With the explosion of Autoflowering cannabis, growers are finding new ways to maximize their yields from this amazing strain. There are many common mistakes growers make, so we’ll cover a few important tips to ensure a bountiful harvest from an auto flower seed garden. They include:
1. Plan ahead
The best way to maximize your yields is to plan ahead. The first step in this process is preparing your growing space. This can be done in many different ways, including the following.
- Planting the right strain in the right place. If you’re growing autoflowering cannabis plants, choosing a strain that will produce strong yields and have a high THC percentage is important. Look for indica strains that have short internode spacing and will grow into large plants with heavy yields. Sativa strains also offer high yields, but they require more work to grow because they are taller and bushier than indicas.
- Planting at the right time of year. Autoflowering cannabis plants flower during the vegetative stage of growth, so it’s best to start them indoors during the fall or spring months when temperatures are below 70°F (21°C). Make sure that your lights are strong enough for your plant’s needs, and always make sure that you keep humidity levels high inside your grow box.
2. Choose a container that drains well
The amount of water your container will hold when filled with autoflowering cannabis is important, as too much water can cause the plant to rot. If you’re using a container with a drainage hole in the bottom, ensure it’s large enough for the roots to take in all the extra moisture. You don’t want your plant sitting in a puddle of water.
You also want to avoid using containers that are too large or small. The bigger the container, the more room there is for roots to grow and become cramped. Smaller containers can also be more prone to mold and mildew because they can’t hold as much water.
3. Reduce nutrients
Beginners frequently burn their plants by overfeeding them with fertilizers. We understand that you care deeply about your plants, but giving extra nitrates to your autoflowers can only kill them. The nutrients must be changed since while photoperiod plants have larger roots, autoflowers are often smaller. Some autoflowers need a greater dose, so be sure to explore half-strength nutrients first before moving on to large amounts.
The fact that seedlings don’t need nutrition should go without saying. If you’re using soilless gardening, a light fertilizer solution is acceptable, but stay below 150–200 ppm to prevent scorching the plants.
4. Keep an eye on the pH
The pH of your growing medium is important in determining how well your plants will grow. The higher the pH, the more nutrients you’ll need to add to your soil or potting mix.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the pH between 6 and 8, which is the range where cannabis plants do well. If you have a high pH (7.0 or above), you may want to add some hydroponic lime to your soil or potting mix. If you have a low-pH garden or potting mix, use nutrients like bone and kelp meals as part of your nutrient program.
5. Use proper training techniques
Due to a shorter growth time, not all training methods that are effective for regular cannabis plants are suitable for autoflowers. For instance, autoflowers prefer Low-Stress-Techniques (LST), while photoperiod plants do very well with HST or High-Stress-Techniques. LST is a technique that involves bending plant stems to allow light to reach the lower portions of the plant. In general, autoflowers generate a single, huge cola, and the remaining portions of the plant produce little popcorn buds.
As a grower, it is your responsibility to ensure that each bud receives an equal amount of light, and LST greatly aids in this endeavor. After the plants are “Topped,” most growers start LST. Another method is topping, which entails removing the main stem’s tip to force the plant to produce more colas than usual.
Autoflowers will thrive whether you Top, FIM, or LST the plants. Training techniques must only be used on healthy plants to give the plant enough time to recuperate from the initial stress. Since there is no time when it comes to automobiles, unhealthy plants cannot be trained.
Also, keep in mind that cannabis plants should only be trained when they are in a vegetative state. The plant will be severely stunted if you do this during the blossoming stage. However, combining any of the abovementioned techniques will produce stunning results, making training plants a matter of personal preference. Many growers simply avoid training autoflowers because they produce good yields even when they aren’t trained.
Start training only if the plants develop quickly and remain healthy enough to be trained, as most autoflowers begin flowering in the third or fourth week. It’s acceptable not to train the plants at all if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
You can increase your autoflowering cannabis plants’ yield by applying some of the above methods to help you get bigger and more powerful yields. Also, remember the importance of sturdy, healthy plant growth during the vegetative period so that you don’t end up with stressed or unhealthy plants that won’t produce as much weight during the flowering stage. Healthy plants grow from healthy seeds, so get your cannabis seeds from a reputable seed shop like the Herbies Seed Shop to ensure maximum yield.
