Growing different strains of autoflowering cannabis offers unique opportunities and challenges. By cultivating multiple varieties, you can diversify your harvest, enjoy an array of flavors and effects, and maximize the utility of your grow space.
Not all strains will flourish under identical conditions due to variations in growth habits, nutrient needs, and maturation timelines. Strategic planning becomes essential for a successful harvest.
Understanding Cannabis Strains and Types
Different cannabis strains lead to varied effects and purposes. When growing cannabis, selecting the right strain and seed is crucial.
- Autoflowering Seeds: simplify the growing process by automatically transitioning from the vegetative to flowering stage. Their growth cycle lasts around nine weeks from seed to harvest. Due to their adaptability to various light schedules, they suit beginners who want to grow autoflowers with less effort.
- Photoperiod Seeds: require specific light cycles to progress from vegetative to flowering stages. Commonly used by seasoned growers, they offer greater control over the growth cycle but demand more maintenance.
- Regular Seeds: yield both male and female plants and are primarily used for breeding purposes. Like photoperiod seeds, they need specific light cycles to flower. Growers often use them to cultivate new strains by controlling pollination.
Popular Autoflowering Cannabis Strains
Popular autoflowering cannabis strains cater to different preferences based on potency and flavors. Some well-regarded options include:
- Auto Glueberry: Known for its robust growth and resinous buds, it thrives in indoor conditions.
- Northern Light Auto: Renowned for its resilience, short growth cycle, and compact size, it’s suited for both beginners and those growing autoflowers indoors.
- White Widow Auto: This strain combines fast-growing characteristics with a potent high, making it a favorite among experienced and novice growers alike.
Choosing strains with similar growth patterns from Weed Seeds Express further eases the cultivation process.
Step-by-Step Weed Grow Guide
Starting your own weed grow journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right steps, you can cultivate high-quality plants with confidence.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cannabis Strain
Consider the effects and growth difficulty when choosing a strain. For psychoactive effects, high THC Sativa or Indica strains are preferred. For a relaxing effect, choose CBD-rich strains which don’t produce a high. Beginners might prefer strains like ‘Easy Bud’, known for their simplicity and rapid growth.
Autoflowering strains, which thrive indoors and outdoors, offer a simplified growing process. They switch from vegetative to flowering stages automatically, requiring minimal light manipulation, making them accessible for beginners.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Growing Space Indoors
Choose a carpet-less space or a dedicated grow tent. Ensure there are a few free electrical outlets and proper ventilation. This accommodates plants and equipment like grow lights and ventilation systems.
Maintaining the correct environmental conditions ensures healthy growth. Aim for temperatures between 68-77°F (20-25°C) during the vegetative stage, slightly cooler at night. For humidity, start at 60-70% for seedlings and reduce to 40-50% as plants mature. Proper ventilation is crucial to avoid mold and pest issues; ensure continuous airflow by installing fans or exhaust systems.
A soil mix or airy soil like coco coir provides necessary drainage and root support. They allow you to manage nutrient uptake and maintain optimal moisture levels, making them ideal for growing autoflowers.
Step 3: Light Schedule for Autoflowering Cannabis
Autoflowering strains commonly flourish under a schedule of 20 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness daily. This supports their transition from the vegetative to flowering stage without needing a change in light cycle.
For beginners looking to grow autoflowering cannabis indoors, LED lights provide a broad spectrum of light, mimicking natural sunlight, and can be adjusted to focus on areas needing more intensive lighting. They’re cost-effective due to lower electricity usage and produce less heat, minimizing the risk of plant burn.
Traditional lights, such as High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lamps or fluorescent lights, may also be used, yet they generally require more energy and proper ventilation to manage heat output, making LEDs a more beginner-friendly option.
Step 4: Germinating and Planting Cannabis Seeds
Several germination methods exist for autoflower cannabis seeds. The Paper Towel Method involves placing seeds between damp paper towels on a plate, covered by a plastic bag, in a warm, dark space. In 1-7 days, a taproot typically appears.
The Directly into the Medium method requires planting seeds about 1 inch deep in soil or another medium to minimize transplant shock. Options like Jiffies, Plugs, and Rock Wool Starters allow multiple seeds to germinate in limited space and facilitate transplanting without root damage.
Step 5: The Vegetative Stage
During Week 3 to Week 4, plants develop their first true leaves with serrated edges, requiring about 18+ hours of light daily for optimal growth. During this period, ensure thorough root development and stem elongation. By Weeks 5 to 6, you’ll notice rapid growth with increased size and height, as plants continue producing leaves and branches.
Nitrogen plays a vital role in leafy growth. Choose a well-draining soil mix rich in these nutrients. Ensure consistent watering to prevent stress without over-saturating roots. Monitoring soil moisture levels and nutrients ensures healthy plant development.
Low-Stress Training (LST) is effective for optimizing bud production. This process involves gently bending and tying branches to promote even light distribution. As autoflowering cannabis grows rapidly, LST allows for increased light exposure to budding sites. LST exerts less stress on the plant compared to high-stress techniques, maintaining vigorous growth during this critical period.
Step 6: Transition to Flowering Stage
For autoflowering strains, expect transition into the flowering stage around 4 to 6 weeks from germination. Harvest usually occurs 8 to 10 weeks from the seed. This predictable timing makes autoflowering cannabis convenient for beginners who grow autoflowers indoors.
Proper light and humidity management are essential during the flowering stage. To avoid mold and enhance bud development, ensure humidity levels drop to 40-50%. Use fans and dehumidifiers if needed to sustain optimal environmental conditions for your cannabis plants.
Step 7: Caring for Buds and Preparing for Harvest
To determine if buds are ready for harvest, check the trichomes. Use a magnifying glass or microscope. When trichomes shift from clear to cloudy or amber, it’s a sign of ripeness. Examine the color and texture of the bud too; mature buds will feel dense, sticky, and may change hues depending on the strain, such as purple, orange, or yellow.
Reduce watering to minimize mold risk and direct energy to bud growth instead of leaf development. Employing methods like Scrog (Screen of Green) encourages a flat, horizontal growth pattern, enhancing light distribution and bud site exposure.
Additionally, maintaining ideal environmental conditions, such as consistent light and appropriate humidity levels, can further refine the quality of the final product.
Embarking on the journey of cultivating multiple cannabis strains can be both rewarding and educational. By understanding the unique needs of each strain and utilizing the benefits of autoflowering varieties, you can create a thriving garden that suits your preferences.
Jersey residents should keep in mind that home cannabis gardening in the Garden State remains a felony.
(Image Source: Canva)
