As a cannabis enthusiast, you probably found yourself at some point scrolling through the marijuana seed bank and came across the “auto-flowering” kind. But what does it mean to be auto-flowering, and why would you choose these seeds over the other types? This guide will give you a few basic ideas so that you can get started.
What Makes a Seed “Autoflowering”?
Every grower knows the pains of having to wait for a light cycle that was specifically timed in order for the marijuana to grow nice and healthy. However, with autoflowering marijuana strains, the plants will start flowering by themselves in around 2-4 weeks.
This process occurs when breeders genetically modify the Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies of the plant that has auto-flowering properties. The plant is further crossed with several Sativa and Indica varieties, resulting in a herb that does not rely on photoperiods to flower up. Instead, it will start flowering on its own in around a month.
Think of it as photosynthesis: unless there’s pollen, the marijuana seeds will not be able to grow. With marijuana, however, the dependence is on the light cycle – which is pretty much the “male factor.” With auto-flowering seeds, the “male factor” is taken out, and they no longer need to be “fertilized” to grow. This is also why these seeds are called “feminized” seeds.
Why Grow Autoflowering Marijuana Seeds?
There are several good reasons why you may want to go for an autoflowering marijuana seed harvest, some of them including the following:
- They require a flexible growing environment: While a regular strain might require you to offer your plant exactly twelve hours of light and exactly twelve hours of darkness, this one can work on a flexible “light schedule.” This means that you won’t have to invest in an expensive growing box.
- They grow fast: They’re called “fast buds” for a reason. They can grow in as quickly as two weeks – with the longest flowering time being of four weeks.
- They are stout plants: Autoflowering cannabis seeds can become huge – some of them going as high as four meters. While they may be a better option for outdoor growing, they can offer you a fairly healthy harvest.
Keep in mind that while auto-flowering marijuana seeds require a more flexible growing environment, they are also susceptible to errors. Be careful not to be too rough with your plants, lest they might be compromised. Plus, they have a lower THC level, so you may not get the “recreational high” if you’re planning to use them for non-medical purposes.
Where to Find Autoflowering Marijuana Seeds
If you are looking for autoflowering feminized seeds for sale, the chances are that you’re going to find them at a seed bank. You can also find online versions of these banks, but you’ll have to ensure that transportation is within the cannabis law. Depending on where you live, the purchase may be prohibited. In our shop you can find some kind of Autoflowering Marijuana Seeds.
You may also find these seeds at a local dispensary; however, depending on where you live, not all of them may be in possession of them. If medical marijuana was just legalized in your state, it might take a while until every dispensary receives them and you can find where to buy it!