Six of the Best Autoflowering Strains For Late Planting

As South African cultivators speed toward the flowering stage, some of you might be thinking, “I’ve left it too late to grow cannabis this season”. Not the case. While it’s true you’re probably out of time to grow photoperiod cannabis strains, there’s still time to plant some of our superb autoflowering strains! At Seedsman, we’re pioneers when it comes to autoflowering cannabis. After all, we were the first seedbank to make autoflowering cannabis strains commercially available, and we’ve continued to blaze a trail ever since. Not sure which auto is right for you? Let us help. We’ve prepared a list of some of our finest autoflowering cannabis strains for you to choose from. So whether you’re a late starter, or you’re just looking to bolster your bud count come harvest time, there’s a Seedsman autoflowering strain that’s just right for you.

Why Choose Autoflowering Cannabis?

Autoflowering cannabis strains come with certain advantages – think of them as a ‘hack’, if you will, allowing you to grow cannabis a little bit quicker and with a little more ease.Autoflowering cannabis strains are hybrids that incorporate genetics from Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies adapted to the harsh climates and short summers of regions like Central and Eastern Europe. Here's a quick outline of some of the key benefits of growing autoflowering cannabis:

Benefits of Autoflowering Strains

Rapid Growth

Unlike traditional photoperiod strains that initiate flowering based on light cycle changes, autoflowers transition from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, typically completing theirentire life cycle in the time it takes a photperiod strain to complete the flowering stage. This makes them a sensible option for late planting.

Independence from Photoperiod

Because autoflowers flower automatically, they are ideal for outdoor growers who may not have the means to control light exposure. Their flowering phase will not be disrupted by irregular light schedules.

Versatility and Hardiness

Thanks to their ruderalis heritage, autoflowers are naturally resilient to pests, diseases, and harsh environmental conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for South African growers contending with fluctuating weather or high winds.

Smaller Footprint

Autoflowering cannabis plants often have a smaller stature than photoperiod strains, making them easy to grow in confined spaces.

Tips For Success When Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

That shorter lifecycle is packed with advantages, but if this is your first rodeo, there’s a few things you need to know to keep your grow on the right path. Chiefly, autoflowers have a limited time to recover from stress. To avoid setbacks:

Direct Planting: Once you’ve germinated your seeds and you have a taproot showing, aim to plant autoflower seeds directly in their final container, typically 7–12 liters in size, filled with a light, aerated soil mix.

Minimize Root Disturbance: If transplanting is necessary, handle the root ball carefully and minimize exposure to air.

Vegetative Growth and Feeding

Autoflowers transition quickly from vegetative growth to flowering, so it’s important to optimize this phase:

Soil and Nutrients: Use a light soil mix that doesn’t overwhelm the plant with nutrients. Autoflowering cannabis typically takes a bit less feeding than a photoperiod strain. Start with a quarter-strength fertilizer, increasing gradually, and monitoring closely for signs to add or subtract nutes. It’s vital to avoid overfeeding, as autoflowers are generally nutrient-efficient.

Watering: Water moderately and avoid over-saturating the soil. Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Flowering Phase

The flowering phase occurs automatically, usually around 3–4 weeks after germination.

Light Schedule: While autoflowers do not require a change in light cycles, maintaining 18 hours of light per day will promote optimal growth.

Low-Stress Training (LST): Unlike topping or pruning, which can delay growth due to time needed to recover from the stress, LST techniques like bending and securing branches can help maximize yields without stressing the plant.

Advantages of Growing Autoflowers Outdoors in South Africa

Autoflowering strains are particularly suited to South Africa's diverse climate. Regions with long sunny days can provide the light intensity autoflowers need, while their rapid growth ensures they mature before harsher conditions set in. Additionally, late-season planting becomes viable, extending the growing season for cultivators. For a full guide to growing autoflowering cannabis, read this article from bestselling author and cannabis legend, Jorge Cervantes.

Six of the Best Autoflowering Cannabis Strains

Strawberry CheeseCake Auto

If you want a flavorful cannabis strain with high yields (and why wouldn’t you?), Seedsman Strawberry Cheesecake Auto has attributes you’ll love. An indica-dominant cross between Strawberry Banana Auto and Cheese Auto, this sumptuous beauty races from seed to harvest in 10-12 weeks.

