What does autoflowering mean in cannabis?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds revolutionize cannabis cultivation by automatically entering the flowering phase after a short growth period of 2-4 weeks. You don't have to worry about adjusting the lighting cycle, as is the case with photoperiod cannabis strains. This feature makes autoflowering seeds particularly user-friendly and time-saving.
How do autoflowering seeds work?
Autoflowering seeds are created by crossing Cannabis Indica or Sativa with Cannabis Ruderalis. Ruderalis is a type of cannabis that grows in regions with short summers and long days. These plants have adapted and flower after a certain period of time, regardless of the amount of light. The result is seeds that flower without changing the light cycle.
Advantages of Autoflowering Seeds
Independence from the light cycle: Autoflowering plants flower based on their age, not the amount of light. This means you don't have to change the lighting schedule to initiate the flowering phase.
Fast harvest: Many autoflowering strains are ready to harvest just 8 weeks after germination. This allows you to have multiple harvests per year, which is especially beneficial for commercial growers.
Compact size: Autoflowering plants are usually smaller and more compact, making them ideal for indoor cultivation. They take up less space and are therefore suitable for smaller growing areas.
Easy to grow: Thanks to their robustness and resilience, autoflowering seeds are perfect for beginners. They are forgiving of small mistakes and require less care compared to photoperiod varieties.
Non-photoperiod varieties: what does that mean?
Photoperiod cannabis strains flower depending on the amount of light. In nature, they begin to flower when the days get shorter. In indoor cultivation, this process is controlled by adjusting the light cycle to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. Autoflowering strains, on the other hand, flower after a set growing period, regardless of the amount of light.
Modern Autoflowering Strains: An Overview
The first autoflowering strains that emerged in the early 2000s were often less potent and yielding. Today, however, autoflowers have evolved greatly and can match or even surpass photoperiod strains in terms of potency, yield and aroma.
Who uses autoflowering cannabis and why?
Beginners: Autoflowering seeds are ideal for beginner growers. The plants are robust and forgiving of small cultivation mistakes. The automatic flowering cycle makes cultivation much easier.
Experienced growers: Even experienced growers appreciate the advantages of autoflowers. The fast growth and flowering time allows for multiple harvests per year, which is particularly economical. They are also ideal for growing in confined spaces or in guerrilla grows, as they remain compact and unobtrusive.
Growing Autoflowering Seeds: Tips and Tricks
Soil: Use a light, well-draining soil. You can enrich the soil with perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
Light: Autoflowering plants do not require a specific light cycle. You can grow them continuously under an 18/6 or even 24/0 light schedule.
Nutrients: Autoflowering plants are smaller and therefore require fewer nutrients. Use half or a quarter of the recommended amount of fertilizer to avoid over-fertilizing.
Water: Since autoflowers have a smaller root system, they require less water. Make sure to let the soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot.
Popular Autoflowering Strains
Lowryder: One of the first commercial autoflowers. Ideal for compact grows.
Amnesia Haze Auto: Delivers a cerebral high, perfect for daily consumption.
Northern Lights Auto: A popular indica strain with relaxing effects.
Gorilla Auto: Based on the strong Gorilla Glue and is particularly potent.
Conclusion
Autoflowering seeds offer an easy and efficient way to grow cannabis. They are ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike. Thanks to their independence from the light cycle, fast growth and flowering times, and compact size, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking to grow high-quality cannabis with minimal effort.
