The Ultimate Guide to Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Outdoors

Autoflowering cannabis strains have revolutionized home growing, making it easier than ever for beginners and experienced cultivators alike to produce high-quality buds. Their unique ability to automatically switch from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, rather than light cycles, makes them particularly well-suited for outdoor cultivation, especially in regions with shorter summers. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the right seeds to harvesting your bountiful crop.

Why Choose Autoflowers for Outdoor Growing?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why autoflowers are a fantastic choice for outdoor cultivation:

• Light Cycle Independence: Unlike photoperiod strains that require a specific light schedule to flower (typically 12 hours of darkness), autoflowers flower based on age, eliminating the need to worry about changing light cycles. This makes them ideal for areas with inconsistent sunlight hours.
• Faster Life Cycle: Autoflowers typically have a much shorter life cycle than photoperiod varieties, often completing their growth cycle in 8-12 weeks from seed to harvest. This allows for multiple harvests in a single outdoor growing season in some climates.
• Smaller Size: Generally, autoflowers grow to a smaller size than photoperiod strains, making them more discreet and easier to manage, especially in smaller gardens or balconies.
• Resilience: Many autoflowering strains are bred to be resilient to pests, diseases, and fluctuating temperatures, making them more forgiving for novice growers.

Getting Started: Essential Considerations

Before you even think about planting a seed, you’ll need to consider a few essential factors:

1. Climate and Location

The first crucial step is to assess your local climate. Autoflowers are generally adaptable but thrive in warm, sunny conditions. Consider the following:

• Sunlight: Aim for a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. The more sunlight, the better your plants will grow. Morning sun is particularly beneficial.
• Temperature: The ideal temperature range for autoflowers is between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Temperatures above or below this range can hinder growth and bud development. Consider the average high and low temps during your growing period.
• Humidity: Keep an eye on humidity levels, as high humidity can lead to mold and mildew issues. If your area is particularly humid, ensure good airflow around your plants.
• Wind Protection: While a gentle breeze is beneficial, strong winds can damage your plants. Choose a location sheltered from strong gusts. Consider using fencing or other windbreaks if needed.
• Frost Risk: Autoflowers are not frost-tolerant. Make sure your planting schedule avoids any risk of frost. If you live in an area with a short growing season, start seeds indoors early.

Once you’ve assessed your climate, choose a suitable outdoor location, keeping these considerations in mind. It should be a place that is private, accessible, and meets the basic requirements listed above.

2. Choosing the Right Autoflower Strain

The variety of autoflowering strains available is vast, so selecting the right one for your climate and preferences is crucial. Consider the following when selecting a strain:

• Climate Adaptability: Some strains are better suited to specific climates than others. Research strains known for their resilience in your climate (hot, cold, humid, dry).
• Size and Yield: If space is limited, consider smaller, compact strains. If you want a larger yield, look for strains known for high productivity.
• Potency and Flavor: Choose a strain with the desired effects, cannabinoid profiles (THC/CBD), and terpene profiles (flavor and aroma).
• Flowering Time: Consider how long the strain takes to mature. If your growing season is short, opt for a faster-flowering variety.
• Reviews and Recommendations: Look for reviews and recommendations from other growers who have experience with the strain you are considering.

Popular strains for outdoor growing include Northern Lights Auto, Gorilla Glue Auto, Amnesia Haze Auto, and Blueberry Auto. Be sure to purchase seeds from a reputable seed bank.

3. Soil and Container Selection

Choosing the right soil and container is essential for healthy root development and plant growth:

• Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. Avoid using heavy garden soil, as this can compact and restrict root growth. You can purchase pre-mixed cannabis soil or create your own mix using a base of coco coir or peat moss, perlite, and compost.
• Containers: Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the full root system of your plant. Autoflowers typically do well in 3-5 gallon containers. Fabric pots are a great choice as they allow for excellent aeration and drainage, which helps prevent root rot. Consider the material – plastic, terracotta and fabric pots all have advantages and disadvantages. Make sure they are appropriately sized.
• Drainage: Ensure that your container has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, as this can suffocate roots and lead to problems. Place a layer of gravel or pebbles at the bottom of your container if necessary.

