The Easiest Autoflower Strains to Grow
Autoflowers are the ideal strain for beginners since they don’t need as much care and attention as standard strains.
Nowadays, the weather is uncertain. We have no idea how bad the coming winter of 2021 may be. Some say it may be colder than last year, making growing marijuana outdoors even more unpredictable than normal.
However, there are autoflower strains that thrive in such harsh climates. A great example is Zkittlez, one of the easiest autoflower strains to grow even in conditions with drastic temperature shifts. The ruderalis genes in autoflowers allow this type of Cannabis plant to thrive in colder climates.
This is because, outside of having the ability to mature with time, Cannabis ruderalis was found flourishing in the 2nd coldest country in the world – Russia. On top of that, it’s never been a better time to grow autoflowering Cannabis. Years of breeding have led to mold and disease-resistant autoflower strains with higher THC levels (which wasn’t the case with autoflowers when they first started!).
Are autoflowers worth growing?
Although it depends on your personal preference as a grower, some factors about autoflowers make them worth at least trying out. For one, they’re the ideal strain for beginners since they don’t need as much care and attention as standard strains.
Autoflower strains don’t consume a lot of nutrients, saving you from having to buy a lot of fertilizers for your garden. It also means they’re unlikely to suffer from nutrient deficiency. The main advantage of this strain is that they flower with time rather than the amount of light they receive in a day.
This means they flower much faster than standard photoperiod Cannabis, which needs a certain light and day cycle to enter their flowering period. However, the greatest asset of autoflowers is also its biggest drawback. Because this type of Cannabis plant has an internal clock that tells it when to flower, it will bloom even if sick or stressed.
This could result in a poor harvest. Additionally, Cannabis ruderalis was never known for its yield anyway. It’s a small plant that doesn’t grow big or tall because it prioritizes speed over anything else.
The buds from Cannabis ruderalis – and, by extension, all autoflower strains – aren’t as potent as standard photoperiod Cannabis. However, the potency of autoflowers has improved over the years, so it’s not as much of a concern nowadays.
How are autoflowering seeds different from regular seeds?
Autoflowers are different from regular seeds in factors such as light demands, nutrient requirements, and time. Standard photoperiod Cannabis requires 12 to 20 weeks from seed to harvest. To make it flower, you must give it a specific day/night cycle of 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night. Autoflowers only need 10 to 14 weeks from seed to harvest, and they can do so without a day/night cycle.
How long does an autoflower seed take to reach harvest?
A standard autoflower strain will only take 8 to 12 weeks to grow from seed to harvest. A great example of one of the easiest autoflowers strains to grow is Banana Kush, which will take a minimum of 10 weeks from seed to harvest.
Do autoflower seeds have less THC?
Autoflowers had less THC when they first started, but now that’s no longer the case. Nowadays, autoflowering strains can contain THC levels comparable to standard marijuana plants – with some new autoflowering strains today having THC contents of up to 25%.
Are autoflowers good for beginners?
Autoflower seeds are ideal for beginners. They’re easier to handle and don’t require as much attention. They also require fewer nutrients and less space since autoflowers are known to only grow up to 3ft tall. They can also grow outdoors or indoor setups, allowing beginners to choose either setup.
How do I get the most yield out of my autoflower?
There are a lot of factors that will affect the yield of your autoflowers. Things such as soil quality the nutrients you provide (as well as how you provide it) can make a world of difference to the yield of your Cannabis plants. One guaranteed way to increase the yield of your autoflowers is with a hydroponics system. Directly feeding the right amount of nutrients will result in a healthier plant with richer buds.
Northern Lights Autoflower
Northern Lights Autoflower is an indica-dominant hybrid strain boasting 90% indica and 10% sativa with a THC of 18%. It’s a cross of Afghani indica with Thai Sativa. The two landraces produced prize-winning results. However, its appeal goes beyond its background.
Northern Lights autoflower seeds
The Northern Lights autoflower seeds grow one of the most famous (if not the most famous) Cannabis strains in the world. Northern Lights is an indica marijuana plant derived from indicas in Afghanistan and Thailand.
This kush strain is well-loved by the marijuana community because of its effects. When toked (or taken as an edible), you will feel a relaxing sensation paired with euphoric feelings. This soothing experience is what Northern Lights is known for. It’s great for those looking for a comfortable sleep after a hard day or those wanting to sleep but can’t due to their insomnia. This end-of-day strain is also great for people dealing with chronic pain and muscle spasms.
Growing Northern Lights is one of the best autoflowering seeds for beginners since the Cannabis plant is mold-resistant and can thrive outdoors under the Mediterranean and steppe climates. It’s also a small plant that only reaches 3ft, making it perfect for indoor gardens.
