What Are Autoflower Cannabis Seeds?
Autoflower cannabis seeds come from Cannabis Ruderalis, a variety of cannabis that naturally flowers based on age rather than changes in light exposure. This trait has been bred with Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa to create autoflower strains that are easy to grow and flower automatically within 8-10 weeks.
The main benefits of growing autoflower seeds include:
- Shorter growing cycle: You can harvest your plants in as little as 8-10 weeks.
- Resilience: Autoflowers are tough plants that can grow in various environments and climates.
- Small size: Ideal for indoor or discreet outdoor growing due to their compact nature.
Now that we understand the basics, let's get started on how to grow these seeds!
1. Choosing the Right Autoflower Cannabis Seeds
The first step is selecting the right autoflower strain for your growing conditions and preferences. Some strains are better suited for indoor growing, while others thrive outdoors. Additionally, consider factors such as THC/CBD content, flavor profile, and desired effects.
Popular autoflower strains include:
- Amnesia Haze Auto: Known for its uplifting effects and citrus flavor.
- Northern Lights Auto: A compact strain that’s easy to grow and has relaxing effects.
- Blueberry Auto: Ideal for indoor growers and praised for its fruity aroma.
2. Setting Up Your Growing Space
Autoflowers are versatile and can grow both indoors and outdoors. Here’s how to set up each environment:
Indoor Growing
- Lighting: Autoflowers thrive under 18-24 hours of light per day. You can use LED, CFL, or HID grow lights. LEDs are energy-efficient and effective, providing the full spectrum of light needed for healthy growth.
- Grow Tent: A grow tent or grow box helps control the environment. Ensure it has good ventilation and reflective walls to maximize light exposure.
- Air Circulation: Use a small fan to ensure proper airflow and prevent mold. Good ventilation also keeps the temperature stable.
- Soil or Hydroponics: While autoflowers can grow in soil, hydroponic setups tend to yield faster growth and higher production. If using soil, choose a light, well-draining mix that’s rich in nutrients.
Outdoor Growing
- Location: Autoflowers can thrive outdoors as long as they receive plenty of light. Aim for at least 8-12 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Pots: If you’re growing in pots, choose ones that are at least 5-10 gallons to give the roots ample space to spread.
- Climate: Autoflowers are hardy but thrive best in mild, sunny conditions. Avoid planting during periods of extreme heat or cold.
3. Germinating Autoflower Seeds
Germination is the process of sprouting seeds before planting them in soil or a growing medium. There are a few methods for germinating autoflower seeds:
- Paper Towel Method: Place your seeds between two moist paper towels. Put the towels in a dark, warm place (around 70-85°F). Within 24-72 hours, you should see the seeds crack open and tiny roots emerge.
- Direct Soil Method: You can also plant the seeds directly into a small pot filled with soil. Keep the soil moist and the temperature warm until the seeds sprout.
Once the seeds have sprouted, it’s time to transplant them into their final growing medium.
4. Planting and Caring for Seedlings
When planting your seedlings, be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate roots. Place the seedlings about half an inch deep in the soil or growing medium and lightly cover them. Ensure the environment is warm and the humidity is around 60-70% during this stage.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering in small amounts frequently is better than heavy watering, which can drown the plant’s roots.
- Lighting: Place your grow lights about 18-24 inches above the seedlings to encourage healthy growth. Autoflowers don’t need changes in light cycles, so keep the lights on for 18-24 hours per day.
- Nutrients: Autoflowers don’t require heavy feeding, especially during the seedling stage. A light dose of nitrogen-rich fertilizer or growth nutrients can be introduced once the plants show a few leaves.
5. Vegetative Stage
After the seedling stage, your plants will enter the vegetative stage where they focus on growing larger and developing strong stems and leaves. During this period, your plants will need plenty of light, water, and nutrients.
- Lighting: Continue providing 18-24 hours of light per day.
- Watering: Increase watering as the plant grows, but ensure the soil drains well to avoid root rot.
- Nutrients: Use a fertilizer high in nitrogen to promote growth. Some growers opt for organic nutrients like compost tea or bat guano to feed their plants naturally.
The vegetative stage usually lasts around 2-4 weeks for autoflowers, after which the plant will start showing signs of flowering.
6. Flowering Stage
The flowering stage is where the magic happens. Autoflower cannabis plants will begin developing buds automatically, usually around 3-4 weeks after planting. You’ll notice pistils (white hairs) emerging from the nodes of the plant, signaling the beginning of flower production.
- Nutrients: Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to encourage bud growth and resin production. Be careful not to overfeed, as autoflowers are sensitive to nutrient burn.
- Watering: Continue regular watering, but avoid getting water directly on the buds to prevent mold growth.
- Lighting: Maintain the same light schedule of 18-24 hours per day.
As the plant progresses through flowering, the buds will grow larger and denser. Trichomes (small, resinous glands) will also begin to cover the buds, indicating potency.
7. Harvesting Autoflower Cannabis Plants
After about 8-10 weeks from seed to harvest, your autoflower cannabis plants will be ready to harvest. The best way to determine if your plants are ready is by observing the trichomes and pistils:
- Trichomes: Use a magnifying glass to inspect the trichomes. When the majority of them turn milky white and some are amber-colored, it’s time to harvest.
- Pistils: If the pistils are mostly orange or brown (about 70-90% of them), this is another sign that the plant is ready for harvest.
8. Drying and Curing Your Harvest
After harvesting, it’s important to properly dry and cure your buds to enhance flavor, potency, and shelf life:
- Drying: Hang the buds upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room for 7-10 days until they feel dry to the touch.
- Curing: Place the dried buds in airtight jars and store them in a cool, dark place. Open the jars once a day for the first week to release moisture, then once a week for the next 2-3 weeks.
Curing can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks but results in smoother, more flavorful buds.
Conclusion
Growing autoflower cannabis seeds is an ideal choice for beginners and those looking for a faster, more manageable cultivation experience. With the right setup, care, and attention, you can enjoy a successful harvest in as little as 8-10 weeks. Autoflowers are not only resilient and easy to grow, but they also offer a rewarding yield with minimal effort, making them a favorite among cannabis growers.
Whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors, autoflower cannabis offers a convenient way to cultivate high-quality buds in a short period. Happy growing!
