The distinction between plants that require photoperiod and those that flower automatically has been a topic of discussion among home cannabis growers in recent times. Additionally, it’s simple to get both photoperiod and autoflower marijuana seeds, and each provides unique benefits.
Both have good and bad sides; however, your need and aim of cultivation will decide for you. The primary way autoflower vs photoperiod strains differ is in how they initiate flowering; photoperiod strains enter the flowering stage due to variations in the light cycle.
Contrary to that, photoperiod strains cannot live in the asexual phase for an extended period without 18 hours of light per day. The plant will bloom once the 12-hour daily light cycle is implemented. The nature of autoflower weed seeds is the opposite to it. They enter the flowering stage at a certain period, irrespective of the light cycle.
So, how does one choose the one that most fits them? Keep reading for a detailed comparison of autoflower vs photoperiod and the important factors to consider when deciding. In this blog, you will learn more about photoperiod vs autoflowering properties.
Autoflowering Seeds
Autoflower weed seeds are relatively easier to grow as these strains do not have complex demands. Their plants bloom no matter what type of light you provide them; there are no additional changes in sunlight for them to cultivate.
This nature is derived from wild cannabis plants that can survive even in complex regions. They still breed with minimal light and heat sources.
Growth Cycle
Discussing the growth duration of this cannabis strain tells us about a very special sub-species of autoflowers called ruderalis. This popular strain can be found in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This special strain has a shorter growing period compared to others.
Research shows that it takes about 8 to 12 weeks for an autoflower weed seed to harvest, which is very beneficial for growers who use it for commercial purposes. These plants can develop with fewer nutrients and still achieve healthy growth.
Seeds Appearance
Ruderalis is an ideal cannabis strain to take as an example. It is the smallest in size, with five small leaves. Three are the main ones, while the other two are facing backward.
These types of cannabis are usually used for breeding as they can also breed with photoperiod and turn into auto flowers. They can grow quite large in size, and growers use procedures to change their shapes and promote horizontal growth. They can usually grow up to 130cm.
Seeds Yield
Autoflowering plants cultivate quicker and are less hectic; however, they typically produce fewer crops than photoperiod plants. This does not mean that there are fewer. You will still get several 400g/m² plants inside your home.
Growth Difficulty
These strains are very easy to grow and are perfect for new growers. They can bear harsh environments and survive healthy growth with low nutrients.
Advantages of Autoflower Weed Seeds
Cann Ruderalis is the source of autoflowering strains; this plant is endemic to frigid climes. Consequently, these plants established the skill to bloom and stagnate significantly more rapidly before the chilly winter.
They can bud in a few weeks and yield in 8-12 weeks because of inherited amendments. Rapid changes in time are vital for manufacturers who want to produce from seed as soon as possible.
This specific plant, ruderalis, has benefits regarding easier growth and can be grown in bulk in one tent due to its compact leaf and bus sizes. It is smaller overall and requires less energy, time, maintenance, and nutrients to grow.
Disadvantages of Autoflower Weed Seeds
The plants grown in light have been seen to provide more fruit than the strains without it. The bud matures fast in light during its asexual stage. However, this can be thought-provoking as plants usually bloom when provided with all the necessary environmental conditions. But it must stay in the asexual form till it heals.
Professionals seek everything to be perfect. High THC levels in plants might not attract these growers because it has an intense quantity of cannabinoids in them.
Another unattractive quality is that the clone of the plant will not grow together with the original. Instead, it’ll be at a different speed, causing the wait duration to increase for the grower.
Photoperiod Seeds
Photoperiod is a word used to refer to growing cannabis. It states the amount of light the plant catches. Cannabis plants require at least 12 hours of night to begin flowering.
There is a connection between these cannabis strains and nighttime as they bloom during the night. Farmers typically provide 18 hours of sunlight and 6 hours of nighttime for their cultivation until they are ready to produce flowers.
Growth Cycle
As we know, photoperiod strains require more time, upkeep, and a change in the light cycle to flower. They are slightly more challenging to maintain than autoflowers.
Nonetheless, farmers have more control when using photoperiod strains. If they receive at least 18 hours of light each day, they can produce extraordinarily tall plants; if they receive only 12 hours, they can grow little, short plants.
Photoperiod strains can be broadly classified into two subspecies: indica and sativa. While indica cultivars are shorter and can be cultivated indoors and outdoors, sativa varieties thrive outside, where they can grow to very tall heights.
