Autoflowering cannabis seeds produce cannabis plants that switch to the flowering stage automatically, without the need to change the light schedule. This is the biggest difference in autoflowering cannabis seeds versus “photoperiod†cannabis plants, which rely on the light schedule to enter the flowering stage. Autoflowering cannabis seeds offer various benefits and many people want to know just what autoflowering cannabis seeds mean.
The Origination of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
Autoflowering cannabis plants did not happen by accident, they were cultivated to provide various benefits to cannabis growers everywhere by cross breeding with the cannabis ruderalis.  Cannabis ruderalis is a subspecies that adapted to the harsh and cold environments of Central Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe. With colder temperatures and shorter growing seasons in these regions, the ruderalis learned to adapt on its own by developing an autoflowering gene that would push it into the flowering stage instead of waiting for the seasons to change. This ensured reproduction before the temperatures started to plummet.
Autoflowers have come a long way since they first emerged on the market in the early 2000’s. Initially, autoflowering cannabis plants left a lot to be desired with potency, aroma, and yield. The ruderalis itself is not very useful as the plants are typically small, with low yields and buds that don’t produce a high. Cannabis seed breeders discovered, however, that cross breeding this hearty sub species with high-quality Indica and Sativa strains cultivated high-quality, autoflowering cannabis that now brings many benefits to new growers and established growers alike.
Characteristics of Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds
The auto flowering cannabis seeds available today can satisfy even the most demanding cannabis users, whether an experienced recreational user looking for varieties rich in THC or holistic cannabis users looking for high CBD with lower THC. Some of the most notable characteristics of auto flowering cannabis seeds include:
- Quick flowering automatically, typically within 2 to 4 weeks of a vegetative state
- Speedy life cycle typically complete within 7 to 10 weeks of planting to harvest
- Autoflowers are typically smaller than their photoperiod counterparts
- Due to their smaller size and quick harvest, auto flowers are ideal for stealthy grows
- Quick harvest time allows for several crops per season
- Simple lighting demands without the need to force flowering by switching light schedule
- Autoflowers are also “feminizedâ€, no need to worry about male plants
With their compact size, autoflowers are great for indoor hydroponic growing and are also ideal for beginners, although experienced growers can also take advantage of these unique autoflowering cannabis traits.
Since autoflowers do not need a change in lighting to force the flowering stage, it is recommended to keep lights on for 20 hours with only 4 hours off for maximum yield. It is not recommended to mix autoflowering plants with photoperiod plants, as you would have to reduce your light schedule to 12 hours on and 12 hours off, which would negatively impact the yield of your autoflowering cannabis plants.
What’s the Difference between Autoflower Seeds and Feminized Seeds?
You may have heard about autoflowering seeds and feminized seeds, you should understand that both autoflowering and photoperiod seeds can be feminized seeds. Autoflowering seeds do not rely on the light schedule to switch to the flowering stage, whereas feminized seeds can be either autoflowering or photoperiod, although they will always produce a female plant.
Mosca Seeds offers one of the widest selections of high quality cannabis seeds cultivated with the finest in cannabis seed genetics and best growing practices. Mosca Seeds is recognized worldwide for our cannabis cup award-winning seeds including autoflowering, feminized and a wide variety of indica, sativa and hybrid blends. Check out our authorized seed banks for high-quality cannabis seeds featuring a wide selection of your favorite strains and exciting new drops for your cannabis enjoyment.