Things To Know About Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

Autoflowering strains have grown in popularity in the past few years. The expanding interest in commercial cannabis cultivation supported this exponential increase in interest towards the variety. Most seed banks today offer a catalog of autoflowering varieties to choose from. But the hype around this variety could seem pretty strange for novice cannabis cultivators.

So what makes this variety a cultivator-friendly choice? Are there any favorable characteristics to these strains? Well, here are five essential points you should know about autoflowering cannabis strains.

1. Do They Carry The Genetic Composition Of Cannabis Ruderalis?

The photoperiod is one of the most critical factors determining the flowering and the final yield of cannabis cultivation. Providing accurate light periods is the way to trigger flowering in Indica and Sativa species. Early growers find creating appropriate photo exposure a challenging and excruciating task. Any deficiency or overdoing could affect the yield significantly, which puts a lot of stress.

Autoflowering strains exhibit the advantage of maturing to the flowering phase automatically. It eliminates the need to manipulate the light cycle.

The fascination to encourage such strains began while observing cannabis Ruderalis. Compared to Indica and Sativa that are light-dependent, Ruderalis flowered automatically and could adapt to extreme temperature conditions. Breeders began crossing Ruderalis with photo-dependent strains to create stable hybrids with several desired properties. These strains are thus a gift to commercial cannabis cultivators to achieve profitable yields. You can explore many such incredible strains and Fabric Pots for cannabis growing.

 

2. Are They Easy to Grow?

Typical cannabis strains require specific environmental conditions and a long growing time before harvest. It limits harvest periods that could severely affect the profitability of growers.

Autoflowering strains can be cultivated throughout the year. They particularly flourish in mild or warm climates that provide endless opportunities to cultivators. But they are also a rugged species that can survive frosts or very low temperatures without reflecting it on the potency or health of the plant.

The average seed to harvest period of autoflowering strains varies between 12 to 18 weeks. It means that growers can try up to three harvests per year. The plants are bushy and tend to grow up to a height of 90-100 cm like their Ruderalis ancestors. They are also highly potent with a rich cocktail of terpenes, thus ensuring high commercial value.

3. Can They Express High CBD Potency?

A non-psychoactive yet potent cannabinoid in the cannabis cocktail is one of the most appealing features of the herb today. Research helps us understand the potential of CBD, especially its therapeutic value. The cannabinoid finds widespread applications in medicine, fitness, cosmetics, skincare, etc.

The growing demand for CBD products promotes CBD-rich strains with little or no traces of THC. Compared to photo-dependent species, autoflowering strains express strong CBD potency.  These plants also aid in curbing the intense and robust high induced by THC to make the experience relatively smooth and comfortable. They induce a sense of lucidity and clear-headedness while delivering a high that is pleasurable.

Autoflowering strains are an excellent choice for growers scouting the CBD market. Given CBD is a legal cannabinoid in most states, these strains are in significant demand, indicating better value and profitability.

4.  Are They Difficult To Transplant?

Autoflowering strains are a good choice for both indoor as well as outdoor growing areas. Their tolerance to extreme environmental conditions and low nutrient dependency makes them simple to grow. But unlike photo-dependent species, autoflowering strains do not respond well to transplants.

Regular cannabis seeds can go through indoor germination and be grown in pots till they reach a specific size. They can be easily transplanted outdoors or in any other larger growing area. But autoflowering strains have trouble accommodating such changes. Transplants tend to cause trouble in growth, difficulty in nutrient absorption, and disruptions in the life cycle of the plants.

Autoflowering plants are best grown in one place from the seed to harvest. So choose the grow area carefully and space the plants sensibly to avoid hassle later. In case a transplant is required, be careful to reduce the stress to the root system. Try not to shock the roots as much as possible and give the plant a few days to adapt to the new settings.

5. Are They Challenging To Clone?

One of the most common beliefs about auto-flowering strains is that cuttings or clones do not grow. The reason behind this notion is that these plants follow the genetic timeline and therefore flower at the age when they are supposed to. It would mean that cuttings could never grow to a feasible size, nor will the yield match the expectations.

But several growers claim that they have successfully cloned autoflowering strains to sizable plants in the vegetative state until they are large enough to start flowering. The trick here is to clone from cuttings of the lower branches only. The hormonal stability of the plant at this point enables better growth of the clone. Also, placing the new cuttings under low light conditions allows proper root system development. It helps the plant to go through a vegetative state before flowering.

Conclusion

Autoflowering cannabis strains offer convenience for cultivation apart from ensuring good yields and potency. Following the right tips and tricks can enable you to make the best of your autoflowering strain. Make sure to invest in high-quality autoflowering seeds to experience extraordinary results.

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*Article was written by Jessica Smith

Source: https://www.cannabis-seeds-store.co.uk/Cannabis-Seeds-News/things-to-know-about-autoflowering-cannabis-strains