Growing Autoflowering Cannabis Outdoors: Step-by-Step Guide

This post will teach you everything you need to know to learn how to grow autoflowers into healthy, high-yielding cannabis plants. 

 

If you have or are considering purchasing an autoflowering cannabis seed, this guide’s for you. It’s written by someone who literally just grew their own autoflower cannabis plant and wants to help you do the same. 

 

 

 

What is an autoflowering cannabis seed? 

An autoflowering cannabis seed (aka “auto”) is a type of cannabis seed that has been bred to flower automatically based on age rather than changes in the light cycle.

 

Autoflowering seeds are created by crossbreeding cannabis species (usually Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica) with Cannabis ruderalis, a subspecies known for its ability to flower based on age rather than photoperiod plants (the light cycle).

 

Autoflowering plants begin to flower after a set period, usually around 2-4 weeks from germination. 

 

These plants tend to be smaller and more compact than photoperiod strains, making them suitable for indoor growing or limited-space environments.

 

Autoflowering cannabis strains are also easier to grow and manage. They aren’t dependent on a light schedule to bring on the flowering stage. They’re also more resilient and ready to harvest much faster as they tend to have a shorter life cycle. These reason all make autoflowers ideal for beginners vs. experienced growers.

 

Where to buy autoflowering seeds

A quick search of the web will shower you with seed options, but don’t just click on the first option you see. Some of the most reputable and effective autoflowering cannabis seeds are coming from:

 

• Rocket Seeds – That’s what I used and they worked great. There’s an 80% germination guarantee and the seeds come with helpful instructions. 
• North Atlantic Seed Company – Fast, reliable, and they have the seeds you want to start with.
• Multiverse Beans – Fast, high quality seeds backed by a helpful team. 
• Mephisto Genetics – Good quality autos, some say to stay away from their other seeds. 

 

Once your autoflowering seeds are in hand, move onto the next step — how to grow them. 

 

Growing autoflowers outdoors – the easy way

Note: There are a variety of different methods to set up and complete your autoflower grow, but we’re going to stick to the easiest, most effective way to germinate and grow — with very minimal equipment required. 

 

Phase 1: Germination

1. Put your seeds in a glass of room temperature bottled spring water. 

Drop your seed in a glass of water. Make sure it’s room temp spring water. Put the glass somewhere away from light and leave it alone. 

Set a timer for 14 hours. Let the seeds soak for this time. They may take up to 18 hours but do not let them soak for any longer than that. Even if they do not crack, move onto the next step. 

 

2. Stack 2 pieces of paper towel on a ceramic dinner plate. 

Pour your glass of water with the seeds onto the paper towel. Fold either side of the paper towel over your seeds — make sure they’re covered. 

Now pour off the extra water. The paper towel should be very moist but there shouldn’t be a pool of water on the plate. 

Your seeds should be able to feel air, warmth and moisture at the same time. 

 

3. Place your plate with the covered seeds in a warm, dark and open room.

The temperature of this room should be around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure the paper towel remains moist throughout this germination period. If the room isn’t excessively dry and you use thick paper towels, you shouldn’t have to rewet the towels. 

Warning: Do not put your seeds in a closet, cupboard, drawer, or anywhere else that’s enclosed and tight. You also don’t need to put them in a plastic bag. These seeds need to be in an open area with access to oxygen in order to germinate. 

 

4. Your seeds will start to crack and a taproot will develop within 2-7 days. Wait for the taproot to grow ½ to ¾ of an inch before you plant autoflowers into plain soil. 

 

Phase 2: Transplanting and growing (vegetative stage)

 

1. Plant your seedling in plain, loose soil. The taproot should be facing down. 

You can dig a little hole with your finger to nestle the seedling into. Cover the seedling gently with about ¾ inch loose soil and water very lightly so soil is moist but not too wet. 

Notes on what soil to use: Cannabis seedlings are sensitive. Do NOT use soil with fertilizers (like Miracle Grow). Instead, stick with something natural like Happy Frog. 

Pro tip: Plant your seedling directly into the pot you plan to use for the entire growth period. Transplanting from one pot to another is risky and can damage your fragile cannabis plant. 

 

2. Put your seedling in an area with direct sunlight. Wait until the seedling breaks through the soil on its own.

For outdoor autoflowering, you want to get as much sunlight as possible on your seedling right now and throughout the plant growth process. The outdoor growing season for autos is ideal in the early or late summer or beginning of fall, when there are periods of warm, humid temperatures and plenty of sun.

Pro tip: Pick a grow spot that allows for plenty of natural light, but that’s also protected from wind. You can use other plants or any wind-blocking object like mesh to protect your plant throughout the grow. 

 

3. Monitor, water, and watch your plant grow.

For simplicity, we won’t get into too much detail with additional growing options like micro and macro nutrients or training your cannabis plant. 

A beginner who’s growing autoflowering seeds will be able to produce a solid yield by simply keeping an eye on their plant, keeping the soil moist (but never overwatering), monitoring for pests and letting the plant get plenty of sunlight. 

Learn how to water cannabis plants the right way.

 

Phase 3: Harvesting

1. Use a magnifying glass or microscope to check the trichomes (resin glands) on the buds. 

Trichome heads start out clear and glassy. Over time, they’ll turn milky white, which indicates the highest levels of THC and CBD.

For a good mix of potency and robust cannabinoids + terpenes, harvest once those trichomes are beginning to change from milky white to amber.

 

2. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut the branches off the plant.

Carefully cut the branches off the plant. It’s often easier to handle and trim smaller branches, so consider cutting the plant into manageable sections.

3. Trim away the large fan leaves and sugar leaves to improve the quality of the buds.

Fan leaves are the larger leaves that extend from the branches. Remove these first as they do not contain significant amounts of trichomes.

Sugar leaves are the smaller leaves that are closer to the buds and are often covered in trichomes. Trim these leaves to improve the appearance and quality of the buds.

Use small, precise trimming scissors for this process. Hold the branch by the stem and carefully snip away the leaves, being cautious not to damage the buds.

The objective is to remove excess plant material that can affect the taste and smoothness of the final product. Well-trimmed buds will have a better appearance, aroma, and overall quality.

 

Phase 4: Drying and curing

You need to dry your cannabis leaves after harvesting in order to reduce moisture and prevent mold and mildew. The drying process also helps preserve the cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the potency and flavor of the cannabis.

1. Hang the trimmed branches upside down in a dark, well-ventilated room.

Maintain a temperature between 60-70°F (15-21°C) and a humidity level of 55-65%. 

 

2. Allow the buds to dry for 7-14 days, checking regularly for signs of mold or mildew.

The cannabis buds are ready for curing when the branches snap instead of bending.

 

3. Next, cure your cannabis nugs. 

Curing enhances the flavor and smoothness of your weed, it also allows for the breakdown of chlorophyll (which can cause a harsh taste) and improves the overall quality and shelf-life of your buds.

Here’s the curing process:

• Carefully remove the dried buds from the branches.
• Place the buds in airtight glass jars, filling them about ⅔ to ¾ full to allow for airflow.
• Store the jars in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or closet.
• Open the jars daily for the first week to “burp” them, allowing fresh air in and releasing built-up moisture. This helps prevent mold growth.
• After the first week, burp the jars every few days for the next 2-3 weeks.
• Cure your buds for at least 4 weeks, although longer curing times can improve flavor and potency.

And that’s it! Consume your cannabis in whatever way you like; in a joint, bong or pipe, in a tincture, or in cannahoney or edibles.

 

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