WHEN CANNABIS FLOWERS ON ITS OWN: THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF AUTOFLOWERING CANNABIS SEEDS

13. 12. 2023

Cannabis, an ancient plant known for its medicinal properties, industrial uses and diverse cultivation practices, has undergone many changes over the course of its existence. Perhaps the most interesting and, for many growers, most anticipated development in recent years is the emergence of autoflowering cannabis seeds. These special varieties differ from their traditional counterparts in that they do not require a specific photoperiodic cycle to flower. But how did they come about? Are they better than so photoperiodic? And why are more and more growers gravitating towards them? Read on to explore the fascinating story of autoflowering cannabis seeds with us.

What are autoflowering cannabis seeds?

Often referred to as'autoflowering', autoflowering cannabis seeds come from cannabis varieties that flower independently of the photoperiod, meaning they don't require alternating light and dark cycles to start flowering. In most cases, this is due to the genetics of the ruderalis genus, a wild variety of cannabis that has adapted to the extreme climatic conditions and short summers of northern regions.

Comparison with traditional seeds: differences and advantages

• Photoperiod: while traditional seeds (referred to as 'photoperiodic') need specific cycles of light and darkness to start flowering, autoflowering seeds flower automatically after a certain period of time in the life of the plant.

• Speed of growth: autoflowering plants usually have a shorter vegetative and flowering phase, resulting in a faster harvest - sometimes in less than 10 weeks from sowing.

• Size: autoflowering plants are usually smaller, which can be advantageous for growers with limited space or those who prefer discretion.

• Hardiness: due to their wild origin, autoflowering plants can be more resistant to stress and adverse conditions than some photoperiodic varieties.

• Yield: although autoflowering plants often produce lower yields than their photoperiodic counterparts, they can provide more harvests per growing cycle due to their growth rate.

The history of autoflowering cannabis

Cannabis ruderalis, from which autoflowering hemp inherited its ability to flower independently of the photoperiod, originates from areas with extreme climatic conditions, mainly central Russia, northern parts of eastern Europe and parts of Asia. Compared to other varieties of cannabis, i.e. cannabis sativa and cannabis indica, ruderalis is much smaller, usually not exceeding one metre in height.

The unique characteristics of ruderalis include:

• Autoflowering: unlike sativa and indica, ruderalis flowers according to its age, not photoperiodic conditions.

• Hardiness: the plant is adapted to harsh conditions, making it resistant to pests.

• Size: they are usually smaller and more compact in stature with smaller, dense leaves.

• THC content: cannabis ruderalis plants usually contain less THC than sativa and indica plants.

First discovery and use of these plants:

Although cannabis has been cultivated in various cultures for thousands of years, ruderalis as a specific variety has not historically been as widespread and widely used as sativa or indica plants. The recorded use of ruderalis is limited and mostly associated with traditional communities in its areas of origin.

Itwas only in the 20th century that botanists and scientists began to investigate and identify ruderalis as a distinct variety. With the increase in interest in cannabis hybrids and the benefits of autoflowering in the 1970s and 1980s, growers began experimenting with crossing ruderalis with popular sativa and indica varieties, leading to the development of the current autoflowering varieties.

How have autoflowering seeds influenced cannabis cultivation and its popularity?

In areas where the growing season is short or where light conditions change rapidly (e.g. northern Europe), autoflowering varieties have become very popular. For many novice growers who do not have the experience or the means to control light cycles, autoflowering varieties are an easier way to grow cannabis.

Advantages for growers:

• Adaptability: autoflowering plants do not require alternating light and dark cycles, which makes growing easier.

• Fast growth: these plants often grow faster than photoperiod varieties, which guarantees a faster harvest.

• Smaller plants: they are usually more compact, which is ideal for growing in limited space.

• Resistance: due to their genetic basis, autoflowering varieties can be more resistant to some adverse conditions.

Disadvantages for growers:

• Lower yields: autoflowering varieties often produce fewer canes than their photoperiod counterparts.

• Less time to correct mistakes: the fast life cycle means that growers have less time to correct mistakes or solve problems that may occur during cultivation.

• Stability of genetics: because many autoflowering varieties are hybrids, they can sometimes be less durable than traditional photoperiod varieties.

Despite these drawbacks, however, autoflowering cannabis seeds continue to grow in popularity as growers appreciate their unique advantages and the flexibility they offer.

The future of autoflowering cannabis seeds

Thanks to advances in genetic breeding and the growing demand for autoflowering cannabis varieties, today's varieties are more diverse and of higher quality than ever before. Possible changes in the field of autoflowering cannabis include:

• Higher THC content: whereas in the past autoflowering varieties were known for their low THC content, new varieties now boast comparable THC content to photoperiod varieties.

• Variety of terpene profile: breeders are striving to create varieties with unique aromas, allowing growers more choice.

• Better resistance: new varieties are often more resistant and better able to withstand pests, diseases and stress conditions.

• Diversity of effects: in addition to THC, there is also an emphasis on breeding varieties with higher levels of CBD, CBG and other cannabinoids, which have a wide range of therapeutic effects.

In conclusion, the future of autoflowering cannabis looks promising and offers many opportunities for innovation and improvement that can benefit growers and consumers worldwide.

A few words in conclusion

Cannabis is a plant that is fascinating for its adaptability, diversity and medicinal potential. The autoflowering seeds of hemp are an important part of the plant's rich history. From the humble beginnings of the ruderalis hemp, which was discovered in cold climates, to today's sophisticated hybrids, autoflowering hemp has completely changed the possibilities of cultivation. In the future, we can expect to see a further revolution in the development of this unique plant, its genetic possibilities and its importance in modern agriculture and medicine. Because if cannabis can flower on its own, it opens up new possibilities for cultivation.

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