Auto-flowering refers to a cannabis trait that allows these special plants to produce buds without needing a specific amount of darkness each day. Autoflowers are not photoperiod (light hours) dependent plants. An internal clock controls the plant’s natural transition from vegetative to flowering cycles. In this autoflower grow guide we will point out all you’ll need to know to get started.
What are autoflowers?
Many of the tools and nutrients you use are the same between autoflowers and other types of cannabis varieties. However, there are important things to know if you’ve never grown an auto-flowering plant. Our guide covering the differences between Autoflower vs Photoperiod plants will give you everything you need to know and the confidence to succeed.
- What are autoflowers?
- How to grow autoflowers
- Growing autoflowers indoors
- Growing autoflowers outdoors
- Choosing autoflower seeds
- What’s the best soil for autoflowers
- Hydroponics are great for autoflower yields if you know what you're doing
- Germinating autoflower seeds
- How long do autoflowers flower for?
- Autoflower light schedule
- Nutrients for autoflowers
- Pruning autoflowers
- Conclusion
What is Cannabis ruderalis?
Ruderalis is a variety of cannabis that is the foundation behind all modern autoflowering cannabis plants. Ruderalis genes give autoflowers a trait that’s independent of the photoperiod. Since their rise to popularity, the process of breeding autoflowers has become more efficient, offering a wider range of terpene, flavor, and cannabinoid profiles.
Although Cannabis Sativa was classified in 1753, and Cannabis Indica was classified in 1785, the Ruderalis species wasn’t classified until 1924. Naturally, by now, you want to know more. We’ve prepared an excellent primer to get you up to speed with your cannabis ruderalis knowledge.
If you want to know more about Cannabis ruderalis or how it sparked the autoflower movement into gear, read our article on how autoflowers were created.
Why grow autoflowers?
Gardeners will find many reasons why growing autoflowering cannabis seeds can be adventitious. Highlights include not needing to change lighting schedules, shorter seed-to-harvest durations, and easier harvesting. Due to the short vegetative stage, autoflowering plants remain compact, making them ideal for people wondering how to grow cannabis in a small space.
Outdoor growers have the potential for an extra harvest each year by placing autoflowers in the field between the vegetating photoperiod plants. It is possible to have a summer harvest of autoflower cannabis plants and a fall harvest of photoperiods. Depending upon the climate zone, autoflower marijuana plants can be grown all year round, further increasing outdoor yields.
Ruderalis plants have less THC than most of today’s strains. A common question is, are autoflower strains less potent? No, in fact, you can find autoflower strains with over 20% THC on our ILGM website. Autoflower breeders have been crossing ruderalis with traditional strains and refining them over generations. Now we have 100% autoflowering strains. These new autoflower genetics feature the same high cannabinoid profiles as the photoperiod relative.
Each cannabis variety has advantages and disadvantages depending on a grower’s garden space, skill level, and available time. To decide if growing autoflower marijuana plants may be the right variety of cannabis for you, we invite you to check out our article What are autoflower seeds.
How much does an autoflower yield?
Several important factors will impact the final yield of any cannabis plant; autoflowers are no exception. In general, autoflowers will yield less than a photoperiod plant due to their smaller size. A way autoflower growers compensate for lower yields per m2, is in the ability to harvest more frequently than photoperiod growers.
Considering all of these factors, including which genetics you are running (find some of the best autoflower strains in our ILGM store), the average yield will be between 50-250 grams per plant. For more details and to learn how to estimate your harvest accurately, visit our article; how much yield can I expect from a single autoflower plant.
For growers who enjoy knowing all of the details and expert tricks to increase autoflower yields, be sure to read our article on how to maximize autoflower yield.
How to grow autoflowers
With the advantages autoflower seeds can offer growers, many people ask; how easy are autoflowers to grow? They are no more difficult than the average house plant. Autoflowers can be grown by gardeners of all skill levels, but use our Autoflower grow bible and ILGM genetics to get the best results possible.
In the Autoflower grow guides, our team of expert growers has created a surefire manual on how to grow autoflowering seeds to the best of their potential. We’ve collected years of experience and combined it into easy-to-read, comprehendible guides. We cover the differences between growing autoflowers and growing photoperiods. Having this knowledge can support your decision to give autoflowers an opportunity in the garden.
