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Flushing Cannabis Plants: Guide for Optimal Yield and Aromas

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To eliminate excess salts and enhance the smoking experience, it is recommended to flush cannabis plants with plain water. We explain flushing for different growing mediums, how to optimise your watering practices, and more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced grower, this guide provides essential information about flushing your cannabis plants.

What does flushing mean?

Flushing cannabis has become a common practice during the final stages of a cannabis plant’s life cycle. When plants grow in soil, coco, or a hydroponic growing medium, providing water without nutrients during the last 7 to 14 days has many benefits. Flushing is essential to the growing process from legally licensed cultivation facilities to hobby growers!

Watering a cannabis plant with plastic watering bucket

Many believe that flushing your plants will not only wash away any undissolved salts that have accumulated inside the growing medium around the root zone but also cause weed plants to enter a catabolic state. In other words, they begin to feed on themselves, which gives the impression that the plants are using any internal reserve nutrition before being harvested.

When is the right time to flush weed plants?

A metal sprinkler flushing a cannabis plant growing outdoors

The optimal length of the flushing period is a subject of debate among many growers. While most prefer a 14-day period before harvest, some find that a seven-day period of plain water is sufficient. Notably, the flushing period should coincide with the strain’s flowering time. For instance, if a grower is flowering a strain with an expected flowering time of 8 weeks, the flush will occur between weeks 6 and 8 of the flowering stage to ensure optimal results.

After flushing, growers can enjoy a smoother smoke and improved flavour and aroma in their final product.

The benefits of flushing

Close-up of cannabis leaf with droplets of water on it

There are many benefits associated with flushing cannabis plants. The flavour of weed will taste much smoother and more refined, and the ember of a joint will burn slowly without side burning. The ash from a joint will also be soft white and fall at the lightest tap. As far as practicality goes, substrates such as coco and soil can be reused once well flushed, and medicinal users prefer the peace of mind of a product free of chemicals and salts.

What are the salts that need flushing out?

As you may be aware, cannabis plants need a balance of primary and secondary nutrients, as well as trace mineral elements, to grow strong and healthy. These essential nutrients come in salts, which dissolve in contact with water. However, over time, these salts can build up around the roots and sit within the growing medium, potentially causing harm to your plants. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risks of nutrient buildup and take appropriate measures to flush your plants correctly.

An orange watering bucked flushing a cannabis plant growing in a pot

Primary nutrients

Primary nutrients, or micronutrients, are essential elements that plants require in relatively large quantities for their growth and development. There are three primary nutrients:

1. Nitrogen (N)

Nitrogen is a key component for chlorophyll production, allowing weed plants to photosynthesise and store energy. Cannabis plants will use nitrogen during the seedling, vegetative and flowering stages.

2. Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is a nutrient that helps boost root growth and is responsible for flower production. This nutrient is essential during the early growth stages of weed plants and clones.

3. Potassium (K)

Potassium combined with phosphorus will promote a heavy set of flowers and buds. It is also responsible for the stomata function of the leaf tissue, which allows plants to absorb CO2 and perform photosynthesis.

Secondary nutrients

The plants use these nutrients less than the primary nutrients mentioned above; however, they are just as important in their own unique way. There are three secondary nutrients weed plants require during their lifecycle.

1. Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is an essential nutrient which helps plants fight off disease and pests. A key component for building cell walls, often sold together with magnesium as Cal-Mag.

2. Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium has many roles and functions as a secondary plant nutrient, ranging from chlorophyll synthesis to enzyme activation.

3. Sulphur (S)

Sulphur is responsible for enzyme activity and nitrogen, oil and protein synthesis metabolism.

Trace elements

As the title suggests, these elements are present in trace amounts. Trace elements are responsible for photosynthesis, hormone production, cell development, flower and seed production. So, let us check out the six most important elements.

1. Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is essential for plant growth, production, metabolism, and interaction with plant cells.

2. Copper (Cu)

Copper is responsible for enzyme production, chlorophyll development and germination.

3. Zinc (Zn)

Zinc has a role which aids enzyme production and plant metabolism and is a key player with general plant health.

4. Iron (Fe)

Iron aids with chlorophyll production and photosynthesis, fruit and flower production. Too much iron can cause plants to become stunted.

5. Boron (B)

The role of boron is to help with root elongation and tissue production, cell membranes and pollen production.

6. Molybdenum (Mo) 

Molybdenum is responsible for the synthesis and activity of enzymes and is vital for the process of nitrogen. It will then convert nitrogen to amino acids and fix nitrogen in the soil.

Step-by-step guide to flushing

A person watering a cannabis plant growing in a pot with watering bucket

As a responsible grower, it is crucial to understand the importance of flushing your cannabis plants to remove excess nutrients and salts that can build up in your medium. This process helps to ensure that your plants reach their full potential in terms of flavour, aroma, and overall quality. Luckily, we have a comprehensive step-by-step guide that will help you flush your cannabis plants correctly and effectively.

1. The water source

To ensure proper flushing of cannabis, it is imperative to utilise a fresh water source. This can be attained from various sources, such as bottled water, tap water, or rainwater. It is, however, crucial to avoid using stagnant water, as it can harm plants. It is worth noting that soft water, which has lower levels of calcium and magnesium, is preferable for flushing cannabis compared to hard water.

