Autoflower Seeds

How to grow Autoflower Cannabis

Growing autoflower cannabis can be a rewarding and relatively easy experience for both new and experienced growers. Autoflowering strains are unique in that they do not require a specific light cycle to flower and can be grown in a variety of environments. This quick grow guide for autoflowers will provide a quick look on how to grow autoflower cannabis successfully, including information on the best growing methods, nutrients, and equipment.

Understanding Autoflowers: A Brief Overview

Autoflowering cannabis plants are the result of crossbreeding various strains with Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies known for its automatic flowering characteristics. These plants have a short life cycle, typically ranging from 8 to 12 weeks, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation.

Pick Your seeds

First and foremost, it is important to choose the right strain. Autoflowering strains have been selectively bred to flower automatically within a certain period of time, usually between 8-12 weeks. It’s important to choose a strain that will finish within your desired timeframe and that will thrive in your specific growing environment. Some popular autoflowering strains include Northern Lights, GG#4, and White Widow Auto.

Germination: Getting Started

To start your autoflowering journey, germinate your seeds using the following steps:

1. Place your seeds in a glass of water for approximately 24 hours to allow them to absorb moisture.
2. Transfer the seeds to a damp paper towel and fold it gently.
3. Keep the paper towel in a warm and dark place, ensuring it remains moist.
4. After 2 to 7 days, when the taproot emerges, carefully transfer the germinated seeds into their growing medium.

Lighting Requirements: Providing Optimal Illumination

Light is crucial for the growth and development of autoflowering cannabis plants. While autoflowers can thrive under various light spectrums, a minimum of 18 hours of light per day is recommended throughout their life cycle. High-quality LED grow lights are ideal due to their energy efficiency, low heat emission, and ability to provide a balanced light spectrum.

Nutrient Levels: Week-by-Week Chart (EC Levels)

Proper nutrient management is essential for achieving healthy autoflower plants. Here’s a week-by-week nutrient chart with EC levels as a general guideline:

Week	Nutrient Solution	N-P-K Ratio	EC Levels (in μS/cm)	pH Range
1	Seedling	1-1-1	250-400	5.8-6.2
2	Early Veg	3-1-2	400-600	5.8-6.2
3	Mid Veg	3-1-2	600-800	5.8-6.2
4	Late Veg	3-1-2	800-1000	5.8-6.2
5	Early Flowering	1-2-2	1000-1200	5.8-6.2
6	Mid Flowering	1-2-2	1000-1200	5.8-6.2
7	Late Flowering	1-2-3	1000-1200	5.8-6.2
8	Ripening	1-2-3	800-1000	5.8-6.2
9	Ripening	1-2-3	600-800	5.8-6.2
10	Flush	N/A	250-400	5.8-6.2

Pot Size and Growing Medium

Choosing the right pot size and growing medium is crucial for the overall health and development of your autoflowers. As autoflowers have a limited vegetative stage, it’s recommended to start them in their final pot to avoid transplanting stress. A 5 to 10-gallon fabric pot with a well-draining soil or coco coir mixture is commonly used.

Watering and Environmental Conditions

Autoflowers prefer a slightly moist growing medium but dislike overwatering. Water your plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Monitor humidity levels, aiming for around 40-60% during the vegetative stage and slightly lower during the flowering stage to prevent mold and bud rot.

Training and Pruning

Autoflowers have a limited vegetative stage, so extensive training techniques like topping or super cropping may not be suitable. However, low-stress training (LST), such as gently bending and tying down branches, can help maximize light penetration and increase bud production.