Growing cannabis is an exciting journey, and if you’re looking for something that’s easy, fast, and doesn’t need much fuss, autoflowering strains are the way to go. These beauties flower on their own, regardless of light cycles, and are perfect for both beginners and seasoned growers. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through the top 10 autoflowering strains, how to grow them, and what makes them so special. By the end of this, you’ll have a solid idea of which strains to get your hands on and how to nurture them to perfection.
What Are Autoflowering Strains?
Autoflowering strains are cannabis plants that transition from the vegetative stage to the flowering stage on their own. Unlike regular cannabis strains, which rely on light cycles (like the 12/12 rule) to start flowering, autoflowers are genetically wired to flower after a certain period of time—usually 2-4 weeks. This makes them an awesome choice for anyone who wants a quick turnaround without all the hassle of adjusting light schedules.
How autoflowering strains differ from regular cannabis strains
One of the biggest differences between autoflowering strains and regular strains is that autoflowers don’t need a change in light cycles to start flowering. They also tend to be smaller and grow faster, which is ideal if you’re working with limited space or just want quicker results.
The benefits of choosing autoflowering strains
Autoflowering strains are perfect for anyone looking for a low-maintenance grow. They’re fast, hardy, and can handle rougher conditions than photoperiod strains. Plus, their compact size makes them great for stealth grows or indoor setups. You can also squeeze in multiple harvests in a single season!
Are autoflowering strains better for beginners?
Absolutely. Autoflowers are practically foolproof, making them ideal for beginners. Since they don’t rely on light schedules, you have less to worry about. Just give them the basics—water, light, and nutrients—and they’ll take care of the rest.
Our 20 Best Rated Autoflower Strains
Now, let’s get into the top 10 autoflowering strains you should have on your radar. These strains have been chosen based on their ease of growth, yield potential, and overall popularity among growers.
Acapulco Gold Autoflower
Acapulco Gold Autoflower is a legendary sativa strain known for its uplifting effects and golden, resin-coated buds. With a flowering time of around 9-10 weeks, it delivers moderate yields of around 400 grams per square meter indoors. It’s great for growers looking for a balanced strain that offers a clear-headed high with a touch of euphoria.
Godfather OG Autoflower
Godfather OG Autoflower is an indica-dominant powerhouse known for its heavy-hitting effects and high THC content, often reaching up to 28%. This strain is ready for harvest in about 9 weeks, producing dense, resinous buds. Its effects are deeply relaxing, making it ideal for nighttime use or for treating insomnia and pain.
Gelato Autoflower
Gelato Autoflower is a sweet and creamy hybrid strain that flowers in about 8-9 weeks. With THC levels hovering around 20-25%, this strain is known for its powerful euphoric and calming effects. Expect medium to large yields of compact, flavorful buds with a dessert-like aroma that’s perfect for an end-of-day smoke.
Granddaddy Purple Autoflower
Granddaddy Purple Autoflower is a popular indica strain with beautiful purple hues and a grape-like aroma. Flowering in just 8-10 weeks, it offers medium yields and high THC content, typically between 18-23%. The effects are deeply calming and sedative, making it perfect for those seeking relief from stress or insomnia.
Big Bud Autoflower
Big Bud Autoflower is famous for its massive yields, living up to its name. With a flowering time of around 7-9 weeks, this indica-dominant strain is perfect for growers looking for large harvests with minimal effort. THC levels range from 16-20%, delivering a potent, relaxing high that’s great for unwinding after a long day.
Bruce Banner Autoflower
Bruce Banner Autoflower is a powerful hybrid with THC levels often exceeding 25%. This strain is fast-growing, with a flowering time of 8-10 weeks, and produces large, dense buds. Known for its strong, euphoric effects and energizing buzz, it’s a great strain for daytime use while also offering therapeutic benefits.
Gorilla Cookies Autoflower
Gorilla Cookies Autoflower is a potent hybrid that combines the best traits of Gorilla Glue and Girl Scout Cookies. It flowers in 8-9 weeks and can produce up to 600 grams per square meter indoors. With THC levels reaching up to 27%, it delivers strong, euphoric effects, making it a favorite for both recreational and medical users.
Pink Runtz Autoflower
Pink Runtz Autoflower is a sweet, candy-flavored hybrid strain with eye-catching pink and purple buds. It flowers in 8-9 weeks and is known for its balanced effects that combine euphoria and relaxation. With THC levels around 20-25%, Pink Runtz offers a pleasant and long-lasting high that’s perfect for socializing or unwinding.
