Autoflowering cannabis strains have revolutionized home cultivation. Compared to traditional photoperiod plants, the main difference with autoflowers is their ability to race from seed to harvest in as little as 70-75 days.
This, combined with a compact size and resilient nature, makes them a top choice for growers of all levels. But with a flood of new genetics hitting the market, this guide will help you choose the best strain for your setup.
For a complete overview of the entire cultivation process, be sure to check out our definitive guide on how to grow autoflowers from seed to harvest.
Top Autoflowering Strains at a Glance
| Strain | Best For | THC Content | Indoor Yield (per m²) | Seed to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Glue Auto | Potency & Resin | Up to 26% | Up to 19.4 oz | 70-75 days |
| Girl Scout Cookies Auto | Overall Performance | ~22% | Up to 21.2 oz | 65-70 days |
| Pineapple Express Auto | Speed & Flavor | Up to 15% | Up to 21.2 oz | 49-56 days |
| Northern Lights Auto | Beginners | ~18% | Up to 17.6 oz | 77-91 days |
| Sour Diesel Auto | High Yields | ~23% | Up to 14.1 oz | 56-63 days |
| Amnesia Haze Auto | Sativa Experience | Up to 18% | Up to 14.1 oz | 63-70 days |
| Zkittlez Auto | Flavor | Up to 21% | Up to 19.4 oz | 63-70 days |
| Jack Herer Auto | Resilience | ~19% | Up to 14.1 oz | 63-70 days |
| Cheese Auto | Unique Aroma | ~20% | 12.3 oz-15.9 oz | 65-70 days |
| Bubblegum Auto | Balanced Effects | Up to 23% | 10.6 oz-12.3 oz | 56-63 days |
Our Top Picks for Every Grower
1. Gorilla Glue Auto: Best for Potency & Resin Production
For those who crave sheer power, Gorilla Glue Auto (also known as GG4 Auto) is in a class of its own. This strain is infamous for its incredibly sticky buds that are drenched in resin, a trait that makes it a favorite for extract artists.
- Effects & Flavor: Expect a powerful, euphoric rush that melts into deep physical relaxation. Its flavor profile is a complex mix of earthy pine and coffee notes with a hint of chocolate.
- Grower's Notes: This is not a strain for the faint of heart; its potent effects should be handled with respect. It grows into a monstrous autoflower, reaching up to 39 inch indoors and yielding an impressive 1.5 oz per square feet-1.8 oz per square feet in just 70-75 days. Its resilience makes it suitable for cooler climates.
2. Girl Scout Cookies Auto: Best for Overall Performance
A true modern legend, Girl Scout Cookies Auto delivers on all fronts: yield, potency, and an unforgettable flavor. It's a remarkably versatile and reliable strain that performs exceptionally well both indoors and out.
- Effects & Flavor: GSC Auto provides a joyous, creative, and euphoric high that is perfect for social situations or daytime use. The flavor is a delectable mix of sweet, earthy cookie dough with minty and fruity undertones.
- Grower's Notes: Known for its high mold resistance, this strain is forgiving for beginners yet rewarding for experts. It stays at a manageable height of 24 inch-39 inch while producing massive indoor yields of up to 2 oz per square feet. The entire cycle from seed to harvest can be completed in as little as 9 weeks.
3. Pineapple Express Auto: Best for Speed & Flavor
If you're looking for a fast and flavorful harvest, look no further. Pineapple Express Auto is a top choice for growers who want multiple harvests in a single season without sacrificing quality or taste.
- Effects & Flavor: This strain offers an uplifting and euphoric high that energizes the mind and body. Its aroma is a delightful burst of tropical pineapple, making it a treat for the senses.
- Grower's Notes: As an Indica-dominant hybrid, it flowers in a remarkably short 49-56 days. Despite its speed, it can produce indoor yields of up to 2 oz per square feet. Its manageable height of 31 inch-43 inch makes it ideal for growers with limited space.
4. Northern Lights Auto: Best for Beginners
A reimagined classic, Northern Lights Auto is the perfect entry point into cannabis cultivation. It's a low-maintenance and highly resilient strain that guarantees a rewarding harvest with minimal fuss.