Reverse osmosis water is also an excellent choice for flushing. This purified water is produced by filtering regular tap water through a specialised membrane filter that functions as a super-fine sieve. It allows only water molecules to pass through while blocking impurities and contaminants. If you have access to reverse osmosis water, it can be a valuable asset in achieving optimal plant growth.

2. Check the pH level

Depending on which growing medium is being used will determine the pH level of the water the plants will receive from seed until harvest. The best way to check the pH of your water source is by using a digital pen. Below is more detailed information about the recommended Ph levels for soil, coco and rock wool.

3. Water temperature

The ideal water temperature for cannabis plants is between 18 and 22°C (64 to 71°F). Avoid providing weed plants with cold water, as this will cause the temperature of the root zone to drop significantly and can potentially hinder the plant’s development.

4. The flush

During the flushing process, it is recommended to water your plant pot using three to five times the volume of water typically used. Pour water around the base of the stem and wait for the water to permeate through the soil. This process will help to ensure that the growing medium becomes thoroughly soaked, with excess water draining from the bottom.

5. Disposing of run-off water

Disposing the run-off water is crucial, as it contains all the unwanted residues removed from your growing medium. Always remember that proper flush measures can prevent nutrient buildup and help your plants reach their full potential.

Flushing plants in coco

Coco coir is made from the hairs of coconut husks. Once treated with salts and buffered, coco becomes an excellent growing medium thanks to its high water content and air capacity. It is best to use reverse osmosis water at pH 6.0 when flushing weed plants grown with coco. Adding enzymes to used coco will also break down old root matter, allowing it to be recycled and used for a second crop.

How to flush plants in soil

Flushing cannabis plants grown in living soil will probably cause the most considerable debate among growers regarding flushing. Organic nutrients will buffer over 72 hours, digested by the beneficial microbes and bacteria in the soil. Some soil growers may only feed plain water throughout the entire life cycle and may not even need to wash away salt buildup. The pH of the water should be between 5.5 and 6.5 for an organic soil substrate.

How to flush plants in rock wool

Rock wool is a hydroponic growing medium containing no nutrients, making it an inert growing medium perfect for hydroponic applications. With the ability to hold up to 18 times its weight in water, rock wool is used for commercial-scale vegetable and fruit production. It is the most popular among indoor hydroponic growers. The pH of the water should be between 5.5 and 6.5 when flushing weed plants in rock wool. Unlike coco, rock wool cannot be recycled and should be discarded after every harvest.

How to flush cannabis autoflowering varieties

Autoflower cannabis plants can be treated the same way as photoperiod plants. Fourteen days will be the ideal time to feed autoflowering plants in plain water. So if you are new to growing autoflowering plants, follow our guide and give your plants the best possible chance to thrive! This will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your plants receive the proper care they need throughout their growth cycle.

Nutrient lockout in cannabis plants

A top-view of a cannabis plant with yellow and burned leaf showing the nutrient lockout

Nutrient lockout occurs when cannabis plants can’t absorb nutrients from their growing medium, often due to a pH imbalance or excessive nutrient buildup, especially salts from fertilisers.

  1. Causes: Imbalanced pH and overfertilisation leading to nutrient and salt accumulation.
  2. Symptoms: Stunted growth, leaf discolouration, and poor bud development, resembling nutrient deficiencies.
  3. Management: Prevent and address lockout by regularly flushing the growing medium with pH-balanced water to remove excess salts and minerals. Monitoring pH and electrical conductivity (EC) levels helps in early detection and maintaining a balanced feeding schedule is crucial to avoid overfertilisation.

Flushing not only prevents nutrient lockout but also can resolve it if symptoms appear, maintaining the health of cannabis plants.

Constant vs active flushing

Constant flushing is a technique used in cannabis cultivation where plants are watered exclusively with plain water throughout the flowering stage. While this approach assumes that the nutrients in the growing medium are enough to support the plant’s growth, it may result in nutrient deficiencies if essential nutrients are absent.

On the other hand, active flushing is a targeted approach that involves supplementing cannabis plants with only water during the final weeks of flowering. This method helps to optimise the removal of residual nutrients and reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies during the bulk of the flowering stage. However, it does require careful monitoring and may involve more labour-intensive management than constant flushing.

Tips to consider for flushing weed

Flushing weed not only improves the smoking experience it also gives you an indication of how far your plants are ready for harvest day. Below are three top tips to consider to help you get the most out of the flushing period.

1. Using enzymes to flush cannabis plants

Enzymes are not only protein building blocks for weed plants, but they also accelerate the decomposition of undissolved salts. An excellent tip is to try at least two different enzyme products. The more enzymes a grower can provide for the substrate and roots, the more your plants will thank them.

Enzymes are building blocks for proteins and actively break down organic matter. There are many benefits for growers who use enzymes not only during the flushing period but also throughout the seedling, vegetative, and flowering periods. Roots love a good enzyme wash and will produce a bright, healthy glow.

2. Identifying the harvest window

The day a grower decides to harvest their cannabis plants should be based not only on how many days are left to flush but also on trichome maturity, calyx development, trichome coverage, and terpene production. Aligning the flushing stage with the above traits will allow them to achieve the most significant yields possible.

Fourteen days is the most popular choice amongst growers; however, some find seven days of plain water work just fine. The flushing period should coincide with the strain’s flowering time. So, for example, if a grower is growing a strain with an expected flowering time of 8 weeks, the flush will occur after 6 to 8 weeks of flowering.

