There are many cannabis growers and users who enjoy the benefits offered by small autoflower plants. Dwarf autoflowering strains are easy to grow and lead to fast harvest times. In addition, small autoflowers are compact enough that you can grow them literally anywhere with little effort. Therefore, here are ten of the smallest autoflower strains available.
Advantages of growing a small autoflower (dwarf) plant
In addition to how quickly they mature and bloom, offering harvest times much sooner than normal, dwarf auto plants have been genetically modified to be as small and compact as possible. This works well for growers looking to increase their grow medium, as well as those in less hospitable climates.
Because of their size, small autoflowers can easily grow in areas with limited capacity such as cupboards, balconies, and even in small gardens or hidden under bushes. Being such a small size, dwarf autoflower seeds often don’t require the support structures needed by regular plants, and the potent smell of small autoflower plants is often much milder than their regular counterparts.
What is the smallest autoflower?
In terms of small autoflower strains, the Blue Cheese strain is currently the shortest autoflower available. This tiny autoflower has a height of between 40 and 70 cm when grown indoors. If grown outdoors, this strain can reach a maximum of 110 cm.
Top 10 Shortest autoflower strains
- Blue Cheese auto (40-70 cm indoors / 60-110 cm outdoors)
- Santa Maria auto (40-80 cm indoors / 80-120 cm outdoors)
- AK 48 auto (50-70 cm indoors / 60-90 cm outdoors)
- Critical auto (55-65 cm indoors / 70-110 cm outdoors)
- Zkittlez auto (50-75 cm indoors / 75-100 cm outdoors)
- Blue Dream auto (50-75 cm indoors / 75 - 125 cm outdoors)
- Critical Purple auto (50-90 cm indoors / 60-120 cm outdoors)
- Bruce Banner auto (50-100 cm indoors / 75-150 cm outdoors)
- Green Crack auto (60-90 cm indoors / 80-125 cm outdoors)
- Gorilla Glue auto (60-100 cm indoors / 100-150 cm outdoors)
1. Blue Cheese auto
Indoor height max 40-70 cm / outdoor height max 60-110 cm
Although well known for having a flavor similar to fruity cheese, the Blue Cheese strain is instead named for its lineage as a cross between Blueberry and the UK-based Cheese strains. With an indoor growth as small as 40 cm, this is currently the smallest autoflower strains available.
Growing
If you are a novice grower, then Blue Cheese Autoflower is very easy to grow. Growing Blue Cheese Auto is a straightforward process with little maintenance required other than minimal nutrition and basic watering. Growing Blue Cheese auto works well both indoors with plenty of ventilation, and in outdoor environments. This small autoflower strain works best in temperate and Mediterranean climates as well as in controlled greenhouse climates. The autoflower will begin to flower by the fourth week of growth and will be ready to harvest by week 14.
Smell, taste and effect
Blue Cheese is well known for its distinctive flavor reminiscent of berries and cheese, as well as a strong fruity aroma when consumed. The aftertaste can be described as musty and can linger long after you have finished. The effect of consuming Blue Cheese is a gradual wave of relaxation that will put you in a mellow vibe along with a mild euphoric high.
2. Santa Maria auto
Indoor height max 40-80 cm / outdoor height max 80-120 cm
With a heritage that dates back generations to ceremonial use in the Amazon rainforests, Santa Maria is a very special strain with powerful indica-based effects. This small autoflower is only slightly larger than the Blue Cheese auto, with an indoor height between 40 and 80 cm.
Growing
Santa Maria Autoflower is one of the easiest strains to grow and is perfect for anyone starting out growing for the first time. It requires very little maintenance and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. This tiny autoflower works best in climates with mild summers, and it can also cope with the occasional rain shower. However, you should avoid wet or humid areas as the autoflower could be at risk of mold or overwatering. You can further avoid the risk of mold by topping the plant or using SCROG. In addition, this can help strengthen your plants and increase your yields overall.
Smell, taste and effect
The taste of the Santa Maria strain is not unlike that of citric fruits, and the smell is equally sweet and fruity with a hint of floral aromas. The aftertaste is equally smooth: it is slightly earthy with a hint of lavender mixed in. The effect of smoking Santa Maria is that it eases you gently into a feeling of relaxation and joy. It can help you overcome feelings of inhibition and in some cases can have a positive effect on your libido.
