Autoflowering cannabis strains have revolutionized the way both beginners and experienced growers approach cultivation. These unique plants are celebrated for their resilience, fast growth, and ability to flower without changes in light cycles. But one question remains at the top of many growers’ minds: how big do autoflowers get? Understanding the size potential of autoflowers is essential for planning your grow setup, whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or in a small stealth operation.
Autoflowers owe their unique growth traits to their Ruderalis genetics, which enable them to adapt to various environments. However, the size of these plants can vary widely depending on several factors, including genetics, environment, and grower expertise. In this guide, we’ll delve into the specifics of how big autoflowers can get in different setups, explain the key variables influencing their size, and help you choose the right seeds to meet your goals.
What Makes Autoflowers Unique?
To understand the size potential of autoflowers, it’s important to grasp what sets them apart from photoperiod cannabis plants. Traditional photoperiod strains rely on changes in light cycles to transition from vegetative growth to flowering. In contrast, autoflowers automatically switch to flowering after a set period, regardless of light exposure. This trait makes them especially appealing to growers who value simplicity and speed.
Autoflowers also tend to be smaller and more compact compared to photoperiod strains. This characteristic can be both an advantage and a limitation, depending on your goals. For instance, their smaller size is ideal for stealth grows or limited indoor spaces, but some growers may prefer larger plants for higher yields.
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Factors That Influence the Size of Autoflowers
The size of autoflowers is determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Here’s a closer look at what affects their growth:
Genetics
The genetic makeup of an autoflowering strain plays a significant role in determining its size. Sativa-dominant autoflowers generally grow taller with a more slender structure, while Indica-dominant strains are shorter and bushier. Hybrid strains fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of traits.
Some strains are bred specifically for compact growth, making them perfect for stealth or small spaces. Others, like Sativa-dominant autoflowers, can grow surprisingly tall under the right conditions.
Growing Environment
Where you choose to grow your autoflowers—indoors or outdoors—will significantly impact their size. Outdoor plants often grow larger due to the availability of natural sunlight and unrestricted root space. Indoor plants, on the other hand, are influenced by factors like light intensity, pot size, and environmental controls.
Pot Size
The size of the pot you use directly affects the growth potential of your autoflowers. Larger pots provide more space for root development, which translates to bigger plants. However, if you’re working with limited space, smaller pots can help restrict growth without sacrificing plant health.
Nutrients and Watering
Autoflowers thrive when provided with the right balance of nutrients and water. Overfeeding or underfeeding can stunt their growth. It’s crucial to follow a nutrient schedule tailored to the specific needs of autoflowers, which typically require less feeding than photoperiod plants.
Light Intensity
Lighting is a critical factor for indoor growers. High-quality grow lights that provide full-spectrum light can maximize the size of your plants. Outdoors, the availability and intensity of sunlight determine how large your plants will grow.
How Big Do Autoflowers Get Outdoors?
Outdoor autoflowers have the potential to grow larger than their indoor counterparts, thanks to natural sunlight and ample root space. On average, outdoor autoflowers can reach heights of 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm). Some strains, under ideal conditions, can even exceed these measurements.
Growing outdoors allows plants to experience their natural environment, which often results in more robust growth. Autoflowers planted in nutrient-rich soil and exposed to optimal sunlight can achieve impressive sizes. For example, strains like Amnesia Haze Auto and Northern Lights Auto are known to reach up to 4 feet tall when grown outdoors.
To maximize outdoor growth:
- Plant your autoflowers during the spring or summer when sunlight is abundant.
- Ensure the soil is nutrient-dense and well-draining.
- Protect your plants from pests and extreme weather conditions.
How Big Do Autoflowers Get Indoors?
Indoor autoflowers tend to be smaller than those grown outdoors, with an average height range of 16 to 36 inches (40 to 90 cm). However, indoor growers have the advantage of controlling environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and light intensity, which can significantly influence growth.
Compact strains like Critical Purple Auto and Blueberry Auto are ideal for indoor setups, as they rarely exceed 2 feet in height. If you’re looking to maximize yields in a small space, these strains are excellent choices.
To encourage optimal indoor growth:
- Use high-quality LED grow lights that provide full-spectrum light.
- Maintain a consistent temperature between 70°F and 85°F.
- Implement Low-Stress Training (LST) to promote even canopy growth.
How Tall Do Autoflowers Get?
The height of autoflowers varies depending on the strain and growing conditions. Most autoflowers fall into one of three categories:
Short Autoflowers: These strains typically reach heights of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), making them perfect for stealth grows or limited spaces.
Medium Autoflowers: With heights ranging from 18 to 30 inches (45 to 75 cm), these strains strike a balance between compact size and higher yields.
Tall Autoflowers: Tall autoflowers can grow up to 48 inches (120 cm) or more, especially when grown outdoors under ideal conditions. These strains are often Sativa-dominant and require more space to thrive.
Top 5 Big Autoflowers
For growers seeking larger plants and higher yields, here are the top five autoflower strains known for their impressive size:
1. Amnesia Haze Auto
This Sativa-dominant autoflower is renowned for its height, often reaching up to 4 feet when grown outdoors. It produces dense, resinous buds and thrives in sunny climates.
2. Gorilla Glue 4 Auto
Gorilla Glue Auto is a high-yielding strain that can grow up to 3.5 feet tall. Its robust structure makes it a favorite for outdoor cultivation, where it can spread out and flourish.
3. Northern Lights Auto
A classic Indica-dominant strain, Northern Lights Auto grows to around 3 feet outdoors. It’s prized for its resilience and ability to produce large yields even in challenging conditions.
4. Big Bud Auto
True to its name, Big Bud Auto is designed for those seeking maximum yields. This strain can reach up to 3 feet tall and produces dense, heavy colas that justify its name.
5. Jack Herer Auto
This balanced hybrid is capable of growing up to 3.5 feet tall and produces an abundance of frosty buds. Jack Herer Auto performs well in both indoor and outdoor setups, making it a versatile choice for growers.
Tips for Maximizing Autoflower Size
Achieving the maximum size of your autoflowers requires attention to detail and consistent care. Here are some strategies to help your plants reach their full potential:
- Start with high-quality seeds from a reputable seed bank. Strong genetics are the foundation of healthy, robust plants.
- Optimize your lighting setup to provide the right spectrum and intensity for your plants.
- Use larger pots if space permits, as this encourages root development.
- Follow a balanced feeding schedule to provide essential nutrients without overfeeding.
- Train your plants carefully, using methods like Low-Stress Training (LST) to enhance growth without stressing the plant.
FAQs About Autoflower Size
Do autoflowers grow taller outdoors or indoors?
Autoflowers generally grow taller outdoors due to natural sunlight and unrestricted root space. Indoor plants tend to be smaller because of space and light limitations.
What is the average height of an autoflower?
The average height of an autoflower ranges from 16 to 40 inches (40 to 100 cm), depending on the strain and growing conditions.
Can I control the size of my autoflowers?
Yes, you can influence the size of your autoflowers by adjusting factors like pot size, lighting, and training techniques. Smaller pots and low-stress training can help keep plants compact.
Which autoflower strains grow the tallest?
Sativa-dominant strains like Amnesia Haze Auto and Jack Herer Auto are known for their taller growth, especially when grown outdoors.
Are taller autoflowers better for yields?
Not necessarily. While taller plants often produce more buds, compact strains can deliver high yields in smaller spaces if grown under optimal conditions.
