What is an autoflower?
An autoflower plant automatically enters the flowering stage from vegetative after a certain period of time. Unlike other cannabis strains, autoflowers don’t need a specific light cycle to flower. This makes them considered to be easy to grow. The average cannabis plant grown indoors is harvested in 3-5 months while autoflowers are ready in 7-10 weeks.
Autoflowers cannot be cloned!
Why choose an autoflower over a traditional strain?
Autoflowers can be easier for inexperienced growers and are often a good starting point to getting into cannabis growing.
Advantages
- They can be grown outdoors without worrying about the 12 hour light cycle
- They require less nutrients to grow
They flower quicker than photoperiod strains which results in product faster
They are smaller and more discreet than other strains of cannabis
They are high in CBD
They are strong and resilient plants. Autoflowers can grow almost anywhere and with limited assistance.
Autoflowers will flower at any time of year!
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Disadvantages
High in CBD, but often lower THC content
They produce a small yield
Some consumers dislike the taste, smell, and high that comes from an autoflower plant
Cannot be cloned
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Where did autoflowers come from?
Autoflowering strains are one of the most interesting things to happen to cannabis genetics in a long time! Autoflowers come from C. Ruderalis, a cannabis strain native to Russia and Eastern Europe. Because of the harsh climates and short growing seasons, ruderalis evolved to be a hearty plant that can flower without the shorter days required by photoperiod cannabis strains, sativa and indica.
Ruderalis tends to be low in THC, however, plant breeders have taken it and crossed it with high potency sativa and indica strains. After several generations of crosses and back crosses, have achieved strains that are both high in THC, and will flower without the need of a 12 hour light cycle. Autoflowers grown in northern climates can be put into the ground outdoors and a plant with a high quality end product will grow without the shorter days signalling fall time.
Autoflowers generally result in a smaller yield compared to photoperiod cannabis.
Because the lifecycle of autoflowers is different from traditional strains, feeding can be confusing for some growers. There is a wide amount of genetic variation amongst different autoflower strains which makes it tough to publish a universal feeding schedule.
Autoflower Feeding Schedule
These are a few general things to try:
- After the seedling emerges from the ground and sprouts the second set of true leaves (the ones with the jagged edges not the ones with the smooth edges which are the cotyledons), feed with 1/4 strength of the recommended rate of week 1.
- Once the plant has started to develop finger leaves, the dosage can be increased to what is recommended for week 1 of vegetative growth.
- Like any other type of plant, adjust fertilizer strength based on the plant’s reaction. If it has a pale colour, you should add more fertilizer. If the leaves begin to curl or you see signs of tip burn, you should scale back the amount of additives.
- Once the plants show signs of flowering, immediately switch to the feeding program to week 1 of flowering.
- Since these plants are generally on the small side a weaker regiment can be used. Try at 80% of the recommended dosage with a maximum of 1000 PPM (0.5 scale). Here again observe the plants, your strain might accept higher doses but be cautious at first.
Check out our Autoflower Feeding ScheduleHERE
Due to variations in genetics and the growing environment, it is difficult for fertilizer manufacturers to produce a feeding schedule that will be perfect in every situation. You should be flexible in how you apply your fertilizer! Most importantly, watch how your plants react to what they’re being fed.
Between these suggestions and our regular feeding schedule, you should be able to tweak your feedings enough to get some great results!
For beginner cannabis growers, autoflowers are generally recommendedas theyare easy to grow and very forgiving!
If you are new to growing,Future Harvest offers our Easy Grow + and Easy Bloom + powdered nutrients. They are a 1 step, pH stable, complete nutrient formula. It provides you with all 12 essential nutrients and sugars. Growing an autoflower plant with our Easy Grow and Bloom is basically foolproof. Even for the most inexperienced growers!
Good luck! And remember you can always reach out to @futureharvestdevelopments on instagram if you have any questionsor need advice.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of cannabis cultivation, I bring to you a wealth of first-hand expertise and a profound understanding of the concepts related to autoflowering plants. My journey into this specialized realm involves not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in growing autoflowers. Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article.
Autoflower Overview:
Definition: An autoflower plant is one that automatically transitions from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage after a specific period, independent of light cycles. Unlike traditional cannabis strains, autoflowers do not require a specific light cycle to initiate flowering.
Growth Duration: Autoflowers boast a significantly shorter growth period, typically maturing in 7-10 weeks, compared to the 3-5 months needed for indoor cultivation of average cannabis plants.
Cloning Limitation: One distinctive feature is that autoflowers cannot be cloned, setting them apart from other cannabis strains.
Advantages of Autoflowers:
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Ease of Growing: Ideal for inexperienced growers, providing a simpler entry point into cannabis cultivation.
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Outdoor Versatility: Can be grown outdoors without the need to worry about the 12-hour light cycle.
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Reduced Nutrient Requirements: Autoflowers demand fewer nutrients compared to photoperiod strains.
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Quick Flowering: Rapid flowering results in a faster product turnaround.
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Compact Size: Smaller and more discreet compared to other cannabis strains.
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High CBD Content: Autoflowers often have higher CBD levels.
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Resilience: These plants are strong and can thrive in various conditions with minimal assistance.
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Year-Round Flowering: Autoflowers can flower at any time of the year.
Disadvantages of Autoflowers:
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THC Content: While high in CBD, autoflowers may have lower THC content.
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Small Yield: Autoflowers tend to produce a smaller yield compared to photoperiod cannabis.
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Taste and Smell: Some consumers may dislike the taste, smell, and high associated with autoflower plants.
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Inability to Clone: The inability to clone is a significant drawback.
Origin of Autoflowers:
Autoflowers trace their origins to C. Ruderalis, a cannabis strain native to Russia and Eastern Europe. Ruderalis evolved to thrive in harsh climates with short growing seasons, allowing it to flower without the need for shorter days. Plant breeders have crossed Ruderalis with high-potency sativa and indica strains, resulting in autoflowers with high THC content and the ability to flower without a 12-hour light cycle.
Autoflower Feeding Schedule:
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Seedling Stage: Feed with 1/4 strength of the recommended rate in week 1.
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Vegetative Growth: Increase dosage when the plant develops finger leaves.
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Flowering Stage: Switch to the feeding program for week 1 of flowering.
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Caution in Dosage: Adjust fertilizer strength based on the plant's reaction. Monitor for signs of deficiency or excess.
Fertilizer Considerations:
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Genetic Variation: Due to genetic differences, a universal feeding schedule is challenging to establish.
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Flexibility: Fertilizer application should be flexible, considering variations in genetics and the growing environment.
Beginner-Friendly Recommendation:
For novice cannabis growers, autoflowers are often recommended due to their ease of cultivation and forgiveness. Future Harvest provides Easy Grow + and Easy Bloom + powdered nutrients, offering a one-step, pH-stable, complete nutrient formula for foolproof autoflower cultivation.
In conclusion, with the insights provided, you are well-equipped to embark on a successful journey into the world of autoflower cultivation. Best of luck, and feel free to reach out for advice or questions at @futureharvestdevelopments on Instagram. Happy growing!
