Thanks to advances in genetic research, more and more cannabis seeds with better organoleptic properties are being produced. As a result of these constant advancements, autoflowering varieties—as they are known today—are emerging. These varieties can be found on the cannabis market and are highly valued for their many benefits. But what exactly are autoflowering cannabis seeds? How do they differ from other types of marijuana seeds? Why have they become so popular? Find the answers to all these questions here.
Autoflowering cannabis seeds: what are they?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds (also known as automatics or autos) are distinguished by their ability to flower regardless of the light cycle. In other words, their flowering does not depend on the natural change of seasons; instead, the plants flower based on their age. Although they do not achieve the same quality or yield potential as feminized cannabis seeds, autoflowering seeds have become a viable option for less experienced growers and those seeking a faster turnaround time. They are not dependent on the photoperiod but will flower once they have completed their cycle: 60–70 days. Thanks to this, you won’t have to worry about light pollution if you’re growing outdoors, which could be an issue with feminized seeds, as they require 12 hours of complete darkness. Due to their shorter lifespan, autoflowering plants are less prone to pest infestations, and pests have less time to spread, so the likelihood of this becoming a problem is reduced. Additionally, they are generally smaller or more adjustable in size, as their final size will be determined by the size of the pot in which they are planted. Since they produce more leaves in the buds, their taste may not be as good as that of a feminized cannabis seed, and their Ruderalis-type genetics mean they generally have a lower THC content.
History of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
If you’re wondering who to thank for this marvel, the answer is Cannabis ruderalis! It is a wild subspecies of cannabis, typically found in Siberia and other similar regions around the world. Although Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa strains are the best known, this third member of the group—often overlooked due to its compact size and lower yields—is also highly prized. What it offers is genetics that allow it to grow rapidly and independently of the light cycle. Growers, wanting all these traits in their photoperiod strains, began experimenting with ruderalis genetics in the early 1970s. To their delight, they discovered that conventional strains crossed with ruderalis could retain most of their THC and productivity while acquiring autoflowering properties and growing faster than ever. Although it was a long and arduous journey to arrive at the correct genetic formula, today, modern autoflowers can easily rival photoperiod strains. Consequently, it is no surprise that Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds have become very popular on farms around the world.
What are the characteristics of autoflowering cannabis seeds?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are true survivors. They grow very easily and quickly, are not at all demanding, and are very easy to grow. Why? Because their origins in harsh environments have made them a strong and resilient strain, causing them to flower at lightning speed out of fear of dying. Generally speaking, their main characteristics are as follows:
- Speed: Their full life cycle typically lasts between 60 and 90 days.
- Ease of cultivation: They do not require changes in light conditions to flower.
- Resilience: Their ruderalis heritage gives them genes that are more resistant to external factors than other varieties.
Why choose autoflowering cannabis seeds?
Autoflowering seeds are highly sought after because of the many benefits they offer.Ease of cultivation
Unlike feminized cannabis seeds and outdoor cannabis seeds, autoflowering cannabis seeds are better suited for growing in challenging conditions. Many strains are resistant to cold and temperature fluctuations. They are often resistant to mold, making them excellent for outdoor growing, although their indoor yields are also impressive.Reliability for flowering
Its flowering and growing times are very reliable. Autoflowers grow for 3–4 weeks before automatically entering the flowering stage. This makes it easier to plan your crops, since you’ll know exactly when to plant and harvest.Satisfactory harvest time
Its life cycle is shorter than that of photoperiod plants, so you can harvest sooner. Plus, with autoflowering cannabis seeds, you can get multiple harvests in a single growing season if you plant them several weeks apart.Less hassle
These small plants fit well in small spaces (small grow boxes, balconies, patios, etc.) and are perfect for micro-grow setups. Autoflowering cannabis seeds are also ideal for discreet outdoor growing. Additionally, these England & Europe cannabis seeds England & Europe as much fertilizer as large feminized photoperiod plants, so you’ll save a little money. Finally, they don’t require changes to the light cycle, making them ideal for beginner growers.
What should you keep in mind when growing autoflowering seeds?
