Why Are Autoflowering a Popular Choice for New Growers?
June 17 2024, Published 3:00 a.m. ET
Starting cannabis cultivation as a beginner is not easy. The delicate balancing act of light, nutrients, and water, combined with the stress of losing months of effort to a simple mistake, pushes many new growers away. For them, a plant that requires minimal intervention and forgives beginner mistakes is the solution. Autoflowering cannabis does just that.
Let's understand some of the crucial reasons why these plants are quickly becoming the preferred option for new cannabis cultivators.
Top 6 Reasons To Grow Autoflowering Cannabis
You ought to know the reasons why autoflowering cannabis plants are fast becoming the first choice for new cultivators who want to start their gardening adventures without fear.
1. Easy Growing Process
The main attraction of autoflowering cannabis is its simplicity. Unlike photoperiod strains that need specific light cycles to transition from the vegetative to flowering stages, autoflowering plants automatically begin to flower as they age.
This trait eliminates the complexity involved in growing as cultivators don't need to manage light schedules or worry about light leaks in their growing environment. This autoflowering capability comes from the Cannabis ruderalis species, which evolved in northern regions in the long days of summer.
2. Faster Harvest Times
Autoflowering cannabis plants have a much faster life cycle than their photoperiod peers. Most autoflowers are ready for harvest in about 10 weeks. This time is shorter than the time needed for traditional/regular strains.
This quick turnaround appeals very much to new growers who are eager to see the fruits of their labor without a long wait. For example, the Northern Lights autoflower strain offers a swift growth cycle and a strong yield. This makes it a superb choice for those looking to quickly reap the benefits of their efforts.
3. Small and Easy to Manage Size
Another beneficial feature of autoflowering plants is their compact size. These plants often grow to a height of around 30 to 100 centimeters. The smaller size makes auto flowers easier to manage for new growers who may not have enough space or resources for larger plants.
Also, their easy-to-manage size helps maintain privacy and discretion. This is a big benefit for personal growers who do not want unnecessary exposure.
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4. Reduced Costs and Resources
Starting a garden with autoflowering cannabis can also be more affordable. This matters greatly for those who are new to this and perhaps hesitant to invest a lot of money. These plants need less equipment because they do not need changes in light cycles. Hence, you can buy simple lighting systems that do not break the bank.
Their shorter lifespan and compact size mean they use less water and nutrients than larger plants. This reduces monthly expenses and makes autoflowers eco-friendly as they absorb fewer resources. For a new cultivator, these savings can make the initial entry into cannabis cultivation less complicated and more sustainable.
5. Variety and Quality
In the past, autoflowering cannabis strains were somewhat limited in variety and often viewed as lower in quality than photoperiod strains. However, new advancements in breeding have led to the development of multiple autoflowering varieties that do not sacrifice potency, flavor, or aroma.
This has made them much more attractive to growers who won’t compromise on quality for easy growth.
6. Regular Harvests
For growers who work on a continuous cycle, autoflowering plants offer the ability to have staggered harvests by planting new seeds at intervals. Since these plants don't rely on light cycles to flower, new seeds can be grown alongside mature plants in the same environment.
This method allows for a consistent stream of produce rather than the feast-or-famine cycle that can happen with traditional photoperiod plants.
Conclusion
As you can see, autoflowering cannabis plants are a game-changer for new growers. They make the entire growing process easy and eliminate the intimidation factor that many face when starting a cannabis garden.
Their faster growth, forgiving nature, resilient characteristics, and easy-to-care requirements help new cultivators enter the cannabis cultivation world with much more confidence. All of these advantages make autoflowering cannabis plants an affordable as well as ecologically friendly option.