3. Optimal watering practices for healthy growth

Root rot occurs when the growing medium becomes too wet, and the oxygen levels around the roots become too low. As a result, aerobic bacteria infect the roots, leading to a world of problems. The best way to prevent root rot is to allow the growing medium to dry out again. Dry-back periods are the way to solve overwatered substrates.

The flushing weed myth debunked

A black sprinkler flushing cannabis plants growing in black pots

In 2020, RX Green Technologies conducted an in-house study to determine whether flushing plants affect cannabinoid production, yield, mineral content, and extract quality. Using a Cherry Diesel plant, the study involved flushing samples for zero days, one week, ten days, and 14 days.

The results showed a slight increase in THC levels and terpenes in the flushed samples, with no significant difference in mineral content. Interestingly, the 14-day flushed sample had the highest return on extracts, and the blind taste test resulted in an even score across the board, indicating no significant difference in taste.

At Sensi Seeds, we consider flushing to be a crucial and integral step in the growing process. By flushing the plants with plain water before the harvest, we can effectively remove any excess nutrients and salts from the plant’s system. This process helps to improve the overall quality of the final product, resulting in a smoother smoke and better flavour and aroma. Whenever we grow plants in our facilities for the purpose of creating a grow report, we apply flushing during the final grow stage as well.

Is flushing my weed plants essential?

Growers can debate for hours which flushing technique works best if one week or two is the way forward, and some believe flushing is not even necessary in the first place. However, after reading this article, you should be more than confident in understanding the importance of flushing weed means.

Flushing methods can vary among growers, so remain open-minded and choose what works best based on your skills and experience. Good luck mastering the flush game and growing the best crop possible!

  • Disclaimer:

    Laws and regulations regarding cannabis cultivation differ from country to country. Sensi Seeds therefore strongly advises you to check your local laws and regulations. Do not act in conflict with the law.



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5 best autoflower seed banks of 2024 by Leafly

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Grow your favorite strains more easily with seeds from these top sources. These recommendations on the best autoflower seed banks are made by Leafly’s Product Picks team after extensive research, internal debate, and expert consultation. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.


Growing your own cannabis has never been easier, and more and more Americans are discovering their green thumbs and falling in love with cannabis cultivation. A big part of the plant’s newfound popularity is the rise of autoflowering strains, which have charmed novice and expert growers alike with their low-maintenance growing style and consistent yields.


A quick look at the best autoflower seed banks

Best selection: Seed Supreme

Best classic strains: Royal Queen Seeds

Best for beginners: ILGM.com

Most innovative: DNA Genetics

Best high-potency strains: Fast Buds


Our team has been eagerly charting the epic rise of autoflowers, and we’re happy to say that the future is bright for this eternally excellent, accessible crop. To help you get in on the action, we’ve assembled a list of the best autoflower seed banks for the top spots to buy autoflowering cannabis seeds online. This list of seed banks is full of champions, innovators, and artisans, and they’re all well deserving of your hard-earned dollars. 

If you’re curious about what exactly makes an autoflower an autoflower, and what sets this strain apart from traditional photoperiod strains, stick around after the list to read our breakdown of the science—no lab goggles required. But first, and without further ado, here’s our list of the very best autoflower seed banks of 2024.



• Virtually unparalleled selection of autoflowering strains
• Sourced from a global network of breeders
• Quick delivery time and regular giveaways

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

GG4 is one of the most famous strains in the cannabis world today and essential growing for cannabis cultivators in the same way that Citizen Kane is essential viewing for film lovers. Seed Supreme’s autoflowering rendition of this famous strain is a fast-growing and low-effort indica-like that is a great pick for either your first grow or your five hundredth. Named after the gloriously sticky resin that it produces in prodigious quantities, GG4 induces a heavily sedating high that relaxes the body, making it a perennial favorite for those who turn to cannabis as a pain reliever or sleep aid.

There’s a staggering number of cannabis strains out there—we oughta know—and the plant’s endless variety is part of the reason why so many people keep falling in love with cannabis. If you have the heart of a collector and gotta grow and smoke em’ all, then Seed Supreme is the bank for you.

They’re a verified weed seed emporium with dozens and dozens of autoflowering strains available at an affordable price point. If you’ve heard of a strain in a song, movie, or here from Leafly, then the odds are good that Seed Supreme can ship it directly to your door. Our advice? Spend an afternoon browsing Seed Supreme’s vast catalog, you’ll find enough enticing strains to plan out your next several grows & see why they’re one of our best autoflower seed banks.

“You want it? Seed Supreme has got it. We tip our cap to this bank, from one crew of strain fanatics to another.”

GG4 gets its high potency from its heavyweight progenitors, Sour Dubb and Chocolate Diesel. This heritage is also where GG4 gets its polarizing flavor; a heavy punch of diesel and ammonia undergirded by more subtle, sour aromas that make themselves known on the inhale. You can expect your GG4 to have somewhere in the low 20% THC range, plenty for even an experienced consumer with a tolerance to match. Seed Supreme’s GG4 auto is also a cinch to grow, despite the strain’s wide leaves and titanic colas due to the sturdy genetics bred into it by the team at Seed Supreme.


