By Bio-tech International Institute
Cannabis cultivation has evolved significantly, with auto-flowering strains becoming increasingly popular among growers. These unique strains offer distinct advantages, sparking the interest of both novice and experienced cultivators. This article delves into the world of cannabis autoflowers, exploring their characteristics, benefits, and cultivation tips, to satisfy your curiosity and enhance your knowledge.
What Is an Autoflower?
An auto-flowering cannabis plant transitions from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without changing light cycles. Traditionally, cannabis plants are classified as photoperiod plants, meaning they require specific light conditions—usually 12 hours of darkness and 12 hours of light—to induce flowering. Autoflowering strains, on the other hand, will begin to flower automatically based on age, typically between 2-4 weeks after germination, regardless of the light cycle they are exposed to.
The Origins: How Were Autoflowers Made?
The genetic foundation of auto-flowering cannabis lies in Cannabis ruderalis, a variety native to colder and harsher climates, particularly in regions like Russia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Unlike the commonly cultivated Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, which rely on light cycles to flower, ruderalis adapted to its environment by developing an ability to flower automatically after reaching a certain age. This trait made it highly resilient, though its THC content was generally low compared to other types.
In the early 2000s, breeders began crossbreeding ruderalis with higher-THC sativa and indica strains, resulting in modern autoflowers. The goal was to combine the automatic flowering ability of ruderalis with the potency, aroma, and yield of the other cannabis types.
The Genetic Makeup
The genetics of auto-flowering cannabis are a hybrid of ruderals and indica or sativa varieties. This genetic mix generally results in plants that are smaller in size and have a shorter lifespan compared to their photoperiod counterparts. Autoflowers inherit the automatic flowering gene from ruderalis and are further bred to increase potency and yield through traits passed down from sativa and indica strains.
Key traits of auto flowers include:
Automatic flowering: Triggered by age, not light cycles.
Short life cycle: Most autoflowers complete their life cycle in 8-12 weeks.
Compact size: Typically shorter plants, ideal for small spaces.
Resilience: More resistant to cold and pests than other cannabis types, thanks to their ruderalis heritage.
Positives of Using Autoflowers
Autoflowering strains offer several advantages, making them a favored choice for many growers.
Fast Growth and Harvest: Autoflowers are known for their quick turnaround. Many strains are ready to harvest in under 10 weeks so growers can cultivate multiple cycles in a year.
Easier to Grow: These strains require less attention and expertise since they do not need light cycle manipulation. This makes them beginner-friendly and ideal for growers with less experience.
Compact Size: Due to their shorter stature, auto flowers are ideal for growers with limited space in indoor or urban settings. They are also more discreet in outdoor grows where height restrictions might concern them.
Resilient to Environment: Autoflowers, thanks to their ruderalis genetics, are more resilient to fluctuations in temperature and common pests. This resilience makes them a reliable and hardy option for outdoor growth in non-ideal climates, giving you the confidence to cultivate them in various conditions.
Multiple Harvests: Since they flower on their schedule and grow quickly, you can achieve multiple harvests in a single growing season, particularly outdoors. This feature of auto flowers opens up the possibility of a bountiful yield, adding an element of excitement to your cultivation journey.
Negatives of Using Autoflowers
Despite their benefits, auto flowers also have a few limitations:
Lower Yields: While auto flowers are convenient, their compact size often results in smaller yields than photoperiod plants. Although newer strains have improved yield potentials, they tend to be smaller producers.
Limited Control Over Growth: Once an auto flower starts its flowering phase, there is little a grower can do to slow it down. This lack of control can be problematic for growers who want to extend the vegetative period to produce larger plants.
Lower THC Content: While breeders have successfully increased the potency of many auto-flowering strains, they tend to have lower THC content compared to photoperiod strains. This can be a downside for consumers looking for high-THC products.
No Cloning Advantage: Autoflowers cannot be cloned effectively due to their strict life cycle, which limits their utility for growers who want to maintain a specific plant over multiple cycles.
How Best to Use Autoflowers?
Autoflowers thrive in a variety of environments, but there are some best practices to follow to maximize their potential:
Light: While auto flowers do not need specific light cycles to flower, providing them 18-24 hours daily can improve their growth and yields. Even though they can flower under minimal light, more light often results in better plant development.
Nutrients: Because autoflowers grow faster, they require a carefully balanced nutrient regimen. Nutrient burns can be a problem, so using lighter doses is recommended compared to photoperiod plants.
Pot Size and Transplanting: Autoflowers do not like to be transplanted. To avoid transplant shock, which can stunt their growth, it is best to start them in their final container. Use containers that allow the plant enough room for root development.
Timing and Multiple Harvests: Since auto flowers proliferate, you can stagger planting times for a continuous harvest throughout the season. Outdoors and auto flowers can yield multiple harvests even in shorter growing seasons.
Conclusion
Autoflowering cannabis plants have revolutionized the way many people grow cannabis. Their speed, ease of growth, and resilience make them a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced cultivators. However, with some trade-offs like smaller yields and limited control over growth phases, growers need to weigh the pros and cons to see if autoflowers suit their cultivation goals. Regardless, autoflowers have carved out a niche as a versatile, practical option in the ever-growing world of cannabis cultivation.
Source: 10/17/2024
Royal Queen Seeds: Their comprehensive guide on growing autoflowering cannabis covers everything from the growth cycle to optimal lighting and nutrient management¹.
Paramount Seed Farms: This guide provides a detailed week-by-week walkthrough for growing autoflowering cannabis, including tips on maximizing yields and avoiding common
pitfalls³.
2Fast4Buds: This ultimate guide to growing autoflowering cannabis offers expert tips and detailed explanations for both novice and experienced growers⁴.
(1) Learn How To Grow Autoflowers: Week-By-Week Guide. https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/blog-how-to-grow-autoflowering-cannabis-n83.
(2) Autoflower Week By Week Pictures: Life Cycle Guide - Paramount Seed Farms. https://www.paramountseedfarms.com/autoflower-week-by-week/.
(3) The Ultimate Guide to Growing Autoflowering Cannabis: A Comprehensive .... https://2fast4buds.com/news/How-long-do-Autoflowers-take-from-seed-to-harvest.
(4) How to Grow Autoflower: A Comprehensive Guide - The Emory Wheel. https://bing.com/search?q=cannabis+autoflowers+guide.
(5) en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoflowering_cannabis.
