Autoflowering cannabis strains are a popular choice because they flower much quicker than their photoperiod counterparts, usually within 5 weeks.
Beginner growers love autoflowers because they are easy to maintain and can be kept smaller. This means that they can be grown in smaller spaces and with less expensive equipment than the traditional methods.
Autoflowers fall under the genus ruderalis and were originally found in the wild.
It was an interesting find because unlike traditional cannabis it would flower several times a year. It contained very little THC and it wasn’t until breeders started to mix the ruderalis with traditional Indica and Sativa varieties that autoflowering strains were born.
Yes, you can trick an autoflower into flowering. However, since most strains will flower within 5 weeks there is no need to do this. The only time you would want to trick your autoflowering cannabis plants is if it goes beyond 7 weeks without flowering.
If your plant requires that much time to flower, then there is either something wrong with the genetics or your climate is so far off that the plant is stressed.
To force your autoflower plant into flowering you simply need to change the light cycle to 12/12 light schedule and it’ll eventually start to flower.
If your plant is healthy, however, it can cause unneeded stress which will affect the yield potential.
What triggers autoflowering strains to flower?
Unlike cannabis from the Indica and Sativa genus that rely on photoperiods to dictate what stage of their life they are in, autoflowers do what their name entails, they automatically flower.
It’s best not to go under 16 hours of light for your plant as they can still get stressed if the light cycle is not long enough.
You can safely have your autoflowers at 24 hours of light so don’t worry about forgetting to turn off the lights.
Why would you want to force your autoflower into flowering?
There really is no reason that you’d want to force your plants into flowering if they are autoflowers. They already have a shortened life cycle and produce bud much quicker.
Sometimes, though, you get stuck with poor genetics which can lead to deficiencies within the plant that cause it to flower later, or not at all.
Changing the photoperiod to 12/12 lighting will still trigger your autoflower into producing flowers, but it might also cause a plant to hermaphrodite or produce seeds.
It’s recommended that you let your plant do its thing
While manipulating the photoperiod will ultimately get your autoflower plant to start producing flowers, it is not necessarily something you want to do to your plant. The added stress will most likely set your plants’ growth back by a week or more.
You’ll need to assess the plant’s health and ensure that you have every other aspect of the grow dialed in.
Nutrients, temperature, and humidity will need to be kept in balance so your autoflower doesn’t need to work any harder than it needs to.
As an enthusiast deeply entrenched in the world of cannabis cultivation, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of autoflowering cannabis strains, shedding light on their unique characteristics and the cultivation techniques associated with them.
First and foremost, the allure of autoflowering cannabis lies in its rapid flowering process, typically occurring within a short span of 5 weeks. This distinctive feature is a result of the genetic makeup, as autoflowers belong to the ruderalis genus. Originally discovered in the wild, ruderalis exhibited the remarkable ability to flower multiple times a year, distinguishing it from traditional cannabis varieties.
One must acknowledge the appeal of autoflowers to novice cultivators. Their ease of maintenance and ability to thrive in smaller spaces with less expensive equipment make them an attractive choice for beginners. This adaptability stems from their compact size, a trait that sets them apart from their photoperiod counterparts.
The evolution of autoflowering strains is a fascinating journey involving the hybridization of ruderalis with traditional Indica and Sativa varieties. This marriage of genetics gave birth to autoflowering strains, showcasing a blend of unique traits inherited from each parent.
A notable aspect is the ability to manipulate the flowering process, though it's generally unnecessary given the swift flowering of most autoflowering strains within 5 weeks. However, if a plant exceeds 7 weeks without flowering, intervention may be required. The process involves inducing flowering by changing the light cycle to a 12/12 schedule. Despite its efficacy, this practice should be approached cautiously, as it may induce stress and impact yield potential, especially if the plant is already healthy.
Understanding the triggers for autoflowering strains to flower is crucial. Unlike their photoperiod counterparts, autoflowers don't rely on specific light cycles and instead automatically initiate flowering. Maintaining a light cycle of at least 16 hours is recommended to prevent stress, but the plants can tolerate a continuous 24-hour light cycle without adverse effects.
Forcing autoflowers into flowering is generally discouraged, given their natural propensity for rapid bud production. However, instances of poor genetics may necessitate intervention. It's important to note that manipulating the light cycle can lead to unintended consequences, such as hermaphroditism or seed production.
In conclusion, while manipulating the photoperiod can induce flowering in autoflowers, it is not a practice to be taken lightly. The added stress may hinder overall growth, necessitating careful consideration of the plant's health and optimal environmental conditions, including nutrients, temperature, and humidity, to ensure a successful cultivation journey.