Seeds Appearance
Sativa plants have tall, ladderlike leaves, while Indica plants have bushy growth and broad-fingered fan leaves. People believe that Sativas give energetic highs and Indicas give relaxing effects, which is partly true due to different terpenes, but this is not always the case.
It’s hard to identify a strain based on looks alone. Most available marijuana options are hybrids of Sativa and Indica, so they show traits from both parent types. Additionally, there are very few pure Sativa or Indica breeds.
Seeds Yield
Sativa plants produce more flowers than indica plants. The most productive Sativa variants can yield 1-4 kilograms per plant outdoors and around 500–600g/m² indoors. Indoor Indica strains usually yield 400–600g/m2, while outdoor yields range from 400–2000g/plant.
Growth Difficulty
Strains with a photoperiod need more attention and care. Autoflowering strains are easier for beginners to start with. Growers should schedule when they wish to let their crop go to seed and adjust the light cycle accordingly. They must also continue to prune and train their plants to keep them in check.
Advantages of Photoperiod Weed Seeds
A slight adjustment is all we need to improve the crop yield. A slight change in the light cycle can affect the growth efficiency of photoperiod strains. Being capable of spreading the asexual growth phase also supports growers, giving plants time to improve from stress before flowering. Photoperiod cultivators are usually more assorted and have higher THC content than autoflowering plants.
Disadvantages of Photoperiod Weed Seeds
Different strains have different growth timings and require different energy levels. Some plants can be harvested in about 10 to 16 weeks with full-time care, trimming, and shaping included. However, only a professional can be successful in this as they require quiet care and patience.
How to Decide Which One is Better?
A better cultivation option is to first consider your need for growth. If you decide whether your need to grow is for business, domestic use, or any other purpose, then pick which one you want to grow. Photoperiods are usually seen to have higher THC levels than autoflowers.
Hard Work That You Have to Do
The list of benefits and weaknesses demonstrates that there are advantages to both autoflowering and photoperiod plants. After considering each, conclude which of your requirements or wants is most important.
Because they are automated, they will not require any labor to expand. Perfecting photoperiod plants includes far more work than just ensuring they are reserved under the ideal conditions, whether indoors or out.
This includes topping, chopping, moving, and tending to vegetable plants to maximize their exposure to light. If you do not have the additional time to grow, autoflowering seeds are the best choice.
Speed at Which You Demand to Produce Yields
The main difference that is being observed between the two strains is the duration of growth. Both strains have diverse natures, properties, demands, benefits, and drawbacks.
You have a wide variety to pick from according to your needs. Although, autoflowers take a relatively shorter period to grow and also have medicinal use.
How Much You Want to Make in Yields
It has been observed that plants that are smaller in size yield a lesser harvest. However, this has changed with vast technologies and research. It has made it possible to alter the genetics of these plants to increase their optimal yield.
Despite this, photoperiod plants can withstand the extra strain of prominent increases since they are larger and have more bud sites.
Dimensions of Your Growing Area
Choosing the best size may depend on where you hope to grow. If your growing place is a small tent, cabinet, or closet, your ceiling width and area options will usually be restricted.
The compact nature of autoflowering is suitable in that scenario. Remember that certain photoperiod strains can grow up to 6 feet (182 cm) in length, while others can spread out up to 3-4 feet.
Weather in the Area
If you’re growing outside, you must consider the temperature where you live and how long you can tolerate it. Confirm that the growing season and environment are satisfactory to maintain the appropriate growth conditions for plants that grow in a photoperiod.
Strength You Need or Want
To be straightforward, photoperiod weed seeds are a smart choice in this as these strains can generate higher potency of THC levels. They can go above 28 percent and can help in medicinal treatments.
As opposed to Cloning Seeds
As you look to the forthcoming future, you might wonder, “How can I retain my never-ending harvests?” The solution is replicating. A solo photoperiod mother plant nurtured in a vegetable garden will produce cuttings for many years. Not with autoflowers, anyway. You will have to start autoflowers from seed each time. This could cost more in the long term, so consider it now.
Your Degree of Proficiency
Our suggestion to you would be autoflower in this, as they are good cannabis strains to start with. Although some photoperiod strains are also convenient and take less energy than others, for an easy start at home with less headache, autoflowering weed seeds are the way to go!
Conclusion
To start in the field successfully, you must have complete knowledge of the properties and diversities of autoflowers and photoperiod strains. Try researching as much as possible, and follow our blog.
Match your requirements and choices with the right strain to begin with a successful start. This guarantees that the results will be great if you select either of these strains. Do your research first before starting the process, and make sure to engage with trustworthy cannabis seed suppliers.
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