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Autoflowering cannabis strains are a fantastic option for cultivators looking to grow cannabis quickly and with relatively low maintenance. Unlike traditional feminised photoperiod cannabis strains, autoflowering cannabis strains don't require a change in light cycle to trigger the flowering stage. Instead, they automatically switch from vegetative to flowering growth based on age – usually after between 2-4 weeks of growth, making them a popular choice for first-time growers and experienced cultivators alike.
Autoflowering strains come with the advantage of being compact, making them great for growing indoors or in confined spaces.
As the first seed bank to commercialise autoflowering cannabis strains, we’d like to think you couldn’t go to a better source for autos than Seedsman. Our range of autoflowering genetics includes of the best and most sought-after today, so you’ll see a fair few of our exemplary cultivars on this list.
A Bit Of History: The Beginning Of Autoflowering Cannabis
Unlike other subspecies of cannabis, such as sativa and indica, cannabis ruderalis is not known for its psychoactive effects. Instead, it is valued for its hardiness, resistance to pests and disease, and short stature. These traits make it well-suited for cultivation in harsh climates and for crossbreeding with other subspecies of cannabis.
The history of autoflowering cannabis begins with the discovery of cannabis ruderalis in the 1920s by Russian botanist D.E. Janischewsky. The first to identify cannabis ruderalis as a distinct subspecies of cannabis, Janischewsky noted the unique characteristics like its small stature, rapid growth, and ability to flower without the need for a change in light cycles. However, it wasn't until much later that cannabis ruderalis would be used in the breeding of autoflowering cannabis strains.
In the 1970s and 1980s, a number of breeders began experimenting with crossbreeding cannabis ruderalis with other subspecies of cannabis. The goal of these breeders was to create strains that would flower automatically, without the need for a change in light cycles. These early experiments were not always successful, and it took many years of selective breeding to develop strains that were reliable and consistent in their autoflowering ability. In the 1990s, autoflowering strains began to show remarkable progress, and would be observed going from seed to harvest in around 10-11 weeks under 20 hours of light. Cultivation changed immediately. Growers could now shave weeks off their growing cycle, and growing itself became simpler. The hardiness of the genetics coupled with the new light schedule improved ease of growing seemingly (despite the years of experimentation) overnight.
Fast forward to today, and years of fine-tuning the genetics and creative breeding techniques have brought autoflowering cannabis to parity with photoperiod strains in terms of variety, flavour, potency, and in some cases, even yield.
Tips For Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Strains
Growing autoflowering cannabis is relatively straightforward, even for beginners. The first thing you'll need is a suitable growing environment. Autoflowering strains are known for their compact size, so they're ideal for growers with limited space. They also tend to be hardy plants that can withstand fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
Regardless of where you plan on growing your autos, consider starting seedlings indoors, and in their final containers. Transplanting autos to different pots can cause the plants stress they don’t have adequate time to recover from, due to their rapid life cycle. Make sure to plant in a decent-sized pot, too – a bigger pot gives your plant adequate room for roots to develop – but don’t go too big on pot size. Somewhere in the regions of 15-20L should be sufficient.
- When it comes to nutrients, autoflowering strains tend to have lower nutritional requirements than traditional cannabis strains. However, they still need a well-balanced nutrient regime to thrive. It's also important to avoid overfeeding, as this can cause nutrient burn and other problems. If using regular nutrients, consider dialling them in at 50% or even 25% of the recommended dose.
- Use a light and airy substrate to allow roots to grow, and only lightly fertilise the soil. Heavily fertilised soil can burn autoflowering cannabis plants, and you certainly want to avoid that!
- In terms of lighting, autoflowering strains don't require a change in light cycles to trigger flowering. However, they still need plenty of light to grow and produce healthy buds. LED grow lights are a popular choice for growing autoflowering strains, as they're energy-efficient and produce little heat. An 18/6 light schedule is still the most common, but for tips on lighting your autos, check this article.
Top 10 Autoflowering Strains In 2023: The List
So now that you have a little knowledge, what do you want to grow? Are you a high-THC buff? Maybe you’re all about that flavour? At Seedsman, we have something for everyone - but in case you’re overwhelmed by the choice, allow us to recommend ten of our finest autoflowering strains.
Amnesia Auto by Seedsman
A highly potent strain with a spicy, Hazey flavour and a powerful cerebral effect, Amnesia Auto goes from seed to harvest in 12 weeks or less. You'll find up to 25% THC in those frosty, resin-soaked buds. Don't be fooled by the name - this sativa-dominant sensation is an unforgettable experience!
Gelat.OG Auto by Seedsman
A fast-growing mostly-indica strain with impressive yields, Gelat.OG Auto races from germination to harvest in 80 days. Combining Gelato with OG Kush Auto created this absolute titan, and its dense buds positively dazzle with spectacular resin. THC content can reach as high as 25%, while the aroma and flavours of citrus, cookies and wood make this Gelato a real treat.
Strawberry Cheesecake Auto by Seedsman
A potent and highly productive auto, Strawberry Cheesecake Auto is as big on flavour as it is on yields. Under the right conditions, indoor growers can potentially harvest 500gm/m2, while outdoor growers can caollect as much as 600gm/plant from this vigorous beauty. Strawbery Cheesecake Auto will draw gasps with its stunning appearance, but its the taste people talk about. Sweet and fruity with a lemon burst, Strawberry Cheesecake Auto's delicious flavours are ample reward after its 12 week lifecycle.
White Widow Auto by Seedsman
Fans of the old-skool classics will appreciate the nostalgic charms of White Widow Auto, but it offers up a whole lot more than just retro appeal. One of the highest-rated autoflowers in our collection, WWA continues to make new fans with every passing year. Taking just 11 weeks from seed to harvest, you'll be rewarded with glistening, trichome-heavy buds, hight THC content of up to 18%, and a fast and hard-hitting indica-style bliss. Smooth and spicy on the tongue, White Widow Auto delivers classic appeal with ease.
Pink Kush CBD Auto 30:1 by Seedsman
Racing from seed to harvest in just 9 weeks, our Pink Kush CBD Auto 30:1 is a fast-growing high CBD strain that produces the goods in almost any growing environment. A mostly-indica variety, this strain has THC content of around 0.5%, with CBD content in excess of 5%. The result is a soft and relaxing body sensation without the psychoactive buzz of higher THC strains. It's also one of the most striking-looking cultivars you're likely to see; the pink buds compliment the green foliage to create a beautiful, ornamental apperance.
Girl Scout Cookies Auto by FastBuds
One of the most in-demand cannabis strains of the last decade, the famous GSC is now available in autoflowering format, courtesy of FastBuds. Girl Scout Cookies Auto is a high-THC (22%) variety with ample trichome coverage and great yield potential for an auto - indoor growers can harvest between 500-650gm/m2! GSC is a hungry strain, so don't be too shy with nutrients if you want those bumper yields. The classic GSC flavour of chocolate, cookies and mint hits like a dream, making this one of the most delicious dessert-like strains out there.
Glue Auto (formerly Gorilla Glue Auto) By FastBuds
If you know anything about the Gorilla Glue strain, you'll no doubt know that it's named as such due to the sheer stickiness of the buds. The autoflowering version, now known simply as Glue Auto, does not disappoint in that respect - from a distance, you'd think this girl had been dipped in white paint! Glue Auto is as resinous as they come, and as you might imagine, THC content is high - 24%, to be exact. Better yet, thanks to the quick lifecycle of the autoflowering version, you can get your hands stuck to those buds after only 8-9 weeks. This potent hybrid offers up delicious fruity, citrus flavours with notes of Diesel, and it's a highly-touted medicinal strain, too.
Dos-Si-Dos Auto by Barney's Farm
Barney's Farm is gaining a solid reputation for producing great autos, and their take on Dos-Si-Dos proves why. Making this modern classic available with a 75-day lifecycle is a recipe for success. An indica-dominant hybrid with great potency, great yields, and great trichome production will never go out of fashion. Bumper harvests always appeal, and indoor growers can look forward to as much as 600gm/m2, while outdoor cultivation can yield as much as a colossal 800gm/plant! Dos-Si-Dos Auto packs a mighty wallop with 22% THC content, and a sweet lemon flavour brings a refreshing bite to the whole experience.
Mimosa X Orange Punch Auto by Barney's Farm
Continuing in the same vein, Barney's Farm's Mimosa X Orange Punch Auto ticks the same boxes as their Dos-Si-Dos Auto; it's fast-finishing, high-yielding, and high on potency. It's every bit as attractive, too, with its colourful purple and orange hues. The lifecycle takes 65-70 days, and THC content is right around 23%. Indoor yields do not disappoint, and can reach as much as 500gm/m2. Outdoor yields are even better, with up to 700gm/plant attainable. It's a terpene-rich strain of great quality, and as the name implies, a fruit-flavoured explsoion awaits - candied citrus and orange flavours delight the taste buds.
Green Poison XL Auto by Sweet Seeds
A hybrid auto with a slight indica-dominance, Green Poison XL Auto is a more productive version of Sweet Seeds' popular Green Poison Auto. Plants are a little taller than the original, and yields are subsequently larger. Green Poison XL Auto is ready in around 56 days and indoor growers can look forward to harvesting between 450-600gm/m2. Outdoor yields are good for up to 60-250gm/plant. THC content is between 15-20%, and the intriguing taste profile of Green Poison XL Auto includes a sweet and fruity base with notes of Skunk, rocket and walnut.
If you're looking for something special in an autoflowering cannabis strain, look no further. Seedsman has an extensive range including some of the finest autoflowering genetics you'll find anywhere.
