If you're reading this, I'm guessing you've had enough of waiting around for your autoflowers to hurry up and get their act together. Don't worry, mate, I've been there. Autoflowers are supposed to be quick, but sometimes they move slower than a stoned snail. Lucky for you, I've learned a few tricks over the years (mostly by screwing things up royally myself) on how to get your autoflowering ladies up to speed and pushing out the good stuff faster. Here are my 5 tried-and-tested secrets to getting autoflowers to grow like they're late for their own wedding.
1. Start 'Em Right: Big Pots and Gentle Hands
Autoflowers don't like being mucked about. I once killed a plant by sneezing mid-transplant (true story, sad day). They’ve got limited veg time, and any stress you put on them is time wasted they won’t ever get back. So, give 'em a roomy pot right from the off, something like 15-20 litres. Let them stretch their roots early without interruptions. It’s like putting them straight into a penthouse suite instead of shoving them through a hostel dorm.
2. Dial In Your Light Schedule (Without Frying Your Plants)
Here's where loads of growers drop the ball. Autoflowers don't need that fancy "12 hours of darkness" nonsense. Hit 'em with around 20 hours of light a day from start to finish, trust me, they'll love it. Just make sure you're not burning them like a late-night kebab. Keep the lights high enough so your leaves aren't taco-ing, but close enough to prevent them from stretching and turning into stringy disasters. Balance, mate, like walking home from the pub after one too many.
3. Feed Them Like Champions, Not Fussy Eaters
Autoflowers can be sensitive little buggers. But that doesn't mean starving them. I've seen autoflowering plants go from dainty to dying just because someone forgot to feed 'em properly. The trick? Light, frequent feedings of nutrients specifically designed for cannabis. Keep the NPK ratios balanced but slightly higher on the phosphorus (P) side when flowering kicks in. Think of it like feeding a picky eater, little meals, frequently, and they'll bloom beautifully.
4. Temperature and Humidity: Not Too Hot, Not Too Sweaty
This is where autoflower growers often trip over their shoelaces. If your grow space feels like a sauna or an arctic wasteland, your autoflowers will sulk and refuse to grow. Aim for a comfy 21-26°C during the day, dropping by around 5°C at night. And humidity? Keep it around 60% at the start, dropping it down to about 40% when flowering kicks off. It's the sweet spot that stops mould creeping in like an uninvited party guest.
5. Training: Less Stress, More Success
Heavy training and autoflowers don't mix well, trust me, I once went 'Edward Scissorhands' on a plant, and it never forgave me. Stick to gentle Low Stress Training (LST). Tie branches down carefully to spread out the canopy and let every bud site soak up the light. It might feel tedious, like folding laundry, but the payoff is massive. You'll see faster, more even growth and bigger yields without traumatising your plant.
Bonus Tip: Genetics Matter More Than You Think
All the tricks in the world won't save you if you're starting with rubbish genetics. Stick with proven winners from reliable seed banks. Personally, I lean towards strains from WeedSeedsExpress (like their Banana Kush Auto, pure fire), because reliable genetics mean predictable, fast growth and hefty harvests.
There you have it. Five secrets (and a cheeky bonus) to speeding up autoflower growth and boosting your harvest times. Follow these tips and you’ll soon be harvesting faster than your mates can roll a joint.
Now stop reading and start growing. Your autoflowers aren't gonna grow themselves, are they?
