How Long Do Autoflowers Take From Seed To Harvest
Hey there, fellow growers! Today, we’re going to tackle one of the most common questions when it comes to growing cannabis: how much do autoflowers take to produce crops? This is a question that many of us have asked ourselves, especially if we’re growing for the first time. But fear not, my friends! I have…
What are Autoflower Cannabis Seeds and Their Growth Cycle
Automatic cannabis, is a type of cannabis that does not depend on light cycle to start to flower.
Instead, they starts blooming automatically after a certain period of time, Ruderalis genetics give these plants an internal clock that tells them when to flower.
During the grow cycle, it goes through four stages: sprouting, seedling, vegetation, and blooming.
Each stage requires different care and attention to ensure the plant grows healthy and strong.
Characteristics
These seeds have some unique characteristics that set them apart from regular seeds.
For one, they tend to be smaller in size but still pack a punch when it comes to yield.
They also have a shorter lifespan, autoflower seeds take usually from 8 to 12 weeks to mature.
This makes them a great easy to grow option for growers who want a quicker turnaround time.
Another important characteristic of these seeds is their ability to grow in different lights.
They don’t require a specific light to start flowering, unlike photoperiod plants.
Since they are naturally faster growers than photoperiod strains.
This means that they will mature more quickly then when you are growing feminized photoperiod cannabis.
Growing Autoflowers Guide: Weeks From Seed To Harvest Time
Autoflowers are a popular choice for both novice and experienced cannabis growers due to their rapid growth and ease of cultivation.
In this guide, we will take you through the various stages of auto growth, highlighting key milestones such as the 3 week old, 6 week old, 1 month old, and 2 month old.
Seeds Sprouting And Seedling Stage (1-2 weeks)
The journey begins with germinating your seeds.
Within 1-2 weeks, the seedlings will emerge and establish a solid root system.
During this time, it’s crucial to maintain optimal environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and lighting to ensure healthy growth.
Vegetation Stage (2-4 weeks)
At the 3 week old autoflower growth stage, your plants will be in vegetation stage.
This is when they focus on developing a strong structure and foliage.
As your plants continue to grow, they will require more light, nutrients, and water to support their rapid development.
By the end of the vegetation stage, around the 1 month old mark, your plants will be ready for the next phase.
Flowering Phase (5-11 weeks)
During the blooming, your plants will start producing buds, and you will see significant changes in their appearance.
Week 5 is the beginning of this stage, and it is essential to adjust lights and nutrient ratios to promote bud development.
At autoflower week 6, the nugs will become more prominent, and the 6 week old autoflower plant will continue to grow taller.
As you reach week 7, you will notice the development and the distinct cannabis aroma.
Autoflower week 8 is when the plants begin to mature, and the nugs become denser.
At autoflower week 10, the trichomes will turn milky, indicating that the plants are nearing final stage.
Final Phase (12 week)
By autoflower week 12, your plants should be done.
Trichome’s will have reached their peak CBD potency, and the nugs will be fully developed.
To ensure a successful crops, monitor the trichome’s color and appearance closely, as this is a key indicator of when your plants are done.
Factors That Influence Reaping Time
There are many factors that can influence the average life cycle it takes for plants to mature.
Some of the most significant factors include genetics, environmental conditions, nutrients, and lightning.
Additionally, the quality of the soil, water, and nutrients the plant receives can also affect autoflowers grow rate and yield.
Genetics and Autoflowering Strain Selection
Choosing the right auto Indica and Sativa strain is crucial for maximizing growth rate and yield.
Factors such as growth speed, yield, and genetic resilience to environmental conditions and pests should be considered when selecting a strain.
This helps ensure healthy and robust plant growth.
These days, modern autoflowers can satisfy with CBD levels even the most demanding of users.
Recreational users won’t have difficulties finding automatic varieties rich in THC similar to photoperiod feminized seeds, and holistic users can get autoflowers low in THC levels but high in CBD to benefit from the non-psychoactive cannabinoid.
The Influence of Terpenes in Autoflowers Cannabis
Terpenoids in autos contribute to their flavor and aroma and can also affect their growth rate and yield.
Certain ones have antibacterial or antifungal properties that protect the plant through entire life cycle, while others help regulate growth rate for larger yields and better quality production.
Ideal Environment
To ensure healthy growth, auto plants need proper temperature, humidity, lighting, and air circulation.
During the vegetation stage, temperatures should be 70-85°F and humidity around 50-70%.
