Autoflowers typically flower for 5-8 weeks, although some strains may take up to 10 weeks. Unlike photoperiod plants, autoflowers start flowering based on their age, not light exposure, leading to a quicker 8-10 week seed-to-harvest cycle. This allows for multiple yearly harvests.

Week 1: Germination. The life cycle begins with sprouting seeds when growing autoflower cannabis cultivars. There are many ways to achieve that since all they need is heat, air, and water. When growing autoflowers, some gardeners plant directly in soil, taking up to 2 weeks.

These elements support your plants in blooming fat, potent buds. Use an NPK ratio of 5-10-10 or similar. Some autoflower nutrients contain more phosphorus (eg. 5-15-10), and these are suitable as well. Of course, if your cannabis nutrients are an all-in-one solution, you may not need to switch up your feeding at all.

24HR LIGHT CYCLE. Some growers will even give their autos a full 24 hours of light, arguing that this helps maximise vegetative growth. Growers who stick to 18-hour light cycles, on the other hand, argue that this gives their plants a short “recovery” period that is essential for healthy growth. Most flowering plants grow best with 20-30 watts of light per square foot. Don’t make the mistake of thinking more is better. Too much light can lead to bleaching and burning your plants. Let's say you are growing in a 5’ x 5’ grow space. If your plants need 20-30 watts/square foot, and your canopy takes up 4’ x 4’ of that space, you Do autoflowers need darkness? There are growers who believe autoflowering plants need a dark period and won’t be as healthy if they get a 24/0 light schedule. There’s no real evidence of that but there may be exceptions. Also have in mind that a 24/0 will lower humidity, increase temperature, and increase the light bill. Related story WqAv. 744 989 122 679 666 424 383 374

how much light do autoflowers need