Durban Poison Autoflower
Durban Poison Autoflower is a pure sativa strain that offers a quick flowering time of about 8-9 weeks. Known for its energetic and uplifting effects, this strain is perfect for daytime use. Durban Poison produces moderate yields and boasts high THC levels, typically between 17-22%, making it great for those looking for a creative and motivating high.
Wedding Cake Autoflower
Wedding Cake Autoflower is an indica-dominant strain with a sweet, vanilla-like aroma. Flowering in just 8-9 weeks, it produces dense, resin-covered buds with THC levels reaching up to 25%. The effects are both euphoric and relaxing, making it perfect for unwinding or enjoying a calm evening with friends.
Northern Lights Autoflower
Northern Lights Autoflower is a legendary indica strain, renowned for its deeply relaxing effects. This strain flowers in as little as 8 weeks, making it a fast option for growers. It typically yields around 100-150 grams per plant indoors and has a THC content of 14-18%. The effects are calming, perfect for winding down at night. Taste-wise, expect earthy and pine flavors with subtle sweetness.
Blueberry Autoflower
Blueberry Autoflower is a favorite for those who enjoy fruity, sweet strains. With THC levels between 14-18%, it delivers a calming and relaxing high that’s perfect for chilling after a long day. This hardy strain can be harvested in 8-10 weeks and yields around 120-150 grams per plant. The flavor is predominantly sweet, with strong berry notes and a subtle hint of earthiness.
Amnesia Haze Autoflower
Amnesia Haze Autoflower is a sativa-dominant strain known for its uplifting and energizing effects. It has a THC content of around 18-22%, providing a cerebral and creative high. This strain takes about 10-12 weeks to flower and produces yields of 150-200 grams per plant. The taste is citrusy with earthy undertones, making it a refreshing smoke, ideal for daytime use.
Gorilla Glue Autoflower
Gorilla Glue Autoflower is famous for its extremely sticky buds and potent effects. With THC levels reaching up to 24%, this strain delivers a powerful body high that can glue you to the couch. Flowering in about 8-9 weeks, it yields 150-250 grams per plant indoors. Expect pungent, earthy flavors with hints of pine and sour notes.
Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) Autoflower
Girl Scout Cookies Autoflower is a balanced hybrid that brings euphoric and creative effects with a relaxing finish. It has a THC content of 18-22% and flowers in just 8-10 weeks. Indoors, it yields around 150-250 grams per plant. The flavor profile includes sweet, earthy, and slightly minty notes, making it a delight for both recreational and medical users.
White Widow Autoflower
White Widow Autoflower is a well-balanced hybrid known for its long-lasting effects and easy grow. With THC levels of 14-20%, this strain provides a pleasant mix of cerebral and physical effects. It flowers in 8-9 weeks and produces up to 200 grams per plant indoors. The taste is earthy and woody with a slight spiciness, making it a classic favorite for many growers.
Zkittlez Autoflower
Zkittlez Autoflower is a flavorful hybrid strain that offers a smooth, uplifting high with relaxing body effects. With THC levels around 15-20%, it flowers in 8-9 weeks and yields about 150-250 grams per plant. The taste is like a rainbow of sweet, fruity candy flavors with tropical and berry notes, making it a delightful choice for both daytime and evening use.
Sour Diesel Autoflower
Sour Diesel Autoflower is a sativa-dominant strain known for its potent, energizing effects and signature fuel-like aroma. It boasts THC levels of 18-22% and is great for creative work or social situations. The flowering time is around 10-11 weeks, with yields of 150-200 grams per plant. Its taste is a mix of citrus and diesel, making it a sharp, pungent smoke.
Pineapple Express Autoflower
Pineapple Express Autoflower is a fruity hybrid that’s as fun to grow as it is to smoke. With THC levels ranging from 16-19%, it delivers an uplifting and relaxing high. It flowers in about 8-10 weeks and can yield around 100-150 grams per plant. The taste is tropical and sweet, with strong pineapple and citrus notes, making it a refreshing choice for any time of day.
