Autoflower Cannabis: Genetics Without a Light Schedule

Autoflower strains contain Ruderalis genetics and flower independently of the light cycle, solely based on their age.

TL;DR: Pros: no 12/12 switch, shorter cycle, height 40–120 cm, 3 outdoor harvests per season possible. Cons: no clones, less training, yield 30–150 g/plant.

How Autoflowering Works

Cannabis Ruderalis is a subspecies originating from Siberia/Eastern Europe. It starts flowering automatically after ~3–4 weeks of vegetative growth, regardless of light.

Modern autoflowers (3rd generation, post-2015) achieve yields and potencies close to those of photoperiod strains.

Cultivation Specifics

Light schedule: 18/6 or 20/4 continuously.

Pot size: final pot from day 1 — repotting costs valuable time. 11–20 L per plant.

Training: minimal. No topping, gentle LST is OK.

FAQ

Yield?

Indoor under 200W LED/plant: 30–90 g. Outdoor: 60–150 g.

Stronger than photoperiod?

Not generally. Modern autoflowers reach 18–24% THC and 12–18% CBD, respectively.