I did a search of the forums and did not find anything distinguishing Auto-flowering from a Photo-flowering plant. So, what are the cultivation differences? Is one easier to grow than the other? If so, Why? I have only been growing for a year and have stuck to feminized seeds only. What are some of your experiences in moving from photo-flowering to auto-flower?
Auto flowering plants take about a quarter of the time to grow lol hense auto flower, photo period plants u got to veg however long u want then wait another 70 days for it to get done hah but autos are done from seed to harvest in 60-70 days....you'll get less of a yield with autos but who cares if there personal meds just keep growing them.....and I hear the first couple weeks of the autos life is the hardest part then easy Pickens from there.....but that's all I know and some ppl say autos are less potent but I think that's a lie u can find a lot of autos with 18-22% THC so don't let ppl fool u
Autos start showing flowers between 3 and 5 weeks old..... so do photos if you set lights to induce flowering. Autos don't need you to change lighting to induce flowering, they just do it on their own. Most indica photo, indoor, you veg for 3 to 5 weeks then invoke flowering, which lasts for most roughly 8 weeks, grand total..... 11 to 13 weeks from seed to harvest. 99% of autos are the same, they start to auto flower no matter your light schedule and from that point needs to mature generally taking 8 weeks. Do the math. I have grown mdanzigs sour60 ( the 60 means seed to harvest in 60 days ) and I wrote them explaining yea sure you "could" harvest at 60 days just like anything else, if you want un ripe flowers, but the sour60 was not truly harvest able until day 88. Waiting the extra 28 days doubled my estimated yield. On the other end of the spectrum, take a photo seedling, and put to 12/12, in 3 months time ( 11 - 12 weeks ) you will have likely more on that than what most autos are rated at for yields. From a regular blueberry seed 12/12 from birth, I got just over 3 zips dry! Play with seeds/strains you will have fun and learn =) The only things ruderalis do is make it so you dont have to create false seasons, and gives the plant a predetermined lifetime. Speed of harvest comes from selective breeding of thought to be superior phenotypes.
There's tons of info about autoflowers. Just type in Cannabis ruderalis or have a look at websites of reputable seed banks that specialize in autoflowers, like DutchPassion for example. There are a couple of 'generation' of Autoflowers: 1) Jointdoctors' Lowryder 1 = about 20-25 grams per plant in 7-8 weeks 2) Jointdoctors' Lowryder 2 = about 50-100 grams per plant in 8-10 weeks 3) Super autoflowers (ala AutoMazar/Autoblueberry/AutoUltimate) = 100+ grams in 75-80 days (even up to 350-400g per plant) No need for special care as far as lighting is concerned. For the biggest yield and best result: plant autoflower seeds directly in soil in a large volume container (+20l) The biggest difference between photosensitive and autoflowering genetics is the fact you CAN'T CLONE AUTOFLOWERS. Using a 12/12 cycle direct from seed (indoors) you can 'convert' regular strains into autoflowers and have a cultivation cycle that runs around 11-12 weeks from seed. Very good if you prefer genetics that aren't available in autoflower format. Look and you will find. OR Try and you will learn!
Ill explain a photo plant you choose when it flowers so u could ne 1 week in or 20 weeks you flower it when you choose to. longer the bigger genrally you can clone photos too To flower you change the lights to 12/12 Autos will flower 14-28 days and can take 62-100days from seed to harvest strain dependant you leave the light on same time and pick one of the 3 18/6 20/4 or 24/0 After they stretch you start bloom feed Lst is the only form of training recomended for autos if ya intrested hop acrosss to auto help page auto help page if you need help with autoflowers http://forum.grasscity.com/index.php?/topic/1294434-Need-help-with-autos?-Welcome new vote page sept please vote http://www.dutch-passion.nl/en/photovote/2014-09-03-autoultimate%C2%AE-loki_1752/
Autos are capable to heave yeolds and very potent smoke genrally 16-23% most 18-20% These are my autos all very potent and large auto help page if you need help with autoflowers http://forum.grasscity.com/index.php?/topic/1294434-Need-help-with-autos?-Welcome new vote page sept please vote http://www.dutch-passion.nl/en/photovote/2014-09-03-autoultimate%C2%AE-loki_1752/
auto flower also do not need a specific light schedule to start flowering, light helps them get big and juicy. Their lifespan is limited or predetermined by their genetics. That is why clones do not do well, they are on the same clock as the mother. You lose 2-3 weeks in the clone process. 24/0 light, control the environment and feeding you will be Mr Smiley. I have seen evidence that no rest is needed but if you have an odd schedule or just need the lights out either to save money or keep curious people at bay you can get away with reduced light. I have not seen one hermie due to light shifts. Loki should know the answer to that. Photoperiods need the 12/12 to be tricked into flowering thinking fall is coming. A lot of things can be done to a photo plant for shaping though numerous stress techniques. The clones take a lot of attention but you can keep birthing new plants for what seem like enternity from the clones. I am surprised your search did not pull anything up.
Think of an auto as being on a timer. When the seed pops, the race is on. I switched from photo plants to auto's for several reasons. They are faster to grow and are ABSOLUTELY as potent as any photoperiod plant I've tried. I like the fact that they can take a pounding from light. I run my led lights around the clock. I don't worry about timers, or whether they will come on at a specific time or not. Just leave them on. I much prefer my yields that way. Also, auto's are a very hearty and strong plant. Don't buy into the 3 gallon pot as being the best size for auto's. From my experience, that is complete bullshit. I would not grow in anything less than a 5 gallon pot. I am currently utilizing 10 gallon smart pots and loving my latest harvest.