Alright, let’s talk about a true icon. If there’s a Mount Rushmore of cannabis strains, AK-47 has a permanent spot carved out. This sativa-dominant hybrid is a legend in our community for a reason. It’s a multiple-award-winning powerhouse that delivers a uniquely clear-headed yet relaxing high that’s perfect for any time of day.
But here’s the best part: it’s also a dream to grow. This is your chance to cultivate a piece of cannabis history right in your own home. As your Seed Hero, I’m here to educate you, guide you, and help you nurture this incredible plant from a simple seed into a high-caliber harvest of top-shelf, homegrown buds. Let’s do this!
Recommended Strains
AK 47 Regular
THC: 16% - 19%
Type of seed: Regular
Phenotype: Mostly Sativa
Day to flower: 6 - 8 weeks
AK 47
- THC: 16% - 19%
- Type of seed: Feminized
- Phenotype: Mostly Sativa
- Day to flower: 8 - 10 weeks
From Seed to a Legendary Harvest: The Full Grow-Along
AK-47 is famously resilient and forgiving, making it a fantastic choice whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Germination: Getting the Mission Started
Every great plant starts with a single taproot. The paper towel method is my foolproof technique for getting things going.
- Soak: Give your seeds a 12 to 24-hour bath in a glass of room-temperature water. This softens the shell and kickstarts the process.
- Wrap: Place the hydrated seeds between two paper towels that are damp, but not dripping wet.
- Keep it Warm & Dark: Put your paper towel setup inside a Ziploc bag or between two plates to create a dark, humid germination station.
- Sprout!: In 24-72 hours, you’ll see a tiny white root emerge. Success! Carefully plant it about a half-inch deep in your starter soil, root-down.
A Quick Word on “Regular” Seeds: Regular seeds are cannabis in its most natural form. They will grow into both male and female plants. For harvesting smokable buds, you’ll want to identify and remove the males early in the flowering stage. For breeders looking to innovate and create their own new strains, these male plants are pure gold!
2. The Vegetative Stage: Building a Strong Foundation
During veg, your AK-47 is building its structure. It will grow into a strong, medium-to-tall plant with a classic cannabis silhouette.
- Light Cycle: You need long “days” to promote leafy growth. An 18/6 light cycle (18 hours of light, 6 of darkness) is the industry standard and works perfectly.
- Nutrient Needs: Your plant is hungry for Nitrogen (N) during this phase. Use a well-balanced “grow” fertilizer to give it the fuel it needs.
- Train for Bigger Yields: AK-47 responds incredibly well to training. Techniques like Topping (snipping the top of the main stem) or Low-Stress Training (LST) will encourage the plant to grow multiple main colas instead of just one, dramatically increasing your final harvest.
3. The Flowering Stage: Aromatic and Resinous
This is where the magic happens. To trigger flowering, you MUST switch your lights to a strict 12/12 cycle (12 hours of light, 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness).
The flowering time for AK-47 is a respectable 8-9 weeks. During this time, the plant will stretch a bit, then focus all its energy on developing large, dense, and incredibly resinous buds. The aroma will become very pronounced, a complex mix of earthy, sweet, floral, and skunky notes.
When you flip your lights, switch to a “bloom” fertilizer that is higher in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) to support this amazing flower production.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Nutrient Burn! AK-47 can be a bit sensitive to overfeeding. It’s always better to start with a slightly weaker nutrient solution and work your way up. Watch the tips of the leaves, if they start to turn yellow or brown, you’re feeding them too much.
Promos & Deals
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Choosing Your Grow Environment
AK-47 is a versatile plant that performs beautifully in any setting.
Growing Indoors An indoor grow gives you total control to let this plant thrive.
- Height: This plant has a medium stature, typically finishing between 3.3 to 5 feet (100-150 cm). It’s a perfect size for most grow tents, especially when you use training techniques to manage its shape.
- Odor Control is a MUST: I’m not kidding, this strain has a POWERFUL aroma. It’s amazing, but it will be noticed. A good carbon filter is absolutely essential for any indoor grow.
Growing Outdoors Give this plant a sunny spot and good soil, and it will reward you with a massive harvest.
- Height Potential: Outdoors, AK-47 can stretch its legs and grow taller, sometimes reaching over 6.5 feet (200 cm).
Best Climates & Cities (USA): This strain loves mild, temperate, Mediterranean-like climates.
- California (San Diego, Los Angeles): The consistent sun and low humidity are a perfect match.
- Oregon (Portland): The long, warm summer days are fantastic for vegetative growth, leading to huge plants.
- Colorado (Denver): The intense high-altitude sun and dry climate are great for boosting resin production and keeping mold away.
Pro-Level Playbook: Cloning and Extractions
Cloning: Keep the Legend Alive
Find a female plant with the perfect structure and effects? Clone her!
- Select & Snip: Take a healthy 4-6 inch cutting from a lower branch of a mother plant in her vegetative stage. Use a sterile razor for a clean cut.
- Hormone Dip: Immediately dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage rapid root development.
- Plant It: Place the cutting into a moist starter cube like Rockwool.
- Keep It Humid: Cover your new clones with a humidity dome to keep them from wilting.
- New Generation: In about two weeks, you’ll have a new plant that is a perfect genetic copy of your prized mother!
What to Do With Your Trim? Make a Masterpiece
A sustainable grower uses every part of the plant. The frosty trim from your AK-47 is loaded with cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Classic Dry Sift Hash: The heavy resin production of this strain makes it absolutely perfect for sifting. You can easily create high-quality, old-school hash.
- Potent Edibles: The balanced and euphoric high of AK-47 translates wonderfully into edibles. Making cannabutter or infused coconut oil is a simple and effective way to use your trim.
The Grand Finale: Harvest, Dry & Cure
You’ve made it! Get a jeweler’s loupe and look at the trichomes. When they have changed from clear to mostly milky-white, with a few starting to turn amber, you’ve reached peak potency.
- The Chop: Cut your plants and trim away the large fan leaves.
- The Slow Dry: Hang the branches in a dark room with good airflow, a temperature around 60-70°F (15-21°C), and humidity around 50-55%. This takes about 7-14 days.
- The Cure for Quality: This final step is crucial. Trim the buds and place them in airtight glass jars. “Burp” the jars daily for the first couple of weeks. A proper cure will make your AK-47 smoke incredibly smooth and bring out its complex flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “AK-47”? Is the high aggressive?
Not at all! The name is a playful nod to its “one-hit wonder” effects, meaning a little goes a long way. The high is famously mellow, euphoric, and creative. It’s one of the most balanced and “feel-good” highs you can find.
What is the main benefit of growing “Regular” seeds?
Regular seeds give you both male and female plants. For most growers, the goal is to get bud from the females. But for breeders, having male plants is essential for creating new strains! Growing regular seeds is the most natural way to experience the plant’s full genetic potential.
Is AK-47 a good strain for beginners?
Yes! Its natural resilience and forgiving nature make it a great choice for a first-time grower. It’s a strain that’s easy to grow but produces results that will impress even the most experienced cultivators.
What are the effects really like?
It’s a beautiful balance. You’ll feel an initial uplifting, cerebral, and chatty buzz that makes you want to be creative or socialize. This is followed by a long-lasting, gentle body relaxation that melts away stress without making you feel tired or “stoned.”
How big of a yield can I expect from AK-47?
AK-47 is a famously generous yielder. With good care and some basic training techniques, you can expect a very large harvest of dense, resin-covered, top-shelf buds. It truly rewards your efforts.
