You’ve probably heard of autoflowering cannabis, or cannabis seeds that begin flowering almost immediately after sprouting, regardless of how many hours of light they receive. This strain of cannabis is created by crossing cannabis ruderalis with cannabis sativa or cannabis indica. Autoflowering cannabis can be harvested after about 70 days, whereas non-autoflowering strains typically take 90 to 110 days to finish.
Of course, this sounds incredible, but there’s a catch: the plants are incredibly small and don’t produce much. Autoflower strains are also much less potent, with THC levels ranging from 8-15%. Autoflower strains, on the other hand, can grow almost anywhere due to the rugged lineage of cannabis ruderalis. And, while one plant may not produce much, a group of plants will.
Autoflower Strains
Autoflower seeds are available from a variety of online seed retailers; simply conduct a quick search to locate one. All of the most popular strains have been hybridized into autoflower varieties at this point.
You can find feminized Wedding Cake Autoflower seeds, Gelato Autoflower seeds, and any other strain that has an autoflower version. Keep in mind that autoflower versions are never quite the same as the original; they usually lack the potency and overall terpene profile.
Is it true that all autoflower seeds are sterile?
While feminized seeds are extremely common and account for the majority of the autoflower market, regular autoflower seeds exist, as do male cannabis plants. Feminized seeds are an excellent choice for large-scale production because they eliminate the labor involved in removing male plants and help ensure a seedless crop. Feminized seeds are more expensive, but they save you from having to sex the plants. Growing plants out for two to four weeks before knowing if they are male can be a real pain in a small indoor grow where there is only room for a few plants. Not to mention the waste of time and materials.
Plants grown from feminized seeds, according to some growers and breeders, are more likely to hermaphrodite than non-feminized seeds. While this is true for some feminized varieties, it really depends on the stability of the parent genetics used to produce the feminized seeds. Because not all feminized seeds are created equal, it is best to purchase seeds from reputable retailers.
Autoflower Seeds’ Future
Recent advancements in breeding have improved the yields, flavors and potency of autoflower strains, as seen at the Autoflower World Cup in Spain, where the winning sativa hit 26% THC.
In Washington, Walden Farms is developing autoflower strains suitable for large-scale outdoor production.
For maximum output while minimizing labor costs, this farm relies on large batches of feminized seeds. Autoflowers, when properly bred and grown, can actually provide a means of increasing profitability for farms in certain areas and climates.
Breeders are developing new autoflower strains that rival non-auto varieties and will be available as feminized seeds, making them cooler and more appealing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Autoflower Seeds Easy to Grow?
Autoflowers are bred from a very rugged species of cannabis called cannabis ruderalis, which evolved in some of the harshest conditions on the planet, so they will grow pretty easily in your backyard or basement.
How Long Do Autoflowers Take From Seed to Flower?
Most autoflower strains take only 90 days from start to finish.
How Much Do Autoflower Plants Yield?
Typically not much. Anywhere from an eighth to a half ounce can be expected per plant. Newer autoflower genetics are being developed that yield more.