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Should I Plant Autoflowering Seeds?

Many growers are still indecisive on growing autoflowering plants because of the unimpressive productivity of the first generation. With no doubt, this kind of weed has come a long way, providing growers an authentic alternative to consider them when planning to grow. The new generation of autoflowering seeds is another great kind to consider, and you do not need to hesitate to plant autoflowering cannabis anymore.

Autoflowering marijuana in brief

You may be asking yourself, what is autoflowering cannabis anyway? Autoflowering strains are genetic crosses containing genes from a subspecies of ruderalis that produces plants which grow and flower with no dependence on light. Therefore, there is no photoperiod or light schedule for this kind of cannabis.

They flower due to their age as opposed to other varieties whose flowering depend on light schedule (the number of hours of light and darkness). Some strains are also less dependent on light and can grow in colder climates, possibly because they originated in either central Asia or in Finland (nobody seems to be sure.)

Short time to harvest

Autoflowering cannabis strains can yield harvests in a shorter time than photo-period cannabis. The plants are often short in height to help you manage them in different kinds of settings, although there are strains that produce tall plants and take a longer time to flower. A good autoflower strain from a reliable grower who has done the work of genetic cross-breeding properly can produce a more resilient plants, which makes it attractive for new growers. Autoflowering plants often have high amounts of CBD and can be beneficial to patients looking for symptomatic relief.

Apart from autoflowering seeds, some cannabis stores in Europe sell all kinds of seeds.  In particular, the long-time grower and our recommendation for quality product is Robert Bergman, who sells many strains, both autoflowering and regular.  Weed growers in Canada can also purchase seeds online via online dispensaries.

Now, let’s discuss more on autoflowering seeds. Here are the some things you need to know:

It is hard to clone autoflowering strains

The plants are hard to clone. Thus, you should make use of the seed version.  Cloning is not entirely hopeless because some farmers/growers have fruitfully done it.  But you are better off starting from seed.  The genetics of autoflowering dictates that the strain you are cloning from must be autosomal dominant for autoflower, and even then you might end up with non-flowering plants.  Best to leave the cross-breeding to the professionals, unless you want to become a professional yourself (which you can do if you want to take one of the courses we recommend.

They can flower regardless of light

autoflowering plants

The autos can do well even in the absence of light. The plants grow, flower and also seed in a shorter period than the other varieties of cannabis seeds. Because autos can still flower without light, their seeds necessarily do not require darkness. It means that a farmer can reduce her or his electricity usage on the plants without having to affect the harvest.

Make sure that you understand how well the strain you are growing works under light/dark condition. Some varieties do well under 24-hour light but most will grow in 12/12 light regime that does not change during the growth cycle. Choose your type well.  Take a look at MaryJane Farmer’s article on lighting schedules if you have questions.

Indoors is Better

Autoflowering seeds depend on the climate. You should be in a suitable place for the type you choose. It will yield more.  If you stay in a country or place with a favorable climate, then there is a high chance for you to harvest about five times a year. It is vital to note that autos may not survive in an area that experience freezing for an extended period.    For the same reasons, autoflower strains are ideal for indoor growing where you control the climate, not Mother Nature (who can be fickle.)

Transplanting auto seeds

Transplanting autoflowering cannabis plants can be a bit more intricate than repotting other varieties. Therefore, it is advisable to plant autoflowering seeds in a pot or container that you plan to have them until they are ready for harvesting. It will help avoid any hurdles during the plants growing cycle.

Though transplanting is stressful, it is not entirely impossible as you can succeed if you are gentle and cautious. When re-potting autos, the main concern is shocking their roots as this can lead to stunted growth.

Autoflowering cannabis is potent

Many people believe that autos are not potent because Lowryder, the first autoflowering to hit the market over ten years ago was less potent than other cannabis strain. It can relieve signs of pain, sleeplessness, and stress. However, it produces light cerebral effects with slow onset.

There have been a lot of changes since then, and the auto-flowering kinds in the market now contain a significant amount of cannabinoid (CBD) and THC, just like other feminized cannabis.

Small and easy to grow

You can use soil, pot, or container to grow autoflowers. Put the seeds in your moistened paper towel on a plate. Then cover them using another plate to lock the moisture inside. The seeds sprout in about 1 – 4 days. However, older seeds can take a maximum of one week.  Most autoflower strains produce smaller bushier plants than the typical untrained Sativa strain.

Proper nutrition

Auto seeds do not need many nutrients. Water them during the first two weeks as they grow. You can now start adding some portions of nutrients to the seeds from that second week going forward.

Increase the amounts with time and stop at the sixth week and add a different set of nutrients. It is prudent to change the nutrients a week before the flowering stage.

MaryJane’s Advice on Autoflowers

It is the right time to try growing autoflowering seeds if you have never tried them. They can be the right choice as you can both grow them outside or inside. Be cautious and choose the variety that suits your climate for better yields.  Indoor growers will especially benefit from the unchanging lighting demands and the ease of controlling climate inside.

I love to get your comments, suggestions, advice and criticisms.  I would especially like to hear your experience with autoflowering weed.  Comment below or send photos to MaryJane@420Beginner.com

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