If you are a person who also prefers visual aids in the learning process, you will love our week-by-week autoflower life cycle – with pictures.
Buy Autoflower Seeds
- For new and experienced growers
- Easy-growing, low maintenance
- All popular cultivars
Growing autoflowers indoors
Indoor growers with limited space will enjoy the compact nature of these plants. Growing autoflowers indoors gives the gardener control of environmental conditions and lower pest pressure than an outdoor grower may face. By controlling these two yield-limiting factors, autoflower seeds grown indoors have the potential for larger yields.
How to grow autoflowers in a grow tent is an easy question to answer for anyone who has grown cannabis. A unique advantage autoflower plants offer tent growers is that autoflower plants can flower alongside vegetative photoperiod plants.
Autoflower plants can enter their flowering stage under a number of light schedules, unlike photoperiod plants with their specific light hour needs. This autoflowering trait can help indoor gardeners maximize their footprint.
Growing autoflowers outdoors
Outdoor growers in the right climate zone can plant autoflower plants year-round. This advantage increases overall yields and is a great way to harvest as many strain varieties as possible.
For gardeners who grow a photoperiod crop each season, plant autoflowers between them when your photoperiod plants are moved into the field. The autoflowers will be finished before your photoperiod plants begin to flower. This one trick can double your harvest each year.
You can find that tip and a whole lot more in our guide, How to grow autoflowers outside.
Choosing autoflower seeds
Autoflower seeds are similar to photoperiod seeds. Physically, they look the same in shape and coloring. Both have hard outer shells and use the same germination methods. Autoflower seeds and photoperiod seeds can both be regular, which means they have the potential to produce male and female offspring. Photoperiod and autoflowering seeds can also be feminized, producing only female plants. All ILGM autoflower seeds are feminized.
Super autoflower seeds offer growers the ability to grow full-sized plants but with the advantage of the autoflowering trait. This is a genetic breakthrough for growers who want larger harvests and aren’t concerned with a longer than normal vegetative time for an autoflowering plant. The taste, cannabinoid levels, yields, and growth duration are on par with photoperiod plants, but super autoflower seeds will flower independently of the light schedule.
Taking autoflower clones is counterproductive. Clones are used to extend the life of a plant by taking a cutting, rooting it, and starting the growth clock all over again. Automatic varieties have an internal clock, which is independent of light or any other factors. You can take autoflower clones, but they will flower at the same time as the parent; therefore, making it impractical. Autoflowers are always grown from seed.
Many of your favorite photoperiod strains have been bred with ruderalis genes over generations to reliably express the autoflowering trait. Now, popular strains like Gorilla Glue, Gelato, Runtz, and others can be enjoyed by autoflower growers. To help you choose from the many autoflower seed options available on ILGM, read our list of the best autoflower strains.
What’s the best soil for autoflowers
There are three common mediums for planting autoflower seeds.
- Coco
Coco gives the grower a wider margin of error with watering, but it has no nutrients, and growers must follow a feeding schedule. - Soil
For soil, the three main constituents are sand, silt, and clay. Most bagged soil consists of peat, forest products (shredded wood chips), coco coir, perlite, vermiculite, and other ingredients. There is no sand, silt, or clay in these mixes, so they are called a “soilless potting mix”. Soilless potting mixes are a popular option for growing autoflower seeds. It retains moisture well and often has enough nutrients to sustain vegetative growth. - Living soil
The final option would be super soil or living soil systems, which make the most sense if growing in a large bed. When the plant is ready to harvest, chop the plant, leave the rootball, and plant the new plant next to the old one. This type of soil system gets better over time; it is not thrown out after each planting. Help decide which soil system is best for you by reading our article on the best soil for autoflowers.
Most autoflower growers will choose one of the three soil options mentioned above. Unlike photoperiod plants, most autoflower growers do not transplant during the course of the grow. To help you select the right container for your next autoflower grow, read our article on choosing a pot size for autoflowers.
Hydroponics are great for autoflower yields if you know what you’re doing
Hydroponic systems are known for producing explosive growth. Autoflowers do well in hydroponic systems, but there is a larger margin of error with hydroponics and autoflowers. Nutrient imbalance and pH issues can cause stunted growth, which plants need time to recover from. If you stunt the growth of an autoflower plant, you will likely reduce your yield significantly.
