Cannabis cultivation has witnessed significant growth and diversification in recent years, with numerous options available to novice and experienced growers alike.
One of the most talked-about innovations in the world of cannabis is autoflowering seeds. As more and more people become interested in growing their own cannabis, the question arises: are autoflowering cannabis seeds any good?
In this blog post, we will delve deep into the subject matter, providing a detailed and evidence-backed explanation of what autoflowering cannabis seeds are, how they work, their primary benefits, possible drawbacks, and what customers should look for when purchasing them.
By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to decide whether autoflowering cannabis seeds are the right choice for your cultivation needs.
What are Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are a type of cannabis seed that produces plants capable of transitioning from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage automatically, without the need for specific changes in light exposure. This is in contrast to photoperiod cannabis seeds, which require a change in the light cycle to trigger the flowering stage, and regular cannabis seeds, which can produce either male or female plants and depend on the light cycle for flowering.
The unique characteristic of autoflowering seeds comes from their genetic makeup, which includes the influence of Cannabis ruderalis. Ruderalis is a subspecies of cannabis that naturally grows in regions with shorter summers and less consistent daylight hours, such as Northern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia. Over time, ruderalis plants have adapted to these conditions by developing the ability to flower automatically based on age rather than relying on changes in the light cycle.
By crossing ruderalis genetics with other cannabis strains, breeders have created autoflowering versions of popular strains that retain desirable characteristics, such as flavor, aroma, and potency, while inheriting the autoflowering trait. This has led to a wide range of autoflowering cannabis seeds available today, offering growers an alternative option to traditional photoperiod and regular seeds.
“One of the most significant advantages of autoflowering seeds is their ease of cultivation, making them an excellent choice for beginners.”
How Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds Work
To understand how autoflowering cannabis seeds work, it’s essential to grasp the growth cycle of cannabis plants and the role light plays in their development.
Growth Cycle of Autoflowering Plants
Cannabis plants typically go through several stages during their life cycle: germination, seedling, vegetative, and flowering. In photoperiod plants, the transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage is triggered by a change in light exposure – precisely, when the amount of darkness per day reaches a certain threshold.
However, autoflowering plants have a different approach. As mentioned earlier, their genetic makeup, influenced by Cannabis ruderalis, allows them to transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage automatically without relying on changes in light exposure. Instead, autoflowering plants begin flowering based on age, usually within 2-4 weeks after germination. This leads to a significantly shorter growth cycle compared to photoperiod plants.
Role of Light Cycles in Autoflowering vs. Photoperiod Cannabis Plants
In photoperiod cannabis plants, growers must carefully manage the light cycle to ensure they enter the flowering stage at the right time. This usually involves providing 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness during the vegetative stage and switching to a 12/12 light-dark cycle to induce flowering. The entire process can be quite delicate, as even minor disruptions in the light cycle can cause issues such as delayed flowering or stress-induced hermaphroditism.
On the other hand, autoflowering cannabis plants do not rely on light cycles to trigger the flowering stage. Throughout their life cycle, they can grow under a consistent light schedule, such as 18/6 or 20/4. This eliminates the need for growers to monitor and adjust light cycles, making the cultivation process more straightforward, especially for beginners.
Advantages of Shorter Flowering Times
One of the main benefits of autoflowering cannabis seeds is their shorter flowering times. Autoflowering plants typically complete their entire growth cycle within 8-12 weeks from germination, whereas photoperiod plants can take anywhere from 12-24 weeks or even longer, depending on the strain and environmental factors.
This faster growth cycle allows growers to harvest their crops sooner and potentially enjoy multiple harvests within a single growing season. It also reduces the overall time and resources required for cultivation, making autoflowering plants an attractive option for those looking for a quicker and more efficient way to grow cannabis.
Primary Benefits of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
Autoflowering cannabis seeds offer several unique advantages, making them an attractive option for various growers. Let’s take a closer look at some of the primary benefits of these seeds.
Easy Cultivation for Beginners
One of the most significant advantages of autoflowering seeds is their ease of cultivation, making them an excellent choice for beginners. As these plants do not rely on light cycles to trigger flowering, growers do not need to monitor and adjust light schedules meticulously. This dramatically simplifies the growing process and reduces the risk of errors related to light management.
Additionally, autoflowering plants are generally less sensitive to minor temperature, humidity, and pH fluctuations compared to photoperiod plants, which can be particularly beneficial for novice growers still learning the ropes of cannabis cultivation.
Shorter Growth Cycle
As mentioned earlier, autoflowering plants have a shorter growth cycle than their photoperiod counterparts. They typically complete their entire life cycle within 8-12 weeks from germination, allowing growers to harvest their crops sooner. This accelerated growth rate can lead to multiple harvests in a single growing season, increasing overall yield and efficiency for the grower.
Compact Plant Size
Autoflowering plants are known for their compact size, often reaching heights of only 1-3 feet. This more diminutive stature makes them an ideal choice for growers with limited space or those seeking discretion in their cultivation efforts. The compact size also simplifies tasks such as pruning, training, and pest control, making overall autoflowering plants easier to manage.
