Autoflowering cannabis seeds continue to grow in popularity as more people realize how they simplify the marijuana-growing process. They are ready to harvest quickly. When using these seeds, a person can go from seed to harvest in less than two months.
What Are Autoflowering Strains?
Autoflowering strains were first developed in Russia in the 1940s. These seeds move into the flowering stage at a specific time, regardless of lighting conditions. People with little time to monitor their plants need autorflowering marijuana seeds so they don’t have to worry about changing the lighting conditions at a specific time. Photoperiod plants, in contrast, only move to the next stage of development when certain lighting conditions are met.
The Benefits of Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering seeds come in many varieties, so everyone can choose those they prefer. Because the growing season is short, the individual won’t need to expand the growing space while still benefiting from several varieties.
The autoflowering grow setup is more straightforward than seen with other seed types. There is no need for light-proof sealing of the grow room, and the same room can be used for all stages of growth. A grower might leave the lights on around the clock so the plant can continuously absorb CO2 for photosynthesis.
These plants are very robust, as they were developed to withstand harsh weather conditions during Russian winters. A power outage could significantly harm other cannabis seeds but not autoflowering varieties. The growth cycle continues uninterrupted.
Autoflowering strains come in small packages, so growers can easily conceal the plants from prying eyes. No support system is needed to hold up the branches as the buds expand. Autoflowering plants require less work on the part of the grower.
The Drawbacks of Autoflowering Strains
Autoflowering strains produce smaller yields than other seed types. Yields are always bigger when the plants grow outdoors, so consider this when choosing a setup. In addition, some strains offer lower potency.
Growers who want to clone their plants should choose photoperiod seeds rather than autoflowering ones. Autoflowering varieties typically produce small and underdeveloped specimens. These specimens tend to yield little marijuana.
Caring for Autoflowering Plants
Autoflowering strains need nutrients, as all plants do. Care must be taken, however, not to overfertilize them. The fertilizer must be designed for autoflowering strains, and the grower must micro-dose the plants. The plants need supplementation with enzymes and vitamin B to thrive.
The plants need training during the vegetative stage. Only use low-stress training with these plants to ensure all plants receive equal light. Take care to avoid breaking any plants when training them.
Growing Autoflowering Seeds
Growers must germinate autoflowering seeds and put them in the soil. Allow a few days for the seedlings to appear. Place the seedlings under LED lamps and begin nourishing the plants.
When the plant reaches the vegetative stage, ensure it is in a space where the temperature is 68 degrees, and the humidity remains at 50 percent. During this stage, the plants should be approximately six inches in height. They need daily watering and twice-weekly feedings.
The flowering stage begins during week five. It’s exciting to see the sticky, resinous buds appear. Raise the temperature to 71 degrees and lower the humidity to 45 percent. Continue watering the plants daily, feeding them twice a week, and adding supplements to the mix twice weekly.
When the plants are 12 inches tall, flowers will form. The flowers appear around week six. Lower the temperature to 68 degrees and the humidity to 40 percent. Increase feedings to three times a week. Focus on maintaining the environment over the next week and monitor the plants for pests and diseases.
Flush the plants as harvest time approaches. Give them nothing but water to allow the water to flush any remaining chemicals from the plants. Repeat this process multiple times during weeks nine and ten. Allow the soil time to dry between flushing. Trim the small fan leaves to reduce the risk of mold while allowing the plant to receive more light.
The final step is to harvest the buds and cure them. Plants are typically ready to harvest between weeks 10 and 12. Look for whitish trichomes and brownish-red pistils. Enjoy the results.