Key Differences Between Growing Auto Flower and Photo Period Cannabis Plants
- Peter O'Toole
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
When exploring cannabis cultivation, one of the key decisions growers face is whether to choose auto-flowering or photoperiod cannabis plants. Each type has distinct advantages and challenges, making it essential for both new and experienced cultivators to understand their differences. This guide highlights the essentials of growing auto-flower versus photoperiod cannabis plants, enabling you to make an informed decision that suits your growing needs.
Understanding Auto-Flowering Cannabis Plants
Auto-flowering cannabis plants stand out due to their ability to switch from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage without needing a change in light cycles. This trait comes from their genetic lineage, particularly the Cannabis ruderalis species known for its hardiness.
Auto-flowers typically start to flower within 2 to 4 weeks of growth and complete their life cycle in 8 to 12 weeks. This fast-paced growth cycle makes auto-flowers appealing for growers looking for quick results. In fact, many growers can complete up to five harvests in a year when growing auto-flowering strains.
With auto flowering cannabis plants, it is advised not to transplant them. It is recommended to plant your germinated seed directly into its permanent pot. This is because transplanting an auto flowering plant can lead to various issues and stress for the plant.
Benefits of Auto-Flowering Plants
One significant advantage of auto-flowering cannabis is speed. Because they flower based on age rather than light exposure, you can achieve multiple harvests in a single growing season. For example, a grower who cultivates three cycles of auto-flowers can produce approximately 1.5 to 2 times the yield compared to a single photoperiod harvest.
Additionally, auto-flowering plants are often more resilient than photoperiod varieties. They can thrive in various environmental conditions, making them an excellent choice for beginner growers or those working with less-than-perfect growing setups. Their robustness allows them to withstand common issues like slight nutrient imbalances and temperature fluctuations.
Challenges of Auto-Flowering Plants
Despite their advantages, auto-flowers have challenges. Growers have less control over the flowering process, which can lead to reduced yields if conditions are not optimal. Many auto-flowering strains tend to produce smaller buds; for example, yields might range from 1 to 2 ounces per plant, compared to 3 ounces or more for some photoperiod strains.
Close attention to nutrients and watering is vital, too, as auto-flowering plants can be sensitive to over-fertilization due to their short life cycle. A balanced and cautious nutrient schedule is often ideal for maximizing yields.
Understanding Photoperiod Cannabis Plants
Photoperiod cannabis plants depend on light cycles to determine when to start flowering. Usually, growers maintain a light schedule of 18 hours on and 6 hours off during the vegetative stage, switching to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark to trigger flowering.
This control allows growers to manage every growth stage, making it perfect for those wanting to maximize their harvest by carefully manipulating the plant's environment.
Benefits of Photoperiod Plants
One significant benefit of photoperiod cannabis is the potential for larger yields. With growers controlling light exposure, photoperiod plants can grow larger and produce denser buds. Research shows that these plants yield anywhere from 2 to 4 ounces per plant, depending on the strain and conditions. The higher yield can lead to increased potency, offering a better overall quality product.
Moreover, the variety of strains available for photoperiod plants allows growers to select based on specific traits like flavor and growth characteristics. This opportunity opens the door for customized growing experiences and preferences.
Challenges of Photoperiod Plants
On the downside, photoperiod plants require strict management of light cycles. Growers must maintain a consistent schedule to promote healthy growth and flowering. This requirement can feel overwhelming for beginners, particularly those new to indoor growing setups.
Additionally, photoperiod plants typically have longer growth cycles. They may take anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks to reach maturity, which might not fit the needs of every grower. Those wanting quicker harvests might find this timeline challenging.
Key Differences in Growing Techniques
In cultivation techniques, several key differences stand out between auto-flowering and photoperiod cannabis plants:
Light Requirements: Auto-flowers thrive under a continuous light cycle, while photoperiod plants need changes in light exposure between the vegetative and flowering stages.
Grow Space Management: Auto-flowers are better suited for smaller spaces, allowing for quick consecutive grows. Meanwhile, photoperiod plants often need more room due to their larger full-grown size.
Nutrient Needs: Auto-flowers require a more delicate nutrient balance given their shorter lifespan. They often benefit from lighter feeding and more frequent watering.
Maturity Time: As mentioned, auto-flowers mature faster, leading to earlier harvests. Photoperiod plants usually take longer, offering a trade-off between yield and time.
Choosing the Right Option for You
Your choice between auto-flower and photoperiod cannabis plants will largely hinge on your goals as a grower. If speedy growth and a more forgiving experience are what you are after, auto-flowers might be your best bet. However, if larger yields and the option to choose from a wider range of strains interest you, photoperiod plants could be the better option.
Before deciding, think about your growing environment, personal experience, and resources available. Both options can yield great results when given proper care and attention.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between auto-flowering and photoperiod cannabis plants is crucial for anyone entering the world of cannabis cultivation. Each plant type brings unique characteristics, benefits, and challenges catering to various growers. Whether you lean toward the rapid growth of auto-flowers or the controlled environment of photoperiod plants, ensure that your choice aligns well with your cultivation goals and conditions.
Happy growing!
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Auto flower strains can be found by following the link below
Photo Period strains Can be found by following the link below
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