During blooming, lower temperature to 65-80°F and humidity to 40-50%.
Autoflower plants require 18 hours of light during vegetation stage and 12 hours during blooming, and LED lights are a popular choice for their energy-efficiency and full spectrum lighting.
Nutrient And Water Management
Proper nutrient and water management are crucial for growing healthy plants.
During the vegetation stage, provide higher nitrogen levels, and during the flowering stage, higher phosphorus and potassium levels.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can lead to stunted auto.
Organic nutrient solutions are a popular choice for healthier growth.
Typical Time Frame For Autoflowering Seeds
During the first 2 weeks, the plant will go through the germination and seedling stage, where it will sprout its first set of leaves.
In the next two weeks, the plant will enter the vegetation stage and will continue to grow.
In the week 5, plant will begin to bloom.
From the start of the blooming, it usually takes about 6-8 weeks for the buds to fully mature and be ready for reaping.
However, this can vary depending on the strain and the desired level of potency.
How Long Does it Take To Grow Autoflower Seed
To grow auto plant, start by germinating the seeds and transplanting them into nutrient-rich soil with proper lighting and watering.
Monitor nutrient and water intake and perform low-stress training during vegetation stage.
Adjust nutrients schedule during blooming.
They take around 8-12 weeks to producing beautiful crops depending on genetics and environmental conditions.
Germination of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
There are different methods for germinating auto seeds such as the paper towel and direct-to-soil method.
Keep seeds warm and moist to encourage sprouting.
After sprouting, transplant the seeds to nutrient-rich soil and provide proper lighting, nutrients, and water to help them grow healthy.
Seedling Stage
The seedling stage is critical to establish roots and develop their first leaves.
To ensure healthy growth, provide the right amount of light, humidity, and nutrients.
Avoid overwatering as the roots are still developing.
Many growers use high-intensity grow lights and humidifiers for the ideal growing environment.
Vegetative Stage
The vegetation stage is when auto begin to grow larger leaves and establish their root system.
Provide proper lighting, nutrients, and water, and use low-stress training techniques like topping or bending to promote bushier growth.
Many cultivators use high-intensity grow lights and nutrient-rich soil.
Flowering Stage
During the flowering, adjust the lighting and provide proper nutrients.
Monitor the plant’s health and watch for pests and diseases.
Keep an eye on trichome development to determine time for crops.
When Are Autoflowers Ready For Reaping And Drying
Knowing when to crop your auto cannabis plants is essential for producing high-quality yield.
To get high-quality auto cannabis strain products, wait until trichomes turn milky white and pistils turn brown.
Dry them upside down for 7-10 days in a cool, dark, ventilated place.
Place dried nugs in a sealed jar to begin the curing process, periodically opening to release moisture.
Curing enhances flavor and aroma, improving quality.
Grow Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Week By Week Pictures
Here are some pictures of auto plants week by week.
Strategies For Accelerating Autoflower Maturation
There are some strategies that cultivators can use to potentially accelerate the maturation of Auto plants:
- Nutrient management: Providing the right balance of nutrients to your plants can help promote healthy growth and potentially accelerate maturation.
- Training techniques: Techniques such as low-stress training and defoliation can help increase airflow and light penetration to the lower parts of the plant, which can potentially lead to faster maturation.
- Genetics: Choosing a fast-maturing Auto strain can also help reduce the overall growth cycle and potentially accelerate maturation.
Low Stress Training (LST) And Other Training Techniques To Increase Yield Outdoors
Low-stress training (LST) techniques like bending stems and branches promote bushier growth, increase exposure to light, and maximize production in highest yielding auto plants.
Other techniques include topping and super cropping to encourage lateral growth and thicker stems.
These methods are particularly useful for outdoor cultivators looking to maximize auto yields and promote healthy growth.
Best Light Schedule for Autoflowering Plants
Plants don’t require specific lighting to enter the flowering, but lighting conditions still impact growth and health.
A common schedule is 18 light hours and 6 hours of darkness during vegetation stage, and 12 h of light and 12 hours of darkness during flowering.
Lighting can be adjusted to promote faster or slower growth.
Consistent, high-quality lighting is essential for healthy growth and maximum yields.
FAQ
How long are autos in seedling stage?
They are usually in the seedling stage for approximately 1-3 weeks.
How long it takes for autoflowers to fully mature?
Typically, it can take from a few weeks to a few months for seeds to reach the budding stage.
How long do autos take outside to mature?
They can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to mature and be ready for crop when grown outside.
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