The History of Autoflowering Strains and Cannabis Ruderalis

Cannabis ruderalis, a little-known subgroup of the cannabis plant, has played a significant role in developing autoflowering cannabis strains. Autoflowers haven’t always been the most desirable plants to grow in the cannabis community, but they’ve been bred over generations to be able to compete with photoperiod plants. The history of autoflowering seeds and their ruderalis roots is a fascinating tale of botany, hybridization, and the ingenuity of cultivators who sought to create a more covert, efficient, and versatile cannabis plant. This article will explain this fascinating history.

What is cannabis ruderalis?

Cannabis ruderalis is a type of cannabis plant that differs slightly from the more well-known sativa and indica. It’s native to regions with short summers and harsh climates, like Siberia and Eastern Europe. Ruderalis is unique because it doesn’t rely on changes in light to start flowering like other cannabis plants. Instead, it automatically starts to flower with age, usually 2-4 weeks after germination.

Ruderalis plants tend to be smaller and less potent than sativa and indica plants, but they’re hardy and can handle harsh conditions. The lineage of autoflowers stretches back to their first moment in science when Russian botanist Dmitrij Janischewski discovered and documented Cannabis Ruderalis while studying the cannabis plant in Southern Siberia. Unlike its more famous counterparts, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica, ruderalis/autoflower genetics typically have a high CBD to THC ratio and have unique characteristics that allow it to flower automatically without changing lighting. This trait has been selectively bred into modern classic autoflower strains, resulting in faster-growing, more resilient plants that are ideal for growers with quick timelines.

History of autoflowering cannabis

Coming from humble beginnings, the history of autoflowering seeds and their progeny is a tale of novel thinking and exploration into creating a new sub-type of cannabis. Innovations in autoflower growing, like feminization and breeding ruderalis from an interesting plant into a viable prospect for growing, have kept autoflowers a popular choice among home growers and hobbyists.

Experiments with cannabis ruderalis: How today’s autoflower cannabis came to be

The true pioneer of the autoflower revolution is an early cannabis geneticist known as The Joint Doctor. As a passionate cannabis hobbyist, he recognized the untapped potential of ruderalis plants and set out on a mission to develop them into commercially viable and stable autoflower strains. The process involved a series of daring experiments, including cross-breeding ruderalis with other cultivars and stabilizing the hybrids through selective breeding.

Also read our ultimate guide on: How to maximize autoflower yield to learn ways to get the most out of your grow!

The “mexican rudy’ experiment 

During his early days of experimentation, The Joint Doctor began to trade seeds with his friend Antonio. This expatriate lived in Mexico and grew and experimented with exciting breeding projects. One of the seeds he had given to The Joint Doctor was called “Mexican Rudy,” which he found grew shorter and flowered earlier than any of his other cultivars. He knew of Ruderalis’ origins in the East but never made the connection since the genetics came from Mexico. 

The Joint Doctor found that these seeds produced short, bushy plants that flowered quickly. Naturally, he became interested in their odd traits. When he first crossed Mexican Rudy with Northern Lights, it produced photoperiod plants that were short and stocky. He didn’t know what direction to go but knew he had controversial cannabis breeding challenges ahead. Most growers breed for traits that make plants produce more, but The Joint Doctor bred his plants looking for unique characteristics. The shining feature he found in this plant was non-photoperiod dependency. 

Introduction of Lowryder strain by the Joint Doctor 

Lowryder is the love child of a male Rudy plant crossed with a female Northern Lights #2, which was then crossed to a William’s Wonder clone. This crossing produced a male that flowered automatically and did so while it was small and receiving 24 hours of light per day. The Joint Doctor used this male to pass on the autoflower trait and refine the genetics to produce the Lowryder autoflower.

The growing community initially ridiculed autoflowers since they had low yields and lower potency than available photoperiods. Yet, through The Joint Doctor’s fearless experimentation, Lowryder, quickly became a hit with growers for its ease of cultivation, bushy structure, and short flowering time. From there, he continued to hone and perfect his autoflower strains, introducing new varieties with unique flavors, aromas, and effects from his other plants. 

Buy Lowryder Autoflower Seeds

• 80% indica 20% sativa
• Beginner friendly
• THC levels up to 14%
• Good for relaxation

When did the autoflower become popular? 

In the late 2000s, breeders began releasing more autoflowering cultivars after Lowryder emerged. Mitch from Mephisto Genetics traveled from Canada to Spain, where they met other growers working with these genetics, and the spread of heavy-yielding modern autoflowers ignited. Autoflowers gained even more popularity when The Joint Doctor joined forces with Dutch Passion to produce many genetics that made growers take autoflowers as a serious option.

Feminized autoflower cannabis seeds have become the favorite for the patient market due to their ease of growing and quick harvest.

The future of autoflowering cannabis genetics

High-yielding modern autoflowers vs. early autos

The modern-day high-yielding autoflower is a robust plant that produces many buds with a shorter life cycle than its photoperiod sisters. While autoflowers have come leagues above where they once were, they still fail to meet the strength and size of a photoperiod plant. The future of autoflowers is very bright, and one day they will have parity with the photoperiods and won’t be considered second-class.

Popular heavy-yielding auto strains in the ILGM store 

Gorilla Glue Autoflower

Gorilla Glue – An award-winning classic that will never go out of style; Gorilla Glue is a cross of Sour Dubb, Chem’s Sister, and Chocolate Diesel. This 50/50 hybrid will give you the yield and high you need.

Buy GG4 Auto seeds

• 50% indica 50% sativa
• Extreme THC levels of up to 26%
• Easy to grow in and outdoors
• Great relaxing, late-night high

Bruce Banner Autoflower

Bruce Banner – When OG Kush meets Strawberry Diesel, it amounts to an incredibly effective hulk of a plant with potent effects. Not only does this big green monster produce potency, but it makes for a heavy yielder as well.

Buy Bruce Banner Auto seeds

• 40% indica 60% sativa
• Fast flowering strain
• Very high THC levels up to 25%
• A powerful punch of happy relaxation

Girl Scout Cookies Extreme Autoflower

Girl Scout Cookies Extreme – This power hitter is of the most influential cultivars in the world and for good reason! A potent indica cross of the great OG Kush and the racy landrace Durban Poison to bring a hybrid that’s loved far and wide.

GSC Extreme Autoflower

• 80% Indica 20% Sativa 
• High THC levels up to 21%
• Good yields indoors and outdoors
• Easy going relaxing high

OR you can grab all three with our new Autoflower Super Mix Pack!

Conclusion/Summary

Today, thanks to The Joint Doctor’s groundbreaking work with Cannabis Ruderalis, the autoflower cannabis industry is thriving, with numerous companies and breeders developing their exciting cultivars with both size and potency. These autoflowers offer an unparalleled range of flavors and experiences, and their ease of cultivation and speedy maturity has made them a firm favorite of cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. The Joint Doctor’s groundbreaking work in the world of autoflower strains has genuinely changed the game. His legacy will continue to inspire innovation in the cannabis industry for years to come.
Come get reliable, high-yielding autoflower seeds at ILGM.com

FAQs about ruderalis and autoflower cannabis seeds

Why are Autoflowers so popular?

Autoflowers became popular due to their short growth cycles and their bushy size. This popularity has grown since the development of modern high-potency, high-yielding autoflowers.

Are Autoflowers genetically modified?

No, autoflowers are not genetically modified in the scope of how it is commonly known. The only way autoflowers are genetically modified is through selective breeding methods to bring about certain traits in the plant.

What was the first autoflower strain?

Lowryder was the first autoflower cultivar that was brought to market; before this, there were only ruderalis plants.

Do commercial growers use Autoflowers?

Some outdoor growers will utilize autoflowers commercially to make the most of the outdoor season, but typically autoflowers are grown by hobby growers and patients.

How much yield do Autoflowers produce?

Depending on factors like genetics, growth conditions, training, and nutrients, autoflowers can grow anywhere between 50-250 grams per plant.

Are Autoflowers as potent regular (photoperiod) cultivars?

Yes, modern breeding techniques have brought autoflowers to the point of being competitive with photoperiods for potency, which was doubted during the early days of autoflowers.