What Does Autoflowering Actually Mean?

A few decades ago, before the invention of the first autoflowering strains, Sativas, Indicas and their hybrids were highly dependent on light cycles – either natural or those recreated by growers indoors. Here’s how it works: when a cannabis plant (regular or feminized) begins receiving less daylight, its genes tell it that the seasons are about to change and it’s time to flower before it gets too cold to procreate. This is how regular flowering starts.

However, autoflowering weed strains are not dependent on light schedules and start to flower at a certain point of maturity, regardless of the amount of light the plant receives. Usually, their vegetative period is quite short, lasting about 2-4 weeks, after which time autoflowering marijuana plants start developing buds automatically. This wonderful ability became possible after Indicas and Sativas were crossed with Cannabis Ruderalis. This plant, native to the colder regions of the world where less light is available during the year, has adapted to the harsh conditions and evolved to develop the ability to flower on its own terms.

The Key Benefits of Autoflower Strains

Besides the autoflowering itself, the change in DNA has brought about more advantages to the plant greatly beloved both in the United Kingdom and abroad. In fact, the autoflowering properties are only the tip of the iceberg – here’s what other features are hidden beneath the surface:

• Compact in size. Thanks to the genes of Ruderalis, a tiny yet sturdy plant that looks more like an actual weed than a tree or bush, autoflowering marijuana strains also stay compact in size from seed to harvest. It’s no secret that many growers prefer to see their favourite plants grow to an enormous 2-3 meters in size; a sign of a massive yield in progress. However, nowadays, when cannabis cultivation is yet to be made legal everywhere, the possibility of keeping cannabis plants discreet can be of top priority.

• Quick. Because of a quicker vegetation period that can be as short as 2-4 weeks, along with the ability to start flowering at a certain point regardless of the shift in the light cycle, all autoflowering marijuana varieties are extra speedy in comparison to their regular counterparts. Some of them are able to grow and flower at a pace only comparable to the speed of light, leaving their growers’ hands full of freshly-cut buds in a record 50 days from seed to harvest! This brings us to the next advantage, which is…
• Autoflowering allows for multiple harvests in a single season. One of the biggest advantages that comes with the autoflowering cannabis strains’ ability to grow buds with age instead of a change in light cycle is that it allows growers to collect several harvests in one season. Simply start as early as the conditions become suitable for your plant, grow, harvest, and start again! Independence from the climate also gives a chance to those who were late for the season with their regular seeds. Growing autoflower seeds instead allows for a much longer period available for planting in the open ground.

Why Choose Autoflowering Seeds?

If you’re still unsure if auto cannabis varieties are a good choice for you, consider this: Ruderalis, which gifted its genes to autoflowering strains, is a typical representative of the flora of the colder regions of North America, Central and Eastern Europe, and Russia, which means it’s highly resilient to harsher climates as well as many regular pests, diseases, and infections. As a result, autoflowers are generally stronger, more forgiving to the mistakes of novice growers, and more adaptive to cultivation in regions with higher latitudes.

Additionally, in climates like that in the UK, autoflower weed seeds come in especially handy for their quick growing – after all, an autoflower plant that could be as short as 40 cm and ready to harvest in as little as 50 days.

As growers are able to take more control over the light that feeds their autoflowering marijuana seeds, it’s common practice to maximize the seeds’ light intake. From seed to harvest, the light setup can work according to the schedule of maximized daylight – for example, 16/8. This method is perfect for boosting the amounts of energy accumulated within the plant that will later positively affect growth and increase yields. Even though this can lead to a higher number on the electricity bill, it will be compensated by the overall quicker turnaround.

Moreover, if you prefer more control over the sex of your plants and want to avoid the risk of male plants pollinating your crop, feminised seeds are an excellent option. Feminised seeds ensure that nearly all the plants will be female, which is beneficial for growers focused on bud production. These seeds are genetically altered to produce only female plants, giving you the assurance that your garden will be filled with potent, resinous buds without the worry of unwanted male plants. Combining feminised seeds with autoflowering traits can result in a highly efficient and productive grow operation, suitable for both beginners and experienced growers alike.

What Yield Can You Expect from Your Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds?

Now, to the topic that concerns many British, the yield that can be expected from autoflowering pot seeds. Because of their smaller stature, autoflowering cannabis seeds usually produce smaller amounts of buds than regular marijuana strains. Of course, you wouldn’t expect a plant that’s 60 cm tall to yield a kilogram of dry buds, right?

