DoseCraft
VapeHeatLabAutoflower
A cannabis variety that flowers automatically based on age rather than changes in light cycle, simplifying cultivation.
Autoflowering cannabis varieties flower automatically based on the age of the plant rather than requiring a change in the light cycle. This trait originates from Cannabis ruderalis genetics, which evolved in regions with extreme light conditions where depending on photoperiod for flowering would be unreliable.
How Autoflowers Work
Traditional photoperiod cannabis plants remain in the vegetative growth stage as long as they receive more than 12 hours of light per day. Switching to a 12/12 light schedule triggers flowering. Autoflowers skip this requirement entirely, typically beginning to flower after three to four weeks of growth regardless of the light schedule. This means growers can run autoflowers on 18 to 20 hours of light from seed to harvest, maximizing photosynthesis throughout the plant's life.
Advantages for Growers
Autoflowers offer several practical benefits. They complete their lifecycle in 8 to 12 weeks from seed, allowing for multiple harvests per year. Their compact size (typically one to three feet) makes them ideal for small grow spaces, balconies, and stealth gardens. Modern autoflower genetics have overcome the early reputation for low potency, with many varieties now testing above 20% THC. The trade-off is generally smaller yields per plant compared to photoperiod strains, though the faster turnaround often compensates.