Cannabis cultivation has come a long way since traditional growing methods were first introduced. Today’s growers have access to a wide range of advanced strains, hybrids, and cannabis seeds that can help you grow your best marijuana crop yet. But one of the more intriguing new developments in cannabis growing is autoflowering seeds technology. If you’re not quite sure what autoflowering seeds are, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of growing these unique cannabis seeds.
What is the Benefit of Autoflowering Seeds?
Autoflowering seeds offer several advantages compared to their traditional counterparts. One of the most significant advantages is that autoflowering seeds start flowering automatically, regardless of lighting conditions. This is because autoflowering seeds are bred from cannabis ruderalis, a wild strain of cannabis that grows naturally in Russia and Northern Europe. As such, they don’t require a specific light cycle to start flowering. This makes autoflowering seeds ideal for growers who want to grow cannabis plants quickly, easily, and discreetly.
Another advantage of growing autoflowering seeds is that they usually mature faster than traditional seeds, often in as little as 60 to 80 days. This speed of growth makes autoflowering seeds ideal for outdoor growers who want to maximize their crop yield with multiple harvests.
What is the Difference Between Autoflower and Feminized Seeds?
Autoflowering seeds are different from feminized seeds, which are bred to produce only female plants, thus eliminating the need to weed out male plants. While autoflowering seeds can be feminized, they don’t necessarily have to be. Essentially, autoflowering seeds offer growers the ability to cultivate cannabis plants that require less intervention than traditional plants.
Feminized seeds are ideal for growers who want to maximize their growing space, as all female plants produce buds, which is the desired outcome. This is why feminized seeds are often used by commercial growers who want predictable yields and potency.
Are Autoflowers Less Potent?
There is a common misconception that autoflowers are less potent than traditional cannabis strains. However, this is not necessarily true. Autoflowering strains are usually just as potent as their photoperiod counterparts, and in many cases, they can even produce more resinous buds than traditional cannabis strains. This is especially true if you use high-quality autoflowering seeds that are bred for potency.
However, not all autoflowering strains are created equal. Some strains may not have as high of THC levels or produce as many terpenes and other cannabinoids as photoperiod cannabis strains. That being said, the potency of the cannabis plant will ultimately depend on many factors, including genetics, growing conditions, and post-harvest processing.
Is Autoflowering Good for Beginners?
Autoflowering seeds are also ideal for novice growers who are just starting out in the cannabis growing world. This is because autoflowering seeds are easier to grow and require less upkeep than traditional strains. Autoflowers don’t require complicated light schedules, and they don’t need to be pruned or trained to produce high-quality buds. This makes them a great option for growers who want to get started quickly and easily without investing a lot of time in setting up their garden.
However, it’s important to remember that beginners should still invest in high-quality seeds from reputable cannabis seed banks if they want to produce a successful crop. That being said, with proper growing techniques and care, even a beginner can grow high-quality autoflowering plants that produce big yields.