Germinating autoflower seeds
There are many ways to successfully germinate autoflower seeds. Common methods include germinating in a paper towel, a glass of water, and direct sow. The same techniques used to germinate photoperiod seeds can be used for autoflower seeds. Regarding the germination process, there are no differences between the two cannabis varieties.
The direct sow method happens when a grower plants autoflower seeds directly in soil. This is an acceptable practice, mainly for indoor growers who can control soil temperature. You can learn more about this process and the others mentioned above, in our step-by-step guide on how to germinate autoflowers.
How long do autoflowers flower for?
Autoflower seeds come in many different strains. Each strain and, more accurately, each autoflower seed will have a different amount of time it will grow before transitioning to flower. The autoflower veg time will be relatively similar for each of the strains. Autoflower varieties commonly have a vegetative growth period of 25-40 days.
The same rules apply to the question of “how long autoflowers flower for”? The exact answer will be strain-dependent, but most autoflower plants are ready to harvest 55-65 days after flowering begins. Super autoflower seeds will produce a plant with slightly longer vegetative and flowering times.
How do you know your autoflowers are ready for harvest? You can anticipate what to expect from an autoflower harvest and be prepared by looking at our guide on when to harvest autoflowers. This guide will save you time and hassle by learning a few easy steps to ensure an efficient harvesting process.
Autoflower light schedule
All cannabis plants need light to live, but autoflowers are unique. Automatic plants can flower under a number of light schedules. Common light schedules for autoflowers include 24/0, 20/4, 18/6, and 12/12. However, the right schedule for you will depend on a number of factors. One of those important factors will be a light’s Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) output.
Proper lighting lets plants harness the energy and convert it to food that fuels plant growth. Intense light can deliver more PPFD in a shorter time than a lower-wattage lamp. To simplify selecting a lighting schedule for your autoflowers, we created a guide on finding the best autoflower light schedule.
Nutrients for autoflowers
Autoflowers need the same macronutrients and micronutrients as photoperiod plants to sustain vigorous growth. One noteworthy difference is that autoflowers prefer a lower EC when fed. Too many nutrients can shock the roots and stunt their growth.
Organic growers have had success growing autoflowers in living soil beds. This is accomplished by using larger soil masses that are reused each grow. Partially due to the microbial activity and organic materials in the medium, the soil quality improves over time until you no longer need to feed it. If you want to learn how to grow autoflowers organically, please let us know in the comments.
There are many options for which nutrients to use with your autoflowers, but we’ve compiled a list of the best nutrients for autoflowering cannabis. Once you choose which nutrients to use, you must know how much and when to apply it. We’ve got you covered with all of your autoflower questions. Before starting your next autoflower grow, be sure to visit our article highlighting the best feeding schedule for autoflowers
Pruning autoflowers
Should you prune autoflowering marijuana plants? Autoflowers are on a predetermined schedule; if the growth is stalled, this can reduce the final yield. Aggressive pruning can cause stress to the plant, which can divert growth energy into energy that is spent recovering. For this reason, most growers don’t do much pruning on autoflower plants.
Occasionally a grower may top an autoflower plant, but due to the short vegetative time, autoflower plants generally have a compact structure. Commonly with autoflower strains, the auxiliary branches reach upwards to nearly an even height with the apical meristem. This negates the benefit of topping, which is to create an even canopy.
Not all pruning or training is stressful enough to an autoflower plant that it stalls growth. Removing leaves gradually instead of all at once can reduce the stress induced by their removal. To address this concern and present “best practices”, read our brief article that answers the question “should you defoliate autoflowers“?
Conclusion
Autoflowers have come a long way since the original Lowryder autoflower plant. The ILGM roster of available automatic and super automatic seeds will demonstrate a wide range of choices. Today we have the choice of different terpene and flavor profiles, as well as cannabinoid levels.
Professional autoflower breeders have had decades to refine and stabilize autoflower genetics. Through these advancements, we are now entering the prime era for autoflower cannabis growing.
The information surrounding the growing practices and feeding schedules is widely available to growers of all skill levels. We recommend downloading Robert Bergman’s free download, The Marijuana Grow Bible.
