Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds and how they work
Published :
Mar 24, 2017
Categories :
Strain information
The introduction of autoflowering genes, originating from the Cannabis ruderalis subspecies, has made growing high grade cannabis strains easier and quicker. Plants gifted with these genetics grow faster and flower independently, enabling the grower to sit back and watch for the most part.
Autoflowering seeds have opened up a new world in cannabis growing and provide a whole other option for growers around the world who desire faster turnovers or have to cope and adapt to less than desirable conditions outdoors. Anybody who has looked into the act of growing or simply has an interest in the cannabis plant and all of its varieties and forms probably has some grip as to the main subspecies of the plant.
Cannabis indica is well known for its short, bushy stature, wide-fingered leaves and “stoned” sensations. Cannabis sativa on the other hand has a reputation for growing tall and offering cerebral, energetic highs. Cannabis ruderalis is perhaps the least well known cannabis subspecies, yet it contains the autoflowering genetics, that have contributed to some of the most popular cannabis strains we know today.
AUTOFLOWERING GENETICS
Cannabis ruderalis is native to Russia and its genetics are thought to be somewhere in between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica subspecies. It is small, shrubby and not massively impressive to the eyes, growing only as tall as ~60cm in height. Cannabis ruderalis is literally a weed, found growing wild in places, that have been disturbed by human activity or natural causes such as road side ditches and farmland.
In the field of botany, the word ruderal refers to plants, that appear first after a disruption has taken place. Ruderalis is also low in the psychoactive cannabinoid THC, and too short to be used as an industrial source of paper, fibre and food. Therefore the subspecies is rarely found being intentionally grown in its pedigree form.
What it lacks in appearance it makes up for in some of its unique genetic characteristics. For example, it grows into a fully mature state in as little as 7 weeks. Another massive advantage, that ruderalis offers are its autoflowering genetics. Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants do not possess this ability. Instead, a change in the photoperiod or light cycle is required in order for these subspecies to flower. This is due to the fact, that they developed in regions of the world in time with rhythms of the light cycles of the year.
However, ruderalis adapted to far different conditions, immersed in long winter nights and long summer days. This environmental cocktail led to the subspecies developing the ability to mature and flower based on a period of time instead of a change of light. This trait allows the plant to grow outdoors in almost any conditions and has also seen the subspecies gain immense interest and popularity amongst growers and breeders. Although ruderalis in its pedigree form isn’t going to pump out some high THC buds, when its genetics are crossed with either sativa or indica plants, it then creates autoflowering hybrids.
This means the valuable and high cannabinoid genetics from powerful sativa and indica plants receive the benefit of autoflowering and also grow and mature in a shorter period of time. Both of these factors contribute greatly to a strains popularity and ease of growth. Hybrids can switch to flowering after 20 to 30 days of growth and do not require a change of the light cycle in order to force them to start producing large buds. Ruderalis hybrids have also gained traction as medicinal, CBD-rich strains. Although they lack high THC levels in their original form, they do pack some CBD, which has a massive reputation in the world of medical application.
So, ruderalis hybrids are super easy to grow and reward the grower with buds far sooner than other strain types. But where to go next? What are some of the best ruderalis hybrids, that offer the best weed? Here is a list of some of the best strains out there.
LITTLE DWARF AUTOFLOWERING
Little Dwarf Autoflowering is a combination of Skunk and ruderalis, producing a mix of the best of both genetics worlds: Strong weed with autoflowering genes. This little but powerful beast of a strain contains 14 percent THC and is sativa-dominant. That means smokers can expect a happy, energetic, cerebral high from this strain. Growing indoors? This means you're in for a plant of 70cm in height, that offers a sweet yet spicy taste to the tongue. What's even better, is that you can expect to be smoking this stuff at around 55 days after germination.
SUPER SILVER HAZE AUTOFLOWERING
Super Silver Haze Autoflowering is another potent example of what the autoflowering genetics of the ruderalis plant have brought to the cannabis growing world. Super Silver Haze was originally the result of crossing Skunk, NL and Haze. However, Zambeza Seeds decided to take it to the next level by introducing autoflowering genetics into the mix, resulting in a Super Silver Haze and ruderalis mix. This sativa-dominant strain contains 17 percent THC and will reach an indoor height of 110cm, growing even taller outdoors at 150cm. As another sativa-dominant strain it offers smokers a happy and uplifting high with a bonus of a sweet and citrus taste. You can expect to be smoking some strong buds around 70 days after germination.
NORTHERN LIGHTS XL AUTOFLOWERING
Northern Lights XL Autoflowering is a combination of the legendary West Coast strain Northern Lights XL in combination with autoflowering ruderalis genetics. This strain is indica-dominant and therefore produces a stoned and relaxed high for smokers accompanied by fresh and sweet tastes. It grows tall for an autoflowering plant, reaching heights of 130cm indoors and 150cm outdoors. Growers can expect to be harvesting round 60 days after germination.
BLUEBERRY AUTOFLOWERING
Blueberry Autoflowering is a combination of Blueberry mixed with ruderalis and contains a decent 14 percent of THC. Its indica-dominant nature offers a stoned bodybuzz effect to users. You can expect to be treated by the sweet taste of Blueberry when rolling up and smoking this delightful strain and will have access to these fruity buds a mere 55 days after germination.
AMNESIA HAZE XL AUTOFLOWERING
Amnesia Haze XL Autoflowering has its genetic roots in landraces from South Asia and Jamaica. Quite the combination. At 16 percent THC it is sativa-dominant and offers a euphoric mental state with lemony and spicy flavors. Buds will be available 70 days after germination has taken place.
