Autoflowers are gaining popularity due to their quick growth and compact size.
Perfect for limited spaces, these strains don't rely on light cycles to flower. Here, we'll list the 10 shortest and most efficient autoflowers for 2023.
Shortest Autoflower Strains To Grow (Our Picks)
1. Lowryder Auto
Lowryder Auto is a versatile, balanced hybrid known for its dwarf stature and delightful effects.
Growing Lowryder Auto
Lowryder Auto stands out with its distinctive, small Christmas tree shape adorned with light green, thin leaves and dense conic buds.
Despite its petite size, this strain is hardy and resilient, ideal for both indoor and outdoor growth. Indoors, the plant thrives under 18/24 hours of light per day, with a flowering period of just 7 to 8 weeks.
Outdoors, Lowryder Auto remains discreet, rarely surpassing 60 cm in height, making it an excellent choice for guerilla growing. Notably, this strain can yield around 120 grams per m² indoors and 90 grams per plant outdoors.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Lowryder Auto offers a delightful aromatic blend of earthy, spicy undertones complemented by sweet citrus hints. When smoked, the flavor mirrors the scent, presenting a rich pine taste alongside the sweet, creamy citrus.
With a moderate THC content of around 14%, users can expect a gradual onset of cerebral stimulation coupled with deep relaxation.
Its uplifting yet soothing effects have been praised both by recreational users and medicinal users, particularly for stress relief, muscle relaxation, and aid with conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
While the strain ensures relaxation, it retains enough energy to make it an ideal choice for social outings or winding down after a day's work.
2. Critical Autoflower
Critical Autoflower is a delightful blend of Critical and Lowryder, bringing together the best of both strains into a simple-to-grow and potent package.
Growing Critical Autoflower
Growing Critical Autoflower is a breeze even for beginners, given its robust nature and minimal care requirements.
This autoflowering strain swiftly advances through its growth cycle, completing its flowering phase in just 56 to 63 days.
Its open structure allows for optimal light penetration, ensuring bountiful, quality yields.
While outdoor growers can expect a height of just over a meter, those growing indoors will appreciate its manageable stature, typically ranging between 55 to 65 cm.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Critical Autoflower boasts a captivating aroma filled with lemony fruit notes. Its taste offers a delightful blend of sweet and woody flavors that linger pleasantly.
When it comes to effects, Critical Autoflower leans more towards a physical relaxation than cerebral stimulation.
It's perfect for those seeking a body-centric high that's potent enough to tackle ailments like chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
In small doses, users can expect a light euphoric lift, while higher doses bring about a profound sense of tranquility.
3. Blue Cheese Autoflower
Blue Cheese Autoflower is an easy-to-grow, medium-sized cannabis strain renowned for its unique fruity taste and short flowering period.
Growing Blue Cheese Autoflower
Blue Cheese Autoflower offers a simplified cannabis growing experience. Without relying on specific lighting schedules, this strain flowers in just 49 to 56 days.
Growers can anticipate indoor heights ranging from 40 to 70 cm, and slightly taller outdoor heights of 60 to 110 cm.
While its medium size makes it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation, ensure to have powerful anti-odor filters due to its intense aroma.
When growing, it's advised to use 10-20 liter pots, supplementing with 30% coconut chips to the substrate. This strain has a brief life cycle, so growers need to create the perfect environment from the start.
A standard fertilization routine suits Blue Cheese Autoflower, and it's essential to water it often but in small amounts.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Blue Cheese Autoflower boasts a distinct flavor profile, characterized by a fruity taste dominated by the classic Blue Cheese aftertaste. Berry and cheese notes complement its rich and intense aroma.
When it comes to effects, Blue Cheese Autoflower is uplifting and potent. It's the ideal strain for relaxation after a demanding day, leaving users feeling rejuvenated and cheerful.
4. Diesel Autoflower
Diesel autoflower is a game-changer with its unique fuel-like aroma and impressive yields, despite its compact stature.
Growing Diesel Autoflower
Growing Diesel autoflower can be both an indoor and outdoor adventure. Thanks to its Lowryder heritage, it's a short plant, often reaching a height of just 40 to 70 cm indoors.
Outdoor cultivators can expect a slightly taller stature, averaging between 60 to 110 cm. Its modest height does not deter it from producing a significant yield.