3. AK-48 auto
Indoor height max 50-70 cm / outdoor height max 60-90 cm
An extremely potent indica-based strain, AK-48 is fast becoming a popular strain to grow for novice growers. This dwarf autoflowering strain is extremely robust, requires little maintenance, and produces excellent yields in a short period of time.
Growing
The AK-48 Autoflower is an incredibly sturdy plant and a fast grower. You will notice flowering within 70 days, as well as thick buds covered in resin. This strain is very easy to grow and while it works the best indoors, it can be grown outside with no issues. AK-48 Auto thrives best in temperate and Mediterranean climates, as well as in greenhouses. To improve your yield, add a third coco to your soil mix and water it regularly in small amounts. Try planting outdoors at the start of the warmer months. In addition, give the plant a moderate diet of nutrients and fertilizer.
Smell, taste and effect
The smell and taste of AK-48 is not unlike that of tropical fruits such as mangos, pineapples and berries. In addition, the aroma produced offers hints of flowers, wood and spices. While the effect of AK-48 is very strong, it can affect the user in different ways, as some feel focused and inspired from the sativa content, while others experience more of the relaxing effects of indica.
4. Critical auto
Indoor height max 55-65 cm / outdoor height max 70-110 cm
Known for its sweet aromas and relaxing effects, Critical is the strain of choice for many users and growers. These dwarf autoflower seeds are popular with growers for their short growth time as well as the excellent yields they produce.
Growing
Being a hybrid of indica, sativa and ruderalis strains, Critical Auto is a strong and fast growing autoflower that is very easy to grow. Although Critical Auto is a very small autoflower it has an open structure that allows natural light to reach the entire plant. This helps produce better quality yields overall. In addition, this strain does not need much maintenance or fertilization to grow, making it perfect for novice growers. That said, you can further improve your yields with the introduction of about 30% coconut fibers to the soil with each mix.
Smell, taste and effect
Critical has a pleasant and sweet flavor complemented by the aroma of citric fruits, herbs and spices. It has an equally smooth effect, inducing a bodily high followed by a sense of relaxation. In small doses, it can create a sense of joy, while high doses will make you feel relaxed to the point of sleep. It can also be used to treat a number of ailments such as stress, anxiety and chronic pain.
5. Zkittlez auto
Indoor height max 50-75 cm / outdoor height max 75-100 cm
With its fruit candy taste and brightly colored appearance, it is easy to see how this small autoflower plant got its name. In addition, Zkittlez is a very easy autoflower strain to grow and goes from seed to harvest very quickly.
Growing
Zkittlez Auto is a great choice for both novice and experienced growers. It is resistant to fungi and can be easily trained to produce a variety of heavy colas. Despite its relatively small size, you may need to support the branches as they will produce heavy buds. Ensure you have proper ventilation indoors as it will emit a strong odor. Make sure you supply the autoflower with plenty of water and nutrients, especially calcium and magnesium.
Smell, taste and effect
Zkittlez is well known for its fruit candy flavor and aroma. You will notice flavors and scents similar to mango, berries and other fruits with the subtle earthiness of chocolate. The effect of consuming Zkittlez is an immediate pleasant high followed by a long-lasting feeling of relaxation and serenity.
6. Blue Dream auto
Indoor height max 50-75 cm / outdoor height max 75-125 cm
While the origins of Blue Dream remain a mystery, this sativa-based strain has become a favorite due to its delicious taste and potent high. This autoflower strain is also a favorite of growers due to its colorful appearance as well as how fast-growing it is.
Growing
Blue Dream Auto can easily be grown both indoors and outdoors. If growing your autoflower seeds indoors, ensure the plant has plenty of light and nutrition. When it comes to growing outdoors, temperate or warm and dry Mediterranean climates work best, otherwise use a climate-controlled greenhouse. By 8 weeks, your plant should begin flowering, and you will notice a light blue tint on the plant.