- Effects & Flavor: With a comfortable THC level of around 18%, it offers a relaxing and calming experience without being overwhelming. The aroma is a satisfying blend of sweet citrus with earthy pine notes.
- Grower's Notes: This strain has a rapid growth cycle of 11-13 weeks. Indoors, it reaches a height of 28 inch-47 inch and can yield up to 1.6 oz per square feet. It is known for its discreet size and quick flowering time of just 7-9 weeks.
5. Sour Diesel Auto: Best for Fast, Heavy Harvests
This fast-flowering Sativa-dominant strain is a go-to for maximizing harvests in a short time, combining speed with impressive yields and potency.
- Effects & Flavor:Sour Diesel Auto delivers a fast-acting, cerebral buzz that energizes and uplifts. The flavor is a classic combination of a sharp diesel aroma complemented by tangy citrus notes.
- Grower's Notes: Hits maturity in a rapid 8-9 weeks from seed. It can stretch up to 63 inch, so ensure you have adequate vertical space. With a potent 23% THC, it offers impressive yields of up to 1.3 oz per square feet indoors.
6. Amnesia Haze Auto: Best for the Sativa Lover
A legendary Sativa known for its uplifting, creative effects, now in an easy-to-grow autoflowering format. A heavy producer for those with enough space to let her grow.
- Effects & Flavor: Expect a powerful, energizing cerebral high that sparks creativity. Amnesia Haze Auto's flavor profile is a zesty mix of earthy lemon and citrus. Avoid before bedtime.
- Grower's Notes: This is a tall autoflower, reaching towering heights of up to 59 inch. The trade-off for its size is a massive yield, producing up to 1.3 oz per square feet indoors. With THC levels that can hit 18%, it completes its cycle in 9-10 weeks.
7. Zkittlez Auto: Best for Flavor Chasers
Celebrated for its candy-like flavor profile, Zkittlez Auto is an absolute treat for the senses and a joy to grow.
- Effects & Flavor: True to its name, it boasts a sweet and fruity aroma with a distinct candy-like taste. The high is wonderfully relaxing and chill, providing a calm vibe without heavy sedation.
- Grower's Notes: This is a fantastic strain for beginners thanks to its easy-growing nature. It maintains a modest height of 30 inch-39 inch, making it suitable for various setups. With up to 21% THC, it delivers high yields in about 9-10 weeks.
8. Jack Herer Auto: Best for Resilience
Named after the famous cannabis activist, Jack Herer Auto is a Sativa-dominant hybrid that is famously robust, making it a reliable choice for outdoor growers or those new to the craft.
- Effects & Flavor: Provides an uplifting, blissful, and happy high that's great for daytime activities. The aroma is a pleasant blend of sweet fruit with sharp, earthy pine undertones.
- Grower's Notes: Its high resistance to pests and diseases makes for a stress-free growing experience. It flowers in a speedy 9-10 weeks, producing a solid yield of up to 1.3 oz per square feet indoors. It stays under 39 inch, making it a great all-rounder.
9. Cheese Auto: Best for a Unique Aroma
Famous for its uniquely pungent and cheesy aroma, this potent hybrid offers a perfectly balanced high and a flavor profile you won't forget.
- Effects & Flavor:Cheese Auto's scent is an intriguing mix of skunk, earth, and sharp cheese, with a surprisingly sweet taste. It delivers a well-rounded high that is both euphoric and deeply relaxing.
- Grower's Notes: This strain finishes its entire seed-to-harvest cycle in a brief 65-70 days. It can reach up to 39 inch indoors and is a great producer, yielding an impressive 1.1 oz per square feet-1.5 oz per square feet. Be prepared for a strong smell during flowering!
10. Bubblegum Auto: Best for Balanced Effects
A sweet and potent hybrid that delivers a classic bubblegum flavor along with a beautifully balanced high that satisfies both the mind and body.
- Effects & Flavor: A nostalgic taste of sugary berries and tropical bubblegum dominates the profile. Bubblegum Auto's high starts with a joyful, uplifting cerebral rush that gently settles into a relaxing body stone.
- Grower's Notes: This is a fantastic beginner-friendly strain that thrives both indoors and outdoors. It flowers in a very fast 56-63 days and yields a respectable 1 oz per square feet-1.1 oz per square feet inside.