It’s also a great autoflower grow bible. All the information in our free grow guide can be used to grow photoperiod and autoflower seeds.
Autoflowers offer unique advantages to indoor and outdoor growers. Hopefully, this article piqued your curiosity and answered your questions. Take advantage of the autoflower grow guides on this page for further details into a whole range of autoflower-related topics.
Learn all you can; visit our store for autoflower seeds, make your choice, and start your next growing adventure.
Happy gardening!
love to see some organic autoflower articles
Hi William,
That’s a great suggestion! We will definitely take that into consideration!
Kind regards,
Alex ILGM
I am on my 2nd grow of Bruce Banner auto. flower. My first plant produced 23 Buds,They were ok, but not Great. My second grow is 1 month in. I have 12 Buds,I am in Central Florida,,growing outside in a 5 Gal Pot. I Put the Sprout directly into the Pot. I Lost 2 Bruce Banners when I had them in Jiffy pots, and transpalnted.them. The temps have been Hot{90’s] Humid. I used your Nutes.I make sure not to overwater, I am using Fox Farm Soil,My Plant is about 21/2 foot tall,Not Bushy.. What am I doing wrong?
FoxFarm Ocean Forest and Happy Frog soils but they are hot soils and needs little fertilizer until they flowering stage. You can also add some small/ground limestone to act as a pH buffer. I’m on my 6th grow with FoxFarm and have finally figured it out.
Be sure to pinch off the top when the second 5 leaf comes out.
I just set my White Widow auto seeds into my Aerogarden 3 days ago and they’ve popped big time!! I have a 6 plant unit but only used 4 seeds on the outside pods for space. They are an inch high and healthy. When should I put them in containers for outside?
I bought super skunk auto flowers and have tried to germinate two of the seeds so far and neither one has sprouted. They’re soaking in water in the dark, one of them has a bunch of fuzzy stuff all around it but no tail. The other one still looks the same as it did when I put it in there a week ago
I had an autoflower germinate and sprouted in a solo cup in rich soil so I transplanted into new soil but messed up and put it back in solo cup then transplanted again into final container……what are the chances of survival?
I just ordered some autos from your store. I am trying to learn as much as I can before they arrive. Will keep in touch as I and the babies progress. Thanks for your continued help to become a personal grower. I think like all flowers they are so beautiful, and smell nice.
Is there a guide that discusses more about breeding autoflower seeds?
I’m looking for auto seed information. Can’t find much about how to grow guide
I need some info. I’m a beginner on my second grow of auto. First grow was ok. I need info so as not to make the same mistakes I did in the first one.
My first autoflower grow is going well, planted in soil in my greenhouse Under sunlight. My area gets cool winters (never below freezing) with a reasonable amount of sunlight – would i be able to grow autos during winter in my greenhouse if i used a heated hydroponic system? Is the air temp Critical if the roots are kept warm?
what size container for autoflowers?
Had success with WW autos, last year, one was very stunted, but the rest were awesome, I stopped measuring them after they surpassed 120cm., Bubblegum autos were good too.
Trying Gorilla Glue autos this year, .Planted 29 and 30 October, 2 are only 5cm tall, the rest range from 26-70cm and hairing up very well while still increasing in height. Amazing considering the up and down weather conditions, from nice mid 20sC to sleet and so cold to mid 30s then another cold snap, then under 20 for couple of weeks , and now mid 30s, these plants seem to cope with all that has been thrown at them! awesome! Very happy!
I have never grown auto before I got White Widow. When do I put my little ones under my big light?
So which of your seeds are ‘super autos’?
I Started 2 ILGM Auto fem white widow plants in late april. it is now late july. one is 44 inches high with 7 point leaves and just starting to sprout pistils. The other is 13 inches with 3 point leaves and showing white hairs. I am growing outdoors in 5 gallon buckets with a mixture of Fox farm happy frog & my own compost.