Northern Lights cultivar profile
Plant type | 90% indica 10% sativa |
THC | Up to 18% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Citrus | Earthy | Lemon | Pine | Skunky | Spicy | Sweet |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Sleepy | Uplifted |
Awards | Cannabis Cup |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | Terpinolene | Myrcene | D-Limonene | Humulene |
Afghan Autoflower
Afghan Autoflower is a pure indica strain with a THC content of 20% – identical to the standard Afghan. Although it’s hard to label whether or not Afghan Autoflower can remain a landrace after being bred with a ruderalis, it’s still 100% indica.
Afghan autoflower seeds
Afghan is an excellent weed strain for anyone who loves indicas because it's completely pure, with no sativa heritage at all. Autoflower seeds are among the best possible choices for new growers or people who have a small space.
When smoked, you’ll first feel the potent head high, leaving you euphoric and happy. Afterward, you’ll feel a long-lasting buzz spreading across your body. It won’t leave you couch-locked, but you’ll find it difficult to do any house chores. The body high is potent enough for persistent pain.
Given that this version is an autoflower, you should expect reduced yields because it is a smaller plant (like most autoflowers). What you get in return is an Afghan that flowers quickly and can thrive in extreme temperatures.
Afghan cultivar profile
Property | Value |
---|---|
Plant type | 100% indica |
THC | Up to 20% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Continental | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 4 to 11 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Earthy | Herbal | Pungent | Spicy | Sweet | Woody |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Hungry | Relaxed | Sleepy |
Terpenes | Humulene | Alpha Pinene | Terpinolene | Myrcene | Carene |
Bruce Banner Autoflower
Bruce Banner Autoflower is a sativa-dominant hybrid strain that blends 40% indica and 60% sativa. It’s a potent strain with a THC level of 25%. Bruce Banner, or simply “Banner,” was made by crossing OG Kush with Strawberry Diesel. The resulting strain perfectly blended both parents’ effects and flavors.
When toked, you’ll immediately feel the strong creative buzz and an equally strong earthy flavor mixed with the overpowering taste of diesel. Although most of the effects come in the form of a potent head high (like with OG Kush), Banner does spread out into a relaxing body high to balance things out (like with Strawberry Diesel).
However, those who are fans of Banner take it mostly for its head high since it can give you a strong boost of creative energy while also helping you feel more uplifted with its euphoric effects. It’s great if you’re looking to lift your spirits before starting the day. And it is even better if you’re hoping to relax after it.
When growing your own green garden of this strain, know that it stinks just as much as a plant when smoking its buds.
Bruce Banner cultivar profile
Plant type | 40% indica 60% sativa |
THC | Up to 25% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Small |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Diesel | Earthy | Pungent |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed |
Awards | Cannabis Cup |
Terpenes | Linalool | D-Limonene | Myrcene | Caryophyllene | Humulene |
GG4 Autoflower
Gorilla Glue is a balanced hybrid because of its 50% indica and 50% sativa blending. The strain’s 26% THC content will deeply relax you once toked because, despite being a balanced hybrid, its effects heavily lean on its indica genetics. Gorilla Glue results from three different Cannabis strains – Chem’s Sister, Sour Dubb, and Chocolate Diesel. This gave Gorilla Glue (also known as GG4) a complex set of flavor profiles to match its amazing effects.
GG4 autoflower seeds
With GG4 aka Gorilla Glue aka Original Glue autoflower seeds, your harvest is ready extremely fast. Autoflower seeds produce compact plants, making this the perfect strain to grow in smaller grow sites.
When toked, you will taste the sour apple flavor that it got from Sour Dubbs, but with hints of chocolate and gasoline that it gets from Chocolate Diesel and Chem’s Sister. While tasting and smelling GG4’s rich and complex buds, you will start to experience a deep relaxation that will take away your stress and fill you with euphoric feelings.
Gorilla Glue was already easy to grow, but growing the autoflower makes it even easier. With a maximum height of 4ft, you can easily grow this gorilla indoors.
GG4 cultivar profile
Plant type | 50% indica 50% sativa |
THC | Up to 26% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Earthy | Pine | Sour | Sweet |
Effects | Happy | Uplifted |
Awards | Cannabis Cup | Jamaican World Cup |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | D-Limonene | Ocimene | Humulene | Myrcene |
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme Autoflower
Girl Scout Cookies Extreme Autoflower is an indica-dominant hybrid strain with an 80% indica and 20% sativa blending. This end-of-day strain has a THC content of 21%, making it very potent with hard-hitting effects. Unlike its sweet and friendly name, GSC Extreme will hit you with a strong head high, transitioning into a deeply relaxing body high that will leave you couch-locked.