• Deep connection to Dutch cannabis culture
• Decades of experience selling cannabis seeds
• Online seedfinder helps customers discover new strains

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

Amnesia Haze has been a mainstay of stash boxes the world over for many years, and Royal Queen Seeds’ autoflowering rendition of this classic is the best way to get it in your grow. Amnesia Haze first rose to prominence in the freewheeling Amsterdam scene, where cannabis’ pseudo-legal nature allowed for incredible amounts of experimentation. Amnesia Haze is one of the standout strains from that process, a citrusy sativa-like that our team loves for a morning smoke that won’t end your day prematurely with overwhelming potency.

Royal Queen Seeds is one of the relative newcomers to the US market on this list, but don’t mistake that for inexperience; they only crossed the Atlantic after establishing themselves as one of Europe’s premier sources for autoflowering and photoperiod seeds.

Born in the legendary coffeehouses of Amsterdam, the team at Royal Queen Seeds has had a front-row seat to the development of cannabis into the massive industry it is today. They’re the stewards of some of the genetics from that classic era of experimentation and popularization when Amsterdam was the center of the cannabis universe.

But don’t get it twisted and start thinking that Royal Queen Seeds is just a purveyor of hall-of-fame strains, you’ll also find both new twists on classics and wholly unique strains on the Royal Queen Seeds storefront.

“Cannabis lovers used to have to make a pilgrimage to Amsterdam for this kind of weed. Now, Royal Queen Seeds brings the best of The Netherlands to your garden.”

Amnesia Haze is one of those strains from a shadowy era of cannabis history when genetics and pedigrees get a bit muddled, but it has DNA from both South Asian and Jamaican Landrace strains. Those ancient genetics make Amnesia Haze one of the most recognizable strains on the smoke, but Amnesia Haze is also quite distinctive on the stem as well. You can expect long, thin leaves and foxtail buds with plenty of deep, verdant greens. Amnesia Haze is a bit of a shy one; it takes its time to bloom, but once it does, patient growers will be rewarded with heaps of thick, high-quality buds.


• Wide selection of affordable seeds
• Free grow bible emailed to customers with seed purchase
• Regular incredible promotions

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

White Widow, a massively popular strain that began to dominate cannabis culture in the mid-90s, is often recommended for newer growers to get their feet wet with growing before diving in. ILGM has made it even easier to grow this famous it-strain by creating an autoflowering variant that does almost everything but water itself. Even if you’ve struggled with keeping plants alive in the past, ILGM’s White Widow Auto is a cinch to care for; with the ability to thrive in virtually any setup. This strain laughs at cramped apartment closets, fluctuating temperatures, and even some common diseases that make less hearty strains tremble. 

ILGM aka I Love Growing Marijuana and their incomparable founder, Robert Bergman, have been some of the biggest names in American cannabis seeds through several of the plant’s different eras. As you may have guessed from their name, ILGM is a passion project sustained through a commitment to the joys of cannabis cultivation.

We’re big fans of their grow bible, a massive tome full of growing wisdom that ILGM sends to your email when you buy any of their seeds. And that’s the type of outfit Robert Bergman has made—a company that cares about spreading knowledge and furthering the accessibility of cannabis cultivation.

“Aptly named ILGM would be one of the best autoflower seed banks in the world even without their cartoon mascots. With, no contest.”

Like all the best heroines, White Widow’s past is a little mysterious. We aren’t sure of the specifics, but we know that White Widow is descended from a Brazilian sativa landrace and a heavily resin-producing South Indian indica. The result is the Goldilocks of indica-likes, potent but not too potent, relaxing but not sedating, an uplift that comes without panic.

These balanced qualities extend to White Widow’s flavor as well; you can expect a woody, subtly sweet taste that still carries a delightful dankness that our team of writers go wild for. Newcomers to growing and old hands alike will find something to love in ILGM’s White Widow Autoflower, so click the link below and don’t wait another day to start growing.


• Two decades of experience
• Creators of several famous strains
• Reputation for consistent innovation

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

You may not have heard of this strain from DNA Genetics yet, but trust us, it might be everywhere soon. A true indica-lovers indica, Canelo is a closer that is best saved for the end of the night when it’s time to tune out and turn off. It excels in this role, and we’re putting our marker down that DNA Genetics’ Canelo’s profile will only keep rising as time goes on, and you can grow it and smoke it way before your local dispensary has it in stock with these autoflowering seeds.  If you love indicas, or even just next-big-things, then you need to check Canelo out.

DNA Genetics is a legendary bank that occupies a rare and hallowed spot in cannabis-growing culture. They’ve recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, an incredible feat that makes them older than Methuselah in weed years. They’ve stuck around so long by consistently looking to the future and never resting on their quite considerable laurels.

They’re the minds behind several of the most popular strains to arrive since the new millennium, with a commitment to quality that has earned them the respect of breeders, retailers, and homegrowers alike. The odds are good that the next big strain is somewhere on DNA Genetics storefront, so get ahead of the curve and order some exciting autoflowering seeds from DNA Genetics before they’re cool and never let your friends hear the end of it.

“When we’re looking for something avant-garde that’ll set the smoke circle buzzing, DNA genetics is our first stop.”

OG Kush and Strawberry Banana are the direct progenitors of Canelo Auto, a prestigious parentage that makes the strain nothing less than indica royalty. You can taste and smell that heritage as well, both in the kush earthiness and fruity sweetness. These genetics also mean Canelo is a resilient plant that is quite forgiving to novice growers and less-than-ideal conditions, so don’t let either of those factors stop you from taking the plunge.

