How To Know If Autoflower Is Beginning To Flower?

The most exciting part of growing marijuana plants is watching them grow and mature until they’re ready to be harvested. For experienced growers, this might be routine, but for beginners, it’s where the fun begins. While traditional marijuana strains like Indica or Sativa take a long time to mature, autoflower marijuana seed strains have a shorter growth cycle. Knowing when an autoflower plant is flowering is important to ensure a successful harvest.

Autoflower plants go through specific growth stages, just like traditional strains, but they progress more quickly. Instead of waiting for nearly a year, autoflower marijuana plants are ready to harvest within two to three months. This is why many growers are willing to invest in autoflower strains, despite their higher cost. Growing autoflowers isn’t much different from growing other strains – they still require the same care, attention, and nutrients. The key is understanding the timing of each growth stage. Therefore, the first step in identifying when an autoflower is flowering is understanding the autoflower growing process.

The Life Cycle Of Autoflower Marijuana Seeds

To determine when an autoflower is flowering, a grower should have a solid understanding of the basic life stages of marijuana plants and how to care for them properly. By combining this knowledge, the grower will better identify when an autoflower is in the flowering stage. It’s important to remember that even experienced growers started as beginners without knowing all the fundamentals, so beginners need to be open to making mistakes and actively seek out research and assistance.

Before learning how to identify flowering in autoflowers, a grower must first successfully germinate autoflower seeds. This initial step is commonly known as germination in the field of agriculture. To ensure a high-quality yield, obtaining seeds from a reputable distributor is crucial to avoid the frustration of receiving poor or damaged seeds. There are various methods for germinating seeds.

One straightforward approach is to directly plant the seeds in nutrient-rich soil and allow them to grow there. This method is convenient and generally reliable. However, some growers prefer to soak the seeds in water for approximately twenty-four hours before moving them onto a damp paper towel. The seeds are then placed in a sealed plastic bag for one to two days until the roots begin to grow, indicating they are ready for planting.

The next life stage of the autoflower plant is the seedling phase. Once the seeds are safely transferred or buried in the soil, nature takes its course, and the seeds develop into seedlings with approximately two leaves. It’s important to take your time with the growth of the seedlings. Allowing them to sprout naturally without interference is crucial to avoid potential damage that could affect subsequent stages. Adjusting the soil’s pH balance to the desired range is important during this stage. While organic nutrients are available in the market, avoiding excessive use during the seedling phase is advisable.

One useful tip is to use nutrient-infused soil to provide the necessary nutrients without overwhelming the plants. Since this stage is critical, extra care and attention are required. Ensure the seedlings receive adequate water, sunlight, and proper airflow.

During the first week of growth, progress may be slow, with a few leaves sprouting and additional leaves appearing gradually. Organic nutrients are not necessary during this period, especially when using soil. It’s important to avoid common mistakes like overwatering. Filling the pot to the brim with water is unnecessary. Provide enough water to keep the soil damp but not dripping, as overwatering can drown and kill the delicate seedlings.

By the end of two weeks, the plants will have grown more leaves, although they will still be fragile and sensitive. This is a suitable time to introduce nutrients, especially if the soil lacks essential natural nutrients. Adjusting the lights may also be necessary if there are no notable plant growth improvements. As the grower reaches this stage, the methods for identifying when an autoflower is flowering become closer at hand.

Knowing When Autoflower Is Flowering: Pre-Flowering

Female plant pre-flowers resemble small buds with white hairs known as pistils. These pistils come into contact with pollen from a male plant to initiate seed germination. The pre-flowering stage is easily recognizable, as the plant has numerous leaves and is growing vigorously. It is crucial to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients during this stage. The pre-flowering phase is often called the vegetative stage, which significantly determines the yield’s quality.

Around three weeks into growth, more leaves will emerge. At this point, pre-flowers will also become visible, making it easier to determine the plant’s gender. Once these pre-flowers start to develop, it becomes straightforward to identify when an autoflower is flowering. Growers using feminized seeds can simply allow the plant to grow and mature. However, those using regular seeds need to differentiate between male and female plants unless they are intentionally seeking seeds from an autoflowering plant. In such cases, separating the male plants from the female ones is crucial.

Knowing When Autoflower Is Flowering: During Flowering

Identifying when an autoflower is flowering becomes simple once the pre-flowers have developed, allowing the grower to determine the plant’s gender. From the start of the pre-flower stage, it will take around one to two months before harvest, so it’s important to provide the necessary nutrients and care consistently. Continue providing adequate water and nutrients, but avoid overdoing it.

In autoflower plants, the pistils (white hairs) and calyx (flowering structure) will grow from each stem joint and continue developing until maturity. Autoflower plants can continue to flower and grow even with little light. When growing outdoors, protecting the plants from harsh weather conditions is crucial. Once the buds have fully formed and swelled, stop providing nitrogen and increase the supply of phosphorus and potassium to enhance flower production. When the pistils turn brown, the plant is nearing harvest time.