5 Tips for Growing Autoflower Cannabis Seeds

Introduction: 5 Tips for Growing Autoflower Cannabis Seeds for Yields & THC

Today, I’m going to share 5 tips for cultivating autoflowering cannabis strains to achieve larger yields and increased THC content, focusing on the strategy I employ to consistently produce substantial top-shelf autoflowering harvests.

I always commence with high-quality autoflowering cannabis seeds to ensure robust, fast-growing seedlings. I provide autoflowers with proper care and cannabis nutrients tailored to their needs. After approximately 2-3 months from germination, the reward is experiencing a massive autoflowering harvest.

Preparing for a Massive Auto-Flowering Cannabis Harvest

For a bountiful auto-flowering cannabis harvest, I gather my supplies—a grow medium like coco peat or soil, and a collection of folded fabric pots. Unfolding the pots and arranging them in a row, I find joy in filling them with potting mix, creating nurturing environments for the plant roots.

As I delve into the soft coco with a sizable silver scoop (designed for moving flour but surprisingly perfect for managing coco), my thoughts drift to the cannabis plant strains I'm about to cultivate. The shipment of autoflowering seeds arrived yesterday, neatly arranged on my kitchen counter.

Autoflowering strains were once associated with producing low-quality buds, but I have confidence in my seed selections. After extensive research on the best autoflowering strains, I opted for a diverse range of high-yielding, potent genetics from reputable breeders. The advancements in autoflowering strain quality since the era of "Lowryder" in 2008 have been significant. I am confident that my chosen strains will yield visually appealing and aromatic buds with the potent effects I desire.

The original "Lowryder" autoflowering strain yielded small amounts of non-potent weed, contributing to the negative reputation of autoflowering strains.

How times have changed. Modern autoflowering cannabis strains can now compete with traditional photoperiod strains in both yield and bud quality.

Autoflowering cannabis plants can achieve outstanding yields by following the tactics outlined in this tutorial. I will demonstrate the effective strategies I've refined over multiple autoflowering grows to achieve over 1 gram/watt of electricity with LEDs or HPS grow lights.

Quick Summary of the Difference Between Autoflowering and Photoperiod Cannabis Strains

You might wonder, why not grow traditional (photoperiod) strains? The answer lies in the ease and speed of a cannabis autoflowering harvest.

Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

Autoflowering cannabis plants automatically produce buds and are ready to harvest about 2-3 months from germination.

Photoperiod Cannabis Strains

Photoperiod plants that are grown from feminized cannabis seeds, don't produce buds without assistance. To induce bud formation, they require long nights (daily 12-hour dark periods), which can be inconvenient as you can't check on your plants for 12 hours each day. They also take longer to mature.

On average, photoperiod cannabis plants take about 3-5 months from germination to harvest, resulting in one less harvest per year compared to growing with autoflowering strains.
Related Article: Difference Between Feminized and Autoflower Cannabis Plants

5 Tactics for Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

Armed with excellent genetics from Nirvana Cannabis Seed Bank, I set out to produce my best autoflowering harvest. I know the tactics that reward growers with a sea of potent buds. I just need to keep five key things in mind to maximise yields and bud quality...

1.) Start Strong (Most Important Thing)

Starting strong is the most crucial aspect of achieving substantial yields with autoflowering strains. Given their rapid transition to flowering (in just a month), a slow start results in small cannabis plants that cease growing larger when they only have a few bud sites.

Regardless of the approach, a diminutive, stunted cannabis plant cannot compete with a larger plant with numerous bud sites positioned directly under the grow light.

Germination: My recommended germination method for autoflowering strains is to plant the seed directly in the coco or soil. This way, you never have to move your seedlings after they sprout.
Related Article: How to germinate Marijuana Seeds

Light Schedule: My recommended light schedule for autoflowering plants is 18 hours of light per day. While you can provide up to 24 hours of light a day, 18 hours saves 20% of electricity and yields similar results. Plus, a 6-hour night enhances overall plant hardiness compared to providing no dark period.

Watering Seedlings: The easiest way to stunt autoflowering seedlings is through inadequate watering. Provide the right amount of water (not too much, not too little) for fast initial growth. Give just a little water at a time around the base of new seedlings every few days.

Aim for six full sets of new leaves by day 25 from germination. A strong start ensures fast, healthy growth, leading to a successful harvest.