You can expect your Canelo buds to have a THC percentage somewhere in the high teens or low twenties, just enough to put you down for the count at night without a trace of grogginess in the morning. Grow what people are going to be talking about before they’re talking about it and order yourself some Canelo Auto seeds today.


• Autoflower specialists
• Winner of several global awards
• Quality Californian genetics

best autoflower seed banks

Recommended strain

Fast Buds’ Strawberry Gorilla Auto is one of the most-awarded autoflowering strains in the world, and it can be yours in no time flat. It recently triumphed in the American Autoflower Cup and even beat out some photoperiod strains to earn honors at the 2023 Farmer’s Cup. Those are pretty some pretty serious kudos to earn, but if you ask them, the team of Fast Buds breeders responsible for this strain would put more stock in the overwhelmingly positive response from growers who have tried their hand at growing their own Strawberry Gorilla Auto. Their hybrid has won hearts with its surprisingly potent strawberry flavor and classic diesel aroma.

Fast Buds has been on a meteoric rise, quickly rising to become some of the preeminent autoflower specialists in the world. They’re an autoflower seed bank that takes pride in their top-tier California genetics while also maintaining a global perspective on the cannabis industry.

Fast Buds’ trophy case features awards from all over the planet, a truly globe-trotting tour of excellence that we here at Leafly have to applaud (and give our best autoflower seed banks list stamp of approval). As a bank that focuses on autoflowers, they’ve done incredible work in ensuring that autoflowering strains can stand on equal footing in terms of yield and potency to their photoperiod counterparts. They’re an easy recommendation for all the autoflower lovers out there, but if you’re a skeptic who’s made it here, then our advice is to see if the autoflower experts at Fast Buds can change your mind.

“Fast Buds knows the ins and outs of autos better than just about anyone.”

Strawberry Gorilla Auto isn’t for novices in more ways than one. It benefits from an experienced hand that knows how to properly handle its height by providing support and plenty of nutrients. Those growers who are up to the task will reap some truly stunning rewards when their gorgeous purple buds are ready for harvest. Strawberry Gorilla Auto is a monstrously potent strain that can produce buds with up to 28% THC. If you’ve ever been skeptical about autoflowering strains’ ability to stack up to traditional photoperiods, we dare you to give Strawberry Gorilla a try; we won’t even say “I told you so!”


Why you can trust Leafly Product Picks

Leafly is the world’s leading cannabis discovery platform and provides a vast library of content from some of the most respected voices in cannabis. Leafly Product Picks prioritizes accuracy and integrity in our selections, working through mountains of research and testimonials to source products you can trust.


Jake Rosendale: Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products

smiling portrait photo of man in glasses and grey cap against an aquamarine background

Jake Rosendale is Leafly’s Lead Content Writer, Brands & Products. He’s been with Leafly since 2022, where he spends his time researching the best products in the wide world of weed. Jake’s been writing about cannabis, food, and wine in the Seattle area for 5 years. In addition to Leafly, you can find his work in Seattle Met Magazine and High Times. He loves sci-fi novels, country music, and Super Lemon Haze.


Anna Elliott: Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products

portrait photo of woman with short dark hair and glasses in a black polo shirt against an aqua-green background

Anna Elliott is Leafly’s Senior Content Editor, Brands & Products. She’s been with Leafly since 2021, managing and editing brand-related content and bringing the best stories on the industry’s top products to life. With a decade of experience reviewing products, covering brands, and editing stories, Anna loves talking up the people & products that make a real difference in readers’ every day. She’s found that Space Mints makes the perfect pairing for enjoying her frankly irresponsible vinyl collection.


What is an autoflower?

An autoflowering cannabis plant is any breed of cannabis that will flower after a certain period of time regardless of the amount of light the plant receives. This is opposed to traditional photoperiod strains, which will only flower due to changing light levels, either caused by the changing of the seasons or by a grower artificially lowering the amount of light the plant receives.

Autoflowers tend to be smaller, faster growing, and less potent than their photoperiod cousins, although enterprising growers are doing their best to mitigate this last point. Since autoflowers are categorically easier to grow than photoperiod plants, they’re very popular with newer growers who aren’t eager to deal with changing light levels. 

All autoflowering strains share some DNA with the cannabis ruderalis plant, a variety of cannabis native to harsh northern climates, forcing the plant to evolve in ways to cope with the lack of sunlight and short growing seasons. Ruderalis isn’t very potent on its own, but breeders can cross cannabis ruderalis with traditional indica or sativa strains in order to produce a plant that flowers automatically, or an “autoflower.”

Pretty cool, right? If you’re still curious about autoflowers, cannabis ruderalis, or anything else having to do with growing cannabis, then head over to Leafly’s guide to growing marijuana. It’s the best spot on the internet to learn everything there is to know about cultivating & harvesting our favorite plant after you’ve made your picks from our best autoflower seed banks list.




Final thoughts

That’s all from us this time, so get to growing! But while you’re waiting for your seeds to germinate, make sure to check back in on this list of the best autoflower seed banks regularly to see if there are any hot new banks with fire strains you have yet to try. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our Product Picks to see our selections fore the greatest finds in the wide world of cannabis. Happy growing! 


For business inquiries, please direct messages to affiliate@leafly.com.


Availability subject to law.



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Grow award-winning autoflower seeds strains at home with Fast Buds

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Fast Buds helps you enjoy champion weed in record time.


