How Long Is The Flowering Stage For Autoflowers

How Long Is The Flowering Stage For Autoflowers

Autoflowering strains of cannabis have changed the cultivation process. Their shorter life cycle makes them a good fit for new or busy growers who want a faster harvest.

If you are asking how long do autoflowers flower, most plants stay in bloom for 4 to 8 weeks. That is why many growers like them for quick crops and simple care.

The whole life cycle is short, and you do not need a light flip to start bloom. That makes autoflowers easier to grow than many regular strains.

Autoflowering cannabis is a strong choice for growers who want quick harvests and less work. Use this autoflower week by week guide to plan your grow.

The Life Cycle of Autoflower Varieties

Autoflowers move through three stages.

• Germination: 1 to 2 weeks
• Vegetative growth: 2 to 6 weeks
• Flowering: 4 to 8 weeks

Germination is when the seed opens and the first leaves appear. Vegetative growth is when the plant builds size and fan leaves. Flowering is when buds form and ripen.

The full autoflower flowering time is often 8 to 16 weeks from start to finish. Because you do not need to change the light cycle, autoflowers are easier to run than many regular strains.

Read More: Can You Clone Autoflower

Autoflower week 1: Germination / Seedling

The first week is all about root growth and sprouting. The seed starts to open and form its first leaves. This stage usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your setup and strain.

Many growers start seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic container. Keep the container warm and dry, and mist it with warm water every few hours.

Once the seed pops, it enters vegetative growth. At that point, it needs light and nutrients to build a strong base.

Autoflower week 2: Seedling

In week 2, the plant is still a seedling. You will start to see its first true leaves. They will spread out to catch more light.

Use light soil feed at this stage. Good soil nutrients, organic boosters, and mild fertilizer can help. Do not feed too hard, since autoflowers need less food than regular plants.

Autoflower week 3: Vegetation

Week 3 is the start of steady veg growth. The plant can grow fast and may reach 30 to 60 cm indoors.

Keep the light on for 18 or more hours each day. Hold humidity near 50% and temperature near 20 °C. A fan can help move air and lower heat stress.

If all goes well, the plant should be moving toward maturity by the end of the week.

Autoflower week 4: Vegetation

By week 4, veg is almost done. Small white hairs may appear at the nodes. These are early pre-flower signs.

Keep feeding and lighting steady. If you have been training the plant, stop now. Too much stress can slow flower growth.

Read More: When to Top Autoflower

Autoflower week 5: Pre-flowering

At week 5, many plants begin to flower. You may see pistils on female plants and pollen sacs on male plants.

If you do not want seeds, remove male plants as soon as you spot them. Keep humidity near 50%, temperature near 20 °C, and keep the light at least 70 cm from the canopy to avoid heat stress.

By the end of this week, the plant should be well on the way to harvest.

Autoflower week 6: Flowering

Flowering is now in full swing. The plant shifts from leaf and stem growth to bud growth.

Switch to bloom feed and a warm red spectrum if your setup allows it. Many growers give about 1 liter every 24 hours during this stage, but always watch the medium and the plant.

Read More: Cannabis Landrace

Autoflower week 7: Flowering

Week 7 usually brings more bud mass and a stronger scent. Your plant may be around 30 cm tall or more, depending on the strain.

Lower humidity to about 40% and keep the canopy at a safe distance from the light. Inspect the buds for any bud issues, like protrusions or abscesses. These can point to herm plants that may start to self-pollinate.

With these steps in place, you can look forward to a healthy finish.

Autoflower week 8: Flowering

By week 8, flowering is nearing its peak. Buds should be growing fast and feeling denser.

Keep humidity around 40% and maintain steady watering. Watch for herm plants again, since they can still show up at this stage. Good care here can make a big difference in yield and quality.

Autoflower week 9: Flowering

At week 9, many plants are close to harvest. Buds should be dense, and the plant may have a strong smell.

Keep feeding and watering as needed. Watch light, temperature, and humidity. Check for mold and pests, too. Depending on the strain, you may be in the final stretch of the autoflower flowering timeline.