Hey Bob,
Unfortunately, we don’t carry any super autoflower strains. 🙁
Great info I’ve been looking into growing indoors for the 1st time I’ve decided on a 600 watt full spectrum led grow light with a bloom & veg stage setting growing in coco & petite premix (from fox farm) & also using there nutrition and cal mag (Cali manic) any thing else I should look into
Jon, You do not need nutrients when using Super soil; At least in veg and since you are growing “autos”; you may not need nutrients at all except a P-K boost once the plant starts budding. When using 3-part. You would mix all 3 into a gallon at 5ml per gallon. 5ml of each into a gallon of water X how many gallons of solution you make. In total you would be adding 15ml total per gallon. What you misunderstood is; You do not mix the conventrates together before adding to water. Add Grow to water, them Micro, then Bloom. Since you are using Super soil I would recommend using the Lucas formula in flower once you see the plants asking for nutrition. This means; No Grow 1 part Micro, and 2 parts Bloom this formula is recognized as 0-1-2 This equates to 0ml of grow, 5ml of Micro, and 10ml of Bloom per gallon. I wrote a paper years ago and it is in the GrowFAQs in our forum. Happy growing. 🙂
Jay. I must say. I am not a proponent of someone growing in their Mom’s house without her knowledge. You could cost her, her job and 1000’s of dollars in fines and possibly other issues. Yes you could do a small grow with limited expectations in a closet. Just think about the consequences of your actions before you do. OK?
Doyle hurst, My friend, you just need to join our support forum and we will teach you how to grow successfully from start to finish
Spark, you can leave it or cut it down. the roots may fight each other but, in tghis case it probably won;t cause too much of a negative effect as long as you temper expectations for yield from one or the other. You can also cull the little one and this will not hurt the one left at all.
I am using the super soil recommended by various sights and am growing amnesia haze, ak47, and Bergman’s gold leaf auto-flowers. I have the Micro, grow, and bloom products and, according to the label, mix them one at a time into a liter of water. I saw your chart for auto’s that broke it down into each individual nutrient type according to where the plant is in the growth cycle. Should I use them individually? I also use water from my aquarium. This being said, what is the best nutrient system for super soil, indoor grows
So I just Purchased the Critical Purple Auto-Flowering Feminized Cannabis Seeds. 3 of them. I have never grown before so this is my first time taking a stab at this. The thing is (Sadly) I moved back in with Mom and really need to keep this on the DL. Can I set up a growing Light in my Closet and get this thing started in there for the first Month or so if I properly care for it ? Or does it need flowing Air ? If it does need Air movement could I just put a small fan in the closet as well as the Light ? Also wondering how tall and Wide does this particular Strain Grow on average ?
First timer, need to know what l need.
I had a seed from the Autoflower White Widow that didn’t germinate so I put it in the flower pot and with the one that germinated now I have 2 seedlings growing in 1pot should I let it go they are 3weeks and growing fine. If I cut the small down will it hurt the other plan. PS. Am using living soil with Coco perlite
Thanks bud, your the best.
i have forund through experience. that the ph of the water is critical i have very hard well water in the house no softener . i use vinegar to drop the ph to 6 from around 7 (natural ph) before i discovered hoe important the ph was all my plants would just stay small once i started paying attention to the water ph the plants took off i flushed them out good first with the ph tested water then continued to use a ph around 6 now the plants are getting the minerals and food they need if you are having any trouble it may be wilted leave it may be yellow edges ect the first thing to do is get your ph to 6 or so it will make a 100% difference in how your plants grow.
i have upgraded the grow area of my room now that i have been producing.. with the autoflower strains in all my years of growing over 50 . i have never seen anything that even comes close to these new autoflowering strains.i ordered no3 skunk pack all the seeds germinate and all are very healthy this is my 3rd harvest since early march i am using ( 2 sun par )2000k 300 w nichia chip l.e.d.s these cover a least half of the grow space i have used nutrients for veg and then . but then realised i only need the bloom.. since the plants bud in about 3 weeks the growth and size of the buds are amazing the smoke is great… i am adding some flavor enhancer to bring out the skunk side of the autoflowers for more taste but i absolutely recommend the auto fems. and (strains for during the day) and something heavier to make you sleep like (girl scout cookies ) or big bud at night to relax i have stenosis so the pain relief and sleep it gives me is a god send 4 sure.. my light set up is 18/6 never had to change the photo period at all 18/6 from start to finish i watered them with water i ph/tested to 6 or so my water is hard so i use 3 tsp of vinegar pr gallon .. to bump up the ph and that alone helped so much it was astounding never seen plants that look like these autoflower except in high times magazine im sold on them now. thanks to all of you who keep me so informed in the plant flower business..
i am just getting ready to put my seeds in water tonight. i have auto northern lights. im so excited. Its my 1st grow ever. I just got my Michigan medical card. So here goes nothing…wish me luck…
I need instructions on how to grow in a small grow room. I do not want to smoke it, rather, put it in a smoothie for help with insomnia, balancing gut flora and lessening toxins. I have primary biliary cirrhosis and Learned I could plant one seed autoflowering in plastic drinking cup and harvest after a month with enough plant to cover one day. Is this doable?
