The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Growing
A few years ago there was a small revolution in the world of cannabis growing: the arrival of autoflowering strains. While photoperiod plants need a strict change in the light cycle to form flowers, “autos” have a mind of their own – and that makes them extremely attractive for beginners and outdoor growers in Switzerland.
In this guide from weedx.ch you’ll find out what makes autoflowering plants so special and how to take them successfully from sowing to harvest.
What does “autoflowering” actually mean?
Regular cannabis plants (sativa or indica) only start flowering when the days get shorter in late summer or when the grower switches the light in the tent to 12 hours.
Autoflowering strains, on the other hand, contain the genetics of Cannabis ruderalis. These wild hemp species from cold regions such as Siberia have learned to flower regardless of light once they reach a certain age.
The advantages at a glance:
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Speed: many strains are ready in just 8 to 11 weeks – from seed to harvest.
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Compact size: they usually stay small (60–100 cm) and are ideal for balconies or small tents.
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Discretion: thanks to their size and short life span, they attract less attention.
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Hardiness: thanks to their ruderalis genes, they are often more resistant to cold, mould and pests.
The most important tips for growing autoflowers
Because autoflowering plants follow a very fixed schedule, they forgive fewer mistakes than photoperiod plants. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Use the final pot from the start
Avoid transplanting! Autoflowering plants don’t have time to recover from the stress of being repotted. Plant the germinated seed directly in its final pot (11 to 15 litres is recommended).
2. The right substrate
Use an airy medium. A mix of soil with plenty of perlite, or coco coir, is ideal. Since the plants stay small, they also need less fertiliser. A “light mix” is often the best choice to start with.
3. Light is energy
Even though they flower “automatically”, they love light. Indoors, most growers get the best results with an 18/6 or 20/4 light cycle – from start to finish. With autoflowers, more light often means a bigger yield.
4. Be careful with training
Avoid high-stress training (such as topping or FIMming). It would stop growth for days – days the plant then lacks for flower formation at the end. Low-stress training (LST), i.e. gently tying down the branches, is very effective for increasing light exposure.
The stages of an autoflower grow
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Weeks 1–2 (seedling): the plant focuses on its roots. Water sparingly!
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Weeks 3–4 (vegetative): explosive growth. You can start careful LST now.
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Weeks 5–10 (flowering): the plant almost stops growing taller and forms dense buds. Switch to bloom fertiliser now.
Conclusion: the perfect choice for a quick grow
Autoflowering strains are the “quickies” among cannabis plants. They’re perfect for Swiss growers who want a fast summer harvest on the balcony or an uncomplicated strain for the tent.
Quality at weedx.ch: want to see what professional breeding produces? Discover our selection of CBD flowers in the shop. Many of our premium products are based on state-of-the-art genetics optimised for maximum flavour and terpenes!
Sources & further reading
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Leafly: What are autoflowering cannabis strains? (The basics of ruderalis genetics.)
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Royal Queen Seeds: Autoflowering grow guide. (Detailed week-by-week instructions.)
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Dutch Passion: Autoflowering cannabis vs photoperiodic cannabis.
