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Autoflowering cannabis plants are a relatively new development in the world of marijuana cultivation. They are specifically bred to flower after a certain amount of time, regardless of the light hours they receive. This makes them perfect for indoor or outdoor growing, as growers don't have to worry about manipulating the light cycle to get their plants to enter the flowering stage.

Autoflowering cannabis plants are also known for their fast growth and short flowering period compared to traditional photoperiodic plants which can take up to three months or more. These plants typically range from 8-18 inches tall and produce smaller yields than photoperiodic strains. However, this is offset by autoflower strains requiring less attention, making them an ideal choice for novice growers.

Do Autoflowering Plants Produce Seeds?

Autoflowering cannabis plants have taken the cannabis cultivation industry by storm, and one of the most common questions growers have is whether or not these plants produce their own seeds. The answer is yes, autoflowering strains do indeed produce their own seeds.

The process is similar to photoperiodic plants in that they will still require some form of pollination, usually through natural means such as wind or insects. However, it is important to note that auto-flowering strains are typically less likely to produce viable seeds than photoperiodic strains due to their smaller size and shorter flowering period.

While autoflowers can produce their own seeds, outdoor growers should be aware that the quality of these seeds may not be as high as those from a professional seed bank. Additionally, it's important for growers to pay close attention during the flowering stage as too much heat or humidity can cause hermaphroditism, leading to male flowers producing pollen and thus ruining your harvest.

Read More: Are Autoflowering Seeds Always Female

How are Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Made?

Autoflowering cannabis plants are created when breeders cross a Cannabis Ruderalis strain with either an Indica strain or a Sativa strain. Cannabis ruderalis is native to Russia, and it has adapted to thrive in harsher temperatures and low light levels by switching from photoperiodism (flowering according to the light cycle) and learning to flower according to time.

Crossbreeding the two strains produces a short-day cannabis that flowers on its own schedule regardless of the light cycle. Autoflowering plants grow much smaller than traditional ones, reaching a maximum of 1.5-2 feet in height compared to some Sativas which can reach over 15 feet tall. Autoflowers also typically require fewer nutrients, making them easier to maintain than regular strains.

Cannabis Plant Breeding

Cannabis plant breeding combines two plants with desirable genetic traits to create a new strain. It is an important part of cultivating cannabis and can produce unique strains that are more resistant to disease, have higher levels of THC or CBD, or even possess different flavors.

Plant breeders must carefully select the parent plants for their crosses as the offspring will inherit each trait. They must also consider the environment where their seeds will grow and how light intensity, day length, temperature, and soil type may affect the outcome of their strain.

Seedless Plants Vs. Plants with Seeds

Seedless plants, such as cannabis autoflowers, are different from their seeded counterparts in a few key ways. Autoflower plants produce smaller yields than their seed-bearing relatives and don't require specific light cycles to flower. On the other hand, they can still produce potent buds and remain easy to cultivate.

Seeded cannabis plants require a long vegetative stage and need specific light cycles to transition into flowering. They also tend to produce higher yields since more of the plant is used for bud production. However, there is also the risk that male plants pollinate female plants and reduce flower quality or yield.

When deciding between seedless or seeded cannabis plants, consider how much time you want to spend tending your garden and what type of yields you expect. Autoflowers are generally easier to grow and can be harvested faster but offer lower yields due to their shorter growth period. Seeded strains require more time but can provide bigger harvests if grown correctly.

Benefits of Autoflowering Cannabis Plants

Autoflowering cannabis plants offer many advantages to growers. One of the biggest benefits is that they don't require specific light cycles to flower and can be harvested faster than their seeded counterparts.

This makes them ideal for various grow operations, from small indoor set-ups to outdoor grows in short seasons. Autoflowers also tend to be more resistant to pests and diseases due to their shorter growth period, which means less time spent tending your garden.

Additionally, most autoflower strains are feminized, meaning there's no risk of pollination from male plants reducing flower quality or yield. Autoflowering cannabis plants offer high-potency buds with minimal effort and time invested.

Read More: Can You Clone Autoflower

Short Growing Schedule and Quick Harvests

Autoflowering cannabis plants offer growers several advantages, chief among them being their short growing schedule and quick harvests. Autoflower marijuana seeds start to flower independently without needing specific light cycles and can be harvested in as little as 8 to 10 weeks after the seed is germinated.

This makes them ideal for those with limited space or a need for discretion, as they can be harvested in a fraction of the time it takes to seed cannabis plants. Additionally, most autoflower strains are feminized, meaning there's no risk of pollination from male plants reducing flower quality or yield.