Just want to say, thank you for sharing your passion, time and knowledge. I appreciate it and the work you do.
why r my plant leaves curling up
Jason,
Possibly it is over fertilization, PH could be way off causing one or more minerals to get locked, or causing a toxicity from one or more minerals.
I suggest you join us at: ilgmforum.com and allow our great community and staff to help you learn to grow successfully. All you need as far as information is right there in the forum. Happy growing
I got a question about harvesting autoflowers..Does the leafs change colors (autumn colors) only if we stop feeding it or it will change colors regard if we feed them or not?
Cingli,
The reason leaves lose their green color is because that particular leaf is no longer capable of producing sugars for the plant and dies off. This can happen either way. Feeding or not feeding. However; Some plants if fed will not lose many leaves.
Happy growing
Hi, very new to growing. I am wondering if this schedule is also used with hydroponics system? And with my seeds being auto and feminized, do I need both the grow and bloom nutrients at very begining of start process?
Ruth,
Have you downloaded our free Grow Bible? All your answers are there. I also invite you to join our forum at ilovegrowingmarijuana.com where we are set up to do daily support and guide you to a successful grow. 🙂
wow- who knew a weed takes this much work? if you got them to grow outside in northeast in ur yard wouldn’t it be like a perennial and u could just expect buds in fall and store accordingly once year?
Hi there, the cannabis plant is not a perennial but an annual plant. At least it is if you don’t let them get pollinated. And you don’t want your ladies to get pollinated because they won’t produce bud when they do. Here you can read up on the plant’s lifecycle.
Im having a hard time telling mine apartand there 2going on 3 feet tall
Hi there, be sure to hop onto the support forum. Our experts there can help you with any questions that may arise 😀 – I❤️GM
Just wanted to thank you on all the good advice here! This is my first proper outdoor/greenhouse crop. bought 3 early skunk seeds from sensi due to the medicinal benefits and plan to do a grow (bit late in the season but hoping no probs due to rubbish weather in here in uk!) Haven’t got any indoor lamps only a small 12w halogen heater lol! so hoping my babies will just thrive on natural sunlight in greenhouse now weather isn’t ‘frosty’ but will probably bring them in at night and do 12/12 roughly around the natural light and see how I go… getting my cannagrow and pots tomorrow and obviously a lot more advise on greenhouse/natural auto growing… any extra tips on lighting/heat for autos around this time appreciated!
great article informative helps a lot
bought your seeds all flowerwed not femized xcellent delivery thanks god bless after all he brought it on earth
Bueno … Good article …thanks
Linda Miller,
I am not sure what to say. I odn’t know who might have told you to give 21 hours light and only 3 dark.
I use 18/6 for autos and they show flowers and progress by week 4. Some growers believe in even shorter photo periods, than that. Are you sure they are Autoflowers? Fem seeds need flowering induced by reducing light to 12/12 photo period.
This is my first time growing. I bought some White Widow fem. autos from you and planted 3 seeds. Success!! They look great and have done some LST, very healthy but they are in their 10th week and show no signs of any buds beginning. I’m giving them a light cycle of 3 hours dark. Should I be concerned that they haven’t started setting buds yet or should I maybe change their light cycle? By the way, all I have learned has been from all the information on your site. Thank you.
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I like the information about auto flowering marijuana and the difference between auto flowering marijuana and traditional types of marijuana. I don’t know what to say.. I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Zog,
That is awesome! I do not recommend 24/0 but, you are proving my concept. I can pass this info onto other Med patients in need. Thank You for sharing. Sounds like you might have a big yield from an auto flower.
Why don’t you join out support forum and share you grow journal? 🙂
I ordered the WW auto what soil should I use?