With growing season in full swing, cannabis cultivators across the country are hard at work searching for their new favorite strains. One of the foremost seedbanks offering quality genetics to American growers is Fast Buds, a group of autoflower specialists who have been breeding ever since they arrived on the scene over a decade ago. Gaining a reputation for their Gorilla genetics, their most-awarded Gorilla crosses are Gorilla Cookies, Strawberry Gorilla, and Gorilla Zkittlez. We just checked in on Fast Buds’ effort to popularize autoflowering seeds in backyards across the USA, and, as befitting their name, they haven’t slowed down since. 

Leafly readers get 15% off Fast Buds autoflowering strains with code LFL420.

Fast Buds has been filling their trophy case in recent years, running the table at strain competitions all over the world, including several prestigious cannabis cup victories. Competing at the American Autoflower Cup, Farmer’s Cup, Spannabis Champions Cup, Autoflower World Cup, Dab-A-Doo Brasil, and more year after year, their breeders rarely come home empty-handed. It’s safe to say that this brand of cannabis autoflowering seeds is well on their way to redefining what you can expect from autoflowering strains worldwide.

We’ve got a roundup of some of those selfsame champion strains so you can get a taste of the winning spirit and pick out some GOATs for your garden.

Strawberry Gorilla Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

One of the most decorated strains in the Fast Buds’ stable, Fast Buds’ Strawberry Gorilla Auto took home two prestigious awards in 2023, winning Best Sativa at the American Autoflower Cup in Los Angeles in January and the ‘Highest Combined Terpenes’ title in the Home Grow Hash at the 2023 Farmer’s Cup. This latest victory in the Farmer’s Cup is quite the feather in Strawberry Gorilla Auto’s cap — not only did Fast Buds amazing autoflower hold its own against the competitor’s photoperiod strains, Strawberry Gorilla Auto’s terpenes triumphed, scoring a point for autoflowers everywhere. 

Coming in bold with intense strawberry flavor, Strawberry Gorilla Auto has tested with a jaw-dropping 28.417% THC and 29.86% total cannabinoids. That’s enough to make even those with well-developed tolerances sit up and take notice, and extractors will love how much juicy resin each bud will produce. Growers of all skill levels can expect their Strawberry Gorilla plants to reach maturity in around ten weeks, when the chunky, frosty buds are ready to go. Our advice is to take some photos before you harvest; a looker on the tier of Strawberry Gorilla Auto ought to be celebrated.

Gorilla Cookies Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

The ruling silverback among Fast Buds Autoflowers, Gorilla Cookies Auto is Fast Buds’ flagship autoflowering strain. This balanced hybrid has scored multiple awards over the years, including a victory at the Expo Grow competition and Best Autoflower at the 2022 Cosecha Cup. Gorilla Cookies also snagged the prestigious Best Indica award at the 2022 Autoflower World Cup, and honestly, it was no surprise. Gorilla Cookies has it all; it’s incredibly potent (testing at a whopping 28.5% THC!), high-yielding, resilient in many different indoor and outdoor climates, and boy, is it flavorful. The impressively high THC levels translate into an intense resin production, making her buds almost completely white and covered in trichomes late in the flowering stage.

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If you elect to try your hand at growing Gorilla Cookies Auto, you can expect trichome-frosted buds around the size of poker chips, in around ten weeks in good conditions. Gorilla Cookies Auto also loves to stretch out, reaching up to 150cm at maturity. It’s a bit difficult to describe the flavor of Gorilla Cookies; those who have had the pleasure report notes of hazelnut, earth, dank, and even more. That might be a bit vague, but there’s only one surefire way to discover Gorilla Cookies Auto’s complex flavor: Grow it yourself.

Gorilla Zkittlez Auto

Courtesy of Fast Buds

Gorilla Zkittlez Auto is another of Fast Buds’ legendary crosses that makes use of DNA from the Gorilla family, featuring a potpourri of enticing terpenes that runs the gamut from earthy, spicy early notes to a cotton-candy finish. This strain took home top honors from the 2022 Dab-A-Doo Brasil competition by charming judges with its ludicrous 29.85% total cannabinoid percentage, making Gorilla Zkittlez Auto one of the most potent autoflowering strains to be found, in addition to being one of the tastiest.

A hybrid with a balanced effect, Gorilla Zkittlez Auto makes a great smoke at any time of day, which means fans of this Fast Buds favorite may go through their stocks quickly. Luckily, Gorilla Zkittlez Auto is a shockingly high-yielding strain as well, producing up to 650gr/m2 in as little as 63 days in ideal conditions. With yields like that, growers don’t ever need to be shy about indulging their love for this treat of a strain.

Banana Purple Punch Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The definitive end to all lingering questions about autoflowers’ ability to stack up to photodependent strains, Banana Purple Punch Auto is one of the most potent autoflowers ever tested. Tested at MJ Biz Con in 2023, Banana Purple Punch was shown to have a mind-blowing, earth-shattering 30.4% THC. That puts Banana Purple Punch solidly among famously potent strains like Green Crack and Bruce Banner, but with all the speed and convenience of an autoflower.

This indica-like will produce a respectable amount of bud in a lightning-fast seven weeks. With all these factors in Banana Purple Punch’s favor, it had no trouble winning Best Indica in the 2023 American Autoflower Cup, and it won’t have any trouble winning a spot in your heart, either.

