Germinating is the beginning of life for your cannabis plant, and it is essential to understand how it works.

This guide will discuss the different ways of germinating your marijuana seeds and some strategies to help you achieve the best results.

Why You Need to Germinate Cannabis Seeds Before Planting

Many different plants can germinate in the ground. However, cannabis seedlings can be fragile. Because of this, weed seeds should be germinated separately before planting. Immediately after the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in a hydroponic setup, a soilless medium, or the soil.

During the planting process, you should ensure that the seeds are 2.5 cm (1 Inch) deep in whichever medium you choose and covered lightly.

After planting, you should wait one week for the seedling to start emerging from the soil. If the seed poked through the soil by the tenth day, it likely didn’t survive.

When to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

We recommend that you germinate your cannabis seeds when the hours of sunlight are long enough to allow for healthy growth.

In short, we recommend germinating your seeds in the spring when it is getting warmer and when the sun won’t disappear for long periods. You don’t need to follow a fixed calendar, although it can help. Instead, you can look outside your house and see when other plants are starting to sprout. Just make sure that good growing weather will be present for some time. Your plants should be getting about 12 hours of sunlight each day. You can help with this by making sure they have southern exposure.

This means ensuring your plants have access to the sky facing south. Now that we have a solid foundation of where to start let’s learn how to germinate your cannabis seeds.

How to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

Before we highlight the different methods of germinating marijuana, we need to understand what conditions the seeds need to germinate. The conditions include the following:

· Moisture – You need to ensure that the seeds are moist. You can soak cannabis seeds for between 20-30 hours. Do not oversoak them.
· Provide Peace– Don’t disturb the seeds; wait for the taproot to show up.
· Warmth– To assist with germination, keep the seeds warm. Make sure the environment is not too hot. Seeds can germinate in cooler temperatures, but the process takes a long time when it’s cold. You want to shoot between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
· Be Gentle– Be careful when taking care of the seeds; treat them gently as you move them. If possible, avoid touching the white root; this is the taproot and is fragile. It can easily snap off.
· Plant with the Pointed End Up– Make sure the pointed end is facing up when planting the seeds. This will ensure that the seedling does not waste energy trying to reorient itself.
· Plant About a Knuckle Deep – Don’t put the seeds too deep in the soil. You can place the seed about an inch under the soil’s surface.

Different Methods of Germinating Cannabis Seeds

The best germination method depends on the choice of the cultivator. Below are some of the common ways to germinate your cannabis seeds.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in the Soil

Perhaps the easiest way to germinate cannabis seeds. The soil acts as a protective barrier for the seeds. It is also good at retaining moisture. What steps should you take to germinate seeds in soil?
Step 1: Ensure You Use the Correct Soil Type – This is the first step. The soil should either be gently fertilized or a seed starter with a pH level of 6.
The soil should also contain enough nutrients and the right acidity to strengthen the young plants during the first two weeks. After that, refrain from adding more nutrients to the soil unless there is an absolute need. After that, you can cause your plant to go into the nutrient lock.
Step 2: Place the Soil in a Container and Use a Pencil to Create a Small Hole – Once the soil is in the pot, you can use a pencil to create a hole that is half an inch to an inch deep. Once the seed is in the soil, bury it in the soil. After this stage, please do not touch the seed because it is very fragile.
Step 3: Water the Soil – Carefully water the soil with a spray bottle and place your pots under a fluorescent lamp. Keep your seeds away from a window. The temperature swings that happen at a window can interfere with germination. You must ensure the temperature range is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
Ensure that you monitor the soil daily to ensure that it is moist. After 4 to 7 days, small stems should be sprouting through the soil.
Once the seedling grows to 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) height, you can now transplant the cannabis to a larger pot with more room for the roots to spread out. This indicates that you have successfully germinated the seeds into young plants.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Water

