Avoid heavy, clay-based soils, which can impede root growth. A mixture of coco coir, perlite, and vermicast is a popular choice. Adding mycorrhizae can also benefit root development.

Can I clone autoflowering plants?

While technically possible, cloning autoflowering plants is not recommended. Because autoflowers have a fixed lifespan, clones would inherit the same age as the mother plant, resulting in limited growth and reduced yields.

Do autoflowering plants need special nutrients?

Autoflowering plants require less nutrients than photoperiod plants. Use a nutrient solution specifically formulated for cannabis, and start with a low dosage, gradually increasing as needed. Watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses.

What is the ideal temperature and humidity for growing autoflowers?

The ideal temperature for growing autoflowers is between 20-28°C (68-82°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Maintain a humidity level of 40-60% during the vegetative stage and 40-50% during the flowering stage.

Can I grow autoflowers indoors and outdoors?

Yes, autoflowering plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are well-suited to indoor environments due to their compact size and don’t rely on light changes. Outdoors they can handle shorter and unpredictable seasons.

How much yield can I expect from an autoflowering plant?

The yield from an autoflowering plant varies depending on the strain, growing conditions, and grower experience. On average, expect to harvest between 50-150 grams per plant.

What is the best light cycle for autoflowers?

The best light cycle is often debated. A common and effective option is 20 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness (20/4) throughout the entire life cycle. However, 18/6 or even 24/0 can also yield great results. Experiment to see what works best for your setup.

Are autoflowering seeds feminized?

Most autoflowering seeds available on the market are feminized, meaning they are guaranteed to produce female plants. This eliminates the need to identify and remove male plants, which do not produce buds.

How often should I water my autoflowering plants?

Water your autoflowering plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the size of the plant, the pot size, and the environmental conditions.

What are the signs of nutrient deficiency in autoflowering plants?

Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and discoloration. Different deficiencies manifest in different ways, so it’s best to consult a comprehensive guide or nutrient deficiency chart to properly diagnose and treat the problem.

Can I use LST (Low-Stress Training) on autoflowering plants?

Yes, Low-Stress Training (LST) can be used on autoflowering plants to increase yields. Gently bending and tying down branches allows for more even light distribution, leading to larger, more productive buds. Avoid high-stress training methods, like topping or super cropping, as these can stunt growth.

Ready to Level Up Your Cooking? Watch This Now!

Video thumbnail

Leave a Comment