With a resilient nature inherited from ruderalis genetics, Diesel autoflower thrives in various climates, from warm Mediterranean atmospheres to cooler conditions.
For those seeking optimal results, SOG and ScrOG training techniques are recommended.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Diesel autoflower has a signature gasoline scent, a result of the perfect blend of terpenes like Pinene, Limonene, beta-caryophyllene, and myrcene.
While the fuel-like aroma might sound unusual to some, it's well-received by many cannabis enthusiasts. When ground, the buds release hints of citrus and an earthy flavor, subtly underscored by a touch of pine.
Diesel autoflower is predominantly Sativa. Expect an initial mental uplift, a rush of euphoria, followed by a calming relaxation, thanks to its Indica properties.
With THC levels reaching up to 25%, Diesel autoflower is potent yet manageable even for those with low THC tolerance.
Medicinally, it offers relief from stress, anxiety, and depression, and can also help boost appetite and reduce nausea.
5. AK-48 Autoflower
AK-48 Autoflower is a genetically diverse strain offering a blend of the best characteristics of Indica, Sativa, and Ruderalis.
Growing AK-48 Autoflower
AK-48 Autoflower is a robust plant that grows to a medium height, exhibiting a sturdy structure, medium node spacing, and broad leaves. It bursts with energy as it grows, revealing beautiful floral buds.
Suitable for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, this strain remains compact, ideal for limited spaces. Indoors, it stands modestly between 50 to 70 cm, while outdoor heights range from 60 to 90 cm.
Despite its modest yield, its high resistance to mold and humidity ensures a high-quality harvest for most growers.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
AK-48 Autoflower offers a combination of sweet floral notes, exotic wood, and spices. When lit, there's a slightly spicy and sweet scent with an underlying hint of mango.
The taste mirrors its exotic aroma. But it's the effects that truly captivate users. The onset of mental intoxication is immediate, marked by alertness and focus, making it ideal for social or creative pursuits.
Yet, it doesn't skimp on the relaxing physical effects Indica lovers cherish. This uplifting strain is potent, so moderation is key.
As for side effects, expect the typical dry eyes and mouth. Given its strong Indica traits, AK-48 Autoflower is a reliable ally against stress or anxiety.
6. Purple Haze Autoflower
Purple Haze Autoflower is a stunning strain that promises a euphoric high, beautiful purple hues, and a quick cultivation cycle.
Growing Purple Haze Autoflower
When cultivated indoors, Purple Haze Autoflower typically reaches heights of 50 cm to 70 cm, while outdoor growth might see them stretch to about 120 cm.
With a flowering time spanning just 56 to 63 days, growers can anticipate a swift harvest. Plus, the appearance of vibrant purple buds during flowering is a sight to behold.
To bring out this distinctive purple, keeping nighttime temperatures cooler, around 20°C (68°F), compared to a warmer daytime temperature of 25°C (77°F), can do the trick.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Purple Haze Autoflower brings an exotic aroma of sweetness, earthiness, and tropical berries with a sprinkle of spice.
This tantalizing scent translates to its flavor profile, offering a delightful fruity taste with a lingering aftertaste. Beyond its appeal to the senses, Purple Haze Autoflower delivers on effects too.
It's a potent mood booster, offering users a heady and psychedelic high, punctuated by bursts of euphoria and newfound creative energy.
7. Blue Dream Autoflower
Blue Dream auto is a vibrant Sativa-dominant hybrid known for its captivating colors, blueberry flavors, and a mix of uplifting and relaxing effects.
Growing Blue Dream Autoflower
Blue Dream Auto seeds are a delight for growers due to their fast flowering time of six to eight weeks.
These autoflowering seeds yield plants that have a compact and bushy structure, making them especially suitable for spaces with height restrictions.
When grown indoors, Blue Dream auto plants typically reach heights between 50 to 75 cm. However, under ideal outdoor conditions, they can stretch up to 125 cm.
This ease in controlling its height, combined with its mold resistance, makes Blue Dream auto a preferred choice for both novice and expert cultivators.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Blue Dream Auto excites the senses with its dominant blueberry aroma. This scent is complemented by sweet tropical berries and earthy undertones, rounded off with a signature Haze hint.