2.) Use the Right Nutrients

Autoflowering plants respond well to proper nutrients at the right time. Even when growing in a "just add water" soil that provides all necessary nutrients, growth rates, yields, and potential bud potency and aroma can be enhanced by supplementing extra nutrients in the water.

Use quality cannabis plant nutrients, responding well to synthetic or mineral-based options like Biobizz Liquid Organic Fertilizer. Another suitable choice would be Umya Nutrients.

Avoid excessive nutrient application, as autoflowering plants are generally less tolerant than traditional strains to extremely high nutrient levels or numerous supplements. Provide "Vegetative" or "All Purpose" nutrients until plants stop growing taller (about 6 weeks from germination), then switch to "Flowering" or "Bloom" nutrients until harvest.

Pay attention to pH levels. Incorrect pH near the roots can lead to nutrient deficiencies. Check runoff water pH, aiming for 6-7 pH in soil and 5.5-6.5 pH in coco.

3.) Have Extra Autoflowering Seeds on Hand

Given the importance of a strong start, having extra autoflowering seeds available is crucial. In the event of slow growth or unexpected issues with initial plants, germinate additional seeds to ensure a successful harvest.

Don't wait until harvest if your first batch doesn't show promising growth. Take control of your grow by having extra seeds on hand. You can continue growing the older plants in the same space, allowing for multiple stages of plant development in the same tent.

4.) Grow the Right Number of Plants for Your Space

To maximize results in grow tents and indoor gardens, cultivate the appropriate number of plants for your space using the right-sized pots. Here are recommendations for the three most common grow tent sizes:

Mini Grow Tent (60cmx60cm): 2-4 plants – Use 3-gallon fabric pots for better growth.

Rectangle Grow Tent (60cm×120cm): 2-8 plants – Options include 2 plants (5-gallon fabric pots), 3 plants (5-gallon pots each), 4 plants (2 back, 2 front), 6 plants (3 back, 3 front), or 8 smaller plants (3-gallon fabric pots).

Large Grow Tent (120cm×120cm or 150cm×150cm): 4-16 plants – Recommended choices are 4 plants (7-gallon fabric pots), 6 plants (5-gallon fabric pots), 9 plants (3 front, 3 middle, 3 back) or 12 plants (3-gallon fabric pots)

5.) Train Autoflowering Plants Early

Training autoflowering cannabis plants is essential for maximising yields. Contrary to popular belief, it's possible and beneficial to train autos without stunting their growth.

Top once (optional): After plants grow 4-5 nodes, consider topping them once to create a bushier plant. This step is optional and may add a week to the total growth time, but the resulting increase in bud sites and potential yield is worth it.

LST (Low Stress Training): Bend and secure branches down as plants grow to expose bud sites to light. This technique enhances yields by ensuring that all potential buds sites receive adequate light.

Defoliation: After plants are well-established (usually around day 21 from germination), remove unnecessary leaves that block light from reaching bud sites. Defoliation is a powerful tool for increasing yields, but it's essential not to overdo it.

Conclusion

By implementing these five tips, you're on your way to a successful autoflowering cannabis harvest. Remember, starting strong, using the right nutrients, having extra seeds on hand, growing the right number of plants for your space, and training your plants early are key factors in maximising yields and achieving top-shelf quality buds. Happy growing!

Bonus Tip: Start with Great Autoflowering Genetics
For cultivators seeking top-tier results in their autoflowering cannabis endeavours, We highly recommend Nirvana Autoflower Seeds. Renowned for their commitment to genetic excellence, Nirvana offers a diverse selection of autoflowering strains that consistently deliver impressive yields and potent, flavorful buds. With a reputation built on years of expertise and a meticulous breeding process, Nirvana Autoflower Seeds are a reliable choice for both novice and experienced growers alike. The stability and vigour of their genetics ensure a robust start, a critical factor in achieving a successful harvest. Elevate your cultivation experience with Nirvana Autoflower Seeds, where quality meets performance in every seed.

3 Fastest Auto-flowering Strains in 2023

Ready to harvest in less than 2 months. These are all from the breeder Nirvana Seeds, as they have the fastest auto-flowering strains yet still focus on bud quality and yield.

3 Most Potent Autoflowering Strains in 2023

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