Dwt88,
You can use any soil. I would recommend a premium organic soil. Have you downloaded and read our free grow bible? I also invite you to join our support forum. We have many experts soil growers who are always willing to help. 🙂
Happy growing
Hi rob ,just read your article on auto plants in time im expecting cash crop auto seeds to come for a freind ,he asked me what the difference light regime was to light cycle plants ,ha i wasnt quite sure what to tell him ,know i do will be checking out ur seed bank ❤️
C. H. T.,
This all depends on the size of your grow space. I like to grow autos under a 600 watt air cooled lamp.
Perhaps you could benefit from joining our support forum. 🙂
See you there. Ask for “Latewood”
wab,
It is always great to hear about our customers achieving success! Happy growing, lw
Brainiac,
Thanks for sharing that information. Happy growing! 🙂
b ,
We apologize for not replying to your comment. We wish you had joined our free support forum.
Well; I know your issue is past but, I want to give you the courtesy of a reply. Auto flowers can be grown using any photo period. I use 18/6 The lower amount of “ON” lamp hours makes roots grow more vigorously. Some growers like to use 12/12. This allows for maximum root growth and the plant finishes much faster. 70-90 days
As far as finish time. I always monitor my harvest time by viewing the trichomes for maturity.
A longer photo period such as I use 18/6 tends to lengthen the wntire grow and produces great results in 90-110 days.
I,m having trouble getting my germinated seeds to grow.I;m putting them about a 1″ in the soil but nothing.Put plain water on them.Help
Thank you did not wait long to get my auto flowering seeds thank you Robert
Great to hear John! Happy growing!
So if I’m reading this correctly, auto-flower seeds are not feminized am I correct in saying this?
JHohn,
Thanks for choosing seeds from ILGM. We look forward to your continued patronage. 🙂
Kept them on light 24 hours for three months,they started budding after A month and a half of growth.we kept them on 24 hours until after the full moon of the 3rd month then 12 and 12 outside Buds are getting really big and thick after that and will harvest day after next fullmoon
I’m planning to grow autos soon, and I want to know, what’s the best lighting for them ? Now keep in mind I’m on a very low budget. Any tips or advice would be very much appreciated..
Happy growing everyone!
A 42 Watt CFL 18 hours a day is maybe $ 2.50 a month in electricity !
Remember to keep these CFL’s close around 2 inches away for best results.
To save money on nutrients use your own urine deluted 20 to 1 water to urine and no matter what anyone says, start by saturating your grow medium with 20 to 1 water to urine solution, just enough to have some dripping out the bottom, wait one hour for dripping to stop and plant your seed 2 full inches down ! If you do this your plant will be popping through in 3 1/2 days looking radioactive florescent green and with a very thick healthy stem.
Sounds like fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing. Happy growing!
I thought this was great article for me as a beginner grower and the fact that my First seed purchase was entirely Autos
Fyshhtrap,
I have been trying to talk myself into going to autos 100%. Love the Super Skunk auto; “Robert’s fav”, but I just cannot quit wanting to grow Robert’s Gold Leaf! 😀
For sure.
Just finished my second crop in a tent. First was Gods Treat (Jordan of the Islands) and it took about 3 months. Took forever and branched out wide. Just went 2 months with the AutoFlower (Red Poison) and the incredibly nice Auto Blueberry from this very site. I accidently broke the cola off the top of a Blueberry and it made a huge knot of 4 nugs where the first branch started! I am stunned. Very impressed with the AutoFlowers and plan on growing several different strains.
Thanks for everything. The advice and the seeds have been awesome!
I have found that when breeding auto- femminized seed, due to the rapid growth, the seed producer plant should be staggered several weeks from the pollen producer.
I am new at this. I purchased from you, White Widow extreme auto. I have them in 1gal pots. do they need to be transplanted into larger pots? They are indoors but l plan on moving them outdoor June 1st (calif warm weather 16 hrs of light)they are about 5 weeks old, maybe 6 I lost count. The tallest of 16 plants is about 12-14 inches and all have been under 54 watts x 4 lights in one light strip 18/6 hrs. I have been feeding them light veg food. Will bat guano help yield? should I continue 18/6 hrs of light? what other things should I be aware of? when should I expect to harvest, 8 weeks, 10 weeks? any other tips would be greatly appreciated thanks
How do I buy the seeds ?