AK-47 Autoflower
AK-47 Autoflower is a highly versatile hybrid known for its mellow, creative effects. With THC levels of 14-18%, it provides a balanced high that’s great for both relaxing and staying productive. It flowers in 8-9 weeks and can yield 150-250 grams per plant. The flavor is a mix of earthy and sweet, with a hint of spiciness that makes it an enjoyable smoke for any occasion.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Autoflowering Strains
When picking the right autoflowering strain, you want to think about things like yield, THC and CBD content, and whether you’re growing indoors or outdoors. Each strain has its own characteristics, and the one you choose should fit your needs and grow setup.
Yield potential of autoflowering strains
Autoflowers might be smaller than their photoperiod counterparts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a decent harvest. Some autoflowers can yield upwards of 150 grams per plant under the right conditions. Keep in mind, though, that yield often depends on the strain and how well you take care of it.
THC and CBD content in autoflowers
If you’re after a strain that packs a punch, check the THC levels before you buy. Many autoflowering strains boast high THC levels, often between 15-25%. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something more mellow, you can find strains with higher CBD content that offer a more balanced experience.
Growing environment considerations (indoor vs outdoor)
Autoflowers are super versatile and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. If you’re growing indoors, you can control every aspect of the environment, which usually leads to bigger yields. Outdoors, autoflowers benefit from natural light and can be a good choice if you want a quick harvest without worrying about the changing seasons.
How to Grow Autoflowering Strains Successfully
Growing autoflowers is easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to maximize your yield. The right soil, nutrients, and light cycle will make all the difference.
Best soil and nutrients for autoflowers
I always recommend using a light, airy soil mix for autoflowers. Something like a mix of coco coir and perlite works wonders. As for nutrients, autoflowers don’t need as much as photoperiod strains, so go easy on the nitrogen and focus more on phosphorus and potassium during the flowering stage.
The ideal light cycle for autoflowering strains
autoflowers can thrive under a variety of light cycles, but I’ve had the best results with an 18/6 (18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness) cycle. This gives them enough light to grow without overloading them.
Watering schedule and common mistakes to avoid
With autoflowers, less is more when it comes to water. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes new growers make. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings to avoid root rot and other issues.
Tips for Maximizing Yields with Autoflowering Strains
If you want to get the most out of your autoflowers, it’s all about understanding their life cycle and making small adjustments along the way.
Understanding the lifecycle of autoflowering plants
Autoflowers have a fixed lifecycle, which means you need to act fast. They usually complete their life cycle in about 8-12 weeks, so every day counts. Pay close attention to their growth and don’t delay when it’s time to adjust nutrients or light.
How to train autoflowering plants for better yields
Low-stress training (LST) is a great technique for autoflowers. Since they have such a short vegetative phase, you don’t want to stress them out with topping or high-stress training. Instead, gently bend the branches to allow more light to hit the lower buds.
Controlling temperature and humidity for optimal growth
Aim to keep the temperature between 68-77°F and the humidity around 40-50% during flowering. Too much humidity can cause mold, while too little can stunt growth.
Best Practices for Harvesting Autoflowering Strains
When it comes time to harvest, patience is key. Rushing this step can ruin all your hard work, so make sure you’re harvesting at the right time and handling the buds properly.
Identifying the right time to harvest
The best way to know when your autoflowers are ready to harvest is by checking the trichomes. When they turn milky with a few amber trichomes mixed in, it’s time to chop.
Post-harvest drying and curing techniques
After you’ve harvested, dry your buds in a dark, well-ventilated area for about a week. Then, cure them in airtight jars for at least two weeks to develop that perfect flavor and potency.
What is the fastest-growing autoflowering strain?
Northern Lights Autoflower is one of the fastest-growing strains, often ready for harvest in just 8 weeks.
How much do autoflowering strains yield?
Autoflowers can yield anywhere from 30 to 150 grams per plant depending on strain and growing conditions.
Can autoflowering plants be cloned?
Autoflowers don’t clone well due to their fixed lifecycle, making it difficult to get viable results from cuttings.
Do autoflowering strains require special nutrients?
No special nutrients are needed, but go light on nitrogen and focus more on phosphorus and potassium during flowering.
How long do autoflowering strains take from seed to harvest?
Autoflowering strains typically take between 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest.
Autoflowering strains are a game-changer, especially if you’re after a quick, easy grow without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, the strains on this list will give you a great growing experience with minimal hassle. So grab a pack, follow the tips, and you’ll be enjoying your harvest in no time. Happy growing!
