How to grow AK Auto
Hey there, grower! Are you looking for a strain with legendary power that’s also incredibly easy to grow? Welcome to the world of AK Auto! We’ve taken the world-famous, award-winning genetics of AK-47 and bred it with Ruderalis to create an autoflowering version. What does that mean for you? It means this plant flowers automatically, no need to change light cycles! It’s the perfect strain for beginners and a fun, fast option for experienced cultivators.
This is all about getting a high-quality, potent harvest of homegrown cannabis without the fuss. As your Seed Hero, I’m here to educate you and guide you through this simple and rewarding process. Let’s nurture this plant together and watch it thrive!
Recommended Strains
AK Auto
THC: 16 - 18%
Type of seed: Autoflowering
Phenotype: Mostly Sativa
Day to flower: 8 - 10 weeks
Cherry Ak Auto
- THC: 15% - 22%
- Type of seed: Autoflowering
- Phenotype: Mostly Hybrid
- Day to flower: 8 - 10 weeks
From Seed to Harvest in Record Time: The Full Grow-Along
The beauty of an autoflower is its speed and simplicity. The entire journey from seed to harvest is typically just 9-10 weeks. Let’s break it down.
1. Germination: Starting the Countdown
Every great auto starts with a healthy seed. The paper towel method is a classic for a reason.
- Soak: Give your seeds a 12 to 24-hour soak in a glass of room-temperature water to get them ready for action.
- Wrap: Place the hydrated seeds between two damp, not soaking wet!, paper towels.
- Keep it Warm & Dark: Put your paper towel setup inside a Ziploc bag or between two plates.
- Sprout!: In just a few days, a tiny white taproot will emerge. It’s alive!
PRO TIP FOR AUTOS: Because autoflowers have a short life, they hate being stressed. The best practice is to plant your germinated seed directly into its final pot. This avoids the stress of transplanting later on, allowing your plant to use all its energy for growing big and fast.
2. The Entire Grow Cycle: Set It and Almost Forget It!
This is where autoflowers are SO different and so easy. You don’t need to worry about separate vegetative and flowering stages, the plant handles it all on its own internal clock.
- Light Cycle: This is the best part. Set your lights to an 18/6 schedule (18 hours of light, 6 of darkness) and LEAVE IT THERE for the entire life of the plant. From seedling to harvest, 18/6 is all you need. Simple, right?
- Nutrient Needs: Autos are smaller and have a shorter life, so they need fewer nutrients than big photoperiod plants.
- Weeks 1-3: For the first couple of weeks, the soil has everything your seedling needs. You can start with a very light dose of “grow” nutrients around week 3.
- Weeks 4-9: Once you see the first little white hairs (pistils) appearing, it’s time to switch to a “bloom” fertilizer that is higher in Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K). This will fuel all that amazing bud production.
- Watering: Don’t overwater! This is the #1 mistake with autos. Let the top inch or two of the soil dry out completely before watering again.
3. Location, Location, Location: Where to Grow Your AK Auto
AK Auto is incredibly versatile and its small size makes it a champion of stealth and convenience.
Growing Indoors This is where AK Auto truly shines. It’s perfect for grow tents and small spaces.
- Height: This is a short and compact plant, typically finishing at a very manageable 2 to 3.3 feet (60-100 cm). You won’t have to worry about it outgrowing your tent.
- Environment: Keep temperatures stable between 70-85°F (21-29°C) and humidity around 40-60%. Good airflow from a small fan is always a great idea.
Growing Outdoors The speed of AK Auto is a huge advantage for outdoor growers.
- Height: It will stay nice and compact outdoors, making it perfect for a discreet balcony or corner of your garden.
- Multiple Harvests: In climates with long summers, you can get 2 or even 3 full harvests in a single season!
Best Climates & Cities (USA): This strain is resilient, but it loves the sun.
- California (Los Angeles): You can easily pull multiple harvests in the long, sunny season here.
- Colorado (Denver): The intense sun will help it produce dense, resinous buds.
- Oregon (Portland): Its quick lifecycle means you can easily finish a full harvest during the peak summer months before the autumn rains begin.
Promos & Deals
Pro-Level Playbook: Advanced Tips & What to Do with Trim
A Note on Cloning AK Auto
This is important: You generally should not clone autoflowers. Because an auto’s life is on a fixed timer from the moment it germinates, a clone will be the exact same age as the mother plant. This means it will start to flower almost immediately, resulting in a tiny, single-bud plant. To get a new AK Auto, you’ll always want to start from one of our high-quality seeds!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Autos
- Overwatering/Overfeeding: Remember, they are smaller plants and need less of everything compared to their photoperiod cousins.
- High-Stress Training (HST): Techniques like aggressive topping can stunt an auto’s growth because it doesn’t have time to recover. Stick to Low-Stress Training (LST) if you want to train your plant.
- Transplanting: As mentioned before, transplanting can shock the plant and slow it down. It’s best to plant it in its final home from the start.
What to Do With Your Trim?
A sustainable grower uses the whole plant! The trim from your AK Auto is perfect for making potent edibles. Its balanced high translates beautifully into baked goods or tinctures. A simple cannabutter or infused coconut oil is a fantastic way to make sure none of that goodness goes to waste.
The Grand Finale: Harvest, Dry & Cure
After about 9-10 weeks from when you first planted the seed, it’s time for the reward! Use a magnifying glass to check the trichomes on the buds. When they are mostly cloudy/milky with a few turning amber, you’ve hit peak potency.
- The Chop: Cut the plant down and trim off the large fan leaves.
- The Slow Dry: Hang the plant or individual branches in a dark room with good airflow and humidity around 50-60%. This usually takes 7-10 days.
- The Cure: This is the final touch for amazing flavor. Trim the buds and place them in airtight glass jars. “Burp” the jars for a few minutes each day for the first couple of weeks. A good cure makes all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main benefit of an “Auto” strain?
Simplicity and Speed! They flower automatically without needing a change in the light cycle, and they go from seed to harvest in just a couple of months. They are perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a fast and easy grow.
What are the effects of AK Auto like?
It’s a wonderfully balanced hybrid. You get the classic AK-47 effect: an initial wave of uplifting, happy, and creative euphoria, which then settles into a comfortable and long-lasting body relaxation. It’s great for any time of day.
Do I really keep the lights on for 18 hours the whole time?
Yes! That’s the magic of autoflowers. The long light schedule gives them plenty of energy to grow as big and fast as possible within their short lifespan. No need to ever switch to 12/12.
Can I top my AK Auto plant?
It’s generally not recommended. Topping is a high-stress technique, and since autos have a limited time to grow, that stress can permanently stunt them. If you want to train your plant, stick to gentle Low-Stress Training (LST) only.
What kind of yield can I expect from such a small, fast plant?
Don’t let its size fool you! For a plant that finishes so quickly, AK Auto is a very generous producer. With good light and proper care, you’ll be impressed by the amount of dense, high-quality buds you can harvest.