Germinating cannabis seeds in water is popular because it is faster. All you need to do is place your seeds in water and make adjustments as necessary.
As we stated earlier, germinating seeds require a balanced and ideal growing condition. For example, many water germinations require only 24 to 48 hours to ensure that the stems pop out of the seeds. However, some seeds can be soaked for up to a week.
Water germination can be fast because the seeds have all the water they need readily available. This allows the shell to be softened and to crack easily.
What do you need to do to germinate seeds in water?
Step 1: Fill a Glass with Tap Water and Leave It to Come to Room Temperature – Once you fill a glass with tap water, you should leave it in a warm room until it attains a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Add Seeds to the Glass – Add 2 or 3 seeds to the glass and allow them to settle for some time. Then watch the glass for any changes. You can change the water to freshwater after every two days, but always make sure that it is at room temperature.
The seeds may start sprouting after two days, though some old seeds may take a week to sprout.
Step 3: Remove the Seeds from the Water – Once the seeds have sprouted, remove them from the glass and place them in the soil.
The only disadvantage with water germination is that you must be very careful when moving the sprouted seeds. This process is very delicate since the seeds are fragile. If you harm the seeds, you can kill the plant.

Germinating Seeds on Paper Towels

Germinating marijuana seeds on paper towels is a common way to sprout cannabis seeds. In some cases, the grower will use a cotton pad instead. The methods for germination using paper towels and cotton padding are very similar.
Step 1: Lay the Paper Towels on a Flat Surface – To germinate seeds using paper towels, you should lay paper towels on a countertop, then place some seeds on them. Next, cover the seeds using another towel.
Step 2: Moisten the Towels – Use a spray bottle to moisten the towels. Place the paper towels and seeds on a plate or in a bowl. Then cover the seeds with a face-down bowl or plate. Alternatively, you can place them in a plastic bag to ensure they are secure.
Step 3: Maintain the Temperature – Ensure room temperature is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). You will want to maintain this temperature. Also, you should wrap the seeds and place them in a dark place. You will want to keep the seeds away from direct wind and sunlight. Within 2-5 days, the seeds should start to show tiny roots. You can plant them when they reach about 5 millimeters (0.2 Inch) in length.
The paper towel method has some risks. This is because the seedlings might be destroyed during the unwrapping and potting stage. Also, the roots can become entangled in the towel and the roots of other seeds. So make sure you relocate the seeds before their roots get too long.
You can use your hands or some tweezers to move the seeds and place them in your medium of choice.

Other Popular Germination Methods

The abovementioned methods are some of the most popular ways of germinating marijuana seeds. However, they are not the only ways. For example, you  can always use starter plugs or cubes.
These methods are straightforward. All you have to do is to put a seed into or onto the growing medium. Once you do this, add some water. Then you need to wait. After that, the seeds should begin to germinate. Just keep an eye that they don’t dry out.
These methods protect the plants from damage, mainly when transported to their final homes. However, as usual, you should exercise caution when using these methods.

Germinating Cannabis Seeds in Peat Pellets

This is a method of germinating seeds that will help to mitigate damage to the young roots. Peat pellets are made of decomposed vegetable matter. These pellets contain nutrients that the seedlings need to develop correctly. The pellets enlarge when you add water to them, forming a nutrient-rich container.
The peat pellets are optimized with a pH of 5.5. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to worry about any adjustments. However, remember to soak the pellets in warm water to prepare them for the seeds.
Once the roots appear, move the whole pellet into the medium, where it will continue growing. This method is not recommended for hydroponic setups. However, peat pellets are suitable for germination and can be used by beginners. They can also be used in cloning.

Planting the Germinated Cannabis Seeds

After the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in the most suitable medium.
If you use a germination process that requires moving the sprouts, do so with a lot of care since the roots are very fragile. You don’t want to touch the root, or you can break it. The root may sustain this, but it can seriously hamper your plant’s growth. It can also send the plant into shock, which it may never recover from. It should also be placed half an inch to an inch deep in the growing medium. After positioning the germinated seed, cover it lightly and make sure the soil is moist. After one week, the seedling should emerge through the soil.
Some seeds emerge in a day or two, while others can take up to 10 days. If the waiting period exceeds ten days, your seed may not have survived.
If your seed is planted upside down, don’t panic, nature has a way of working things out. As long as you have not crowded the seedling, it should be able to correct itself. Give it some time and space and allow it to do this.

Cannabis Seeds versus Clones

For typical home growers, it is easier to obtain cannabis seeds than clones. Also, growing seeds produce more vigorous plants acclimated to the climate they are growing in.
Marijuana plants grown from seed are usually stronger than plants grown from clones. This is because they develop strong taproots. In cooler climates, you can plant your seeds directly in your garden. After the last frost, you will want to do this in mid to late spring.
It is better to germinate your seeds indoors if you grow them outside. This will allow the seeds a more extended germination period and also protect them from the worst of the early spring weather. Moreover, growing the plant indoors will enable the seedling access to plenty of light (primarily if you use a grow lamp). Then, transplant them outside or into an indoor pot when mature enough.