Autoflower week 10: Flowering

By week 10, most plants are in the final stage of bloom. Buds should be heavy with resin and feel firm.

Keep your watering schedule steady and hold the room at about 24 °C and 40% humidity. Check for mold or pests. Some plants will be ready in a few days, while others may need up to 12 weeks for full maturity.

Autoflower week 11: Flushing / Leaf trim

Now is the time to flush the medium and start a light leaf trim. Flushing helps remove extra minerals before harvest.

Use plain water before harvest so salts wash out of the growing medium. Then remove some fan leaves from the lower growth. This helps light reach the lower buds and can speed ripening on the top colas.

Do not take off too much. Remove no more than 10% to 15% of each plant, and check each bud before harvest.

Read More: Hydroponic vs. Soil Cannabis Cultivation

Week 12: Harvest

Week 12 is often harvest time. Before you cut the plant, check the trichomes and pistils.

If trichomes turn from clear to amber, and the pistils turn brownish orange, the plant is usually ready. This is one of the best signs for when to harvest autoflowers.

After harvest, hang the plants upside down to dry. Drying can take 5 to 14 days, depending on room humidity and temperature. After that, trim and cure the buds in airtight jars.

Read More: How To Dry Buds Without Hanging

Grow Your Autoflower

In short, the flowering stage can vary by strain, grow space, and plant health. Most autoflowers enter flower 2 to 4 weeks after germination. They usually finish bloom in 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the specific autoflowering seeds, grow conditions, and cannabis genetics.

Strong light, balanced nutrients, and stable conditions can help you get a better harvest. This autoflower week by week guide is useful, but the plant itself should always be your main signal.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flowering stage of an autoflower?

Usually 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the strain.

How long does an autoflower take from seed to harvest?

Usually 8 to 16 weeks total. That includes 1 to 2 weeks of germination, 2 to 6 weeks of veg, and flowering after that.

Do autoflowers need a 12/12 light schedule to flower?

No. They flower with age, not with a light flip. Many growers keep them under 18 or more hours of light per day.

How tall is an autoflower in week 3?

Indoors, a week 3 plant is often 30 to 60 cm tall, with humidity near 50% and temperatures around 20 °C.

Do autoflowers need a lot of feeding?

No. They need less feed than regular varieties, so avoid overdoing nutrients.

About this article

Published by the Quebec Cannabis Seeds team. Trent LaPierre, a Quebec breeder with more than 35 years of hands-on growing experience, founded QCS in 2015. Genetics we bred ourselves come from our own breeding work. When a strain comes from another breeder, we say so and give credit. How we work. Last updated: November 30, 2023.

Sources and further reading: Cannabis Act (Justice Laws, Government of Canada) · Cannabis Regulations (SOR/2018-144). Cannabis seed rules differ by province and state, so check local laws before ordering.

Disclaimer

This blog is for education only. It is not legal, medical, or professional advice. Cannabis laws vary by region, and you are responsible for knowing the laws that apply to you before buying seeds or growing.

Results can vary with environment, experience, and genetics. Any action you take based on this content is at your own risk. QCS and its authors are not liable for any loss or legal consequence from its use.

Q&A

Why can the flowering timeline vary so much between autoflower strains?

Genetics set the base timing, but grow conditions and plant health matter too. Most autoflowers flower for 4 to 8 weeks, but some need longer. Light, temperature, humidity, nutrients, and water can all change the pace.

When do autoflowers usually start showing pre-flowering signs?

Most plants show pre-flower signs around week 4 or week 5. You may see white hairs on female plants or pollen sacs on male plants. Since autoflowers flower by age, these signs can show up fast once the plant reaches the right stage.

How can a grower tell an autoflower is getting close to harvest?

Near harvest, buds are dense, the smell is strong, and resin is heavy. Trichomes and pistils matter most. Amber trichomes and brownish-orange pistils often mean the plant is ready or close.

Why is flushing mentioned before harvesting autoflowers?

Flushing means giving the plant plain water before harvest so extra salts and minerals move out of the medium. Growers do this to improve the taste of the dried and cured buds.