Indica Autoflower Seeds

What are Indica Autoflower Seeds?

Indica Autoflower Seeds are indica dominant ruderalis strains that flower automatically without requiring a light cycle change to trigger flowering. They can grow all the way from seed to harvest in less than 8 to 12 weeks, all while offering buckets full of resinous buds and a rich, body-locking Indica high.

But let's quickly break down what these strains actually are...

Indica refers to the side of cannabis genetic split that produces plants that are typically short, bushy and grow faster than Sativa strains. They commonly offer a high that is more relaxing and sedative, making them great for those looking to unwind after a long day.

Autoflowering refers to a specific type of cannabis genetics (Ruderalis) that evolved to allow the plant to automatically switch from its vegetative stage to its flowering stage without relying on a specific light cycle (like traditional photoperiod cannabis strains).

Advantages of Indica Autoflowers

Depending on your cultivation situation, Indica dominant auto cultivars may offer a few key advantages compared to traditional photoperiod Indica strains:

• Faster Flowering Time: As mentioned earlier, Indica autos can go from seed to harvest in as little as 8 weeks (although most will take closer to 10 - 12 weeks). This means outdoor growers can squeeze in multiple harvests in a single growing season.
• Compact Size: Due to their shorter and bushier nature, Indica autos are perfect for those with limited space. They can easily be grown in small tents, balconies, cupboards, or hidden away in an established and offer a greater level of discreetness when compared to most other strains.
• Perpetual Harvests: As autoflowering strains don't require specific lighting schedules (they do great under 18/6 or 20/4 for the full life cycle), they allow growers to stagger their harvests. This means that you can have plants at different stages of growth under the same grow light, allowing for a continuous supply of fresh buds.
• Ease of Growing: Autoflowering strains are known to be more forgiving and easier to grow than photoperiod strains. This makes them a smart choice for beginner growers or those looking for a low-maintenance plant.
• High Natural Pest and Fungal Resistance: Ruderalis genetics have evolved in harsh climates, making them naturally resistant to pests and diseases. This means that Indica autos are less likely to succumb to common problems like mold or mildew.

Who are Indica Autoflowers Best For?

Everyone and anyone, but especially cultivators who are low on grow space, or who want to keep things stealthy. The fact that they don't require a change in the light cycle also makes them great for those who prefer a set-it-and-forget-it approach. They are definitely a great starting point for beginners, but that doesn't mean that experienced growers can't enjoy them as well. With their short flowering time and high-yielding potential, Indica autos are a perfect choice for anyone looking to maximize their harvests with minimal effort.

Medical cannabis patients who prefer to grow their own medicine sometimes prefer Indica autoflowers, thanks to the fact that Indica autos typically produce slightly higher CBD and THC levels than Sativa autos, making them great for pain relief and relaxation.

How to Grow Indica Autoflower Seeds

All growers, no matter if you're growing your Indica autoflowering crop outdoors or inside, should:

• Start the seeds in the pot you intend to finish them in. Due to the short veg time, transplanting is not recommended.
• Water seedlings and young plants regularly (without overwatering). As they are on a fixed schedule, there's little time for recovery from mistakes.
• Keep the pH between 6.0 and 7.0 at all times if growing in a soil mix, or 5.5 to 6.5 for hydro and coco-coir.
• Stay away from heavy pruning and all high-stress training techniques, although LST and ScrOG training is recommended to help promote lateral growth while also increasing light penetration and canopy airflow.

As with most cannabis strains, Indica autos grow best in a warm, sunny environment with plenty of light. However, due to their short life cycle and smaller size, they are more resilient to colder temperatures and can handle less intense light conditions.

Outdoor growers should keep a few things in mind before starting their Indica autoflower seeds:

• As these plants grow quickly and are ready for harvest in just a few weeks, they need to be placed in an area that receives the maximum amount of direct sunlight each day.
• You should wait until the end of spring/start of summer to plant your seeds, as this will give them the best chance for warm weather and plenty of sunlight.

Indoor growers should:

• Keep the light cycle at 18/6 or 20/4 for the full life cycle.
• Keep temperatures between 22°C and 28°C
• Use light sources that are powerful enough to penetrate through the dense canopy and reach the lower branches - LED options are highly recommended due to their energy efficiency and ability to produce the full spectrum of light wavelengths.
• Keep humidity levels at around 50% during the vegetative stage and then reduce to 40% during flowering.