Autoflower Weed Seeds Explained

Autoflower weed seeds have revolutionized the world of cannabis cultivation, offering a convenient and efficient way to grow your own plants. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just starting out, choosing the right type of seed is crucial to achieving the best results. In this article, we’ll explore what autoflowering means and why it matters, as well as compare the pros and cons of autoflower seeds versus photoperiod feminized seeds. If you’re ready to take your cannabis growing to the next level, read on to discover why we recommend starting with auto-flowering cannabis seeds.

Table of contents:

1. What is Autoflowering Cannabis?
2. Benefits of Autoflowering Cannabis
3. Autoflowering vs Feminized Cannabis Seeds Explained
4. How were Autoflower Seeds Created?
5. Topping and Training Autoflower vs Feminized Cannabis
6. Do Autoflowers finish Faster than Photoperiod Strains?
7. Outdoor Growing with Autoflower vs Feminized Cannabis Seeds
8. Yield comparison between Autoflower and Feminized Cannabis Plants
9. Differences in bud quality for Feminized vs Autoflower Strains
10. Choosing the right type of Cannabis Seeds for your Grow

What is Autoflowering Cannabis?

Autoflowering cannabis is a unique genetic trait of the cannabis plant that allows it to flower based on its age, rather than the light schedule it receives. Unlike photoperiod-dependent cannabis plants, which require a specific light cycle (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness) to initiate flowering, autoflowering cannabis plants begin the flowering stage automatically after a certain period of vegetative growth, typically 2-4 weeks.

This ability to flower automatically is due to a genetic mutation that enables autoflowering cannabis plants to bypass the vegetative stage and move straight into the flowering stage. This mutation also allows autoflowering cannabis plants to have a faster growth cycle, with most strains being ready for harvest within 60-90 days.

Another key feature of autoflowering cannabis plants is their smaller size. Because they flower automatically, they do not have as much time to grow as photoperiod-dependent plants, resulting in smaller plants with smaller yields. However, there are super auto strains that can grow as tall as photoperiod strains and produce higher yields.

While the yield of autoflowering cannabis plants may be lower than that of photoperiod strains, they are generally considered easier to grow. Because they do not rely on a specific light schedule, autoflowering cannabis plants are more forgiving when it comes to light leaks or interruptions, making them a popular choice for beginner growers.

In summary, autoflowering cannabis plants are a unique genetic variation of the cannabis plant that flower automatically based on their age rather than light schedules. They have a faster growth cycle, smaller size, and lower yields compared to photoperiod-dependent strains, but are generally easier to grow and more forgiving of light schedule interruptions.

Benefits of Autoflowering Cannabis

Autoflowering cannabis strains offer a variety of benefits to growers and consumers alike. Here are some of the key advantages of growing and using autoflowering cannabis:

1. Faster Harvest Time: One of the main benefits of autoflowering cannabis is its quick life cycle. These plants typically take only 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest, which is significantly faster than photoperiod strains. This makes them a great option for those who want to harvest multiple crops per year, or who simply want to enjoy their harvest sooner.
2. Easy to Grow: Autoflowering cannabis strains are generally considered easier to grow than photoperiod strains. They don’t require any special lighting schedules, and they are more forgiving when it comes to mistakes such as overfeeding or underfeeding. This makes them a great option for beginners, as well as experienced growers who want a low-maintenance option.
3. Smaller Plants: Autoflowering cannabis plants are typically smaller than photoperiod strains, making them a good choice for those who have limited space or who want to grow discreetly. They can be grown indoors or outdoors, and are a great option for balcony or terrace growers.
4. Consistent Results: Because autoflowering cannabis strains have a fixed life cycle, growers can expect consistent results with each harvest. This makes it easier to plan and schedule future grows, and helps ensure that you always have a fresh supply of cannabis on hand.
5. Resilient Plants: Autoflowering cannabis strains are generally more resilient than photoperiod strains. They can handle a wide range of temperatures and humidity levels, and are less susceptible to pests and diseases. This makes them a great option for outdoor growers, as well as those who want to minimize the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

Autoflowering vs Feminized Cannabis Seeds Explained

With the advancement of cannabis genetics, growers now have various types of cannabis seeds available to choose from, including autoflowering and feminized cannabis seeds. But what are the differences between the two, and which one should you choose?

Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds: Pros and Cons

As previously discussed, autoflowering cannabis seeds have a quick lifecycle, producing buds and flowers in a shorter span of time compared to photoperiod-dependent plants. This trait makes them ideal for growers who want a faster harvest or live in areas with fewer daylight hours. They also do not require strict light/darkness requirements, making them easier to grow for novice growers.

