"Autoflowering" and "Feminized" are terms that often confuse new customers.
In this article, we'll explain what they mean, discuss the key differences, and what seeds we recommend starting with if you're starting...
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Autoflowering vs. Feminized Seeds: The Key Differences
Feminized cannabis seeds are seeds that will produce female-only plants. Female cannabis plants are the ones that produce the THC-rich buds. If you were to buy non-feminized seeds, you would risk growing male plants that don't produce buds and can pollinate your female plants, leading to poor results. We, therefore, always recommend that new growers make sure that their seeds are feminized.
Autoflower seeds are cannabis seeds that start flowering automatically after a certain period. You don't have to change the light cycle like you would do with standard photoperiod seeds. Autoflowering strains will typically start flowering around 2-4 weeks after germination.
It's important to note that Autoflowering seeds can be feminized and vice versa. All of the Autoflower seeds we stock here at WeedSeedsExpress are feminized, meaning that you don't have to worry about male plants (that don't produce bud) during your grow.
The table below shows the differences you can expect between feminized autoflower seeds (automatic flowering) and feminized photoperiod seeds (requires a change of light cycle to start flowering)
| Property | Feminized Autoflower Seeds | Feminized Photoperiod Seeds |
| Cultivation | Easy | Easy to moderate |
| Plant height | Small to medium | Medium to tall |
| Start flowering | 2-4 weeks after planting | When receiving 12/12 light and darkness |
| Average time - seed to harvest | 10-16 weeks | 12-24 weeks |
| Yield | Low - medium | Medium-high |
| Required space | Less | Medium |
Are Feminized Autoflower Seeds Less Potent Than Feminized Photoperiod Seeds?
Originally, autoflower seeds had lower THC levels than photoperiod seeds due to their Ruderalis genetics. As a result, many growers assumed autoflower strains were less potent than feminized seeds.
However, this is not the case anymore.
Through selective cross-breeding, there are now many high-THC autoflower strains available. The potency of autoflowers has improved dramatically thanks to dedicated breeding. Well-bred autoflowering plants can produce powerful, quality buds on par with some feminized photoperiod varieties.
Which Should You Grow? Here's what we recommend
Let's look at some potential growing scenarios and what type of seeds we recommend for each one.
If you're a beginner
If you're just getting started, we suggest trying Feminized Autoflowering seeds. You can explore our wide range of auto cannabis strains.
- You don't have to change light cycles to start flowering manually.
- They stay short and bushy, perfect for closets and grow tents with limited vertical space.
- You can grow them any time of year outdoors or under 24-hour light indoors.
- Their unique genetics make them naturally hardy and resistant to common pests and molds.
- While your yield per plant will be smaller than regular photoperiod strains, autoflowers let you harvest more frequently.
If you want to maximize yields
If you're a more experienced grower and want to maximize your yields, we recommend buying feminized photoperiod seeds. Although they might be slightly harder to manage than Autos, they offer much better yield potential due to their unrestricted growth.
If you need to grow stealthily
If you need to be discrete, then Autoflower strains are your best bet. Their compact size, rapid grow cycle, and ability to flower regardless of light schedule allow autoflowers to be easily concealed. Their hardy genetics also reduce the risk of problems that could draw unwanted attention.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this article helpful. If you have any questions, please email us directly at [email protected]. Or you can give us a call at +31 23 302 0309
