Are you interested in growing cannabis but don’t have the luxury of a long growing season? Do you want to grow marijuana discreetly in a small space? If yes, then growing auto flower marijuana might be the perfect solution for you. In this guide, we’ll take you through the process of growing auto flower cannabis, including the difference between auto and photoperiod strains, growing conditions, and mistakes to avoid.
What are Auto Flower Marijuana Seeds?
Auto flower cannabis is a type of cannabis plant that automatically starts flowering after a certain period, typically 2-4 weeks after germination, regardless of the amount of light the plant receives. This means you can grow autoflowers under any light cycle, including 24 hours of light, making them ideal for indoor growing. Auto flower seeds are created by crossing a photoperiod strain with a Ruderalis plant, a cannabis variety that naturally flowers based on age instead of light.
Auto vs. Photoperiod Strains
Photoperiod strains are the most common type of cannabis plants and require a specific light cycle to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage. They need a minimum of 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness to start producing buds. This means you need to control the light cycle in your grow room, which can be time-consuming and requires extra equipment. Auto flower strains, on the other hand, don’t need a specific light cycle, making them easier and faster to grow. They usually have a shorter life cycle than photoperiod strains, typically taking 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest.
Autoflower Grow Guide: Optimal Autoflower Growing Conditions
Auto flower plants are easy to grow, but they still require specific growing conditions to thrive. Here are some factors to consider when growing autoflowering cannabis:
- Soil: Use high-quality soil with good drainage and aeration. If you prefer to grow hydroponically, make sure to choose a suitable substrate.
- Light: LED grow lights are the best option for growing auto flower plants, as they produce less heat and use less energy than other lighting options. Make sure to provide your plants with at least 18 hours of light per day.
- Temperature: Auto flower plants prefer a warm environment with temperatures ranging between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day and 15-20°C (59-68°F) at night.
- Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of around 50-60% during the vegetative stage and decrease it to 40-50% during the flowering stage.
- Nutrients: Auto flower plants have a shorter growing period than photoperiod plants, so they require a specific feeding schedule. Check out our autoflower feeding schedules page for more information.
- Watering: Avoid overwatering your plants, as this can lead to root rot. Make sure to water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
Growing Auto-flower Plants – Autoflower Week by Week
Now that you know the basics of growing auto flower cannabis let’s dive into the growing process, week by week.
Week 1-3: Germination and Seedling Stage
During the first week, you’ll want to ensure that your seeds have enough moisture and warmth to germinate. Once they sprout, you’ll need to provide them with a light source and a warm environment. Keep the light close to the seedlings to prevent stretching.
Week 4-5: Autoflower Guide to the Vegetative Stage
During this stage, your plants will start to grow their first set of leaves. At this point, you’ll want to gradually increase the light intensity and start feeding your plants with a balanced nutrient solution.
Week 5-7: Flowering Stage
This is the most exciting stage, as your plants will start to produce buds. You’ll notice that your plants will grow much taller and will need more nutrients than during the vegetative stage. At this point, you may want to switch to a bloom nutrient solution to provide your plants with the necessary nutrients to produce big, resinous buds.
Week 8-12: Harvest Time
After 8-12 weeks, depending on the strain, it’s time to harvest your auto flower plants. You’ll know that your plants are ready for harvest when the pistils start to turn brown, and the trichomes on the buds are cloudy or amber-colored.
Harvest your plants by cutting them at the base and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation. Once your plants are dry, you can trim the buds and store them in airtight containers.
Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Auto Flower Marijuana
- Overfeeding: Auto flower plants have a shorter life cycle than photoperiod plants, which means they are more sensitive to overfeeding. Follow a feeding schedule and avoid adding too many nutrients at once.
- Overwatering: Water your plants when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill your plants.
- Poor Lighting: LED grow lights are the best option for growing auto flower plants. Make sure your plants get at least 18 hours of light per day and keep the light close to the plants to prevent stretching. Autoflower LED grow guide coming soon…
- Bad Genetics: Choose high-quality auto flower seeds from reputable seed banks like Greenpoint Seeds or Seed City.
- Not Enough Space: Auto flower plants can grow tall, so make sure you have enough space in your grow room. If you have a small grow room, consider growing smaller auto flower strains or
bigger auto yields.
Auto Flower vs. Photoperiod Strains: Which One Should You Choose?
Both auto flower and photoperiod strains have their pros and cons. Auto flower strains are easier and faster to grow, making them perfect for beginners and growers with limited space. They also don’t require a specific light cycle, however, unlocking the auto flower light cycle for the given strain you are growing would certainly help yield and growth rate. However, auto flower strains typically have lower yields and may not produce as potent buds as photoperiod strains.
Photoperiod strains, on the other hand, require a specific light cycle, which can be time-consuming and requires extra equipment. However, they usually have higher yields and produce more potent buds than auto flower strains.
Ultimately, the choice between auto flower and photoperiod strains depends on your personal preferences and growing conditions. If you want a quick and easy growing process, go for auto flower strains. If you have more time and resources and want to produce bigger yields and potent buds, go for photoperiod strains.
Growing Auto Flower Marijuana FAQs
What is autoflower marijuana, and how is it different from regular cannabis strains?
Autoflower marijuana is a type of cannabis that automatically flowers after a set period, typically 2-4 weeks from planting, regardless of light exposure. This is different from regular cannabis strains, which require a specific light cycle to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage.
What are the benefits of growing autoflower marijuana?
Autoflower marijuana has a shorter grow cycle than regular cannabis strains, taking anywhere from 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest. They also tend to be smaller in size, making them suitable for growing in smaller spaces. Autoflower strains are also known to be more resistant to pests, diseases, and harsh weather conditions.
Can autoflower marijuana be grown indoors and outdoors?
Yes, autoflower marijuana can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They are particularly popular among indoor growers because of their small size and quick growth cycle. However, they can also thrive outdoors, especially in warmer climates with long summer days. Read more about outdoor autoflower strains.
How do I germinate autoflower marijuana seeds?
To germinate autoflower marijuana seeds, start by soaking them in water for 12-24 hours until they sink to the bottom. Then, place the seeds in a damp paper towel and store them in a warm, dark place for 2-3 days until they sprout. Once the seeds have sprouted, plant them in soil or another growing medium.
What are some popular autoflower marijuana strains?
Some popular autoflower marijuana strains include Amnesia Haze Automatic, Blue Dream Auto, Northern Lights Auto, and Sour Diesel Auto. However, there are many different autoflower strains available, each with its own unique characteristics and effects.
Wrapping Up…
Auto flower cannabis is an easy and fast-growing alternative to photoperiod strains, making it perfect for beginners and growers with limited space. By following the right growing conditions and avoiding common mistakes, you can grow high-quality auto flower buds in no time. Whether you prefer to grow indoors or outdoors, there are plenty of autoflowering varieties to choose from. So why not start growing auto flower marijuana today and enjoy the growing process and the benefits of growing your own cannabis