4. Timing is Everything: When to Plant

Timing your planting is crucial for maximizing your yield. Consider these key factors:

• Last Frost: Avoid planting outdoors until after the last expected frost. Young seedlings are highly susceptible to cold damage.
• Growing Season Length: Consider the length of your growing season and the flowering time of your chosen strain. Plan your planting date so that your plants will mature before the first frost of autumn.
• Sunlight Hours: You need consistent hours of sunlight, which is ideal for the summer.
• Successive Plantings: Because autoflowers have short lifecycles, you may be able to achieve multiple harvests in one season. This is very beneficial. Be sure to time your seedling creation to be staggered to ensure that one set of plants can reach harvest while another set are in the flowering or vegetation stages.

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Autoflowers Outdoors

Now that you have the foundation in place, let’s get to the practical steps of growing your autoflowers.

Step 1: Germinating Your Seeds

You can germinate your seeds using several different methods, but the paper towel method is a popular choice:

1. Prepare Materials: You’ll need two paper towels, a sealable plastic bag, and purified water.
2. Moisten Towels: Wet the paper towels with purified water, ensuring they are damp but not soaking wet.
3. Place Seeds: Place your cannabis seeds on one of the moistened paper towels, and cover with the other paper towel.
4. Seal Bag: Place the paper towels with the seeds into the plastic bag, and seal it, leaving a small gap for air exchange.
5. Warm and Dark: Place the bag in a warm, dark location, such as a cupboard or drawer.
6. Check Daily: Check the seeds daily, and add water if the paper towels begin to dry out. The seeds should germinate within 24-72 hours, although this can vary depending on the strain.
7. Plant Seedling: Once the taproot emerges (the small white root that sprouts from the seed), it’s time to plant it in your chosen container. This taproot can be very fragile, so be extra careful.

Step 2: Planting the Germinated Seedling

Once your seed has germinated, it’s time to carefully transfer the seedling to its final container:

1. Prepare Pot: Fill your chosen container with your chosen soil mix.
2. Create Hole: Use your finger or a small tool to create a small hole in the center of the soil, about 1-2 cm deep.
3. Plant Carefully: Carefully place the germinated seed with the taproot pointing down into the hole. Ensure that the taproot does not curl.
4. Cover Seed: Gently cover the seed and taproot with soil, being careful not to compact the soil.
5. Water Lightly: Lightly water the soil around the seedling, making sure not to overwater. The soil should be damp, but not soaking wet.

Step 3: Vegetative Growth

The vegetative stage is when your plant will focus on growing its leaves and roots. Here’s what to focus on during this phase:

• Watering: Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Water early in the morning or late afternoon and avoid watering during the hottest hours of the day.
• Nutrients: Start feeding your plant with a balanced nutrient solution designed for cannabis growth once the seedling has its first set of true leaves. Begin with a low dose and gradually increase it as the plant grows. Be careful to follow instructions on your nutrient bottles and avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to nutrient burn.
• Sunlight: Ensure that your plant receives plenty of sunlight. Place it in the sunniest spot possible.
• Airflow: Adequate airflow around your plant will help prevent pest infestations and fungal diseases. If your area is humid, consider using a small fan to circulate the air.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Take action immediately if you see signs of infestation by using appropriate organic insecticides. You can use neem oil as a natural pesticide. Regularly check your plants, especially under the leaves.