Is Lighting Important for Cannabis Germination?

Just like water, lighting is an essential requirement for germination. Light enables the plant to survive. In addition, it allows for the creation of sugars during photosynthesis. The plant will use these sugars to feed itself as it grows.
Light is also essential to the young plant. It also provides much-needed warmth. The plant will require warmth to help break through the shell and not die from the cold. Fluorescent bulbs with a color temperature of 6500K and a T5 output will help provide the seeds with the correct light.
Fluorescent bulbs are recommended because they take up very little power and don’t produce too much heat. You can adjust the position of the lights so that they are very close to the plants without causing them to suffer any damage. As soon as the first leaves emerge, you will need to ensure that your plants are receiving light.

You can use incandescent bulbs also. They will generate heat. You cannot use incandescent lights to provide the light necessary to grow your plants. However, they can be used to assist in germination.
You can use garden heating mats as an alternative to light as a heat source. These pads heat the seeds from underneath the container you are germinating in. Remember that once the plants start to grow, you will need an alternative heating method. Also, these pads will not produce enough warmth for larger plants.
Keep the soil at around 21 to 22°C (69 to 71°F). Seeds need a specific temperature range to germinate. If the temperature is too cold, they won’t germinate. Likewise, if the temperature is too hot, they won’t germinate.
It is better to have humid air when germinating seeds. Drier air is not that good for your seeds. Also, if the temperature in your germination growth starts to get too high, move the setup away from the lights. If it is too cold, move it towards the lights.

Final Thoughts

Germination is considered one of the most critical stages of cultivating cannabis. You will need to be careful with this stage. We have gone over some germination strategies that will help you achieve the best results possible. We think what works for you is the best way to do something. If you are like me, you prefer to do things most simply and naturally possible. Not just because it is easy but also because it most closely emulates natural growth. But something else may appeal to you. So get out there and see what works for you.

Germinating is the beginning of life for your cannabis plant, and it is essential to understand how it works.

This guide will discuss the different ways of germinating your marijuana seeds and some strategies to help you achieve the best results.

Why You Need to Germinate Cannabis Seeds Before Planting

Many different plants can germinate in the ground. However, cannabis seedlings can be fragile. Because of this, weed seeds should be germinated separately before planting. Immediately after the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in a hydroponic setup, a soilless medium, or the soil.

During the planting process, you should ensure that the seeds are 2.5 cm (1 Inch) deep in whichever medium you choose and covered lightly.

After planting, you should wait one week for the seedling to start emerging from the soil. If the seed poked through the soil by the tenth day, it likely didn’t survive.

When to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

We recommend that you germinate your cannabis seeds when the hours of sunlight are long enough to allow for healthy growth.

In short, we recommend germinating your seeds in the spring when it is getting warmer and when the sun won’t disappear for long periods. You don’t need to follow a fixed calendar, although it can help. Instead, you can look outside your house and see when other plants are starting to sprout. Just make sure that good growing weather will be present for some time. Your plants should be getting about 12 hours of sunlight each day. You can help with this by making sure they have southern exposure.

This means ensuring your plants have access to the sky facing south. Now that we have a solid foundation of where to start let’s learn how to germinate your cannabis seeds.

How to Germinate Your Cannabis Seeds

Before we highlight the different methods of germinating marijuana, we need to understand what conditions the seeds need to germinate. The conditions include the following:

· Moisture – You need to ensure that the seeds are moist. You can soak cannabis seeds for between 20-30 hours. Do not oversoak them.
· Provide Peace– Don’t disturb the seeds; wait for the taproot to show up.
· Warmth– To assist with germination, keep the seeds warm. Make sure the environment is not too hot. Seeds can germinate in cooler temperatures, but the process takes a long time when it’s cold. You want to shoot between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
· Be Gentle– Be careful when taking care of the seeds; treat them gently as you move them. If possible, avoid touching the white root; this is the taproot and is fragile. It can easily snap off.
· Plant with the Pointed End Up– Make sure the pointed end is facing up when planting the seeds. This will ensure that the seedling does not waste energy trying to reorient itself.
· Plant About a Knuckle Deep – Don’t put the seeds too deep in the soil. You can place the seed about an inch under the soil’s surface.

