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Grow Guide

Feminized autoflower cannabis plants are ideal for growers seeking a straightforward process with minimal light schedule management. Autoflowers automatically transition from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, not light cycles, and feminized seeds ensure nearly all plants will be female, eliminating the need to sex plants.

1. Germination Stage

  • Duration: 1-7 days
  • Key Characteristics:
    • The seed cracks open, and a taproot emerges.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Warm environment: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
    • High humidity: 70-90%.
    • Use a damp paper towel or plant directly into the final growing medium.
  • Tips:
    • Avoid transplanting as autoflowers have a short lifecycle, and transplant shock can stunt growth.
    • Handle seeds gently to avoid damaging the taproot.

2. Seedling Stage

  • Duration: 1-2 weeks
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Development of the first sets of leaves.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Light: 18-24 hours of light daily (autoflowers thrive in consistent light).
    • Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
    • Humidity: 60-70%.
    • Soil: Nutrient-light, airy soil or a coco coir mix with a pH of 6.0-6.5.
  • Tips:
    • Water sparingly to prevent overwatering. Let the topsoil dry out slightly before watering again.
    • Use small amounts of nutrients (if any) at this stage.

3. Vegetative Stage

  • Duration: 2-4 weeks
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Rapid growth of leaves and stems.
    • Shorter than photoperiod plants; growth is compact and bushy.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Light: 18-24 hours of light.
    • Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C).
    • Humidity: 50-60%.
  • Care Actions:
    • Avoid high-stress training (HST), as the plant’s short lifecycle leaves little time for recovery.
    • Use low-stress training (LST) if necessary to spread out branches for better light penetration.
    • Ensure adequate airflow to prevent mold or pests.

4. Flowering Stage

  • Duration: 4-8 weeks (depending on strain)
  • Key Characteristics:
    • Automatic transition to flowering, typically starting around 3-4 weeks from germination.
    • Development of buds with trichomes and pistils.
  • Optimal Conditions:
    • Light: Continue 18-24 hours daily for maximum yields.
      • Photoperiod seeds will need to be switched to a 12-12 light schedule in order to initiate flowering
    • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-26°C).
    • Humidity: 40-50%.
  • Care Actions:
    • Monitor for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excess.
    • Keep watering consistent, avoiding wet or dry extremes.
    • Provide support for branches if buds become heavy.

5. Harvest Stage

  • When to Harvest:
    • Check trichomes with a magnifier:
      • Clear trichomes: Not ready.
      • Milky trichomes: Highest THC levels.
      • Amber trichomes: More sedative, couch-lock effects.
    • Pistils should turn dark and curl inward.
  • Harvest Process:
    • Cut the plant at the base or harvest individual branches as needed.
    • Handle buds carefully to preserve trichomes.

6. Drying Stage

  • Duration: 7-10 days
  • Process:
    • Hang branches or place trimmed buds on drying racks in a dark, well-ventilated space.
    • Keep temperature at 60-70°F (15-21°C) and humidity at 50%.
  • Tips:
    • Avoid direct light and maintain consistent airflow.
    • Bend stems lightly; they should snap rather than bend when properly dried.

7. Curing Stage

  • Duration: 2-4 weeks (minimum)
  • Process:
    • Place dried buds in airtight glass jars, filling them loosely.
    • Store in a cool, dark place and open jars daily for the first 1-2 weeks to release moisture.
  • Benefits:
    • Enhances aroma, flavor, and potency.
    • Reduces harshness and improves overall smoking or vaping experience.

8. Storage

  • Conditions:
    • Store cured buds in airtight containers.
    • Keep containers in a cool, dark, and dry environment.
    • Use humidity packs to maintain freshness (e.g., 58-62% relative humidity).
  • Tips:
    • Avoid frequent opening of storage containers to preserve terpenes and freshness.

Key Autoflower Considerations

  1. Avoid Overwater: Autoflowers in smaller pots are more sensitive to feeding than photoperiod strains. Start small with water so that the topsoil dries between waterings.
  2. Choose the Right Pot Size: Our 1 gallon pots are the smallest you’ll want to put your autoflowers in. Photoperiod seeds can perform well in sizes upwards of 5 gallons.
  3. Don’t Top: High-stress training techniques, like topping, can reduce yields due to the plant’s short lifecycle.
  4. Be Time-Conscious: The entire lifecycle of autoflowers is typically 8-12 weeks, so act quickly to address any issues.

By following this guide, you can maximize the potential of feminized autoflower cannabis and enjoy a rewarding harvest with minimal effort.