Step 4: Flowering Stage

Autoflowers will automatically begin to flower based on their age, usually around 3-4 weeks from germination. During the flowering stage, here are the key things to keep in mind:

• Nutrient Change: Switch to a nutrient solution designed for flowering once you see the first signs of flower development (small white pistils appearing at the nodes). Flowering nutrients usually have higher phosphorus and potassium content than vegetative nutrients.
• Watering: Continue to water as needed, keeping the soil slightly moist. Be careful not to overwater, especially during the flowering stage, as this can cause mold.
• Support: As your plant grows and begins to develop buds, you may need to provide some support to prevent it from toppling over. You can use bamboo stakes or plant clips to support your plant.
• Airflow: Maintain good airflow around the plant, as this will help prevent mold and bud rot.
• Pest Control: Continue to monitor for pests and diseases and take prompt action if needed.
• Defoliation: Carefully remove any yellowing or dying leaves to allow light to reach the lower parts of the plant. Do not remove too many leaves, as these are crucial for photosynthesis. Removing fan leaves can improve light penetration and airflow.

Step 5: Harvesting Your Buds

Knowing when to harvest your autoflower can be tricky, but it’s crucial for getting the best results. Here are some signs to look for:

• Pistils: The pistils (the small white hairs on the buds) will begin to turn orange or brown and will start to recede into the bud.
• Trichomes: The trichomes (the small resinous glands on the buds) will change from clear to cloudy to amber. The ideal time to harvest is when most of the trichomes are cloudy with a small percentage beginning to turn amber. Use a jeweler’s loupe or a magnifying glass to check the trichome color.
• Bud Swelling: The buds will appear swollen and plump.
• Strain Timeline: Check your strain’s specified time to harvest.

Once you determine your buds are ready to harvest, you can do the following:

1. Trim Fan Leaves: Remove any remaining fan leaves.
2. Cut Branches: Cut the main branches using pruning shears or scissors.
3. Hang Drying: Hang the branches upside down in a dark, dry room with good airflow. This will allow your buds to dry slowly, which helps preserve flavor and potency. Aim for a temperature around 65-70°F (18-21°C) and a humidity level of around 50-60%.
4. Curing: Once the buds are dry, it is time to cure. Remove the buds from the stems and place them into airtight jars. Burp the jars daily for the first few weeks to release moisture and prevent mold from growing. After the initial curing process, you can burp less often.

The curing process can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks. Curing helps to improve the flavor and potency of the buds. Proper drying and curing is an essential step to obtaining a high quality product.

Tips for Success

Here are some extra tips to help you succeed with growing autoflowers outdoors:

• Don’t Transplant: Autoflowers do not handle transplanting well. Plant your germinated seedling directly into its final container.
• Avoid Stress: Autoflowers are sensitive to stress, so try to keep environmental conditions as stable as possible.
• Organic Nutrients: Consider using organic nutrients, as they tend to be less harsh on the plants.
• Regular Observation: Regularly check your plants for any signs of pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies. Early intervention is key to preventing problems.
• Proper Airflow: Maintain good airflow to prevent diseases.
• Patience: Growing cannabis takes time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly right away.
• Document Your Process: Take notes on your growing process, including the strain, planting date, nutrient schedule, and any problems you encounter. This will help you learn from your mistakes and improve your next grow.
• Research: Continue to research and learn more about growing cannabis. There are many resources available online and in books.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to troubleshoot them:

• Yellow Leaves: Yellow leaves can be caused by nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or underwatering. Check your soil moisture and nutrient levels. Adjust as necessary.
• Stunted Growth: Stunted growth can be caused by a number of factors, including poor soil, inadequate sunlight, or overwatering. Ensure that your plant is receiving enough sunlight and nutrients, and that the soil is well-draining.
• Pest Infestations: Pests can be controlled by using organic pest control methods, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or beneficial insects.
• Mold or Mildew: Mold or mildew can be caused by excessive moisture and humidity. Ensure proper airflow and avoid overwatering.
• Nutrient Burn: Nutrient burn appears as burnt or brown leaf tips. Reduce the amount of nutrients you are feeding your plant.

Conclusion

Growing autoflowering cannabis outdoors can be a rewarding and relatively straightforward process. By following this comprehensive guide and paying attention to your plants’ needs, you can increase your yield and enjoy high-quality home-grown cannabis. Happy growing!