Autoflowering cannabis plants are becoming increasingly popular among home growers due to their fast growth, ease of cultivation, and compact size. Unlike traditional cannabis plants, autoflowering strains automatically switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage after a certain period of time, regardless of the light cycle. While growing autoflowering cannabis can be relatively simple, there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure a successful harvest.
In this blog post, we'll cover seven things you should know before growing autoflowering cannabis, including the best growing conditions, the importance of genetics, and tips for maximizing your yield.
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Choose the Right Genetics
Genetics play a crucial role in the success of your autoflowering cannabis crop. Make sure to choose high-quality seeds from a reputable source to ensure a healthy, robust plant. Look for strains that are known for their fast growth, high yields, and resistance to pests and diseases.
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Use Quality Soil
Autoflowering cannabis plants have a relatively short lifespan, typically around 10-12 weeks from seed to harvest. To maximize your yield, it's important to provide your plants with the best growing conditions possible. One of the most important factors is the soil you use. Choose a high-quality soil that is rich in nutrients and has good drainage.
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Provide Adequate Lighting
While autoflowering cannabis plants don't require a specific light cycle to flower, they still need plenty of light to grow and produce healthy buds. Indoor growers should invest in high-quality LED grow lights, while outdoor growers should choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
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Control Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity are important factors in the growth of autoflowering cannabis plants. Keep the temperature between 20-30°C (68-86°F) during the day and around 18-20°C (64-68°F) at night. Humidity should be kept between 40-60% during the vegetative stage and 50-60% during the flowering stage.
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Use Proper Nutrients
Autoflowering cannabis plants require a balanced nutrient regimen to thrive. Use a quality fertilizer that contains all the essential macro and micronutrients, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn, which can harm or kill your plants.
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Practice Proper Pruning
Pruning is an important part of cannabis cultivation, and autoflowering plants are no exception. Pruning can help increase yields and promote healthy growth, while improper pruning can lead to stunted growth or even plant death. Research proper pruning techniques and only prune when necessary.
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Be Patient
Growing autoflowering cannabis requires patience, as these plants have a relatively short life cycle. It's important to be patient and wait until the buds are fully mature before harvesting. Rushing the harvest can lead to lower yields and less potent buds.
In summary, growing autoflowering cannabis can be a rewarding experience for home growers. By choosing the right genetics, using quality soil, providing adequate lighting, controlling temperature and humidity, using proper nutrients, practicing proper pruning, and being patient, you can ensure a successful harvest of healthy, potent buds. With these tips in mind, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful autoflowering cannabis grower.
