In recent years, the number of strains available on the market has skyrocketed. The majority of growers seem to be interested in the newly emerged Autoflowers.
Autoflowering genetics are a godsend for many newcomers to the cannabis industry because they provide faster yields and are simple to cultivate.
One of the key advantages of auto-flowering seeds is that they come in a variety of flavours, including high THC, high CBD, and seeds that strike the perfect balance between the two.
Auto-flowering seeds, on the other hand, have their own range of drawbacks. In this post, we’ll look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of auto-flowering seeds.
Autoflowers are a cross between Ruderalis, Sativa, and Indica genetics that result in super-potent plants that bloom in eight to ten weeks.
This strain is still grown in the climates of eastern Europe and Central Asia, but it is now possible to grow it in Canada and the United States.
Advantages
1. A shorter life span
The ability to bloom and grow faster is the first and most important advantage of auto-flowering seeds. The time it takes auto-flowering strains to fully mature is nearly identical to the time it takes several photoperiod strains to flower.
Auto-flowering strains usually take seven to ten weeks to mature. Growers can easily achieve the desired variety by breeding any photoperiod strain with ruderalis genetics strains thanks to this specific trait.
Haze genetics, for example, are known for their exceptional Sativa effects but take longer to develop, which may disappoint many growers, especially newcomers.
You can achieve high Sativa results in a short amount of time by combining ruderalis and haze genetics. Click here to know more about autoflowering cannabis seeds.
2. Ideal for inconspicuous rising
Another advantage of auto-flowering seeds that many growers appreciate. The auto-flowering plants typically grow to a height of sixty to one hundred centimetres. Dwarf plants are those that have auto-flowering seeds.
This makes them easy to grow on balconies or in secluded areas of the garden. This unusual trait of the auto-flowering seeds benefits many guerilla growers who cultivate plants in the wild or in public places concealed from prying eyes.
The auto-flowering cannabis plants’ faster growth rate and compact size make it easier for cultivators to set up and dismantle their expanding operations. Overall, auto-flowering seeds are an excellent choice for discreet growing if that is your goal.
3. A higher CBD content
When compared to other photoperiod strains, autoflowers usually have a higher CBD (Cannabidiol) content. However, some people prefer cannabis with higher THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) levels.
Whereas others prefer cannabis with a high CBD percentage or a strain with a better combination of THC and CBD levels. Cannabis with a higher CBD content, on the other hand, has a number of advantages.
When CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis, is ingested, it produces a good effect without rendering the consumer ‘high.’ Cannabis with a higher CBD content has incredible medical benefits.
This feature of auto-flowering seeds can help cultivators, particularly in states where marijuana is only legal for medicinal purposes. Many iconic varieties can have their CBD levels increased by crossing them with cannabis ruderalis genetics.
Drawbacks
1. Reduced yield
The plants’ higher growth rate and compact size have a significant disadvantage, namely, smaller harvests. In comparison to large photoperiod plants, the compact structure and scale of the plants means fewer bud sites.
Traditional photoperiod Sativa plants can also grow to be as large as trees. The auto-flowering plants can reach a maximum height of 1 m, resulting in fewer buds from their canopies.
The short flowering time of auto-flowering strains also limits the number of buds that can be produced. Photoperiod strains, on the other hand, can take longer to flower and develop, but they can mature into productive plants.
2. There is no time to heal
The auto-flowering strains’ rapid growth benefits growers in many ways, but it also makes experimentation extremely risky. Growers have plenty of space to practise, defoliate, and prune photoperiod strains.
if they make a mistake, they will leave the plant in vegetative mode before it recovers completely. When it comes to auto-flowering strains, this is not the case.
If any mistakes are made, such as cutting too deep, damaging a bud or a branch, etc., there is little or no space for recovery.
As a result, when managing and training auto-flowering strain cannabis plants, accuracy and precision are critical.
Last Thoughts
The consistency of auto-flowering seeds has improved dramatically in recent months and appears to be improving in the days ahead.
As a novice, it’s best to play around with different seeds and enjoy the growing process. Auto-flowering cannabis plants are resistant to sickness, pests, and other diseases.
In addition to being fast-growing and small. So, if the characteristics of auto-flowering plants match your requirements, go for it.
