Types of Cannabis Seeds – Photoperiodic vs. Autoflowering
Types of Cannabis Seeds – Photoperiodic vs. Autoflowering
Every experienced grower is familiar with the types of cannabis seeds. They can be categorized according to their genetics, type of growth, or even sex. In this brief article, we discuss three types of cannabis seeds: two of them are photoperiodic, and one is autoflowering. What distinguishes and connects these two types? Why are they important, and what do you really need to know about them if you intend to cultivate these strains? Learn more!
Photoperiodic marijuana seeds
When discussing photoperiodic cannabis seeds, we mean plants that require a shift in the light cycle to trigger flowering. In outdoor farming, the natural change in the length of daylight triggers this process. Indoor cultivators, in contrast, induce flowering by modifying artificial light from 18 hours a day to 12 hours.
Full season photoperiodic cannabis seeds
We can distinguish between two types of photoperiodic strains. The first type is the classic, typical seed that requires a full season (from spring to fall or several months of indoor cultivation) to grow, blossom, and produce high yields. Both of which, along with many others, can be found among Ganja Farmer seeds at this address: https://ganjafarmer.com/.
Outdoor cultivation typically starts in the spring—sometimes as early as March, though more often in April or May—and wraps up in October or November, depending on the strain and growing conditions. For example, in California, the season often starts in March and ends in November, allowing the plants many months to grow and produce significant yields.
The flowering process begins with the change of seasons. As summer ends, buds start to develop. By October or November, the trichomes change color from clear to cloudy or even amber, signaling the time to harvest.
Fast versions
The second type of photoperiodic strain is known as semi-autoflowering or “fast version.” While still photoperiodic, these strains have a shorter flowering process. The name “semi-autoflowering” can be confusing, particularly because of the “semi-automatic” part of the term.
The origin of fast-flowering strains is straightforward. Crossbreeding autoflowering strains with photoperiodic strains resulted in hybrids referred to as semi-automatic cannabis breeds. Hence, the name.
The most accurate term for these strains is probably “fast version.” The autoflowering genes in these hybrids allow them to flower faster—typically by one to three weeks. This makes them particularly suitable for outdoor cultivation in less favorable climates.
Yields in photoperiodic strains tend to be considerably higher from those harvested from automatic cannabis seeds.
Autoflowering cannabis seeds
These types of marijuana seeds are particularly fascinating. The origin of all automatic seeds can be traced to Siberia and Eastern Europe, where the so-called Cannabis ruderalis thrives. This is a very small plant, significantly smaller compared to photoperiodic strains. It grows in harsh climates with very short summers, requiring it to flower as quickly as possible. Unlike photoperiodic strains, it does not rely on a light cycle; instead, it blossoms when it reaches maturity, typically within 8 to 12 weeks.
Growers crossbred classic marijuana strains with Cannabis ruderalis, resulting in autoflowering strains that are richer in THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. The height of these plants ranges from 12 to 31 inches and is perfect for indoor cultivation. Additionally, they are well-suited for outdoor growing, even allowing for multiple harvests in a single season. They are very sensitive to every change in environment, so every grower needs to be precise with them. Their yield is smaller than the yield harvested from photoperiodic strains.
Here are three types of cannabis seeds classified based on their growth type. Photoperiodic and autoflowering seeds each have their unique characteristics and requirements, but both bring growers around the world immense joy from their bountiful harvests!
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