Autoflowering cannabis seeds are gaining popularity in most regions, but most growers are reluctant to try out the new seeds. Cannabis growers who are adamant about adopting the new species are afraid to grow something different in their farms. The following advantages and facts will provide you with insights to intrigue you into selecting the seeds. You can also get the best autoflowering seeds from Home Grown Cannabis Company.
What are autoflowering cannabis seeds?
They are new strains that have a shorter flowering and vegetative phase. The seeds use the ruderalis subspecies in the production of the cannabis plants. The species origin is Central Asia, but they are grown in many parts of the world.
The appealing thing about these species is that the flowering stage is independent of the light spectrum. It merely means that the plants will flower at a certain age, regardless of the light schedule. As the plants don’t depend on the light, they can comfortably thrive in outdoor conditions.
Main advantages of the autoflowering seeds
- Shorter life cycle
Commercial farmers are intrigued by plants that have a shorter life cycle as they will give returns sooner. In comparison to the photoperiodic strains, they have a shorter period of an average of 7-10 hours. After ten weeks you can start enjoying the produce of the plants.
The shorter life cycle minimizes the cost of growing and caring for the plants. Since you harvest cannabis after a short duration, you can effectively plant several runs on the farm and maximize your profits.
- Minimal light demands
The autoflowering cannabis seeds are non-photoperiodic plants and don’t demand 24 hours of artificial light to thrive. If you are growing the plants indoors, you can illuminate the plants with light for 18 hours per day.
In the growing of most indoor plants, the intensity of the light spectrum is a significant determinant of the flowering stage. But with the autoflowering seeds, the schedule of light does not play any role in the flowering phase.
- Resilient plants
The seeds originate from central Asia where climates are a bit intolerable. The ruderalis species have adaptive characteristics making them immune to harsh climatic conditions. The plants will thrive even in freezing climates.
The species are also resilient to many diseases that attack other types of cannabis plants. The feature makes them comfortable and practical to grow. If you are a beginner in the growing of cannabis, this is the best species to start with.
- Manageable sizes
The crops grow to a maximum of 60-100 cm; thus, you can grow them discreetly. If you are growing the plants in an environment that is vulnerable to thieves, this is the best species to consider. You can also grow the plants indoor mainly where space is limited like in your balcony. The size of plants does not cause any obstructions in areas that have minimal spaces.
In areas where the growing of cannabis is illegal, you can discreetly grow the plants in your private garden or the plantation. Although, to be in the safe hands of the law avoid growing in areas where cannabis is not legalized.
- Require fewer nutrients
The nutrients required for this type of species is limited. The strains can still produce in soil that has low nutrients count. Since they grow and mature faster, the fertilizers needed to nourish them is less.
If you opt for the photoperiod strains, you will have to invest heavily on various fertilizers during each stage of the plant. Also, you need to regularly inspect your soil to ensure it has the required nutrients to support the healthy growth of the plants.
- Contain a higher level of CBD
The cannabis plant has two very major essential compounds known as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC contains psychoactive properties which are responsible for the ‘feeling of higness’. CBD does not include the psychoactive properties and researchers say that the compound has many health benefits.
Although most weed smokers only value THC, some users prefer cannabis products with equal or higher levels of CBD. The CBD levels will help if you have medical conditions such as pain associated with cancer and arthritis. If you are targeting consumers who want to use cannabis for medicinal and recreational needs, this is the best species that guarantees both.
- Multiple harvests
The life cycle of the plants is minimal; thus, you can harvest multiple times in a specific season. If you schedule your harvesting periods in a significant way, you will be reaping all year. For instance, you can start harvesting some plants before others so that you can give various intervals for the plants to mature.
Best tips to grow healthy autoflowering cannabis seeds
- Select the right size of pot-the autoflowering seeds have a brief growth span; thus, there is no time to repot the plants. You need to select a pot that will give the plants adequate space to grow.
- Water the plants, just like any other types of plants the autoflowering seeds need sufficient water to germinate, flower and bud. Although it is essential not to overwater the plants as it can cause the plants to dry.
- Select the right species-the autoflowering have different species available in the market; thus, you need adequate research before the selection process.
- Incorporate a root stimulate-after the germination stage the plants need to establish a healthy rooting system. Since the growth stage is limited, you need to ensure that you use a root stimulate for robust roots.
- Use light soil-the autoflowering seeds don’t demand high nutrients; thus, you can conveniently grow them in low nutritious soil.
Bottom Line
The autoflowering species are a new species that most growers should consider for faster returns. By planting the seeds, you maximize the production capacity of your farm as you can grow various crops in one season. Also, the size of the plants is appealing, and you can conveniently grow on your balcony or conceal the plants in a plantation. However, before indulging in the planting process of the seeds ensure you have factual data about the seeds right species and growth requirements.