Papaya Cookies Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

Hash lovers, rejoice; your time has come. One of the most exciting strains on Fast Buds’ roster, Papaya Cookies is also the second-place winner of the 2024 Best New Strain award at the Autoflower World Cup. Papaya Cookies’ intense THC percentage and far-above-average resin concentration make this sativa-leaning hybrid a dream for hash makers and extractors of all kinds, but that’s not the only thing that Papaya Cookies has going for it. The judges at the AWC noted Papaya Cookies’ delicious, complex flavor as a major strong point.

Receptive to a variety of both indoor and outdoor conditions, Papaya Cookies is a great candidate for growers of all experience levels and takes well to common plant training methods. Expect your buds in just eight weeks, with up to 29% THC for full-day potency.

Apricot Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The winner of the blue ribbon for Best Sativa Strain at the 2024 Autoflower World Cup, Apricot Auto is a potent number with a flavor profile unlike any you’ve experienced before. As you might expect, Apricot Auto has a taste heavily reminiscent of the fruit that shares its name, a surprising and innovative flavor in cannabis. The tangy mix of sweet and sour makes for an excellent pairing with Apricot Auto’s dank notes, making Apricot Auto a truly unparalleled experience on the smoke.

Growers have found that Apricot Auto’s thick, resinous buds make it an excellent candidate for making concentrates, and with up to 26% THC content, any edibles made with Apricot Auto as a base will be plenty heavy-hitting. Apricot Auto will reach full maturity in around nine to ten weeks, so get planting now so you can have this delicious strain ready for summer’s peak.

Ztrawberriez Auto

Fast Buds autoflower
Courtesy of Fast Buds

The winner of the Best Sativa prize at the 2024 American Autoflower Cup, Ztrawberriez Auto’s smorgasbord of sweet and fruity terps has been winning hearts and minds across the country. Judges, growers, and anyone else who has had the pleasure to enjoy Ztrawberriez Auto report that this autoflower is an ideal daytime smoke, elevating consumers’ moods and energy levels without giving an overly stoney feeling and testing with up to 25% THC to melt worries away.

Ztrawberriez Auto is also a linebacker against pests and rough environments; even in sub-ideal conditions, Ztrawberriez Auto seeds will yield about 600g/m2 in as little as nine weeks. With speed, quality, and flavor all set to the max, it’s easy to see why Ztrawberriez Auto beat out the competition.


Fast Buds has these champs, plus heaps more autoflowering strains on their website. Right now, you can get these strains and more for 15% off from Fast Buds with code LFL420. They are continuously launching new strains, running huge sales and giveaways, as well as educating consumers on the many, many benefits of autoflowers. You can also follow them on social media for interviews with growers, updates on new strains, and announcements of (even more) cannabis cup victories. Happy growing!

fast buds autoflowers
Image courtesy of Fast Buds.

Availability subject to law.



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Royal Queen Seeds & Mike Tyson are the double bill your grow needs

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The King of the Ring & the Queen of Seeds make a great 1-2.


Royal Queen Seeds, the award-winning European seed bank that has recently captured the hearts and minds of many American growers, isn’t the type of outfit to just sit around on its laurels. Their high-quality genetics and respect for cannabis tradition have earned both our interest and respect ever since they made their way across the Atlantic, and they’re not even close to running out of tricks.

The drive, focus, and determination that brought Royal Queen Seeds to the apex of the weed world are shared by their newest collaborator, Kid Dynamite himself, Mike Tyson. ‘Iron’ Mike is one of the most famous and recognizable heavyweight boxers ever to tie on a pair of gloves.

His iconic tattooed face has been everywhere from the silver screen to the breakfast cereal aisle, and these days, Iron Mike is becoming the champ of a different arena, cannabis. His Tyson 2.0 pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles have all made a splash in markets all over the states, and now, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Royal Queen Seeds, you can finally grow these strains for yourself. 

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These two titans have come together to bring homegrowers some of the most exciting new seeds we’ve seen. In the later rounds of this article we’ll fill you in on the details of these new strains, but first, let’s take a look at why Mike Tyson and Royal Queen Seeds make such a powerful combo.

Get the champ in your corner

Courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds

If you thought that Royal Queen Seeds’ collaboration with Iron Mike is just another celebrity endorsement, another in the long line of pretty faces trying to sell otherwise unremarkable weed, you’d better think again. Tyson brings far more than just his famous tattooed mug to the proceedings.

In recent years, Kid Dynamite has become an outspoken cannabis advocate, evangelizing for the plant’s incredible medical and recreational properties most every time he finds himself in front of a microphone, like on his weekly podcast, Hotboxin’. He’s also shown himself to have impeccable taste and a vast knowledge of weed and its history, making him one of the most dynamic personalities in the cannabis space today.

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Mike has confirmed that cannabis has been a part of his life for many years and has helped him cope with both physical and mental stress, the same struggles that bring many Americans to cannabis today. This all goes to what makes this exclusive collaboration all the more special; these strains weren’t developed only by Mike Tyson, The Baddest Man on the Planet, but also by Mike the Grower, the tireless cannabis advocate and homegrowing enthusiast.

Mike the Grower is out to spread the love of growing like a modern-day Johnny Appleseed, albeit one with a champion belt and a devastating left hook. But his cannabis bonafides are as legit as they come, and we’re thrilled that Iron Mike is a kindred spirit. 

It’s tough to imagine a better collaborator for Tyson than Royal Queen Seeds. Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to the next level in the same way that a great coach brings the most out of a talented fighter. RQS is a team of cannabis breeder’s breeders, with decades of experience delivering top-quality seeds to growers. 

