WHAT ARE AUTOFLOWER SEEDS?

Autoflowering cannabis seeds are a specific type of cannabis seeds that come from cannabis plants that automatically flower regardless of the photoperiod. Normally, cannabis plants require a specific light schedule with a certain number of hours of light and darkness to transition from the vegetative growth phase to the flowering phase.

However, with autoflowering cannabis seeds, this is not the case. They are crossbred with a cannabis variety called Cannabis ruderalis, which naturally begins flowering automatically regardless of the amount of light the plant receives. This allows autoflowering plants to flower independently of the light schedule, meaning they can grow and flower faster than traditional photoperiod cannabis plants.

Another important characteristic of autoflowering cannabis seeds is that they generally stay smaller in size compared to photoperiod plants. This makes them ideal for growers with limited space, such as indoor gardens or grow cabinets. Additionally, autoflowering plants typically have a shorter life cycle, meaning they can be harvested more quickly.

Growing autoflowering cannabis seeds can be ideal for novice growers or people looking for a fast harvest. They require less care and attention than photoperiod plants but still provide a satisfying yield.

WHY CHOOSE AUTOFLOWER SEEDS?

There are several reasons why many growers choose to cultivate autoflowering cannabis strains. Here are some benefits of growing autoflowers:

• Speed: Autoflowering plants generally have a shorter life cycle compared to photoperiod plants. They grow faster and automatically flower regardless of the light schedule. This means you can go from seed to harvest in a relatively short time, usually within 8-10 weeks. This is especially appealing for growers who want to see quick results.
• Easy to grow: Autoflowering plants are generally less demanding and more forgiving than photoperiod plants. They don’t require a specific light schedule or complicated manipulation of light hours. This makes them ideal for novice growers or people who don’t want to spend much time caring for their plants. They can thrive in various conditions and have less chance of issues such as light leaks or light stress.
• Compact size: Autoflowering plants tend to stay smaller and more compact than photoperiod plants. This makes them ideal for growers with limited space, such as indoor gardens or grow cabinets. They are also discreet to grow on balconies or small gardens as they are less conspicuous and easier to conceal.
  Multiple harvests per season: Due to the rapid life cycle and the fact that autoflowering plants are not dependent on the photoperiod, you can achieve multiple harvests per outdoor season. In areas with suitable climate, you can grow multiple generations of autoflowers in one season, resulting in higher yields.
  Weather resistance: Autoflowering plants naturally possess some weather resistance due to their origin in colder northern climates. They tend to be more tolerant of cold temperatures and humidity, which can be advantageous in areas with unpredictable weather.

ARE THESE AUTOFLOWER SEEDS MALE OR FEMALE?

Autoflowering cannabis seeds can be either female or male. The gender of the plant is determined by genetics and not by the fact that it is an autoflowering seed. Just like with other cannabis seeds, it is not possible to determine the gender of a seed until it germinates and starts growing. Often, these seeds are bred to be predominantly female. This is because only female plants produce the cannabinoid-rich flowers.

WHERE DO AUTOFLOWERING STRAINS COME FROM?

Autoflowering seeds originated from crossbreeding cannabis plants with a specific genetic trait called “autoflowering.” This trait comes from a cannabis variety called Cannabis ruderalis, which naturally exhibits autoflowering characteristics.

Cannabis ruderalis is a wild cannabis species that is mainly found in cold, northern climates such as parts of Russia and Central Asia. These plants have evolved to grow in conditions where summers are short and light varies for most of the year. To survive, Cannabis ruderalis begins flowering automatically regardless of the photoperiod.

Growers have crossed the autoflowering trait of Cannabis ruderalis with other cannabis varieties such as Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica to create new hybrid autoflowering strains. Through selective breeding and stabilization, they have succeeded in improving and stabilizing autoflowering genetics, allowing the plants to have better yields, flavor profiles, and THC levels.

GROWING AUTOFLOWER SEEDS

Growing autoflowering cannabis strains differs in some aspects from growing photoperiod strains. Here are some key points to keep in mind when growing autoflowering plants:

• Light: Autoflowering plants generally require a minimum of 18 to 20 hours of light per day throughout their entire life cycle. You can grow them indoors under artificial lighting such as LED lights or HPS lamps. Ensure proper light intensity and keep the plants close to the light source to promote maximum growth. Outdoors, autoflowering plants thrive in areas with ample sunlight.
• Nutrients: Autoflowering plants have a relatively short life cycle, usually about 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest. Therefore, it’s important to provide the right nutrients from the beginning. Start with light feeding and gradually increase the concentration as the plant grows. Use specialized cannabis nutrients suitable for the different growth stages of the plant.
• Pot size: Autoflowering plants usually don’t have much time to grow, so it’s recommended to plant them directly in a final pot. Choose a pot that is large enough to allow the roots ample space to grow but avoid excessively large pots as they can slow down growth.
• Training and pruning: Autoflowering plants have a limited vegetative growth phase, so it’s generally not advisable to apply extensive training or pruning. Instead, opt for low-stress training (LST) where you gently bend branches to optimize light distribution.
• Timing: Autoflowering plants automatically start flowering after a certain number of weeks, usually around the third or fourth week of their life cycle. It’s important to know when flowering begins so that you can adjust nutrients and other factors to ensure the plants remain healthy during the flowering phase.

Autoflowering plants are generally more forgiving and less demanding than photoperiod plants, but it’s still important to follow good growing practices and take good care of the plants. Provide a suitable environment, nutrients, water, and light, and you’ll enjoy a satisfying harvest of autoflowering cannabis.

TOP AUTOFLOWER BRANDS

There are many popular seed banks and brands in the market for autoflowering cannabis seeds. However, the popularity and availability of specific seeds and brands can vary depending on the region and growers’ preferences. Here are some well-known autoflowering seed brands that are popular:

• Royal Queen Seeds is a renowned brand that offers an extensive selection of autoflowering seeds. They have a good reputation and provide various strains with diverse flavors and effects.
• Fast Buds specializes in breeding fast-flowering autoflowering seeds. They are known for their stable genetics and high yields.
• Barney’s Farm is a well-known seed company that is renowned for their photoperiod strains, but they also offer some popular autoflowering strains. They have a wide range and are appreciated for their quality.