There's a quiet shift that happens when an autoflower begins to bloom. Early vegetative growth gives way to something more defined, and each day brings small, visible changes that are easy to miss if you're not looking for them. For those growing autoflowers for the first time especially, knowing in advance what to expect can help build confidence as well as understanding - especially when it comes to recognizing the right moment to harvest.
With that in mind, we’re going to show you two autoflower plants growing from day one all the way to harvest, with pictures showing the growth of autoflowers week by week.
Growing Autoflower Cannabis
Autoflowering strains have been bred so that, after a plant has been growing for a certain amount of time, it will automatically begin to flower. This makes them a ntaural entry point for beginner collectors and a big part of why so many in the Seedsman community are drawn to collect autoflowering cannabis seeds.
They also tend to stay more compact, are usually easier to care for, and can better environmental pressures, while reaching harvest sooner in legal markets.
Autoflowering seeds have long been part of Seedsman's story; we were the first to make them available to the public. By their nature, autoflowers are simplify the process. Unlike regular photoperiod strains, autoflowering cannabis shifts automatically between vegetative and flowering stages with age instead of the ratio of light exposure. This means most autoflowers are ready to harvest in 10 weeks from germination. For new growers, that shorter cycle can make the whole experience feel more accessible, while experienced growers often value the quicker turnaround.
If you're looking for a bit more guidance, we’ve put together ten tips on growing autos to support you along the way.
The grow below was carried out in a controlled indoor setup, using a tent, curated growing mediums and specific lighting. We’ve listed all of the equipment used below. That said, growing doesn't have to be complicated - you can take an even simpler approach in a greenhouse, a closet or even on a windowsill.
Without further ado, here’s a look at how to grow autoflower week by week in pictures:
Autoflower Week By Week – The Grow:
1 x Strawberry Cheesecake Auto 1 x Alaskan Diesel Auto
Pots size: 5 gallon Spring pots with Autopot system.
Growing Medium: Coco coir in two pots, Pittmoss Prime in two pots. Both mediums amended the same:
– 2 cu. ft medium
– 3 gal. worm castings
– 1 cup. diatomaceous earth
– 2 tbsp azomite
Lights: 1 x Mars Hydro TSL2000W
1 x Viparspectra XS2000
Tent: AC Infinity Cloudlab 4′ x 4′
Planted: 17 May 2021
Sprouted: 21 May 2021
Autoflowers Week by Week: Week 1- Germination to Early Seedling
Germination usually takes anywhere from 1-4 days. During this time, the seeds send a root into the soil before emerging from the surface.
The soil was given 60ml of a nutrient mixture, in this case, King Crab, Orca and Recharge.
Autoflowers Week by Week: Week 2: End of Seedling Stage
Now that the seedling has fully emerged, photosynthesis begins to take over. At this stage, nutrients are introduced and designed to support early growth. Here, Gram scale was added on day 14 as the plants showed signs of needing additional nitrogen.
Autoflowers Week by Week: Week 3: Vegetation Continues
Vegetation is well underway, with more leaves appearing each day. By the end of the week, both plants are approaching 16cm in height.
Both were fed with Jacks on day 15. The plants are growing in a mix of 50/50 coco coir and Pitmoss, with around 20% perlite and 5% clay pellets.
On day 21, both plants were transplanted into 5-gallon fabric pots.
Week 4: Late Vegetation
One month in and the pmants are nearing the transition into flowering. Towards end of week 4, low-stress training was introduced, along with a slight repositioning of the lights so they hung just over a metre from the canopy. A support net was also added to help guide the growth.
Week 5: The Beginning of Flowering
Flowering has begun. Small sacs are now emerging at the nodes - these will go on to form the buds.
Lighting was adjusted, sitting around 70cm above the canopy, with temperatures maintained between 22-24°C. A noticeable aroma is beginning to develop, so a carbon filter will soon be introduced.
Week 6: Flowering Continues
Flowers are now forming across each of the bud sites. The plants were defoliated at the end of the week as the canopy began to fill out.
Hummidity was reduced, and an organic spray was applied as a preventative step against spider mites. Both plants were also flushed, with rootes treated using SNS 209 and H2O2.
Week 7: Maintenance
At this stage, everything is building steadily. Bud sites are well established, and the earlier canopy work is helping to keep growth even and supported.
After the previous flush, both plants are drinking more heavily. Another round of defoliation was carried out to allow better light penetration, followed by feeding with Jacks 321, with each plant now taking in 2-3 gallons a day.
Week 8: Almost Harvest Time
The buds are now dense and coated with resin. Both plants were flushed with fresh water towards the end of the week, as the pistils continued to develope. Harvest is close.
Week 9: Harvest Time
Most autoflowers are ready to harvest between weeks 9 and 10, and these were no exception. Trichomes had turned milky white, while pistils began shifting to an amber tone - clear signs the plants had reached maturity.
The plants were cut and hung to dry. Final yields came in at 5oz for Strawberry chesecake Auto and just over 16oz for Alaskan Diesel Auto.
And there you have it, autoflower week by week in pictures!
Now it's Your Turn
The plants grown here were:
Alaskan Diesel Auto
Alaskan Diesel Auto is a vigorous, fast-growing strain created by crossing Candy Fruit Auto with a specially selected Diesel Autos. It matures quickly and delivers strong yields within a relatively short cycle, as seen above.
Once dried and cured, the buds carry a sweet diesel aroma with a resin-rich finish, offering a deeply relaxing effect.
Explore Seedsman Alaskan Diesel Auto
Strawberry Cheesecake Auto
Seedsman's Strawberry Cheesecake Auto brings together Strawberry Banana Auto and Cheese Auto, resulting in a potent Indica-dominant plant with a sturdy structure and reliable yields.
The finished buds lean into skunky notes, layered with sweet, fruity citrus. With THC levels around 15% and low CBD, the effect is physically relaxing while remaining mentally clear - something many find fits into slower, everyday moments without being overhwhelming.
Explore Seedsman Strawberry Cheesecake Auto
Share Your Grow
These images, and many more just like them, came from our Discord channel. Here you'll find thousands of growers from those just starting out, to specialists, sharing insider tips and tricks. It's a welcoming community full of channels designed to help you every step of the way.
If you're growing autos, you may want to check these out:
