Autoflowering cannabis strains have gained immense popularity among both beginner and experienced growers for their ease of cultivation and rapid growth cycle. Whether you’re looking to start your first grow or you’re a seasoned pro seeking faster harvests, autoflowers provide a unique, efficient growing experience. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into autoflowers—what they are, their benefits, how to grow them, and tips for maximizing yields.
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What Are Autoflowers?
Autoflowers are cannabis plants that automatically transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without the need to change the light cycle. Unlike photoperiod cannabis strains, which require specific amounts of darkness to flower, autoflowers bloom on their own after a set period of time.
How Autoflowers Were Developed
Autoflowering strains were created by crossbreeding traditional cannabis species (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica) with Cannabis ruderalis, a hardy variety known for its resilience to harsh climates and natural ability to flower based on age rather than light exposure.
Why Choose Autoflowers?
Fast Growing Cycle
One of the most significant advantages of autoflowers is their short life cycle. Autoflowering strains typically go from seed to harvest in as little as 8-10 weeks, allowing for multiple harvests in a single growing season.
Compact and Discreet Plants
Autoflowers tend to grow smaller than their photoperiod counterparts, which makes them ideal for indoor growers with limited space or for outdoor growers seeking discretion.
Resilient and Easy to Grow
Thanks to their ruderalis genetics, autoflowers are more resistant to pests, mold, and fluctuating temperatures. This makes them an excellent choice for beginners or those growing in less-than-ideal conditions.
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How to Grow Autoflowers Successfully
Growing autoflowers can be simple, but a few key strategies will help ensure you achieve the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing autoflowers from seed to harvest.
1. Choose the Right Autoflowering Strain
The first step to a successful grow is selecting the right strain. Some autoflower strains are better suited for indoor growing, while others thrive outdoors. Consider factors like plant size, potency, and whether you prefer high THC or CBD levels.
2. Use the Right Soil and Pot Size
Autoflowers thrive in well-draining, light soil. Choose a pot that allows the roots to spread, but avoid starting them in small containers since they have a short vegetative period and don’t respond well to transplanting.
3. Light Schedule for Autoflowers
While autoflowers don’t need strict light cycles to flower, they still benefit from plenty of light. Many growers recommend an 18/6 light schedule (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness) throughout the plant’s life for optimal growth.
4. Provide Proper Nutrients
Since autoflowers have a shorter growing period, they need less fertilizer than photoperiod plants. Use nutrient solutions designed for cannabis, but start with a low dose and gradually increase if necessary to avoid nutrient burn.
5. Watering Autoflowers
Avoid overwatering your autoflowers, as their smaller size means they need less water than photoperiod plants. Ensure that your soil or medium has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Autoflowers
While autoflowers are easier to grow, some mistakes can reduce your yield or quality. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Overfeeding Nutrients
Autoflowers don’t require as many nutrients as photoperiod plants. Overfeeding can lead to nutrient burn, which will stunt the plant’s growth. Always start with half or quarter-strength nutrients and adjust as needed.
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Transplanting Late
Unlike photoperiod plants, autoflowers don’t have time to recover from transplant shock due to their short vegetative period. It’s best to plant your autoflower seeds directly into their final container to avoid stunted growth.
Improper Watering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes with autoflowers. Always let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings and ensure proper drainage to prevent soggy roots.
Training Techniques for Autoflowers
Although autoflowers have a shorter life cycle, you can still use certain training techniques to boost yields.
Low-Stress Training (LST)
Low-stress training involves gently bending the plant’s branches to expose more of the plant to light. This helps increase yields without causing too much stress to the plant, which is crucial for autoflowers since they don’t have time to recover from heavy pruning or damage.
Topping Autoflowers
Topping (cutting off the top of the plant) can be done on some autoflower strains to encourage bushier growth. However, this technique is risky because it may stunt the plant if done too late in its short lifecycle. Use topping cautiously and only with strains known to respond well to it.
Best Conditions for Growing Autoflowers Indoors
Autoflowers can be grown indoors with great success, but they need the right conditions to thrive.
Lighting for Indoor Autoflowers
LED lights are highly recommended for growing autoflowers indoors due to their energy efficiency and the ability to provide the full spectrum of light that plants need. Aim for 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness per day.
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Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature for autoflowers is between 68-77°F (20-25°C), with a humidity level of 40-50%. This creates an optimal environment for growth without promoting mold or mildew.
Growing Autoflowers Outdoors
Outdoor growers can also benefit from autoflowering strains. Their fast growth cycle means you can harvest multiple times in a growing season.
Best Seasons for Outdoor Autoflowers
Because autoflowers don’t rely on light cycles, they can be planted in spring, summer, or early fall, depending on your climate. They thrive in full sunlight, so choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting.
Pest Prevention
While autoflowers are generally more resistant to pests, outdoor plants are still vulnerable. Use natural pest deterrents like neem oil and keep a close eye on your plants throughout the growing season.
Harvesting and Curing Autoflowers
Autoflowers are typically ready to harvest within 8-10 weeks after planting. Watch for the development of trichomes (the resinous glands on the buds), which should be milky or amber-colored when ready for harvest.
How to Cure Autoflowers for Best Flavor and Potency
After harvesting, proper curing is essential for enhancing the flavor and potency of your buds. Dry your buds slowly in a dark, cool space, then store them in airtight containers. Open the jars daily for the first week to allow moisture to escape, and continue curing for at least two weeks for the best results.
Conclusion:
Autoflowers offer a fast, efficient way to grow cannabis with minimal effort. Their resilience, compact size, and quick harvest times make them an excellent choice for beginners, while experienced growers can enjoy multiple harvests per season. Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, autoflowers provide a reliable option that doesn’t require the complexity of managing light cycles. If you’re looking for a quick turnaround and easy growing experience, autoflowers could be the perfect fit for your next grow.
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FAQs
1. How long do autoflowers take from seed to harvest?
Autoflowers typically take 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest, depending on the strain.
2. Can autoflowers be grown indoors and outdoors?
Yes, autoflowers can be successfully grown both indoors and outdoors, thanks to their versatility and resilience.
3. Do autoflowers require specific light schedules?
No, autoflowers do not rely on light schedules like photoperiod plants. However, providing 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness can help maximize yields.
4. What size pots are best for autoflowers?
It’s best to use pots between 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) to allow the roots to spread while avoiding transplanting.