9 Best Autoflower Seeds: Top Autoflowering Picks

Autoflowering seeds are popular with new and experienced growers because the plants flower on their own, without a change in light schedule.

Below, we round up autoflowering strains that are widely available from seed banks, with what to know before you pick one.

Legal note: Buying seeds and growing cannabis is only for adults 21 and over where state law allows it, and home-grow rules differ by state. Under federal law, marijuana is still a Schedule I controlled substance outside a state medical license or an FDA-approved drug.

The new federal hemp definition in P.L. 119-37 also excludes viable seeds that exceed 0.3% total THC, including THCA, from counting as hemp.

Our Favorite Autoflowering Seeds

Understanding Auto Flowering Seeds

Autoflower cannabis seeds possess a unique genetic trait that sets them apart from their photoperiod counterparts.

Photoperiod plants start flowering when nights get longer, which indoor growers trigger with a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark schedule. Autoflowers run on an internal clock instead.

Autoflower strains are hybrids that carry a photoperiod-insensitive trait, crossed into popular Cannabis sativa-type strains. The trait is often credited to ruderalis, but genetic research describes it as a recessive trait and questions whether ruderalis is a separate group.

Autoflowers start flowering a set number of weeks after germination, regardless of the light schedule. In one study, autoflower plants began flowering at about 4 weeks.

Autoflower vs Feminized and Regular Seeds

When buying cannabis seeds, the specific type to choose is a crucial consideration. You will have three main options – autoflowering, feminized, and regular. Read on and learn how one is different from the other.

Life Cycle Differences

Regular and feminized seeds are usually photoperiod plants. They need a change in the light cycle to move from the vegetative stage to flowering.

Indoors, that means controlling the light schedule; outdoors, they flower as the days get shorter.

The key distinction between feminized and regular seeds lies in gender: feminized seeds are specifically bred to produce only female plants, eliminating the risk of male plants that can pollinate females and reduce the quality of the harvest.

This makes feminized seeds a preferred choice for many growers seeking high-potency and resinous buds.

Autoflower seeds, on the other hand, move from vegetative growth to flowering based on age, not day length. That makes them flexible indoors and outdoors.

Yield and Growth Rate Comparisons

While both feminized, regular, and autoflower weed seeds can yield high-quality cannabis, each has its unique advantages when it comes to speed and size.

Feminized cannabis seeds, like regular seeds, have a longer vegetative growth period, allowing plants to potentially grow larger and produce more significant yields. This makes them a popular choice for growers who prioritize maximizing the size and yield of their plants.

Autoflower seeds have a much shorter life cycle, which suits growers who want a quick turnaround or more than one harvest in a season.

However, autoflowers tend to be smaller in stature compared to regular or feminized plants.

Top Picks for the Best Autoflower Seeds

The search for autoflowering strains can be overwhelming. Here are well-known options to start with.

THC levels, yields, and harvest times listed by seed sellers vary with growing conditions and phenotype, so treat any seller figure as a rough guide.

1. Granddaddy Purple

Photo from ILGM

Let's start with one many of you will recognize. Grand Daddy Purple Autoflower is known for heavy, relaxing effects and berry and grape flavors.

It suits newer growers, small spaces, and anyone who wants more than one harvest a year.

Like all autoflowers, these seeds need no special light schedule to flower.

Grand Daddy Purple Autoflower grows into a compact, bushy plant that fits small tents.

CHECK PRICE AT ILGM

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2. White Widow

Photo from ILGM

White Widow Autoflower is an autoflowering version of an iconic strain that became famous in the Netherlands in the 1990s.

It's a balanced hybrid with earthy, herbal, and spicy flavors.

The autoflower version stays compact, which suits small indoor spaces.

Whether you’re new to cultivation or a seasoned grower, White Widow Seeds embodies classic cannabis charm with modern convenience.

CHECK PRICE AT ILGM

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3. Girl Scout Cookies

Photo from ILGM

Next is Girl Scout Cookies. Girl Scout Cookies became popular in California and is known for sweet, cookie-like flavors with citrus and mint notes.

The autoflower version enters flowering on its own, so it doesn't need a light flip.

Compact and strong, Girl Scout Cookies Autoflower Seed is usually sold as a high-THC strain, but potency varies by phenotype and growing conditions.

CHECK PRICE AT ILGM

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4. Super Skunk

Photo from ILGM

Super Skunk is a classic indica-leaning Skunk strain.

It's known for dense buds with a pungent yet sweet aroma.

Super Skunk has a reputation for easy cultivation, appealing to beginners and veterans alike. Its short life cycle can allow more than one outdoor harvest if you time your planting right.

While Super Skunk does well indoors, it also performs outdoors and stays compact.

Users usually describe its effects as relaxing and body-heavy.

CHECK PRICE AT ILGM

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5. Blue Dream

In your search for the best autoflower cannabis seeds, Blue Dream is one option not to miss. It's an autoflowering version of the popular Sativa-dominant hybrid Blue Dream.

Blue Dream Autoflower seeds are a boon for growers seeking simplicity, making them ideal for novices or those with limited space.

