Actually, the AeroGarden is perfect for doing auto-flower plants. They don't need a dark period, though most folks do give them 4 hours off @ day, and they rarely grow to over 24 inches, the max height of the AeroGarden's lamps. I have one going right now, but only with 3 plants, an AK47 Automatic, a Speedy Gonzales & a Smile. It's a great way to keep new types and flavors coming your way, as the auto-flowers are done in 60 to 80 days. I can get an ounce, minimum, from each grow--perfect! And, I highly recommend, "La Diva" auto-flower from The Attitude Seed Bank. I've never smelled, or tasted, anything like it, and I think it's the best smell & flavor I've ever experienced--and the high ain't bad, either! But doing regular plants that require a dark period should work, too. Just be sure you trigger flowering when they're about 6" from the light, so they don't wind up growing up into it, eh?