Autoflowering cannabis seeds have taken the world by storm in recent years, offering a unique growing experience that’s suitable for both beginners and experienced growers alike. If you’re new to the world of cannabis cultivation, or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, this article will tell you everything you need to know about autoflowering cannabis seeds.
What are Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are a type of cannabis seed that have been specifically bred to produce plants that flower automatically, without any need for a change in lighting schedules. This is in contrast to traditional photoperiod cannabis seeds, which require a specific light schedule to trigger flowering.
The benefits of autoflowering cannabis seeds are many. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to grow, making them ideal for beginners. They also tend to have shorter grow times and smaller overall sizes, making them perfect for those with limited space or time. Autoflowering strains are also generally more resistant to pests and diseases than their photoperiod counterparts, making them a great choice for outdoor growers.
How Do Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds Work?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are created by crossing a photoperiod cannabis strain with a ruderalis strain, a wild hemp plant that naturally flowers based on age rather than light cycles. The resulting offspring inherit the autoflowering trait from the ruderalis parent, meaning they will automatically flower after a set period of time, regardless of the light cycle they are exposed to.
This means that autoflowering cannabis seeds can be grown with a single light cycle throughout their entire life cycle, which can simplify the growing process and reduce energy costs. In fact, many autoflowering strains can be grown from start to finish using a simple 18/6 or 20/4 light schedule, making them ideal for growers who want to keep things simple.
What are the Pros and Cons of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?
As with any type of cannabis seed, there are both advantages and disadvantages to growing autoflowering cannabis seeds.
Advantages:
- Easy to grow, making them ideal for beginners
- Shorter grow times, allowing for faster harvests
- Smaller overall size, making them perfect for small spaces or stealth grows
- Less prone to pests and diseases, making them ideal for outdoor growing
- Can be grown with a simple light schedule, reducing energy costs
Disadvantages:
- Generally lower yields than photoperiod strains
- Limited options for breeding and genetics, as most autoflowering strains are hybrids
- Limited control over the vegetative stage, as autoflowering strains will automatically flower after a set period of time
Top Autoflowering Cannabis Strains
There are many different autoflowering cannabis strains on the market, each with its own unique set of characteristics and growing requirements. Some of the most popular autoflowering strains include:
- Northern Lights Auto: A classic strain with a fast flowering time and high yields
- Blueberry Auto: A flavorful strain with a relatively short flowering time
- Amnesia Haze Auto: A potent strain with a longer flowering time and higher yields
- Gorilla Glue Auto: A highly resinous strain with a powerful high
- AK-47 Auto: A well-rounded strain with a relatively short flowering time and high yields
Conclusion
Autoflowering cannabis seeds offer a unique and easy-to-grow option for cannabis cultivation, making them ideal for beginners and experienced growers alike. While there are some drawbacks to growing autoflowering strains, the benefits they offer in terms of simplicity, speed, and resistance make them a popular choice among many cannabis enthusiasts. With the right knowledge and growing techniques, you can unlock the full potential of these amazing seeds and enjoy a bountiful harvest of high-quality cannabis.