Autoflowering cannabis varieties, developed as a result of improved breeding techniques, are producing faster and better cannabis strains. They mature in no time, as high potency yields can now be gotten between 9 to 10 weeks from germination. There's a lot you should know about the auto flower weed seed. Keep reading to find out.
7 Must-Knows about Autoflowering Seeds
Below are seven facts about autoflowering seeds. Let’s dive right in:
- What is cannabis ruderalis and what’s its connection to autoflowers?
Cannabis ruderalis; a chief component of the autoflowering variety is simply a putative third special or subspecies of cannabis. It is mostly found in the northern parts of the northern hemisphere. An example of such places where it can be found is in Russia. Cannabis ruderalis is known for its small stature, low cannabinoid (CBD) levels, hardiness, and resistance to cold. One more thing, it has the tendency to flower irrespective of prevailing light cycles; provided it has grown to a certain age and size.
There's an argument among scientists about whether it ought to be classified as a species of its own or as a subspecies of cannabis Indica or cannabis sativa. However, research shows that C. Ruderalis is a species of its own and a sister species to C. Indica and C. Sativa.
Cannabis Ruderalis has a short vegetative period and a short flowering period. It is also not dependent on light cycles to begin flowering. It is hardy and resistant to frost and cold climates. Finally, it is usually found at 50°N of the equator or higher latitudes.
- What are commercial autos and super autos?
Over time, breeders have experimentally crossed cannabis ruderalis with other desirable high cannabinoid strains in order to get commercially useful autoflowering hybrids. One of the first plants to be used was the Mexican Rudy. It was combined to produce the first commercial autoflowering strain, LowRyder.
There have been successful generations of crossing and this has led to the development of a high range of higher potency strains. The first set of autos included the LowRyder and they were typically very small in stature. The super autos came later and were much taller and bushier than the standard autos. They could get to about 100cm in height compared to the 45cm of commercial autos.
- Autoflowering plants do not need darkness
Autoflowering plants do not depend on light cycle changes to begin flowering. Anything from 16/8 to 24/0 lighting schedule works. There have been suggestions that there are certain metabolisms that occur in the darkness that increase plant health and vigor. However, there has been no evidence to back this up.
- Autoflowers can grow outdoors all through the year.
If you plant them in warm regions, there is a high possibility they would grow outdoors throughout the year. They usually take about 8-10 weeks to be ready. Within that time frame, you can achieve up to five harvests in a year, if the conditions are favorable.
Autoflowers are hardy and can grow if the temperature is above freezing point. They are frost-resistant anyway, but persistent frozen conditions could be too much for autoflowers to handle.
Ensure that you get your seeds from trusted vendors though. You can always visit and patronize Herbies Seed Shop to meet your autoflower seed needs and be sure that you’ll get the best quality.
- Can you clone autoflowering plants?
Cloning autoflowers is so difficult and complicated that some people believe it is practically impossible. They believe that the cuttings from the mother plant will not reach a useful size hence the yield will be negligible.
On the other hand, some growers believe it is achievable and have gone ahead to successfully clone their autos. After cloning, they allowed them to continue in the vegetative mode until they became as large as the mother plant. As time went on, they got to their maximum size and began to flower.
The main takeaway is that when cloning, take cuttings from the lower branches only. The lower branches are more stable hormonally than their counterparts at the top. Additionally, once cuttings are taken, they should be kept in low light and in moist conditions until they have rooted.
- When do autoflowers flower?
The regular cannabis strains just like most plants have a gene that controls photoperiod dependency and response. However, in autoflowers, this gene is absent. It means that autoflowers will not respond to changes in circadian rhythm when flowering.
It is yet unknown, the gene that is responsible for flowering in autoflowers. But one thing is certain; flowering is triggered in autoflowers by age rather than by changes in light. As a result, most autoflowers begin to flower between 6-8 weeks after they are planted.
- How long do autoflowers take from seed to harvest?
The time from seed to harvest varies greatly amongst different varieties of autoflowers. This is because autoflowers are still relatively new. However, a good variety of autoflower should be ready for harvest within 10 weeks.
There have been reports of autoflowers that took as long as 18 weeks from seed to harvest. This has been attributed to the instability of unreliable seeds from unreliable retailers. This is why you need the right plug for your seeds. You should procure your autoflower seeds from the Herbies Seeds as they are very reliable and offer only the best.
Conclusion
Autoflowering Seeds are the new sensation and you should be current on the recent advancements, especially if you're a cannabis grower. We have given you seven key things to know about autoflowering seeds above and we are sure they’ll be very helpful.