If you’re planting outdoors, Strawberry Cheesecake Auto can reward careful cultivators with bumper yields of between 450-750gm/plant - no mean feat for an autoflowering cannabis strain! Strawberry Cheesecake Auto exudes a Skunky aroma with sweet, fruity, lemony undertones. Its flavor profile mirrors this profile, providing a delightful sweet taste that hits the palate like a fruit dessert.

With a THC content between 16-24% and CBD below 1%, its effects are physically relaxing yet mentally stimulating, making it suitable for daytime use.

Alaskan Bananaberry Auto

A recent addition to our stellar range of autoflowering genetics, Alaskan Bananaberry Auto combines the finer qualities of its parent lines, Alaskan Purple and Strawberry Banana Punch. It’s a wonderfully balanced indica/sativa hybrid, and with a lifecycle of just 8-12 weeks, it’s well suited to later planting.

Alaskan Bananaberry mold offers cultivators peace of mind with a high mold resistance, and a hardiness that sees it flourish in most climate types. Yields are average – around 450gm/ plant – but the quality of those buds is anything but. Rich, chunky, and resinous buds pack an intense aroma that’s earthy, fruity, and floral with a flavor to match.

This finely-balanced hybrid weighs in with some high THC content, but the strong indica presence makes for blissful relaxation and brings restful, dreamy qualities.

Fatso GMO F1 Auto

If you’ve never experienced the joy of growing an F1 cannabis strain, you’re missing out. F1 strains are extremely vigorous, stable, and offer great resistance to pests and diseases. Growing top-notch bud without headaches is what we all dream of, and Fatso GMO F1 Auto certainly ticks all those boxes.

This sativa-dominant superstar finishes between 10 and 12 weeks after germination, but will light up your garden beautifully with its breathtaking purple and green appearance. Despite being of a shorter stature, yields are satisfying – dense, chunky buds glistening with resin make for tremendous bag appeal. Flavors are sweet and candy-like.

Fatso GMO F1 Auto can reach THC levels of as high as 24%, with low CBD levels, making this a highly uplifting, well-balanced experience.

White Widow Auto

You didn’t think we’d leave out the classics, did you? If you’re still loyal to the old school, Seedsman White Widow Auto will satisfy your desire for the legendary 90s strain – it'll just do it faster! Fans of White Widow will know what to expect – insane resin production, high THC levels and the Classic White Wido flavor are all here in plentiful supply.

White Widow Auto is an indica/sativa hybrid with a turnaround time of approaximately 10-12 weeks. The trichome coverage is a sight to behold, giving the elegant buds a sugar-coated appearance, making them sparkle in the sunlight. Earthy, spicy, and potent are the hallmarks of White Widow cannabis.

White Widow Auto packs the power that made its photoperiod forerunner a hall of fame strain – THC% can soar to 24%, providing the famed effects afioanados have come to love. Yields are highly respectable, with as much as 450gm/plant achievable in the right hands.

Gelat.OG Auto

If you’re all about that flavor, Gelat.OG Auto has everything you’re looking for. Coming from the classic parentage of Gelato and OG Kush, you’ll have to go some to top this little lady for tastiness.

Gelat.OG Auto is a great pick for several reasons. Whether it’s the 10-12 week turnaround, the respectable yields, or the powerful euphoric effects, Gelat.OG Auto makes a welcome addition to any garden. Sweet, citrussy flavors, high THC content, and a good degree of mold resistance showcase Gelat.OG as a sound choice.

If temperatures are right, Gelat.OG will put on a real show with spectacular hues of purple in the buds as it races toward the finish line.

Garlic Muffin F1 Auto

Last, but by no means least, the sensational Garlic Muffin F1 Auto represents a wise choice for late starters in South Africa. This elite cannabis strain has something a little different to offer, with some incredible, unique flavors at the top of the list.

As an F1 Auto, vigor and resilience are high on the list of pros – mold and disease resistance bring a reassurance that carries right through to harvest time. You also get great yields, ease of growing, and a THC content that can soar to as much as 26%.

This is a terpene-rich strain offering an intriguing blend of savory, Skunky, and garlic notes, with a sweet candy quality that illuminates the flavor incredibly. If you’ve been looking to experience something new and something different,, Garlic Muffin F1 Auto is the one you’ve been waiting for. This potent, indica-dominant hybrid will knock stress for six, providing a relaxation few can match.