One of the first decisions you'll make as a new grower is choosing between autoflowering and photoperiod cannabis. Both have their place, and the best choice depends on your specific situation and goals.
What's the Difference?
Photoperiod plants flower based on light schedule. They stay in vegetative growth as long as they receive 18+ hours of light, and only flower when you switch to 12 hours light/12 hours dark.
Autoflowering plants flower based on age, regardless of light schedule. They typically begin flowering 3-4 weeks after germination and finish in 8-12 weeks total.
Autoflowers: The Pros
- Speed: Seed to harvest in 8-12 weeks
- Simplicity: No light schedule changes needed
- Size: Compact plants, perfect for small spaces
- Resilience: Often more forgiving of mistakes
- Multiple harvests: Can grow several crops per year indoors
Autoflowers: The Cons
- Smaller yields: Typically produce less per plant
- No veg extension: Can't keep in veg to grow larger
- Training limited: Less time to recover from high-stress training
- Can't clone: Clones flower immediately at small size
Photoperiods: The Pros
- Larger yields: Can grow massive plants with extended veg
- Full control: Veg as long as you want, flip when ready
- Training friendly: Time to use advanced techniques
- Cloning: Keep mother plants and take unlimited clones
- Breeder selection: More genetics available
Photoperiods: The Cons
- Longer cycle: 4-5 months seed to harvest
- Light discipline: Must maintain strict 12/12 in flower
- More equipment: May need timer, light-proof tent
- Space: Can outgrow small spaces quickly
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Autoflowers If:
- This is your first grow
- You have a small growing space
- You want the fastest harvest possible
- You prefer simplicity over maximum yield
- You grow outdoors in a short season
Choose Photoperiods If:
- You want maximum yield per plant
- You have space for larger plants
- You want to use advanced training techniques
- You plan to keep mother plants and clone
- You want access to more strain options
Our Recommendation for Beginners
Start with autoflowers. They're more forgiving, faster to harvest, and let you complete your first grow cycle quickly. Once you've got a successful grow under your belt, try photoperiods for your next run.
Some excellent beginner autoflower strains include Northern Lights Auto, Zkittlez Auto, and any "Easy" or "Beginner" labeled strains from reputable seed banks. Check out our seed bank recommendations to find quality genetics.
Ready to start growing? Our complete growing guide covers both autoflowers and photoperiods with specific tips for each type.