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In the same way that a good boxing couch can take a fighter to the next level, Royal Queen Seeds brings Tyson 2.0 to even greater heights. You can be sure that any seeds ordered from RQS meet their exacting standards of genetic quality and pedigree purity, and at an affordable price to boot. Said Tyson: “If you’re the best in the world at what you do, most likely, we’re gonna be partners.”  

What else is there to say? Some of the best of the best are teaming up to make themselves even better. Let’s get ready to rumble and take a look at the first six strains on offer from Royal Queen Seeds and Tyson 2.0.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Gelato 44

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Descended from Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mints GSC, Gelato 44 is a powerful indica-dominant hybrid that doesn’t pull its punches. Newer growers need not apply; Gelato 44 is a strain that requires a consistent amount of light and good soil quality to thrive, making it a better fit for experienced growers.

While Gelato 44 is not for the faint of heart, either for growing or for smoking, those who can hang ten rounds with this strain will find that it offers a tasty citrus flavor and a pleasantly relaxing, occasionally euphoric sensation. Gelato 44 is also potent enough to overcome Iron Mike’s formidable tolerance. Growers can expect their buds to be around 22% THC by volume. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Dynamite Diesel 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Named for Kid Dynamite, one of Mike’s many monikers, Dynamite Diesel is a piston-punching indica-like that’ll put even frequent cannabis consumers flat on their backs. Dynamite Diesel has DNA from two legendary strains you’re probably familiar with, Sour Diesel and Skywalker OG. With genetics like those, there was no way that Dynamite Diesel would wind up with a glass jaw—on the contrary, it’s more than worthy of bearing one of Mike’s names. This beauty takes particularly well to outdoor environments and can reach titanic 200 cm heights. Plant some this season, and you’ll have a full tank of gas come harvest.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 NYC Sour D Auto 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

A favorite of the man himself, with NYC Sour D, you can now grow the strain that charmed The Baddest Man on the Planet. While most of the Tyson 2.0 strains are pretty heavy hitters, NYC Sour D is a lighter affair, a sour, citrus, and gas-flavored sativa perfect for an energetic morning smoke or midday rally.
Growers working with limited space will love NYC Sour D. It only grows to around 80 cm tall when grown indoors, perfect for most tents and balconies. NYC Sour D Auto comes from fine genetic stock, an heir of NYC Diesel and Sour Diesel Auto. The result is an autoflowering strain that doesn’t skimp on all the good stuff. Who says good things can’t come in small packages?

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 GOAT’Lato Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

You can tell that the Tyson 2.0 team knew they had something special when they named this strain. GOAT’Lato Auto is a cross between Cookies Auto and Tyson’s own Gelato 44, an inspired combination that has resulted in a true contender. A fast-growing indica-dominant hybrid that can be ready to harvest in as little as ten weeks, GOAT’lato Auto is tough to beat if you need to grow your stash quickly.

Nearly as fun to say as it is to smoke, GOAT’Lato Auto also has the rare distinction of being among the most flavorful of all of Royal Queen Seeds’ vast stock, a tasty terpene-packed treat that comes on quickly and takes no prisoners. Fans of GOAT’lato Auto report that it’s an incredible focus aid, helping them lock in and KO chores in the first round. But is it truly the greatest Gelato of all time? Order from Royal Queen Seeds today and find out for yourself. 

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Punch Pie 

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

Another of Iron Mike’s personal favorite strains, Punch Pie is a pleasure to grow for indoor and outdoor setups alike. Punch Pie’s genetics include strains like Purple Punch and Purple Kush, making it as true an indica as you’re likely to find. You’ll see it in the grow; Punch Pie likes to spread out in wide bushes, topping out at about 150 cm in ideal outdoor conditions.

When it’s time to harvest, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous, sweet-smelling buds that are caked in resin. Like any great fruit pie, you’ll be able to taste a whole medley of berries in Punch Pie, with notes of blueberry and cherry accompanied by earthy undertones. You can expect some serious couch-lock as well. The best part about Punch Pie is that it doesn’t even need that long in the oven. You can expect to harvest your Punch Pie plants in about nine weeks after planting.

Royal Queen Seeds x Tyson 2.0 Corkscrew Auto

tyson seeds
Image courtesy of Royal Queen Seeds.

For the final entry in our list, we’ve got a slightly sativa-dominant hybrid dubbed Corkscrew Auto. Corkscrew is the descendant of Cherry Pie Auto and Tangie, two easy-to-grow strains that can hold their own in rough conditions. Corkscrew Auto has the grit to go all ten rounds and make its genetic stock proud; it’s a tough customer that’ll thrive in whatever setup you have at home.

On the smoke, Corkscrew leads with a haymaker. You’ll feel the cerebral effects as soon as you take the first hit, helping you feel energetic and creative. Corkscrew Auto will take a touch longer than some of the other seeds on this list to harvest, but trust us, and trust Mike. Corkscrew Auto is well worth the wait.


And there’s the final bell! That’s all the Tyson 2.0 strains currently available from Royal Queen Seeds, but stay tuned—this partnership may well go the distance. Make sure to visit the Royal Queen Seeds website and follow them on socials to keep yourself up-to-date on all the new seeds they have in store. Likewise, you can keep up with Tyson 2.0 by heading to their website and following them on social media to see what sort of big moves Kid Dynamite and his crew have planned for the next round. Happy growing!


Availability subject to law.



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