The average time for cannabis plants to flower is around 10 to 11 weeks depending on its classification. Some even take longer depending on the strain and growing environment. Today, there are strains, such as autoflowering, that can be grown in a short period of time. This is the fulfillment of a  dream for cannabis connoisseurs.  Most especially for those who grow cannabis for business. The shorter flowering time means early harvest for growers and faster turnover of marijuana cropping.

Best of Beginners

One of the best selling strains today come in autoflowering form. Beginners in marijuana growing love this type of seeds because it grows faster than the regular strain, thus the waiting time is shortened. Experienced cannabis growers also prefer this strain because of its ability to produce flowers without external cues. Another characteristic of this strain is the low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol which makes it perfect for first-time smokers. Researchers, as well as smokers, are fond of this classification of strain because of its low to no psychoactive effects. As per an article written by Crop King Seeds, growing autoflowering cannabis strains are not that difficult to cultivate. It will grow well both indoors or outdoors.

Characteristics of Growing Cannabis in Autoflower Light Cycle

* Autoflowering cannabis strain is compact and does not grow tall and wide. That is why it is best to grow them indoors as they do not take so much space.  Another advantage is that it’s easy to maintain, so even if you are not the best gardener, you will be able to grow this plant.

* Autoflowering cannabis strains do not rely on light cycles to flower. Thus, monitoring and maintenance are easier because it has the ability to adapt to the environment where it is planted.

* The cannabis connoisseurs’ dream is to cultivate quick-growing strains. On average, autoflowering cannabis flower within 2 to 4 weeks of germination. It has the process that is unique and rare as it automatically transitions from the vegetative stage to flowering on their own age.

* One of the characteristics of autoflowering strains is its abundant yield. It is surprising considering that these strains grow short. Therefore, growers can produce multiple harvests per year.

* Working well with being grown indoors, outdoors and in greenhouses, autoflowering cannabis strains are most resistant to diseases, molds, and mildew.

Hypothesis

Can you grow autoflowering cannabis strains on the 12/12 light cycle? The answer is yes. It is possible. In a normal scenario generic cannabis strains require 12 hours of sunlight per day but what do you think makes autoflowering strains different? Is it able to flower with only 12 hours of sunlight per day? The growth of autoflowering strains receiving less sunlight is perfectly fine. It will still be able to flower yet in comparison to those who acquire 18 to 24 hours of light, the buds are much smaller but the yield is abundant.

Indica and Sativa strains rely on photoperiod. This means that an autoflower 12/12  and dark ratio are necessary for its growth.  Temperature-wise, autoflowering cannabis strains are more temperable. It can thrive indoor and outdoor growth and adjust to any environmental condition. If you may ask, how much light does autoflowering cannabis strains require? To be honest with you, with or without a 12-12 light cycle, this strain will be able to bloom.

Advantages

Why should you grow autoflowering cannabis strains using the 12/12 light cycle? What makes it more efficient in terms of sales and utilization? The 12/12 light cycle to be used on autoflowering cannabis strains is one of the options. Why? This classification of cannabis requires changing in light schedules.

1. Small and compact yields as caused by the fact that it is a descendant of cannabis ruderalis. This is more beneficial especially to those who have limited spaces to cultivate cannabis. With the rapid flowering time, you will be able to produce more buds in a short span of time.

2. There are no changes in the photoperiod required. The change in the process of acquiring light is not required to change. It will flower abundantly regardless of the sudden change in a light cycle that is its unique characteristic as compared to cannabis Sativa and Indica in which change in light cycles is required in order to cause flowering.

3. Short flowering time is what autoflowering cannabis strains using the process of 12/12 light cycle composed of. The reason why cannabis growers prefer this is because of the efficiency it provides.

Disadvantages

In contrary to what autoflowering cannabis strains can offer are the disadvantages it is acquainted with. You have to bear in mind these factors in order to avoid discrepancies in terms of growth and effects. These are the possible factors why autoflowering cannabis is not suggested for the autoflower 12/12 from seed.

1.  The buds of an autoflower strain are not as big as the ones with that have substantial light exposure. In addition, because autoflowering are genetically smaller, they appear to be more of a bush than a tree.

2. Low tetrahydrocannabinol is another factor. This is neutral whether if it is an advantage or disadvantage. This is a good thing if you will be using cannabis for the sake of medicine but if you are seeking recreational pleasure, we bet you would not be satisfied because of its low to no psychoactive effects.

3. Autoflowering strains cannot be cloned effectively unlike those photoperiod plants. This is because autoflowering plants live shorter lives. It has the same lifespan as the parent plant. Therefore, autoflowering strains are available in seeds only.

Conclusion

Researchers believe that cannabis strains need exposure to darkness too, considering that too much exposure to the sun may result in the strains being burnt out. According to a cannabis connoisseur researching the characteristics of autoflowering cannabis strains, 12/12 is not the best light schedule for this classification of strain but it is an option. It is only possible considering that autoflowering ones are not that sensitive in terms of light exposure. It is not the best recommendation considering that less exposure to light means less absorption of energy alleviating chances of abundant growth.

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