Autoflowering marijuana strains emerged after the unique properties of the cannabis ruderalis species (wild hemp) were discovered, essentially a common "wild plant," whose short plants (around 90 cm on average) contain almost no THC. Ruderalis primarily grows in mid-latitude regions, in the Eastern European climate, Central America, and Canada, where the summer is relatively short and not as sunny as in southern latitudes. This type of cannabis begins to flower independently of the number of daylight hours, and this period typically starts 3-4 weeks after seed germination.
When ruderalis is genetically crossed with other strains with high THC and CBD ratios, the resulting hybrid inherits autoflowering traits and high potency. However, the plants are generally small. But with proper plant care, growers can potentially harvest up to four crops a year!
Advantages and disadvantages.
Autoflowering cannabis seeds are in demand due to many undeniable benefits. However, they are not without drawbacks.
Advantages:
- Multiple harvests throughout the year. As mentioned above, these cannabis strains flower automatically, regardless of the amount and duration of light, so if you start planting seeds in early spring, you can get a full harvest by mid-summer. And nothing stops you from repeating this cycle again. Thus, with proper care and favorable weather, up to four harvests a year can be obtained from autoflowering cannabis! Let’s compare this to photoperiod indica or sativa. Both will grow in spring and throughout summer, and the flowering period will only start when the daylight hours begin to decrease. So, you’ll get a substantial harvest, but only one, and that almost in November.
- Short cannabis. Autoflowering genetics generally do not allow the plants to grow taller than 90 cm on average. However, breeders have managed to develop autoflowering strains that reach more than 1.5 meters in height. For example, Big Devil XL Auto can grow over 1.5 meters tall. Yet, in most cases, autoflowers remain short. This short stature offers home growers and "guerrilla" gardeners plenty of opportunities to collect decent harvests on their balconies or even window sills.
- Fast-growing marijuana seeds. Most of the available autoflowering cannabis seeds on the market allow for a harvest within 60-70 days from seed germination. At the same time, the plants grow at an impressive rate.
- Great resilience and protection from external stressors. Plants with cannabis ruderalis genes are quite unpretentious, resistant to most small pests, mites, and fungi, and importantly, they do not respond much to temperature drops.
Note that you can buy autoflowering seeds without leaving our website.
Disadvantages:
- Small yield per plant. Due to their compact size, each plant usually produces a relatively small yield per growth cycle (30-400 g), compared to photoperiod strains, which can grow up to 4 meters tall with a strong branching structure, yielding up to 2 kg.
- Relatively low THC content. Consuming ruderalis by itself will most likely result in a headache rather than euphoria, so crossing it with other strains lowers the THC and CBD levels. Of course, the efforts of geneticists over the years have paid off, and most strains boast great effects, but photoperiod sativa and indica strains still have a more potent impact.
When it's better to choose an autoflowering strain:
- You lack experience in cannabis cultivation;
- You want to get a harvest as quickly as possible;
- Your region experiences cold, rainy weather too early;
- Indoor growing;
When it's better to choose photoperiod strains:
- You have the time and space to grow large plants for 4 months or more;
- (Indoors) You have the experience and knowledge to manage lighting;
- Maximizing yield is your priority.
@SexySeedsCom