Different Methods of Germinating Cannabis Seeds

The best germination method depends on the choice of the cultivator. Below are some of the common ways to germinate your cannabis seeds.

Germinating Seeds in the Soil

Perhaps the easiest way to germinate cannabis seeds. The soil acts as a protective barrier for the seeds. It is also good at retaining moisture. What steps should you take to germinate seeds in soil?
Step 1: Ensure You Use the Correct Soil Type – This is the first step. The soil should either be gently fertilized or a seed starter with a pH level of 6.
The soil should also contain enough nutrients and the right acidity to strengthen the young plants during the first two weeks. After that, refrain from adding more nutrients to the soil unless there is an absolute need. After that, you can cause your plant to go into the nutrient lock.
Step 2: Place the Soil in a Container and Use a Pencil to Create a Small Hole – Once the soil is in the pot, you can use a pencil to create a hole that is half an inch to an inch deep. Once the seed is in the soil, bury it in the soil. After this stage, please do not touch the seed because it is very fragile.
Step 3: Water the Soil – Carefully water the soil with a spray bottle and place your pots under a fluorescent lamp. Keep your seeds away from a window. The temperature swings that happen at a window can interfere with germination. You must ensure the temperature range is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F).
Ensure that you monitor the soil daily to ensure that it is moist. After 4 to 7 days, small stems should be sprouting through the soil.
Once the seedling grows to 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) height, you can now transplant the cannabis to a larger pot with more room for the roots to spread out. This indicates that you have successfully germinated the seeds into young plants.

Germinating Seeds in Water

Germinating cannabis seeds in water is popular because it is faster. All you need to do is place your seeds in water and make adjustments as necessary.
As we stated earlier, germinating seeds require a balanced and ideal growing condition. For example, many water germinations require only 24 to 48 hours to ensure that the stems pop out of the seeds. However, some seeds can be soaked for up to a week.
Water germination can be fast because the seeds have all the water they need readily available. This allows the shell to be softened and to crack easily.
What do you need to do to germinate seeds in water?
Step 1: Fill a Glass with Tap Water and Leave It to Come to Room Temperature – Once you fill a glass with tap water, you should leave it in a warm room until it attains a temperature of at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Add Seeds to the Glass – Add 2 or 3 seeds to the glass and allow them to settle for some time. Then watch the glass for any changes. You can change the water to freshwater after every two days, but always make sure that it is at room temperature.
The seeds may start sprouting after two days, though some old seeds may take a week to sprout.
Step 3: Remove the Seeds from the Water – Once the seeds have sprouted, remove them from the glass and place them in the soil.
The only disadvantage with water germination is that you must be very careful when moving the sprouted seeds. This process is very delicate since the seeds are fragile. If you harm the seeds, you can kill the plant.

Germinating Seeds on Paper Towels

Germinating marijuana seeds on paper towels is a common way to sprout cannabis seeds. In some cases, the grower will use a cotton pad instead. The methods for germination using paper towels and cotton padding are very similar.
Step 1: Lay the Paper Towels on a Flat Surface – To germinate seeds using paper towels, you should lay paper towels on a countertop, then place some seeds on them. Next, cover the seeds using another towel.
Step 2: Moisten the Towels – Use a spray bottle to moisten the towels. Place the paper towels and seeds on a plate or in a bowl. Then cover the seeds with a face-down bowl or plate. Alternatively, you can place them in a plastic bag to ensure they are secure.
Step 3: Maintain the Temperature – Ensure room temperature is between 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). You will want to maintain this temperature. Also, you should wrap the seeds and place them in a dark place. You will want to keep the seeds away from direct wind and sunlight. Within 2-5 days, the seeds should start to show tiny roots. You can plant them when they reach about 5 millimeters (0.2 Inch) in length.
The paper towel method has some risks. This is because the seedlings might be destroyed during the unwrapping and potting stage. Also, the roots can become entangled in the towel and the roots of other seeds. So make sure you relocate the seeds before their roots get too long.
You can use your hands or some tweezers to move the seeds and place them in your medium of choice.

Other Popular Germination Methods

The abovementioned methods are some of the most popular ways of germinating marijuana seeds. However, they are not the only ways. For example, you  can always use starter plugs or cubes.
These methods are straightforward. All you have to do is to put a seed into or onto the growing medium. Once you do this, add some water. Then you need to wait. After that, the seeds should begin to germinate. Just keep an eye that they don’t dry out.
These methods protect the plants from damage, mainly when transported to their final homes. However, as usual, you should exercise caution when using these methods.

Germinating Seeds in Peat Pellets

This is a method of germinating seeds that will help to mitigate damage to the young roots. Peat pellets are made of decomposed vegetable matter. These pellets contain nutrients that the seedlings need to develop correctly. The pellets enlarge when you add water to them, forming a nutrient-rich container.
The peat pellets are optimized with a pH of 5.5. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to worry about any adjustments. However, remember to soak the pellets in warm water to prepare them for the seeds.
Once the roots appear, move the whole pellet into the medium, where it will continue growing. This method is not recommended for hydroponic setups. However, peat pellets are suitable for germination and can be used by beginners. They can also be used in cloning.

Planting the Germinated Seeds

After the seeds have sprouted, they should be planted in the most suitable medium.
If you use a germination process that requires moving the sprouts, do so with a lot of care since the roots are very fragile. You don’t want to touch the root, or you can break it. The root may sustain this, but it can seriously hamper your plant’s growth. It can also send the plant into shock, which it may never recover from. It should also be placed half an inch to an inch deep in the growing medium. After positioning the germinated seed, cover it lightly and make sure the soil is moist. After one week, the seedling should emerge through the soil.
Some seeds emerge in a day or two, while others can take up to 10 days. If the waiting period exceeds ten days, your seed may not have survived.
If your seed is planted upside down, don’t panic, nature has a way of working things out. As long as you have not crowded the seedling, it should be able to correct itself. Give it some time and space and allow it to do this.

Cannabis Seeds versus Clones

For typical home growers, it is easier to obtain cannabis seeds than clones. Also, growing seeds produce more vigorous plants acclimated to the climate they are growing in.
Marijuana plants grown from seed are usually stronger than plants grown from clones. This is because they develop strong taproots. In cooler climates, you can plant your seeds directly in your garden. After the last frost, you will want to do this in mid to late spring.
It is better to germinate your seeds indoors if you grow them outside. This will allow the seeds a more extended germination period and also protect them from the worst of the early spring weather. Moreover, growing the plant indoors will enable the seedling access to plenty of light (primarily if you use a grow lamp). Then, transplant them outside or into an indoor pot when mature enough.

Is Lighting Important for Cannabis Germination?

Just like water, lighting is an essential requirement for germination. Light enables the plant to survive. In addition, it allows for the creation of sugars during photosynthesis. The plant will use these sugars to feed itself as it grows.
Light is also essential to the young plant. It also provides much-needed warmth. The plant will require warmth to help break through the shell and not die from the cold. Fluorescent bulbs with a color temperature of 6500K and a T5 output will help provide the seeds with the correct light.
Fluorescent bulbs are recommended because they take up very little power and don’t produce too much heat. You can adjust the position of the lights so that they are very close to the plants without causing them to suffer any damage. As soon as the first leaves emerge, you will need to ensure that your plants are receiving light.

You can use incandescent bulbs also. They will generate heat. You cannot use incandescent lights to provide the light necessary to grow your plants. However, they can be used to assist in germination.
You can use garden heating mats as an alternative to light as a heat source. These pads heat the seeds from underneath the container you are germinating in. Remember that once the plants start to grow, you will need an alternative heating method. Also, these pads will not produce enough warmth for larger plants.
Keep the soil at around 21 to 22°C (69 to 71°F). Seeds need a specific temperature range to germinate. If the temperature is too cold, they won’t germinate. Likewise, if the temperature is too hot, they won’t germinate.
It is better to have humid air when germinating seeds. Drier air is not that good for your seeds. Also, if the temperature in your germination growth starts to get too high, move the setup away from the lights. If it is too cold, move it towards the lights.

Final Thoughts

Germination is considered one of the most critical stages of cultivating cannabis. You will need to be careful with this stage. We have gone over some germination strategies that will help you achieve the best results possible. We think what works for you is the best way to do something. If you are like me, you prefer to do things most simply and naturally possible. Not just because it is easy but also because it most closely emulates natural growth. But something else may appeal to you. So get out there and see what works for you.

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.

The best autoflower seed banks of 2024: Reviews and recommended products

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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! 

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