What Are Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds come from a genetic cross between Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The key characteristic that makes autoflowering strains stand out is their ability to flower automatically after a certain period, without the need for changing the light cycle.
This trait comes from the ruderalis species, which evolved in areas with extreme climates and short growing seasons, leading to its natural autoflowering capabilities. Autoflowering cannabis seeds will flower within 2 to 4 weeks, regardless of light exposure, making them an ideal choice for growers who want quicker harvests and easier maintenance.
Benefits of Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
- Faster Harvest Times: Autoflowers typically take 8 to 10 weeks from seed to harvest, allowing for multiple harvests per year.
- Compact Size: Due to their genetics, most autoflowers grow to a manageable size, perfect for indoor grows or small outdoor spaces.
- No Light Cycle Changes: Autoflowers can grow under continuous light (18-24 hours per day), eliminating the need to alter lighting schedules.
- Resilience: Autoflowering cannabis plants are often more resilient to environmental stressors, pests, and diseases, making them ideal for new growers.
- Discreet Cultivation: Their smaller size and rapid growth make them perfect for growers looking to keep a low profile.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
1. Choosing the Right Autoflowering Seeds
Selecting the right strain is essential for a successful grow. When shopping for autoflowering cannabis seeds, consider factors such as:
- Yield: How much do you expect from each plant?
- Potency: Different strains have varying levels of THC and CBD.
- Climate: If you're growing outdoors, choose strains that thrive in your local climate.
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2. Germinating Autoflowering Seeds
The germination process for autoflowering cannabis seeds is similar to other cannabis types. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Soak the Seeds: Place your seeds in a glass of water for 24 hours. This helps to soften the shell and speed up germination.
- Paper Towel Method: After soaking, place the seeds between two damp paper towels and keep them in a warm, dark place. Check them daily, ensuring the towels remain moist.
- Transplanting: Once the taproot emerges (around 1-3 days), gently place the seed into its growing medium with the taproot facing down.
3. Choosing the Best Growing Medium
Autoflowers thrive in various growing mediums, but each has its benefits:
- Soil: For a more traditional approach, soil is easy to work with. Make sure it’s light, well-draining, and rich in nutrients.
- Coco Coir: A popular soilless option, coco coir provides excellent water retention and aeration. It also allows for better control over nutrient intake.
- Hydroponics: For advanced growers, hydroponic systems can significantly boost growth rates and yields by delivering nutrients directly to the roots.
4. Light Requirements for Autoflowering Cannabis
One of the major advantages of autoflowering cannabis seeds is their flexibility in lighting. Unlike photoperiod strains that need a specific light-to-dark ratio to initiate flowering, autoflowers can thrive under continuous light. Here's what you need to know:
- 18/6 Light Schedule: Many growers find success with 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness, providing a balance of growth and energy conservation.
- 24/0 Light Schedule: For maximum growth, some opt to keep their lights on 24/7. While this might increase yields slightly, it can also stress plants if not carefully monitored.
5. Nutrient Needs for Autoflowering Plants
Autoflowering cannabis plants are more delicate than photoperiod varieties when it comes to nutrients, especially in the early stages of growth. A nutrient regimen that is too intense can cause nutrient burn, which will stunt growth.
- Seedling Stage: During this stage, autoflowers need little to no nutrients. Focus on keeping the growing medium moist.
- Vegetative Stage: Autoflowers have a very short vegetative phase, typically lasting only 2 to 3 weeks. Use a balanced N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) of around 10-5-5.
- Flowering Stage: When the plant starts to flower, switch to a nutrient mix with higher phosphorus and potassium levels, such as 5-10-10. This encourages robust flower development.
6. Watering Autoflowering Cannabis Plants
Autoflowers require less water than larger, photoperiod plants. Overwatering can lead to root rot or stunted growth, so it's essential to maintain a proper watering schedule.
- Frequency: Wait until the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry before watering again.
- pH Levels: Ensure that the water’s pH is between 6.0 and 7.0 for soil or between 5.5 and 6.5 for coco or hydro setups.
7. Training Techniques for Autoflowers
Training is essential to maximize yields and control the growth of autoflowering plants. However, since autoflowers have a short lifecycle, growers need to be careful with the methods they use:
- Low-Stress Training (LST): Gently bending and tying down branches to create an even canopy without damaging the plant. This method increases light penetration and airflow, leading to better yields.
- Topping/Fimming: While topping and fimming are more aggressive, they can also be used with autoflowers. However, it's best to perform these techniques early in the vegetative phase to avoid stunting.
8. Harvesting Autoflowering Cannabis
After 8 to 10 weeks, your autoflowering cannabis seeds will be ready for harvest. The best check here time to harvest is when the trichomes on the buds turn from clear to a cloudy or amber color, indicating peak potency.
- Drying: After harvesting, hang your buds upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room for about 7-10 days.
- Curing: Once dried, place the buds in airtight jars and open them daily for about 2 weeks to cure the cannabis, enhancing the flavor and potency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
- Overfeeding: Autoflowers are more sensitive to nutrients than photoperiod plants, so always start with a light feeding schedule.
- Overwatering: Too much water can lead to root rot and other growth issues.
- Poor Light Management: While autoflowers can thrive in various light conditions, inconsistent or insufficient light can reduce yields.
- Starting in Small Pots: Autoflowers have a short lifecycle, and transplanting can stress them. It’s better to plant seeds directly in their final containers.
Conclusion
Growing autoflowering cannabis seeds offers a range of benefits for both novice and experienced growers. Their fast growth, resilience, and flexibility in light schedules make them an attractive option for anyone looking to cultivate cannabis. By following this practical guide, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and bountiful harvest. For the best selection of autoflowering seeds, visit Seedstore and explore their high-quality genetics. Happy growing!