The taste is dominated by blueberry with a touch of tropical sweetness. Blue Dream auto doesn't just stand out for its aroma and taste; its effects are equally noteworthy.
Users describe a balanced blend of Sativa and Indica effects, starting with a gentle cerebral uplift that soon cascades into a profound body relaxation.
While it offers calmness and reduces stress, Blue Dream auto keeps one active and sociable. Its medicinal benefits include providing relief from stress, symptoms of depression, fatigue, and headaches.
With a THC content of 19%, occasional smokers should approach with caution, as its potency can be surprising.
8. Zkittlez Autoflower
Zkittlez Autoflower is a dreamy blend of sweet taste and robust growth, ideal for both novices and seasoned growers.
Growing Zkittlez Autoflower
Zkittlez Autoflower stands out for its uncomplicated growth process and adaptability. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor cultivation, it exhibits a shorter stature that's perfect for space-conscious growers.
When grown outdoors, expect it to reach a height of about 100 cm, while indoors it maintains a modest maximum height of 75 cm.
With dense buds that can become quite hefty, it's wise to offer some support to the branches during the flowering stage.
This strain is also notably thirsty and nutrient-hungry, particularly craving calcium and magnesium, so attentive care is essential for optimal growth.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
With a delightful candy and fruit flavor profile, Zkittlez Autoflower is a treat for the senses. The sweet notes are complemented by hints of citrus zest and a hint of kushy undertones.
To truly appreciate its diverse palette, a ripening period of at least two weeks is recommended. Beyond its attracting aroma and taste, Zkittlez Autoflower delivers a balanced high that is simultaneously cerebral and relaxing.
It induces a calming effect without tethering you to the couch. This makes it a favored choice for both casual and regular smokers.
Its medicinal properties also make it valuable for alleviating symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, stress, and chronic pain.
9. Santa Maria Autoflower
Santa Maria Autoflower is a beginner-friendly strain that promises generous yields, a sweet citrusy aroma, and a soothing effect.
Growing Santa Maria Autoflower
Ideal for first-time growers, Santa Maria Autoflower is easy to grow and demands minimal maintenance. Whether you're growing indoors or outdoors, expect this compact plant to deliver.
Indoors, Santa Maria Autoflower reaches a height of 40 to 80 cm, while outdoors it can stretch between 80 to 120 cm, with a dominant central cola and several side branches.
Over-watering can lead to mold issues, so it's advisable to monitor the plant's moisture levels closely. For enhanced yields and stronger stems, topping the plant and employing the SCROG method are recommended.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
Santa Maria Autoflower's buds emit a sweet scent reminiscent of fruit and citrus. On tasting, the sweetness continues, mixed with floral notes and a pronounced citrus punch.
The aftertaste is more earthy, carrying hints of lavender. With an average THC content of around 12% and CBD levels at 0.7%, smoking Santa Maria Autoflower won't leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Instead, users report a pleasant relaxation and a mood-lifting sensation, making it a choice pick for medicinal purposes, particularly for pain, insomnia, and muscle tension relief.
As a bonus, it might just boost your libido too! And don’t worry about strong side effects; just remember to stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth and eyes.
10. Critical Purple Autoflower
Critical Purple Autoflower is an impressive Indica dominant hybrid strain perfect for those seeking relaxation and relief.
Growing Critical Purple Autoflower
A crossbreed of Critical Mass, Big Bud, and Ruderalis, Critical Purple Autoflower simplifies the cultivation process.
Its autoflowering genetics inherit from the resilient Russian Ruderalis, allowing it to transition to the flowering phase without the need for specific light cycles.
Ideally grown in hydroponic systems or compost, this strain can shine both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, expect it to stand about a meter tall, while outdoors, it can reach up to 120 cm.
Following a swift flowering time of 7 to 8 weeks, growers can anticipate yields of up to 400 grams per m² inside and approximately 200 grams per plant outdoors.
Smell, Taste, and Effect
With a mouthwatering sweet and earthy aroma fused with fresh citrus, Critical Purple Autoflower delights the senses. Hints of cedarwood add to its aromatic charm, ensuring a memorable experience.
Its high THC content guarantees a prolonged relaxing impact, making it ideal for night-time use. Aside from relaxation, this strain is known to alleviate chronic pain, anxiety, and stress.
It can also combat nausea and boost appetite, which can be especially beneficial for those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy.