What is Autoflower Seeds? A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Cannabis

What Are Autoflowering Seeds?

Autoflowering seeds are a unique type of cannabis seed that automatically transitions from the vegetative phase to the flowering phase based on the plant's age rather than light cycles. 

This trait sets them apart from regular seeds, which need specific light schedules, and feminized seeds, which guarantee female plants but still require light changes to trigger flowering. Understanding what are autoflowering seeds involves recognizing their non-photoperiod nature, meaning they flower without needing alterations in light exposure.

 

The genetic background of what is auto flower seeds can be traced to Cannabis ruderalis, a resilient species known for its ability to thrive in harsh environments and for its compact size. 

By combining these genetics with indica or sativa strains, breeders have created what are autoflower seeds commonly used today. These seeds offer a simplified growing process for cultivators of all experience levels, allowing for easier management and more consistent results.

How Do Autoflower Seeds Work?

Autoflower seeds work by flowering automatically, typically within two to four weeks of growth, independent of light exposure. This means what is autoflower seeds stands out as a non-photoperiod strain, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a straightforward cultivation process. 

The entire growth cycle, from planting to harvest, usually takes around ten weeks, which is quicker than many traditional methods.

Original Glue Autoflower

A major benefit of what are auto-flowering seeds is that they are usually feminized, eliminating the need to identify and remove male plants. Additionally, these plants tend to stay small, generally reaching heights of 30 to 100 cm, which makes them suitable for discreet growing setups. 

Due to their rapid growth and compact size, multiple harvests per season are achievable, maximizing yields. This shows what is auto flower seeds appeal to growers looking for efficient and practical cultivation solutions.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Autoflowering Seeds

Autoflowering seeds offer several advantages and some downsides that growers should consider. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons to help you understand what does autoflower mean and if it’s the right choice for your cultivation needs.

Benefits of Autoflowering Seeds:

• Quick Harvest Time: Autoflowering seeds typically complete their growth cycle in about 10 weeks, allowing for faster harvests compared to traditional photoperiod strains. This enables multiple harvests within a single season.
• Automatic Flowering: Since what are auto flower seeds flower based on age, they don’t require specific light schedules, making them easier to manage, especially for beginners.
• Compact Size: These plants generally grow between 30–100 cm tall, making them suitable for small or discreet growing spaces.
• Resilient Genetics: Originating from Cannabis ruderalis, autoflowers are hardy and can withstand colder climates or less ideal conditions better than some other strains.
• Feminized Options Available: Most autoflower seeds are feminized, which means you don’t have to worry about male plants pollinating your crop.

Aurora Indica Autoflower

Drawbacks of Autoflowering Seeds:

• Lower Yields: Autoflowering plants tend to produce smaller yields compared to regular or photoperiod strains due to their compact size.
• Limited Control Over Flowering Time: Once they start flowering, you cannot extend the vegetative phase to increase plant size or yields.
• Less Potent: Some auto-flowering strains may have lower THC levels compared to photoperiod strains, though recent breeding improvements have narrowed this gap.

Understanding these pros and cons gives a clearer picture of what is autoflower seeds and helps growers decide if the benefits align with their cultivation goals.

Autoflower Seeds vs. Other Cannabis Seeds

Autoflower seeds, regular seeds, and feminized seeds each have unique advantages and specific use cases. Here’s a breakdown to help understand what are auto flower seeds, how they compare to other cannabis seeds, and when each type is best used.

Light Requirements

Autoflower seeds flower based on age, typically within two to four weeks, meaning auto flowering seeds don’t need light schedule changes to trigger flowering. This makes them suitable for beginners or growers seeking a low-maintenance option. In contrast, regular and feminized seeds rely on specific light cycles to switch from the vegetative to flowering phase, requiring more attention to lighting conditions.

Growth Time

Autoflowering seeds usually complete their growth cycle in 8–10 weeks from planting to harvest. This rapid turnaround makes them ideal for growers aiming for multiple harvests per year or those with short growing seasons. Regular and feminized seeds, with longer growth phases, may take 3–6 months to reach maturity, making them more appropriate for long-term outdoor grows or growers who prefer extended vegetative phases to increase plant size and yields.

Autoflowering seeds usually complete their growth cycle in 8–10 weeks.

Plant Size

Autoflowering plants are generally smaller, growing to about 30–100 cm. This compact size is perfect for discreet indoor setups, limited spaces, or outdoor growers seeking stealthy cultivation. Regular and feminized seeds, on the other hand, can produce larger plants with greater yield potential, suitable for outdoor spaces where height is not a concern.

Yield and Potency

While autoflowering plants provide a quicker harvest, they tend to yield less than regular or feminized strains because of their smaller size. However, advancements in breeding have increased the potency of autoflower strains, making them more competitive in THC levels. Regular and feminized seeds often offer higher yields and potency but require more time and resources.

Ideal Use Cases for Each Seed Type

• Autoflower Seeds: Best for growers who want a fast and simple grow with minimal maintenance. Ideal for beginners, those with limited space, or anyone seeking quick multiple harvests. Great for short growing seasons or discreet outdoor grows.
• Regular Seeds: Suitable for experienced growers interested in breeding projects or growing male and female plants. Ideal for long-term outdoor cultivation where space is abundant and the grower can take full advantage of the extended vegetative phase.
• Feminized Seeds: Perfect for growers who want to focus on producing buds without worrying about male plants. Best for those who want higher yields and have more time to dedicate to managing light cycles.

Ak-48 Autoflower

Summary of Differences:

Feature	Autoflower Seeds	Regular/Feminized Seeds
Flowering Trigger	Age-based (auto flowering)	Light cycle-dependent
Growth Cycle	8–10 weeks	3–6 months
Plant Size	30–100 cm	Typically taller, varies by strain
Maintenance	Low, no light schedule changes needed	Medium to high, light cycles needed
Ideal Use Cases	Beginners, stealthy grows, quick harvests	Experienced growers, breeding, high yields

Understanding these aspects provides a clearer picture of what is autoflower seeds and when to choose them over other cannabis seed types.

Best Practices for Growing Autoflowering Cannabis

Growing auto-flowering cannabis can be rewarding if you follow best practices that optimize their unique traits. Understanding what are auto flower seeds and their specific requirements will help you achieve healthy plants and maximize your yields.

Optimal Growing Conditions

Autoflowering seeds thrive in environments that provide optimal light, temperature, and humidity. For indoor grows, maintain a consistent light schedule of 18-24 hours of light daily throughout the entire growth cycle. This helps to maximize growth and encourages the plants to flower. Using full-spectrum LED lights is ideal, as they provide the necessary spectrum for both vegetative and flowering stages.

Temperature plays a crucial role in plant health. Aim to keep your growing area between 20-26°C (68-78°F) during the day and slightly cooler at night. Maintaining proper humidity levels is equally important; during the vegetative phase, humidity should be around 60%, while in the flowering stage, it should drop to 40-50% to prevent mold and mildew.

The appropriate temperature of growing auto flower seeds.

Soil quality is another critical factor. Use well-draining soil enriched with organic matter to provide essential nutrients. Consider using a nutrient mix designed specifically for cannabis, as this will cater to the unique needs of auto-flowering plants. Additionally, avoid over-fertilizing; auto-flowering strains are more sensitive to nutrient burn due to their shorter life cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for New Growers

New growers often make mistakes that can hinder the success of their auto-flowering plants.

Avoid these mistakes while your  auto-flowering seeds (Source)

Not providing enough light. Since auto flowering plants rely on consistent light to thrive, insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and lower yields. Always ensure your plants receive adequate lighting throughout their entire life cycle.

• Neglecting to monitor water levels. Autoflowering plants have a smaller root system and require careful watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can stress the plant. Aim for a watering schedule that keeps the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Implementing excessive training techniques, such as topping or heavy defoliation. Autoflowering plants have a short life span, so aggressive training can hinder their growth. Instead, consider gentle training methods like low-stress training (LST) to encourage better light penetration without stressing the plants.

By creating optimal growing conditions and avoiding common pitfalls, you can successfully cultivate robust auto-flowering cannabis plants. Understanding what is autoflower seeds and their specific needs will lead to a more productive and enjoyable growing experience.