However, due to their inherited hardiness, autoflowering plants are well-suited for various training techniques that you can use in order to maximize the harvest. Keep reading to learn what training techniques you can perform on plants grown from such seeds.

Some Tips on How to Grow Autoflowering Seeds

Generally, if your marijuana seeds are autoflowering, it means you’re up for more or less hassle-free cultivation. That’s why autos are a great choice for beginners, which is generally hard to mess up. However, we have some tips to help everyone who orders autoflowering seeds for growing be fully prepared.

Tips for Outdoor Autoflower Seeds Growing

First of all, because autoflowering seeds grow into compact plants, there are more opportunities to grow autoflowering seeds outdoors stealthily. Use this trait to your advantage. Plant seeds behind short fences or even on your balcony! The shorter stature of the plant will not let it be exposed to any unwanted attention. Such seeds are, indeed, the first choice of British stealthy and micro-growers.

Consider training your plants. Autoflowers are sturdy, which means they’ll handle training more easily. Why not use this advantage that will help you increase your yields? In the short vegetative period, it’s important not to miss the moment and top your plant after it has developed its first three nodes. It would also be a good idea to pull your plant in Low-Stress Training to help it grow more branches that will eventually be covered in extra buds.

If you remember that autos seed to harvest time is really short, you might have also already figured out how to use this characteristic to your advantage. To bring the possibilities of autoflowering weed varieties to their fullest potential, germinate your seeds not long before the previous plant finishes its flowering. That’s how you can manage to collect several harvests in one season – harvest bountiful buds from your auto and plant another one in its place. Repeat every 2-3 months with the next set of seeds.

Tips for Indoor Autoflower Seeds Growing

Don’t overfertilize. This one is pretty straightforward. Autoflowering cannabis plants are small, with a short flowering time, and therefore undemanding. Feed them less and keep the rest of your nutrients for hungrier marijuana strains.

Have your next seedling ready. To use the possibilities of autoflowering weed varieties to their fullest potential and manage to collect several harvests in one season, germinate your seeds not long before the previous plant finishes its flowering. This way, you can harvest nice sticky buds and plant another every couple of months. If done indoors, this could become a never-ending, real-life cannabis cornucopia!

Maximize your weed’s light intake. Because autoflowering cannabis doesn’t need to follow certain light schedules to start flowering, you can give these plants the most amount of light during their whole life cycle. Expose their budsites to the light source with LST, and keep them on 16/8 or even 20/4 from seed to harvest to get the biggest yield possible from your seeds.

The Last One: When Do You Harvest Autoflowering Cannabis Plants?

Autoflowering marijuana varieties are usually quicker to harvest than regular strains, with the whole cycle lasting no longer than 2-3 months. Because these plants have such a short timeframe in which to mature, they rarely manage to develop a well-structured canopy, so some of the buds will be placed lower on the plant and will take longer to be ready for harvesting. It’s highly advisable to harvest autoflowers in several steps, collecting the buds from the colas first and leaving the rest to fully mature before picking them as well.

Ready to Buy the Best Autoflower Seeds? Herbies Has You Covered

When choosing the next seed to pop, autoflowering weed seeds should be seriously considered for the number of undeniable benefits they offer, especially for beginner growers and those limited by space, time, or climate. Our selection at Herbies seed bank features top-quality genetics, ensuring robust and reliable growth. Check out our collection and pick one for yourself among hundreds of autoflowering strains available to be shipped to Great Britain. If you’ve already had an experience with autoflowering marijuana seeds, don’t hesitate to share it in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

Premium Quality Autoflowering Genetics

Autoflower seeds have earned their reputation as one of the fastest and easiest ways to grow cannabis. Auto seeds are easy to grow indoors, in a greenhouse, or outdoors and are ideal for beginners.

The best autoflower seeds produce cannabis on the same quality levels as the best feminised photoperiod seeds. With premium quality autoflowering genetics and good grow room conditions, you can achieve the best results, often exceeding 20% THC levels. Indoors, autos are ready to harvest around 10-11 weeks after germination, while outdoors, they usually take a couple of weeks longer.

Autoflowering seeds come in a range of different types with varying properties, including Indica, Sativa, and high CBD strains, catering to diverse preferences and needs. These seeds are available in various flavours, ensuring a rich and enjoyable experience. In addition to autoflowers, Herbies Seeds UK offers top-quality regular seeds and several cannabis cup winners, promising some of the best auto weed you will ever try.

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