BackGuide to growing autoflowering cannabis seeds in Germany

What are autoflowering cannabis seeds?

Why are autoflowerings ideal for growing in Germany?

Benefits of autoflowering seeds for cultivation in Germany

• Short life cycle. Automatic varieties are perfect for regions with short summers, as you can germinate your seeds in mid-June and then harvest aromatic buds by the end of August. This avoids the bad autumn weather, which in some German areas usually arrives early and abruptly, ruining your precious flowers.

• Their speed reduces exposure to pests and fungi. Therefore, they’re ideal for rookie growers, or for growing on a large scale and minimising these potential setbacks that can reduce the yield.

• Contained size that’s ideal for discreet grows. This type of plant is very well suited to reduced spaces such as decent-sized windows, balconies, discreet gardens, or terraces. Therefore, they’re the preferred choice of urban growers, but also of dispensaries with commercial crops that need to take advantage of every inch of their facilities.

• Speed without compromising quality. It is true that the first autoflowerings that were launched onto the market didn’t meet the quality standards of feminised seeds. Nowadays, however, thanks to the great work of breeders and seed banks, these strains can offer premium levels in terms of flavour, yielding capacity, and terpene and cannabinoid content. So, if you’ve heard that the quality of their crops is not as high as that of other genetics, let us tell you that this myth has been well and truly busted.

• The solution for those who don’t want to wait: Autoflowerings allow you to harvest ultra-resinous buds in record time and with no complications, so they’re the best choice for those who want premium results without any hassle. This is an easy and rewarding option for rookies starting their growing venture under the cover of legality in Germany, and even for those who want to grow several harvests throughout the season.

• Adaptability: Summer in Germany is characterised by its climatic variability, with frequent intervals of full sun, winds, and summer rains. Autoflowering strains are versatile and highly adaptable – they’re all-terrain hybrids that can weather the highly variable German climate. In addition, they can be easily moved thanks to their compact size, so they can be better protected from rain and unexpected strong winds.

• Light pollution: As autoflowerings don’t depend on the photoperiod to start flowering, they aren’t affected by light pollution from lampposts, etc.

• Low maintenance: In indoor grows, they eliminate the need for light cycle adjustments, which makes them ideal for beginners and for growers with busy schedules.

Top tips to grow autoflowering cannabis in Germany

Choose the right autoflowering strain for the German climate

• Auto Do si Dos by Linda Seeds – a strain that delivers a high-flying effect combined with the best American flavour: a profile with notes of lemon tart that overlaps an earthy background. In a nutshell, a cold-resistant automatic plant that’s ideal for growing in Germany.
• Auto Northern Lights is a classic that offers out-of-this-world yields even in regions with northern climates. This is a potent strain by Linda Seeds that you’ll also find in bulk format for large-scale cultivation.

Most common mistakes when growing autoflowerings

• Use an aerated substrate: Autoflowering strains have a short and limited life cycle, so every day of the plant’s life counts. To speed up their metabolic processes and achieve the maximum yield, it is best to use a substrate that is slightly more airy than normal. A good option is to use a mixture of 3⁄4 of soil and 1⁄4 of coco coir, arlite, or another substrate that facilitates the aeration of the mix.

• Avoid overwatering during the first few weeks of life. Soil that is too wet for too long can block the growth of the plant. Water more often using smaller amounts during the first 3 - 4 weeks of life, making sure that the pot doesn’t become flooded so that the roots don’t get waterlogged.

• Avoid transplanting. Place your cannabis seedling in its final pot once the seed has germinated. Otherwise, your autoflowering plant could become stressed and stop growing.

• Avoid pruning or training methods. Autos don’t have a vegetative period long enough to recover, so these techniques won’t serve any purpose.

• Just like any other type of cannabis, autoflowers love the sun. When growing outdoors, place them in sunny spots where they can get the best of the German summer.

• If you’re going to grow autoflowering seeds indoors, make sure your plants get at least 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness throughout the entire growth cycle (some even prefer a 20/4 photoperiod). Since the cost of electricity in Germany isn’t the cheapest, buying an LED lighting system may be the best long-term option to avoid an excessive increase in your electricity bill.