Smell, taste and effect
Being a cross between Blueberry and Haze strains, Blue Dream has the strong aroma and flavor of blueberries combined with sweet and exotic Hazy undertones and a hint of pine wood. It is designed to combine the best qualities of indica and sativa, so the effect is uplifting followed by a strong feeling of physical relaxation.
7. Critical Purple auto
Indoor height max 50-90 cm / outdoor height max 60-120 cm
A powerful indica-based cross between Critical Mass, Big Bud and ruderalis strains, Critical Purple is the perfect autoflowering seed for first time growers. It can be easily grown in any location and doesn’t need much maintenance to cultivate.
Growing
Because of its ruderalis traits, Critical Purple Auto needs little in the way of nutrients to reach the flowering stage. This strain thrives indoors, particularly in hydroponic setups and in compost. The flowering period can take a long time, with a minimum period of 11 weeks, during which you will notice the distinct purple coloration form. Once the flowering period is over, you will notice fresh buds that you can harvest for a good yield.
Smell, taste and effect
Critical Purple has a distinct sweet taste and a floral aroma not unlike rose petals. As an indica dominant strain, consuming Critical Purple will give you a long-lasting sense of relaxation that will relieve any stress or anxiety and even ailments such as nausea and headaches.
8. Bruce Banner auto
Indoor height max 50-100 cm / outdoor height max 75-150 cm
While this strain won’t turn you into an angry green giant like its namesake, Bruce Banner does pack quite a punch in terms of potency. With a THC level of 25%, this is one of the strongest variety of autoflowering seeds around.
Growing
Bruce Banner Auto is a fast-growing strain, taking just 13 weeks to go from seed to harvest. You can easily grow it anywhere outdoors or indoors, so long as the growing environment is not too humid. You will notice small bright green buds beginning to emerge during the flowering period, which will develop into larger, glossier buds over time. In order to produce the best yields, use only organic fertilizer.
Smell, taste and effect
Bruce Banner has a delicious taste and aroma, with a mix of citric fruits, strawberries and wild berries along with the flavor of Kush. Its effects include a fast acting and incredibly strong high that mellows into a sense of joyful inspiration and bodily relaxation.
9. Green Crack auto
Indoor height max 60-90 cm / outdoor height max 80-125 cm
A strain of cannabis so strong it was given the name Green Crack by none other than the weed connoisseur Snoop Dogg himself. This autoflower strain has been designed to push the taste, yield and potency of this strain to its limit.
Growing
Green Crack Auto can be easily grown in any indoor, outdoor or greenhouse setting. Flowering time takes only 7 weeks to complete, and this strain is also highly resistant to fungus. Keep an eye on the pistils to avoid harvesting too early: if the pistils are brown and curly and the trichomes are cloudy or amber colored then it is time to harvest.
Smell, taste and effect
The flavor and smell of Green Crack can be described as being similar to a mango flavored soft drink, with floral and spicy elements. The aroma while consuming it can also be described as being similar to baked apple pie. The effect of consuming this strain will leave you feeling energized and uplifted, so best to avoid using this before bedtime.
10. Gorilla Glue auto
Indoor height max 60-100 cm / outdoor height max 100-150 cm
This award-winning strain is so called for the tough and sticky resin that will stick to your scissors when cutting the buds. Even though this makes harvesting this autoflower a bit of a challenge, the rewards of the Gorilla Glue strain in terms of THC content are well worth the effort.
Growing
As an autoflower, Gorilla Glue Auto is extremely easy to grow in any indoor or outdoor setting. It is highly resistant to fungus and can grow well in environments with warmth and plenty of light. It has a very short flowering time and in many cases will be ready to harvest in less than 10 weeks. You will notice when it is time to harvest from the heavy buds coated in sticky resin.
Smell, taste and effect
Gorilla Glue features the aroma of woods such as pine and sandalwood, along with the scent of wild berries and cherries. The flavor is dark and spicy, and reminiscent of coffee or dark chocolate with a hint of sweetness. The effect of consuming Gorilla Glue is a strong head buzz followed by feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
Grow the Shortest autoflower strains with seeds from Weedseedsexpress
Whether you are new to growing or an experienced cultivator, small autoflower strains will give you great yields with little effort needed. Check out our range of autoflowering seeds to find the best one for your needs.