Autoflowers also tend to be more resistant to pests and diseases due to their shorter growth period, resulting in less time spent tending your garden and protecting your investment. So, if you're looking for high-quality buds with minimal effort and time invested, autoflowering seeds are an excellent option.

Small Plant Size

Autoflowering cannabis plants are also prized for their small size. Cannabis Ruderalis, the wild ancestor of marijuana, is a tiny plant, and when combined with regular strains, it brings down the final height of the auto-flowering variety significantly.

This makes them ideal for those who have limited space or need to be discreet when growing cannabis. Autoflowers tend to reach maximum heights of 2 to 3 feet, depending on pot size, with some popular strains even topping out at under two feet tall. This small stature makes them perfect for guerrilla growing outdoors or in a clandestine grow op indoors.

Even in a large indoor setup where multiple plants are grown together, autoflowers can help save space due to their small size. All this makes autoflowering cannabis seeds an excellent choice for those looking for high-quality buds without occupying too much room in their garden.

Read More: How To Get Big Buds on Autoflower

Multiple Harvests per Season

Multiple harvests per season are among the most attractive benefits of growing auto-flowering cannabis plants. This is because they have a short flowering period and can complete their life cycle more quickly than regular strains, making it possible to have multiple harvests in a single season.

Autoflowers can be grown indoors or outdoors and typically reach harvest-ready maturity from fifty to seventy days after germination. For those who grow outdoors, multiple harvests can mean having three or four times as yield in a given season as growing regular strains.

Indoors, growers can have successive crops every few weeks, yielding as much as 50 grams of dried cannabis per plant. Multiple harvests mean more yields with less effort, making autoflowering cannabis an ideal choice for those who want maximum results with minimal effort.

Read More: When To Harvest Autoflower Strains

No Lighting Changes Required

One of the best advantages of autoflowering cannabis plants is that they can be grown without having to worry about making lighting changes. Unlike regular cannabis strains, which require twelve hours of light per day to begin flowering, autoflowers do not need to have their lights adjusted. They will automatically start flowering after a few weeks of vegetative growth.

This makes them ideal for growers who don't have the time or energy to monitor their plants' light cycles constantly. Autoflowers also tend to be more resilient than regular strains, making them easier to maintain and more forgiving when mistakes are made. Growing autoflowering cannabis seeds can give cannabis growers peace of mind knowing that their crop will progress with minimal effort on their part.

Not Affected by Temperature Changes

Autoflowering cannabis strains are also not affected by temperature changes that can stunt the growth of regular cannabis plants. This makes them an ideal choice for beginner growers in cooler climates where temperatures can quickly drop at night and cause damage to a photoperiodic strain.

Autoflowers are adapted to cope with such temperature swings, making them a reliable option for outdoor growing in unpredictable weather conditions. This trait is especially beneficial for those who live in areas with short growing seasons and want to get the most out of their harvest before the frost sets in.

Tips for Growing Autoflower Cannabis Seeds

Autoflowering cannabis strains are known for their short flowering times and ease of growth, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced growers. Here are some tips to ensure a successful autoflower grow:

• Start with quality seeds – Auto seeds are available from many reputable seedbanks and online retailers. Shop around and find the best seed quality for your desired strain.

• Provide plenty of light – Autoflowers need lots of light throughout their life cycle. If you’re growing indoors, use powerful lights such as HID or LED to ensure proper growth. When growing outdoors, place your plants in a spot with plenty of sunshine throughout the day.

• Keep nutrients balanced – As with any other type of cannabis plant, it’s important to provide enough nutrition while avoiding overfeeding. Try starting with a basic nutrient mix and adjust accordingly based on your plants' needs at each growth stage.

• Don’t overwater – Autoflowers don’t need as much water as regular cannabis plants due to their shorter vegetative period. Water your marijuana plants 2-3 times per week and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

By following these tips, you will be well on your way towards growing high-quality autoflower cannabis buds in no time!

Read More: When to Top Autoflower

Final Thoughts

Autoflowering cannabis plants are becoming increasingly popular among growers due to their unique properties. They offer several advantages, such as fast growth cycles, resistance to pests and mold, and the ability to produce multiple harvests in a single season.

One of the most common questions asked by growers is whether autoflower cannabis plants can produce autoflower seeds. The answer to this question is yes. Autoflower seeds can be produced by allowing the plant to fully mature and reproduce naturally.

These seeds inherit the autoflowering trait, meaning they can begin flowering without needing a specific light cycle. This is particularly beneficial for indoor growers with limited space and time.