If you want to grow cannabis, you must know! What is the difference between Auto and Photo seeds?

The cannabis industry is evolving greatly. and began to be widely known This is because cannabis has psychoactive and medicinal properties. It is a diverse plant. Each type has its own unique characteristics.

Those who want to start growing cannabis need to know the types of cannabis seeds first. Because each seed has a different care method. In this article we will talk about Auto and Photo seeds and how they are different.

Auto seeds vs Photo seeds 

First, let's get to know cannabis first. Cannabis is a member of the Cannabaceae family, which has psychoactive effects caused by cannabinoids. (Cannabinoids) The most famous will be Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is divided into 2 species: Autoflower, a species that flowers automatically and Photoperiod, a species that flowers according to the light period it receives. How are Auto and Photo seeds different? Let's see.

Cannabis Seeds Auto (Autoflower)

Autoflower is a seed that automatically flowers. without waiting for hours of light It is often found in the Cannabis Ruderalis species, which is native to cold climates. Therefore, plants mature in a short time before winter begins, about 8-12 weeks, and start flowering after a few weeks. So it can be harvested quickly.

Although Auto grows when there is little light, But they still need light to produce fruit. Auto seeds can be grown indoors. But the quality and quantity of the yield also depends on the amount of light received, which is Auto seeds can grow in many photoperiods, such as 12 hours of light, 12 hours of darkness, or 18 hours of light, 6 hours of darkness, or 20 hours of light and 4 hours of darkness, but good production will occur in the light period of 18 - 20 hours and the dark period of 6 - 4 hours.

Auto seeds have advantages and disadvantages as follows:

strength

• It takes a short time to grow. for fast circulation
• It's a small tree. Staying in the shade will organize well.
• Easy to care for, easy to grow.
• Its small size means that many more plants can be grown in that area.
• Flexible, adaptable

weakness

• If the plant has high stress It will make it impossible to breed.
• Low yield because of small size
• Not a lot of THC levels
• Easy to absorb too much food Makes you have to be careful when giving fertilizer.
• Unable to use techniques to increase productivity Because the tree is easily stressed.

Cannabis Seed Photo (Photoperiod)

Photoperiod is a seed that depends on the photoperiod it receives. This strain will begin flowering when the light changes. It is a natural response to the changing seasons. Can be grown both outdoors and indoors. This occurs as summer transitions into fall as the days become shorter. For outdoor planting But in the case of growing indoors Growers will also need to control additional lighting. 

Photo is a cannabis seed that requires less than 12 hours of light to produce flowers. Additionally, Photo strains tend to be very productive and contain high levels of cannabinoids, and Photo seeds will continue to grow indefinitely. As long as it receives at least 18 hours of light per day. and when the flowering period begins Then change the light cycle to 12 hours, rest for 12 hours.

They typically grow best during an 18 hour light and 6 hour dark cycle and will not flower until the season or light changes. Therefore, growers will need to change the light cycle to 12 hours so that plants can recognize the signs that the season has changed. The cannabis plant will bloom.

By Seed Photo has the following advantages and disadvantages:

strength

• Easily recover from various stresses because you have plenty of time to recover before starting production.
• It gives a lot of production. The production potential is great.
• High THC levels
• Easy to breed

weakness

• It is difficult to grow and maintain healthy plants.
• It takes a long time to harvest. It takes several months to raise and water.
• Difficult to care for, requires a lot of care and attention.
• It takes a lot of space to grow.
• Light must be properly controlled in order for the plant to produce fruit.

Difference between Auto seeds and Photo seeds 

In addition to the different nature of the seeds, Auto and Photo seeds also have many differences in details such as

Growth period

• Auto seeds 

grows fast Flowers can be made in 4-5 weeks. Most plants take approximately 2 months to grow from seed to harvest. They grow so quickly that growers struggle to keep up. But after planting and harvesting a few times You will get used to it until it becomes easy. It's like sowing seeds. Then you can forget it.

During the growing period, grow lights will be used for at least 18 hours or more. And will produce results within 3-4 months. During flowering, do not allow low light hours. Because it will cause low productivity. Leave the lights on for 20 hours until harvest time.