However, autoflowering plants tend to be smaller and have lower yields compared to their photoperiod counterparts. They are also not suitable for cloning, as cuttings will transition to the flowering stage too quickly to provide a worthwhile yield.

Feminized Cannabis Seeds: Pros and Cons

Feminized cannabis seeds are photoperiod-dependent and require a specific light cycle to trigger the flowering stage. This means that they are generally larger and have higher yields than autoflowering plants. They are also ideal for growers who want to clone their plants, as the cuttings will grow into the same genetic makeup as the mother plant.

However, feminized seeds are generally more expensive than autoflowering seeds, and require more attention and care to ensure a successful harvest. They are also sensitive to light cycles, and any interruptions can lead to stunted growth or lower yields.

Choosing the Right Type of Seed

Choosing the right type of seed depends on various factors such as growing environment, experience level, and desired yield. If you are a novice grower or want a faster harvest, autoflowering cannabis seeds may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you have more experience and want larger yields or the ability to clone your plants, feminized cannabis seeds may be the better option.

It’s important to note that both types of seeds have their advantages and disadvantages, and ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference and individual circumstances.

How were autoflower seeds created?

Autoflowering cannabis seeds were created through a process called crossbreeding. This process involves breeding a photoperiod cannabis plant with a cannabis plant that has ruderalis genetics. Ruderalis is a type of cannabis that originated in Russia and has the unique ability to autoflower. By crossbreeding with ruderalis, breeders were able to create a new strain of cannabis that inherited the autoflowering trait. The first autoflowering strains were created in the early 2000s and have since become popular among growers due to their quick growing time and ease of cultivation.

Topping and training Autoflower vs feminized cannabis

Topping and training cannabis plants is a well-known technique to improve yields and manipulate growth patterns. However, the techniques used to top and train autoflowering cannabis plants differ from those used on photoperiod-dependent plants.

Topping involves cutting off the top of the plant to create two main colas or tops. This technique encourages the plant to grow bushier, increasing the number of buds produced. However, topping can cause stress to the plant and delay its growth.

When it comes to topping autoflowering plants, growers need to be cautious as these plants have a limited vegetative period. Topping can delay the onset of flowering, which can reduce yields. Instead, growers may opt for a technique known as low-stress training (LST). This technique involves bending and tying down branches to create an even canopy, which increases light exposure to lower parts of the plant and promotes bud development. LST can be used throughout the plant’s growth cycle, as long as it is done gently to avoid causing damage.

Feminized plants, on the other hand, can be topped as soon as they have reached the desired height. This will create multiple tops and increase the overall yield. In addition to topping, feminized plants can also be trained using other techniques such as super cropping, where the stem is pinched and bent to promote lateral growth, or screen of green (SCROG), where a screen is used to control the plant’s growth and encourage horizontal development.

In summary, while topping and training are effective techniques for increasing yields, the approach taken with autoflowering cannabis plants needs to be more cautious due to their limited vegetative period. LST is a popular method for autoflowering plants, while feminized plants can be topped and trained using a variety of techniques.

Do Autoflowers finish faster than Photoperiod Strains?

The answer is yes, autoflowering strains generally finish faster than photoperiod strains. As mentioned earlier, autoflowering plants have a shorter lifecycle than photoperiod plants, typically around 60 to 90 days. In contrast, photoperiod plants can take up to 6 months to finish, depending on the strain.

The reason for this difference in flowering time is due to the genetics of the plants. Autoflowering strains contain genes from Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies of cannabis that originated in Russia and Central Asia. This subspecies has adapted to grow in regions with short summers and harsh climates, and has developed the ability to flower based on age rather than light exposure.

On the other hand, photoperiod strains are typically hybrids of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, and require specific amounts of light exposure to trigger flowering. This means that photoperiod plants must be grown under specific lighting conditions in order to flower, whereas autoflowering plants will flower automatically after a certain amount of time.

It is important to note, however, that autoflowering strains may have a lower yield compared to photoperiod strains due to their smaller size and shorter vegetative period. Additionally, some photoperiod strains may have a higher THC content and better overall quality than some autoflowering strains. Ultimately, the choice between autoflowering and photoperiod strains will depend on individual preferences and growing conditions.

Outdoor growing with autoflower vs feminized cannabis seeds

When it comes to growing cannabis outdoors, there are some important differences between autoflowering and feminized seeds. Autoflowering cannabis plants are often favored for outdoor growing because they are generally more resilient and can handle unpredictable weather and light conditions. They also have a shorter life cycle, which means they can be planted later in the season and still have time to mature before the weather turns cold.

