Photoperiod and autoflowering are two different types of cannabis plants that have unique characteristics and growing requirements. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between photoperiod and autoflowering cannabis plants, and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Photoperiod Cannabis
Photoperiod cannabis is a type of cannabis plant that requires a specific light cycle to enter the flowering stage. These plants will not start flowering until the daylight hours decrease to around 12 hours per day. This means that growers need to control the amount of light the plants receive to ensure they enter the flowering stage at the desired time. Typically, photoperiod plants require 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness during the flowering stage to produce high-quality buds.
Advantages of Photoperiod Cannabis
One of the advantages of photoperiod cannabis is that they typically produce larger yields than autoflowering plants. They also offer greater flexibility in terms of training and manipulation to increase yield or control plant structure. Additionally, photoperiod plants offer a wider variety of strains and genetic diversity to choose from, as they have been around longer and have been extensively bred for different characteristics.
Disadvantages of Photoperiod Cannabis
One of the disadvantages of photoperiod cannabis is that they require more time and attention to grow. Growers need to control the light cycle, and this can be challenging for novice growers. Additionally, photoperiod plants can take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to flower, which means the grow cycle is longer.
Autoflowering Cannabis
Autoflowering cannabis plants are a newer variety of cannabis that do not rely on a specific light cycle to enter the flowering stage. Instead, they automatically enter the flowering stage based on age, regardless of the amount of light they receive. This makes autoflowering plants a popular choice for novice growers or growers who don’t want to invest in additional equipment to control light cycles.
Advantages of Autoflowering Cannabis
One of the advantages of autoflowering cannabis is that they have a shorter grow cycle than photoperiod plants. They can go from seed to harvest in as little as 8 to 10 weeks, which means growers can produce more harvests in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, autoflowering plants tend to be more compact and require less space, making them an ideal choice for indoor growers or those with limited space.
Disadvantages of Autoflowering Cannabis
One of the disadvantages of autoflowering cannabis is that they generally produce smaller yields than photoperiod plants. They also have a limited selection of strains compared to photoperiod plants, as they are a newer variety and have not been bred for as long. Additionally, autoflowering plants cannot be manipulated in terms of plant structure or training, which may limit their yield potential.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both photoperiod and autoflowering cannabis plants have their advantages and disadvantages. Photoperiod plants are more established and offer a wider selection of strains and genetic diversity, while autoflowering plants offer a shorter grow cycle and require less attention. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the grower’s needs, resources, and experience.
