How Long Do Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Take To Grow?

Posted bybreederscollectivePosted inAll Blog Posts, Cannabis Growing
How Long Do Autoflowering Cannabis Plants Take To Grow?
OG Kush Autoflower -How Long Do Autoflowers Take To Grow
How Long Do Autoflowers Take To Grow

A Comprehensive Guide to the Growth Timeline of Autoflower Cannabis Plants

Autoflower cannabis plants have witnessed a surge in popularity among growers for their swift growth cycle and hassle-free cultivation. Consequently, many home gardeners and commercial growers are increasingly interested in understanding the growth timeline of these plants. In this article, we will explore the different stages of an autoflower cannabis plant’s life cycle and the time required for each phase, providing you with a comprehensive guide on what to expect when growing autoflowering cannabis.

Germination (3-7 days)

The journey of an autoflower cannabis plant begins with germination, when the seed cracks open and a taproot emerges. This stage typically takes between 3 to 7 days, depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the quality of the seed. To speed up germination, it’s essential to maintain a temperature of around 21-27°C and relative humidity of 70-80%.

Seedling Phase (2-3 weeks)

Once the taproot emerges, the seedling phase begins. This period lasts for approximately 2 to 3 weeks and is crucial for establishing a healthy foundation for the plant. During this time, the first set of leaves (cotyledons) appear, followed by the development of true leaves with serrated edges. At this stage, it is vital to provide adequate light, maintain optimal temperature and humidity, and avoid overwatering or overfeeding the seedlings.

Vegetative Phase (2-4 weeks)

The vegetative phase is the stage where the autoflowering cannabis plant focuses on developing its structure, foliage, and root system. Lasting for around 2 to 4 weeks, this phase is critical for the plant’s overall health and yield potential. To ensure optimal growth, maintain a consistent temperature of 20-28°C and a relative humidity of 40-60%. Additionally, provide ample light and gradually increase the nutrient levels to support the plant’s increasing demands.

Flowering Phase (4-6 weeks)

As the plant transitions from the vegetative to the flowering phase, it begins to develop buds. Autoflowering cannabis plants typically enter the flowering stage automatically, irrespective of the light schedule. This phase usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, with the plant focusing its energy on producing flowers and trichomes. To support this process, provide a stable enviroment of tmerpatures between 20-28c and a ralitve humidity of around 40%, and provide a balanced nutrient mix that is higher in phosphorus and potassium.

Harvest Time (8-12 weeks in total)

Autoflower cannabis plants are known for their rapid growth cycle, which enables growers to harvest the crop within a relatively short timeframe. In general, these plants are ready for harvest 8 to 12 weeks after germination. To determine the ideal harvest time, carefully examine the trichomes’ colour and opacity. When around 90% of the trichomes are milky, 10% are amber, plants are typically ready for harvest.

Summary

Growing autoflower cannabis plants can be a rewarding experience, especially given their quick growth cycle and the relatively low maintenance required. By understanding the growth timeline and providing the appropriate care during each phase, growers can cultivate healthy, productive plants that deliver impressive yields. As with any agricultural endeavour, attention to detail and adaptation to specific environmental conditions are key to success. Happy growing!

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