Resilience and Adaptability
Autoflowering plants are known for their resilience and adaptability, partly thanks to their ruderalis genetics. They are generally more resistant to pests, diseases, and varying environmental conditions than photoperiod plants, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor growing. This hardiness can be particularly beneficial for growers in regions with shorter growing seasons or less-than-ideal weather conditions, as autoflowering plants are more likely to thrive despite these challenges.
Overall, the primary benefits of autoflowering cannabis seeds make them an attractive option for a wide range of growers, from beginners to experienced cultivators seeking a more efficient and low-maintenance alternative to traditional photoperiod plants.
Possible Drawbacks of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
While autoflowering cannabis seeds offer several advantages, they also have potential drawbacks. Growers must weigh these factors when deciding whether autoflowering seeds are the right choice for their cultivation needs.
Lower THC Levels
One possible drawback of autoflowering cannabis plants is that some strains may have lower THC levels than their photoperiod counterparts. This is due to the influence of ruderalis genetics, which typically has lower THC concentrations. However, it’s worth noting that many modern autoflowering strains have been bred to maintain high THC levels, and some even rival the potency of photoperiod strains. Growers seeking high-THC autoflowering plants should carefully research available strains and choose ones known for their potency.
Smaller Yields
Autoflowering plants generally produce smaller yields than photoperiod plants due to their compact size and shorter growth cycle. While this might be fine for casual or personal-use growers, it could concern those seeking to maximize their harvest. However, the ability to grow multiple crops within a single growing season can help offset this drawback by increasing overall yield over time.
Limited Cloning Potential
Another potential downside of autoflowering plants is their limited cloning potential. Because autoflowering plants have a short life cycle and begin flowering based on age, cloned cuttings from these plants will also start flowering at the same point in their life cycle as the parent plant. This makes it challenging to maintain a specific genetic lineage through cloning, as the cuttings will often need more time to develop a robust root system before entering the flowering stage.
Photoperiod plants might be a more suitable option for growers looking to maintain a particular strain or phenotype through cloning. However, this drawback may be a minor issue for those who prefer starting from seeds or are not concerned with cloning.
In conclusion, while autoflowering cannabis seeds has several potential drawbacks, many can be mitigated through careful strain selection and growing practices. Growers must consider their specific cultivation goals and preferences when deciding whether autoflowering seeds are the right choice for their needs.
What to Look for When Purchasing Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
When shopping for autoflowering cannabis seeds, you must consider several factors to select the best strains and seeds for your cultivation needs. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind when purchasing autoflowering seeds:
Reliable Seed Bank or Breeder
One of the most critical factors when buying autoflowering cannabis seeds is choosing a reputable seed bank or breeder. A reliable source will offer high-quality, genetically stable seeds that have been properly stored and handled. Look for seed banks and breeders with positive reviews, a good reputation within the cannabis community, and transparent information about their breeding practices and seed quality.
Strain Selection
With numerous autoflowering strains available on the market, selecting a strain that meets your specific needs and preferences is crucial. Consider factors such as:
- Potency: If you’re looking for a high-THC strain, research the average THC levels of the autoflowering strains you’re considering and choose one known for its potency.
- Flavor and aroma: Different strains offer varying flavor profiles and aromas. Choose a strain that appeals to your taste preferences.
- Medical benefits: If you’re growing cannabis for medicinal purposes, research the potential therapeutic benefits of various strains and select one that aligns with your needs.
- Growing difficulty: Some strains may be more challenging to grow than others. If you’re a beginner or prefer low-maintenance plants, opt for an autoflowering strain known for its ease of cultivation.
Seed Quality
High-quality seeds will increase your chances of successful germination and healthy plant development. When purchasing autoflowering cannabis seeds, look for seeds that are:
- Dark brown or gray with a hard, glossy surface
- Free from visible cracks or damage
- Consistent in size and shape
Avoid green, pale, or soft seeds, which are often immature and less likely to germinate successfully.
Feminized Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering seeds can be either regular or feminized. Regular autoflowering seeds have a roughly equal chance of producing male or female plants, while feminized autoflowering seeds are bred to produce almost exclusively female plants. As female plants are the ones that produce the desired flowers rich in cannabinoids, it’s generally recommended to choose feminized autoflowering seeds to maximize your harvest potential.
Considering these factors when purchasing autoflowering cannabis seeds, you’ll be better equipped to select high-quality seeds and strains that align with your cultivation goals and preferences.
Are Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds Worth It?
Ultimately, whether autoflowering cannabis seeds are worth depends on your individual cultivation goals, preferences, and experience level. Autoflowering seeds offer several advantages that make them an attractive option for many growers:
- Simplified cultivation process
- Shorter growth cycle
- Compact plant size
- Resilience and adaptability
These benefits can appeal to beginner growers, those with limited space, or cultivators looking for a more efficient and low-maintenance alternative to traditional photoperiod plants.
However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks of autoflowering seeds as well:
- Lower THC levels in some strains
- Smaller yields
- Limited cloning potential
For some growers, these drawbacks may outweigh the benefits, making photoperiod plants more suitable for their needs.
In conclusion, autoflowering cannabis seeds can be worth it for many growers, but it ultimately depends on individual preferences and cultivation goals.
By carefully researching available strains and seed quality and considering the advantages and drawbacks of autoflowering seeds, you can decide whether they’re the right choice for your cannabis cultivation journey. I know for me it’s the best choice!