Girl Scout Cookies autoflower seeds
Girl Scout Cookies autoflower seeds are a hybrid of Durban Poison and OG Kush mixed with ruderalis traits to make it autoflowering. Its lovely aroma of sweet earthiness provides a delightful, euphoric high that leaves you completely relaxed.
And if you’re enjoying it after a hard day, it’ll tuck you in a heavy blanket of comfort that will surely put you to sleep. Additionally, the head high you feel with GSC Extreme fills you with feelings of euphoria and happiness. It also brings out your creative side as well as your social side. So, toking or consuming GSC Extreme in the middle of the day (when you still have some energy) has a different effect since you can appreciate its cerebral buzz.
Growing your own potent GSC Extreme buds has never been easier now that breeders crossed it with a ruderalis, making it an autoflower. Now it’s a much smaller plant that can grow faster than most standard Cannabis strains. It’s also one of the easiest autoflower strains to grow indoors or in Mediterranean climates.
Girl Scout Cookies cultivar profile
Plant type | 80% indica 20% sativa |
THC | Up to 21% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean |
Plant size | Small |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Diesel | Earthy | Herbal | Lemon | Pungent | Skunky | Spicy | Sweet |
Effects | Creative | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | D-Limonene | Humulene | Linalool | Ocimene |
Sour Diesel Autoflower
When it comes to blending pungent aromas, nothing comes close to Sour Diesel. Also known as Sour D, this sativa-dominant hybrid strain was made by crossing the insanely potent aroma of Chemdawg with the pungent smell of Super Skunk. The resulting strain has a blend of 40% indica and 60% sativa with a THC level of 20%. Once toked, you’ll be hit with a boost of energy unlike any other. And like with many sativas, it will elevate your mood by bringing out euphoric feelings in you. It also has the additional effect of making you more talkative and social.
Sour Diesel autoflower seeds
Sour Diesel autoflower seeds grow a weed that is exceptionally dank and delivers a psychedelic, energetic euphoria.
What separates it from pure sativa buds, though, is that it won’t end in a crash, and the effects, although potent, aren’t so overwhelming that you’ll begin to feel paranoid. You only have to worry about how long the effects stay around since some say Sour D stays in your system for as long as five hours.
Sour Diesel cultivar profile
Plant type | 40% indica 60% sativa |
THC | Up to 20% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Steppe | Mold Resistant |
Plant size | Compact |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Diesel | Earthy | Herbal | Lemon | Pungent | Sour |
Effects | Energetic | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
Terpenes | Caryophyllene | D-Limonene | Beta-Pinene | Myrcene | Alpha-Pinene |
Zkittlez Autoflower
Like its name, Zkittlez is a colorful Cannabis strain with a fruity flavor. With a blend of 70% indica and 30% sativa, you would think it’s an end-of-day strain, especially considering it has a THC level of 23%. In reality, Zkittlez provides a mild to moderate high that many occasional Cannabis users love. The effects are somewhat uplifting, making it perfectly fine to enjoy in the middle of the day.
Zkittlez autoflower seeds
Zkittlez comes from a delicious combination of Grape Ape and Grapefruit strains. The genetics lead to an indica-dominant strain with an impressively fruity flavor.
The effects of Zkittlez come in the form of a balanced head high, leaving you happy, uplifted, euphoric, and relaxed. The best part is that it doesn’t end in a crash once the high winds down. Instead, you are calm and comfortable.
Growing Zkittlez is as easy as the effects it provides. In fact, it’s one of the best autoflowering seeds for beginners to start with, especially since it’s a strain that can thrive in harsh continental climates – which are known for their drastic temperature shifts.
Zkittlez cultivar profile
Plant type | 70% indica 30% sativa |
THC | Up to 23% |
CBD | Insignificant amounts |
Difficulty | Easy |
Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Continental | Steppe |
Plant size | Compact plant |
Vegetative stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
Flowering time | 7 to 10 weeks |
Yields | 5 to 15 oz per plant |
Taste and Smell | Fruity | Pepper |
Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted | Sleepy |
Terpenes | D-Limonene | Humulene | Valencene | Beta-Pinene | Myrcene |
Conclusion
Growing Cannabis in uncertain climates doesn’t have to be impossible; you just need the right type of Cannabis. With even more unpredictable weather due to global warming, growers must adapt like Cannabis ruderalis. This is why growing autoflowers should always be an option worth considering. Purchase these autoflowers and many other great autoflowering strains like Jack Herer and Purple Urkle in our online store.