Autoflowering cannabis plants are becoming increasingly popular among growers because of their growing times, robustness and convenient size, all of which make them an ideal choice for the hobbyist indoor grower. However, to achieve a good yield, proper growing techniques must be used. In this article, we will explore what a realistic autoflower yield is, and how to get the biggest buds from autoflowers using different techniques.
What is a realistic autoflower yield?
Autoflower yields can vary wildly depending on the strain and how they are grown. Factors such as genetics, growing conditions, and cultivation techniques play such a big role in the outcome its difficult to give an accurate yield expectation. Generally, an indoor autoflower yield can range from 100-400grams per square meter, while an outdoor autoflower yield can produce 50-200grams per plant. However, some high-yielding autoflower strains can produce up to 500 grams per square meter under optimal growing conditions.
To give you a better idea, if you had a big yielding auto such as Big Bud and you grew it in ideal conditions using techniques such as LST to optimize the size. You could expect to produce 200 grams off of one plant.
How do you get the biggest buds from Autoflowers?
So first off you should make sure you are growing the right genetics, if you want a big harvest of fat nugs then you need to choose your genetics from one of highest yielding strains. Growing a big yielding autoflower such as Big Bud Auto will give you the best possible start.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial to ensure the best yield from your autoflowering cannabis plants. LED grow lights are recommended for their energy efficiency, low heat output, and the ability to emit a full spectrum of light that mimics natural sunlight. It is crucial to provide your autoflowers with a minimum of 18 hours of light per day, with a recommended 20-24 hours of light during the vegetative stage to maximize growth.
Nutrients
Proper nutrition is essential to producing the biggest and healthiest buds from autoflowering cannabis plants. Autoflowers require a well-balanced nutrient regimen with adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. During the flowering stage, it is recommended to use a bloom booster high in phosphorus and potassium to promote flower development. However, it is essential not to overfeed your plants, as this can cause nutrient burn and affect yield.
Soil
Choosing the best soil for cannabis plants is crucial to ensure optimal growth and yield. A high-quality soil mix containing perlite, vermiculite, and coco coir is recommended to ensure adequate drainage and nutrient uptake. It is essential to maintain a pH level between 6.0-6.5 to avoid nutrient deficiencies and lockouts.
Pot size
The pot size is another crucial factor that can affect the yield of autoflowering cannabis plants. A pot size of at least 5-7 gallons is recommended to ensure enough room for root development and adequate nutrient uptake. However, it is crucial not to overpot your autoflowers, as this can lead to root rot and other issues.
Training
Training techniques such as low stress training (LST) and topping can help to maximize the yield of autoflowering cannabis plants. LST involves gently bending the branches of the plant to create an even canopy and increase light penetration. Topping involves cutting the main stem of the plant to promote lateral growth and increase bud sites. However, it is essential not to overtrain your autoflowers, as this can stunt growth and affect yield.
Can you lollipop autoflowers?
If you haven’t heard of it before, lollipopping a weed plant is a type of pruning technique used to increase yield, that involves removing the lower leaves and branches of the plant to promote airflow and concentrate growth on the upper canopy. While lollipopping can be effective for photoperiodic cannabis plants, it is not recommended for autoflowering strains. Removing too many leaves and branches can stress autoflowers and affect their growth and yield.
What are the highest yielding autoflowering strains?
Big Bud Auto is known worldwide for its massive yields, with some growers reportedly able to produce up to 500 grams per square meter off of an auto (which is just ridiculous!). Big Bud Auto is a cross between Big Bud and a Ruderalis, resulting in a plant that is easy to grow and produces plenty of dense, resinous buds making it a popular choice.
Another big autoflowering strain is Tangerine Dream Auto, which can produce up to 400-500 grams per square meter in optimal conditions. This strain is a cross between Tangerine Dream and a Ruderalis, the result is a plant that is easy to grow and produces large, aromatic buds with a sweet citrus flavor. Tangerine Dream Auto has a balanced THC to CBD ratio, making it a popular choice for those seeking both pain relief and a euphoric high.
Other high-yielding autoflower strains include Girl Scout Cookies Auto, Northern Lights Auto, and Green Crack Auto, which can all produce yields of 400 grams per square meter or more.