• Photo seeds

It grows not as fast as Auto and flowering depends on the environment as well. It takes approximately 4 months to grow from seed to harvest, with at least 8 weeks during the vegetative period. But you can control the growth during the flowering period. Just turn on the lights for 20 hours or more than 12 hours or more and the Photo plant will still not enter the flowering period.

Size and shape

• Auto seeds

It will not be tall. When growing, Auto plants will be only 1.5 meters tall, which will also have small leaves. But this characteristic will allow the grower to have results in a limited area. And its small size will not require much maintenance. Because there is no need to prune or provide a lot of nutrients.

• Photo seeds

It will have a trunk that is naturally taller than the Auto tree. It can grow up to 2-3 meters tall. It has a thick bush that can grow a lot on the side. Very sprawling which when the bush is large That means you will get more production.

Care and maintenance

• Auto seeds

It is easy to grow, but the plant's yield will decrease if the plant is under a lot of stress. Therefore, growers must pay attention to lighting or factors that cause plants to become stressed. Avoid that. Auto is easy to care for and doesn't require much maintenance. If the light range is set well They will do their job. Even if you leave it alone

• Photo seeds

It is a breed that requires a lot of care and attention. and must be properly maintained You should plan for how long you want to plant. and plan to prepare to change the light cycle appropriately Pruning is required to prevent the plant from growing out of control. And must have patience, watering and feeding for several months. or installing a timer

THC content 

• Auto seeds It has an average THC level of about 15-20%.
• Photo seeds It has an average THC level of about 20-30%.

product

• Auto seeds

Most of them are popularly grown indoors. Because if planted outdoors Or planted in a place with a lot of light will have a low yield. And because of its small size, it comes with a lower yield, and Auto should not use additional techniques to get more yield because Auto is easily stressed.

If the tree is not strong then stress arises. Cannabis flowers will be produced immediately. And when the flowers have come out It won't come back to make leaves again. That is, it will stop growing. Normally, Auto will produce an average yield of 450-550 grams per square meter. The yield may increase if grown indoors.

• Photo seeds

It gives a lot of production. and can use techniques that help increase productivity in many ways. But the cannabis plant must also be strong. If the Photo plant is stressed, it will stop working. But will be able to recover and make leaves. Then grow again. Photo can produce an average of 600-700 grams per square meter. which can increase the amount of production If planted outdoors (in some terrain)

Taking seeds for further breeding

• Auto seeds

Auto cannot cut branches. Must be grown from seed only. But it's rarely recommended. Because the seeds are small and even when cutting branches to make them bloom But the plant will be smaller. Auto will grow to maturity and change to flowering according to internal genetics instead.

• Photo seeds

If the Photo plant is strong enough, it can be propagated without seeds. But use the method of cutting the branches of the tree and then grafting them to grow roots and then planting them immediately. which can be cultivated many times Therefore, just one seed can produce as much as desired.

Beginners who want to grow cannabis, what kind of seeds should they choose?

The right choice depends on many factors, such as the purpose of growing, the environment, and the experience of the person wanting to grow cannabis. Whichever way, there is no right or wrong. Because it depends on personal preferences and resources. 

Space is an important factor. Auto seeds are more suitable for those who want to grow in a small apartment, while Photo seeds are less suitable for limited space. It will be suitable for those who have a wide garden. Therefore, you should mainly consider the convenience of planting. Based on planting needs By looking at the information given in the article above. Observe what the advantages and disadvantages are. which we may conclude as follows

• Photo plants are taller than Auto and produce more yield.
• Auto plants are smaller than Photo but will produce faster yields.
• Photo is more economical in terms of electricity usage than Auto because it has different light hours during flowering.
• If you want to grow commercially Or want to plant to create income, Auto seeds will help with rapid turnover. It will help increase profit margins, while Photo will produce a lot of output. If we really look at it, Auto produces less output than Photo, but it produces output faster. Therefore, when considering the time used I feel different. At this point, it may be necessary to consider the care methods of each breed.
• In case you don't have much time to take care of the plants, Auto seeds are easy to care for and suitable for busy people. I don't have much time because photos require a fair amount of attention.

From the above article, it can be briefly summarized that.. Auto seeds are easy to take care of and produce quickly. As for Photo, light hours must be determined well. So it will give you more productivity. Both types of cannabis can be successfully grown. It takes planning and care. Therefore, you must understand the differences between the two breeds in order to find which breed will be most suitable for you.