Due to their unique characteristics, autoflowering cannabis seeds have different growing requirements than photoperiod plants. There are certain factors you’ll need to consider when growing autoflowering cannabis seeds.Choose the right seeds
Choose a strain with a vegetative and flowering phase that matches the timeframe you want for your grow. After all, autoflowering cannabis seeds flower automatically, and you can’t control how long they stay in the vegetative phase. In other words, once you’ve sown the seed, the strain will be ready to harvest exactly when it’s supposed to be (usually in about 70 days, give or take). Keep this in mind when planning your harvest.Ferment in moderation
Autoflowering plants require far fewer nutrients than large photoperiod strains. Therefore, you shouldn’t strictly follow the usual fertilizer dosages. You might want to use 50%, or even 25%, of the recommended dose.Do not repot your autoflowers
Transplanting stresses cannabis plants and can delay or halt their growth. Autoflowers don’t have time to recover from stress, so plant them directly in their final pots. It is recommended to grow them in 10-liter fabric pots. These pots keep the roots healthy to ensure optimal growth and make it virtually impossible to overwater them.Make sure you have adequate space
Make sure your growing space is large enough to accommodate the final height of your plants, as you won’t be able to train the branches. Check the strain descriptions to find out their potential final height.Monitor the light cycle
Although you can grow your plants under almost any light cycle—and some growers keep the lights on 24 hours a day—the most common approach is to use a 20/4 light cycle (20 hours on, 4 hours off). This will help you achieve optimal yields, and those four hours of rest will lower your electricity bill.
How can you increase your autoflowering cannabis yield?
Are your autoflowering seed yields not as high as you expected? Here are a few tips that can help boost bud production.
Do not over-fertilize the plants
Contrary to what you might think, more fertilizer doesn’t mean bigger buds or larger yields. Your England & Europe cannabis seeds England & Europe the smallest root systems, so they can easily become overfed due to excess fertilizer. If you over-fertilize, your cannabis plants will suffer and may even get sick.
Monitor the pH and electricity
If you’re growing in soil, make sure the pH of the water/fertilizer mixture is between 6.0 and 7.0. Adjust it as needed. Also make sure the plants receive between 19 and 20 hours of light per day. You should reduce the distance between the plants and the grow light to increase the light intensity. You might also consider using a more powerful light in the growing area.
Use a well-draining potting mix
Autoflowering plants require an even lighter and more aerated growing medium than plants grown from feminized cannabis seeds. If the growing medium is too compact, the roots won’t be able to grow. Furthermore, if the growing medium doesn’t drain properly, the resulting stagnant moisture can cause all sorts of problems. If necessary, improve your growing medium by adding a little perlite (10–15%) to ensure optimal conditions.
Grow using the SOG (Sea of Green) method
This method allows you to make the most of your growing space. Thanks to their compact size, autoflowers are ideal for the SOG method. This involves placing many small plants in a given growing space to maximize yield. Use square pots to maximize the available space in your closet or grow room. This method compensates for the lower productivity of each individual plant.
What are the best autoflowering cannabis seeds?
As interest in them has grown, the cultivation of autoflowering cannabis seeds has become increasingly popular. But what are the best strains available?
White Widow
The Auto White Widow is one of the most famous indica-dominant strains in the world, and for good reason: it’s extremely potent. It’s a hybrid strain that leans slightly more toward sativa, with a growth cycle of just 8 weeks from seed to harvest. This strain will give you equal bursts of euphoria and energy, making Auto White Widow an excellent choice for anyone who doesn’t like to feel sleepy when they smoke. It’s also known for stimulating creativity, giving a powerful mental buzz to artists and accountants alike. It’s remarkably easy for beginner cannabis growers, and you don’t need to be a pro to get your plants to flower. It also has a complex and appealing aroma, so you won’t have to worry about lingering odors.
Blueberry
If you’re looking for something to help you unwind, then Blueberry autoflowering seeds —with their strong indica dominance—are the perfect choice. This 80% indica strain is fantastic for relaxing after a long, stressful day. This is a hardy and forgiving strain, so even if you make a few mistakes along the way, it’s unlikely to let you down. It thrives particularly well indoors, and its compact size allows you to grow it anywhere, even in smaller spaces. It also has a strong blueberry scent, which may be off-putting to some.
Gorilla Glue
Gorilla Glue contains up to 26% THC, making it one of the highest-THC strains in the world today. It’s perfect for people suffering from pain, or for anyone looking for a powerful high. Like any high-THC cannabis strain, however, it can cause paranoia. It is mold-resistant and does not require light manipulation to produce buds. This autoflowering strain is energizing while producing a powerful sedative effect, helping you relax while feeling fantastic.
Northern Lights
Northern Lights is one of the best autoflowering strains because it’s easy to grow, has a high yield, and flowers quickly. If you’re impatient, this autoflowering strain won’t keep you waiting long. The indica-dominant buds are absolutely covered in resin and create a dreamy high when smoked. It’s excellent for pain relief, and it relaxes both the body and the mind. If you have a stressful and physically demanding job, Northern Lights, much like an og kush, will help you forget all about it at the end of the day. This autoflowering seed is highly disease-resistant, so you shouldn’t encounter any issues during the growing process.
