Autoflowering cannabis seeds combine the genetics of sativa, indica (or hybrids of them) with cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis ruderalis is a variety very few people know about because it is naturally smaller, with smaller buds that produce very little to no THC.
Autoflowering plants don’t rely on the amount of light available each day to enter the flowering stage. This independence means you can harvest outdoor-grown mature buds several times a year. How do you do it?
Pros and Cons of Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflowering seeds are typically a mixture of cannabis sativa or indica with cannabis ruderalis, a species native to Russia . People don’t grow cannabis ruderalis on its own because it typically lacks a high degree of THC content. But because this species grows automatically after seven weeks and fares well in cold weather, these traits have made them desirable to use for interbreeding.
People who are just starting out on the exciting journey of growing their own cannabis would be well advised to opt for autoflowering cannabis seeds. They are easier and less demanding to grow than photoperiod regular strains.
An autoflowering cannabis strain switches from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage automatically instead of requiring closely timed hours of light and dark. Photoperiod flowering seeds start to bloom after the summer solstice, while autoflowering seeds flower after a specific phase of the development period. In other words, they grow automatically (hence their name, “autoflowering”) when they reach the right size.
Autoflower is appropriately named, considering the definition means that the seeds will automatically flower. The autoflower varieties have a shorter ‘veg’ state that is normally standard for cannabis plants grown from standard seeds or clones. This also means, unlike normal cannabis plants, autoflower seeds don’t depend on light cycles (or periods of darkness) to begin flowering.
What is the difference?
The latest trend in the growing world of weed, has come in the seed form. Or, autoflowering seeds. These seeds like many food products we see nowadays, have been genetically modified to perform quicker – or better. But come at a hefty price. Are they really worth it? Let’s review the differences between growing from seed and autoflower seeds and see which makes sense for your next plots.
Due to the advanced nature or modifications of autoflower seeds, they are more expensive than typical seeds. So, now that you know what an autoflower seed really is, is it worth the additional cost? Here’s a quick breakdown of how autoflower seeds grow differently so you can decide what’s best for your garden or space.
What does autoflower really mean?
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