Feminized cannabis plants, on the other hand, require more careful attention and planning. They typically have a longer flowering period, which means they need to be planted earlier in the season to ensure they have enough time to mature before the first frost. Feminized plants also require more consistent light conditions and can be more sensitive to changes in weather.

One advantage of feminized plants for outdoor growing is that they can potentially yield more buds than autoflowering plants, given their larger size and longer vegetative period. However, this also means they require more space and may not be ideal for small or discreet outdoor grows.

Ultimately, the choice between autoflowering and feminized seeds for outdoor growing depends on your specific growing conditions and goals. Autoflowering seeds may be a better choice for those who want a low-maintenance, resilient plant that can handle unpredictable weather and still produce decent yields. Feminized seeds may be a better choice for those who have more control over their growing environment and want to maximize their yield potential.

Yield comparison between autoflower and feminized cannabis plants

When it comes to yield, feminized cannabis plants generally produce more buds than autoflowering plants. This is because feminized plants have a longer vegetative period, allowing them to grow larger and develop more bud sites.

Autoflowering plants, on the other hand, have a fixed lifecycle and usually produce smaller plants with fewer bud sites. However, this doesn’t mean that autoflowering plants can’t yield a significant amount of buds. With proper care and growing techniques, autoflowering plants can still produce a decent harvest.

One advantage of autoflowering plants is that they have a faster harvest time. Since they automatically switch to the flowering stage, they can be ready for harvest in as little as 60-90 days. This means that multiple crops can be grown in a single season, leading to a higher overall yield.

Feminized plants, on the other hand, can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months to mature, depending on the strain and growing conditions. While they may yield more buds per plant, their longer lifecycle means that fewer crops can be grown in a single season.

It’s also worth noting that yield can vary greatly depending on the strain, growing conditions, and grower’s skill level. Some autoflowering strains have been developed to produce higher yields, and some feminized strains may have a shorter vegetative period, leading to a faster overall harvest time.

In conclusion, while feminized plants generally produce more buds per plant, autoflowering plants have a faster harvest time and can potentially yield more buds per season. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the grower’s individual needs and preferences.

Differences in bud quality for feminized vs autoflower strains

When it comes to bud quality, there are some differences between feminized and autoflower strains. Autoflowering strains tend to have lower THC levels compared to feminized strains. This is because autoflowering strains have a shorter lifespan, so they have less time to accumulate THC. However, this does not necessarily mean that autoflowering strains produce inferior buds.

Autoflowering strains can still produce high-quality buds with unique flavors and aromas. Some autoflowering strains are even bred specifically for their terpene profiles, which can create a more enjoyable smoking experience.

On the other hand, feminized strains generally have higher THC levels and are often considered more potent. They also tend to produce larger buds and have a more consistent yield. However, this can vary depending on the specific strain and growing conditions.

It’s important to note that bud quality is not solely determined by whether a strain is autoflowering or feminized. The quality of the final product is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, growing conditions, and post-harvest techniques.

In conclusion, while feminized strains generally have higher THC levels and larger yields, autoflowering strains can still produce high-quality buds with unique flavors and aromas. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and growing conditions.

Choosing the right type of cannabis seeds for your grow

Choosing the right type of cannabis seeds for your grow can be a daunting task, but it is also an exciting opportunity to create the perfect environment for your plants. When selecting seeds, there are a few factors to consider:

1. Grow Space: Determine the size of your grow space and choose seeds that are suited for the available space. Autoflowering strains tend to be smaller and more compact, making them ideal for small grow spaces, while feminized strains can grow larger and require more space.
2. Growing Experience: If you are new to growing, you may want to start with a more forgiving strain, such as an autoflower, which requires less attention and is more resistant to pests and diseases. Feminized strains may require more experience and attention to detail to achieve a successful harvest.
3. Desired Effects: Consider the desired effects of the strain, whether it is for medicinal or recreational purposes. Each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes that produce different effects on the mind and body.
4. Growing Environment: Take into account the growing environment, including temperature, humidity, and lighting. Some strains may be more tolerant of certain conditions than others.
5. Yield: Consider the expected yield of the strain and whether it will meet your needs. Autoflowers tend to have smaller yields, while feminized strains can produce larger yields.

Ultimately, the best way to choose the right type of cannabis seeds for your grow is to do research and experiment. Try different strains and see what works best for you and your grow space. Remember to always follow local laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation.