Autoflower vs Photoperiod: What's the Difference?

Starting a grow and stuck between the choice of autoflower and photoperiod seeds? Don't worry, you're not alone! Each of these types comes with its own unique perks and challenges.

Autoflower strains are all about ease and speed, while photoperiod strains often give you more control over the growing process. In this guide, we're breaking down the differences between autoflower vs photoperiod strains, so you can make an informed decision for your grow. Let's get into it!

Autoflower vs Photoperiod: What are They?

What is an Autoflower Strain?

Autoflower plants are a certain type of cannabis sub species that has been bred to flower automatically, when the cannabis plant has reached a certain level of maturity. Unlike photoperiod strains, they don't need a change of light schedule to induce flowering, and have a shorter flowering time!

Autoflowers have been genetically designed, and man made by crossing the desired traditional photoperiod strain with a sub species called “Ruderalis.”

Cannabis Ruderalis originated from Southeast Asia, and has evolved to flower without change in the light schedule, to adapt to extreme weather conditions in its natural habitat!

What is a Photoperiod Strain?

Photoperiod strains are the traditional style of cannabis plant. They require a different light cycle to induce the plant to start blooming, and usually have a lifespan of around 4 months - from initial growth to harvest!

Photoperiod plants have the same environmental, nutritional, and basic plant requirements as autoflowers. But in comparison, they have been grown for much longer, and provide a lot more strain options when growing!

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Pros and Cons of Autoflower

Image via @Scal317_ Autoflowers Grown in Hey abby

Pros

Autoflowers have many positives compared to photoperiod cannabis plants:

• They have a shorter lifespan, usually only 3 months;
• They don't need a change of light schedule to induce blooming;
• Autoflowers are typically very resilient to cannabis mold, pests & disease;
• It's easier to perpetuate the growth cycle with autoflower strains as they don't need long vegetative periods;
• They're generally chosen for the ease of growing.

In addition, autoflower plants have one huge benefit if you are growing marijuana outdoors. As they don't require a different lighting schedule, they can be grown year-round, which is not possible for traditional photoperiod strains!

I view autoflowers as more of a tool for growers who have limited space, time, and access to resources. So if you’re a home grower, or growing outdoors with limited capabilities, autoflowers may be perfect for you!

Cons

However, there are also some drawbacks:

• As they generally stay smaller in size, autoflowers usually have lower yields;
• Lack of control over size and state of the plant due to automatic flowering;
• Autoflower plants have less time to recover, which makes it difficult to train and trim them;
• They usually have lower potency.

Pros and Cons of Photoperiod

Image via @kristenotoole_Photoperiod Grown in Hey abby

Pros

Many growers prefer photoperiod plant for the following reasons:

• Photoperiod plants' growth can be controlled. For example, you can keep them in the veg stage for longer to shape a larger plant through various training techniques;
• Photoperiod cannabis plants can be cloned;
• Larger & more potent yields;
• More room for trial and error, as a photoperiod plant has more time to recover from stress and damage!

Cons

However, these drawbacks of photoperiod strains might discourage some growers from choosing them:

• They take longer time to grow;
• They require more attention to lighting and light scheduling;
• Photoperiod seeds can only be grown outdoors within a certain season!

If you’re a grower with some basic cultivation knowledge and want large and potent yields, traditional photoperiod strains are probably the way to go!

Which One Is Better?

There is no real cut and dry answer, as they both have benefits and drawbacks. Before making a decision, it's better to consider your grow experience, grow environment, and desired outcome of the cannabis plant.

When trying to decide between autoflower vs photoperiod strains, there are some major differences that you should know about when considering.

1. Where to Grow Cannabis Plants

Are you growing cannabis indoors or outdoors?

Autoflowers have no lighting requirements, so they can be grown outdoors year round.

2. Grow Space

How much space is available in your grow area?

Autoflower plants grow smaller than photoperiods, so if you are limited on space, autoflowers may work better.

3. Yield & Potency

Are you shooting for higher yield and potency?

Photoperiods produce a higher yield, with more potent flowers than autoflowers.

4. Clones

Do you wish to regenerate your chosen strain?

Autoflowers can not be cloned, so if you wish to save your genetics for future grows you may want to choose a photoperiod strain.

5. Experience of Growing

Do you have previous grow experience, or grow knowledge?

Autoflowers are generally easier to grow. But, if you wish to administer more advanced techniques to the plant and manipulate its growth, photoperiods are a better choice.

6. Growth Condition Controllability

Are you able to control the grow area environment?

If not, autoflowers may be a better fit as they are much more resilient and can fight off pests and diseases better than photoperiod strains.