Seed selection - photoperiod or autoflowering?

[OneDayJD]

I am looking at getting some seeds for my first grow that I am doing in a Rubbermaid growbox in my closet. I plan on doing CFLs. When I am selecting a seed do I want one that is "photoperiod" or "autoflowering?" What's the difference? Thanks.

OneDayJD Reviewed by OneDayJD on 11-09-2010. Seed selection - photoperiod or autoflowering? I am looking at getting some seeds for my first grow that I am doing in a Rubbermaid growbox in my closet. I plan on doing CFLs. When I am selecting a seed do I want one that is "photoperiod" or "autoflowering?" What's the difference? Thanks. Rating: 5

[headshake]

if you don't know this you need to do a lot more research before you start your endevour. google will easily answer your question.

photoperiod= plants only flower when receiving 12 consecutive hours of darkness. take 8+ weeks to bloom (depends on indica/sativa), plus veg time.

autoflower= start to flower due to genetic traits (ruderalis genetics). work best under 20/4 (light/dark) light schedule, from seed to harvest in like +-60 days (strain dependent).

you might want to start some AFs as they don't get too big and a photoperiod sensetive plant can get out of control quick. if you like AFs and want to delve deeper go with photoperiod responsive strains.


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[OneDayJD]

I completely agree. That's why I am trying to cover all of my bases now before I start really getting after it.

Yeah, I realize I could have googled it, but wanted some more in depth info from you gurus.

I think I will try to AF. Sounds like it will be a bit easier. Thanks for the info.

[headshake]

Yeah, I realize I could have googled it, but wanted some more in depth info from you gurus.

most of the "gurus" around here won't answer basic questions like this. they will however answer questions that show some research has been done and help is needed. food for thought.


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[OneDayJD]

Gotcha. I will definitely take that to heart. Thanks.

[headshake]

Gotcha. I will definitely take that to heart. Thanks.

you are welcome.

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[RAINHAZE]

I personally found autoflowering strains to be excellent for first grows. I wanted to do a somewhat discreet grow, so I started out with 5 feminized AK47 autoflowering lowriders. The yeild was as to be expected, but I gained a lot of knowledge to use on future grows. I just germed my last 2 seeds and have a better grow box this time, plus some better lighting and soil. I'm hoping the yeilds will improve with knowledge gained this time around.

I read everything I could on this forum on the last grows and thanx to the talents of alot of great growers here, I was quite impressed with the taste and results. Cant wait for the next harvest.:jointsmile:

[captaincola28g]

Example: first pic is an autoflower at 4 weeks . You will notice small buds forming already with only 5 weeks to go till harvest. Second is a photoperiod plant also 4 weeks old. not ready for 12/12 light cycle.It comes down to time and space. How long you wanna wait? if you wait longer bigger plant more yeild. Then space,Maybe you dont have the space for a bigger plant . You must weigh out all options . If you choose autoflower, feel free to ask me anything since they are what i know..:thumbsup:

[WashougalWonder]

Unless you want to clone and continue the species, autoflower does not do well cloned, can be done, just not well.

[captaincola28g]

yes there is the cloning option, but i thought he was new so, anyway cloning auto's is a waste of time.If your gonna clone get somthing better suited for cloning. auto's are good cause you can stack 20 in a 2x8 area only needing 24-48 in heigth. Good for the average patient's who wants to supply his medicine.you learn from trial and era. so have at it....