Blue Dream Autoflowering Seeds grow compact plants that fit indoor setups and also grow outdoors in warm, dry weather.

Growing Blue Dream Autoflowering Cannabis Seeds is manageable for beginners, with sweet blueberry and vanilla flavors as the payoff.

CHECK PRICE AT ILGM

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6. Purple Lemonade

Photo from Reddit

A colorful Indica-dominant hybrid, Purple Lemonade is one of the most beautiful autoflowering strains.

It's known for purple coloring and a lemony flavor.

Purple Lemonade Auto‘s effects are usually described as uplifting and social at first, then relaxing in the body.

No strain, including Purple Lemonade Autoflwoer Seed, has been shown to treat any medical condition. A review of cannabis for rheumatism and other rheumatic diseases found possible pain relief but noted that long-term efficacy and safety data are still lacking.

CHECK PRICE AT MSNL

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7. Northern Lights

Northern Lights Auto is a feminized autoflowering version of Northern Lights, one of the best-known indica strains.

It's an indica-dominant strain with a long reputation among growers.

Northern Lights Auto is known for heavy, relaxing effects that many people save for the evening. It is not a treatment for insomnia or any other condition.

Northern Lights Auto starts flowering early and produces dense, resinous buds.

CHECK PRICE AT MSNL

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8. Zkittlez

With these autoflower weed seeds, you can harvest flowers renowned for their delectable fruity flavor reminiscent of the beloved candies from which it takes its name.

Fans of sweet, fruity strains often pick Zkittlez Auto, usually described as uplifting and relaxing.

Zkittlez Autoflower Seed is popular for its flavor, and like other autos it finishes faster than its photoperiod version.

CHECK PRICE AT MSNL

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9. Durban Poison

Wrapping up our list of the best autoflower cannabis seeds is Durban Poison. This sativa strain is known for energetic, clear-headed effects and a sweet, earthy flavor.

Durban Poison is a classic sativa, and this autoflowering version brings it to growers without a light flip.

The autoflowering Durban Poison Auto finishes much faster than the original photoperiod Durban Poison.

CHECK PRICE AT MSNL

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How to Choose Autoflowering Seeds

Choosing the right autoflower cannabis seeds is a crucial step in your marijuana cultivation journey. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:

• Consider Your Growing Space: Assess your available growing space, whether it’s an indoor tent, a closet, or an outdoor garden. Some autoflower cannabis seeds produce plants that are more compact while others can grow larger.
• Determine Your Goals: Define your cultivation goals when choosing the best autoflowering cannabis seeds. Are you looking for high yields, potent THC content, or specific flavors? Different autoflowering seeds cater to various preferences.
• Research Strain Characteristics: Each autoflowering strain has unique characteristics, including THC levels, CBD content, aroma, flavor, and growth pattern. Research extensively to find a strain that aligns with your preferences and needs.
• Check Growing Difficulty: If you’re new to cannabis cultivation, opt for beginner-friendly autoflowering seeds. These are typically more forgiving of mistakes and require less maintenance.
• Choose a Trusted Seed Bank: Look for well-established seed banks with a solid reputation, and compare their shipping terms and germination policies, such as those at ILGM. Check that shipping seeds to your state is legal.
• Check for Awards and Recognition: Some strains have received awards and recognition in cannabis competitions. These accolades can be an indicator of exceptional quality, so consider strains with a history of success.
• Consider Growing Environment: Take into account your growing environment, whether it’s indoors, outdoors, or in a greenhouse. Some strains are better suited to specific conditions, so choose one that thrives in your chosen setting.

Conclusion

From the fruity sweetness of Zkittlez Auto to the legendary potency of Durban Poison Auto, the best autoflower seeds can produce high-quality plants.

For a well-curated selection of premium genetics, check out ILGM’s best autoflowering seeds. Buy only from a reputable autoflower seed bank.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking ease of cultivation or a seasoned grower in pursuit of high yields and exceptional flavors, autoflowering strains provide a convenient and efficient option.

With fast life cycles and a wide range of flavors, they're a practical choice for many home growers where growing is legal.

BUY AUTOFLOWER SEEDS AT ILGM

FAQs

What are autoflowering cannabis strains?

Autoflowering weed strains switch from the vegetative phase to flowering based on age, without relying on changes in the light cycle. They usually mature faster than photoperiod strains.

What is the average flowering time for autoflowering strains?

Autoflowers usually start flowering a few weeks after germination; in one study, autoflower plants began flowering at about 4 weeks. Total time to harvest depends on the strain and growing conditions, so use the seller's estimate only as a rough guide.

Are autoflowering strains suitable for beginners?

Yes, autoflowering strains are often recommended for beginners because you don't need to manage light schedules. The trade-off is that their short vegetative stage can't be extended, so early mistakes are harder to recover from.

Sources

• Identification and Mapping of Major-Effect Flowering Time Loci Autoflower1 and Early1 in Cannabis sativa L., Frontiers in Plant Science
• Changes to the Statutory Definition of Hemp, Congressional Research Service (IF13136)
• Rescheduling of FDA Approved Products Containing Marijuana From Schedule I to Schedule III, Federal Register (DEA/DOJ)
• Cannabis and Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases, Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal