Autoflowers vs. Photoperiods: Which is Better for Outdoor Growing?
Planning an outdoor season starts with one crucial question: which genetics should you choose? Your decision will dictate how much effort you’ll need to put in, your harvest timeline, and whether your plants will survive the first frost of autumn. In this guide, we break down the key differences between Autoflowers and Photoperiod (Photos) strains specifically for the outdoor grower. 1. Life Cycle and Growth Speed This is the primary advantage that makes autoflowers a favorite in regions with short summers or unpredictable climates. Autoflowers: These begin to flower automatically about 3–4 weeks after germination, regardless of light cycles. The entire "seed to harvest" journey usually takes only 8–11 weeks. Photoperiods: Their life cycle is dictated by the sun. They will stay in the vegetative stage (growing leaves and stems) as long as the days are long, only starting to flower when daylight hours drop (usually in August). Harvest typically falls in October or even November. The Verdict: Autoflowers allow you to harvest in July or August, completely bypassing the cold, damp weather of late autumn. 2. Size and Yield Potential Size and yield are directly linked. This is where photoperiods often show their true power. Feature Autoflowers Photoperiods Height Compact (60–120 cm / 2–4 ft) Can reach massive sizes (2–3+ meters / 6–10 ft) Yield Moderate (30–150g per plant) High (500g to several kg per plant) Stealth Easy to hide in tall grass or gardens Hard to conceal due to "tree-like" stature 3. Resilience to Mold and Pests In the outdoors, mold is your biggest enemy, especially during the final weeks of flowering. Photoperiods: Because they ripen in late autumn (September-October), they often face heavy rains and morning mists. These are the perfect conditions for Bud Rot (Botrytis) or powdery mildew. Autoflowers: They finish during the peak of summer heat. Dry air and intense sun significantly reduce the risk of mold. Furthermore, many autoflowers carry Ruderalis genetics, which are naturally evolved to survive harsher, cooler environments. 4. Why Autoflowers are Ideal for Short Summers If you live in a temperate or northern climate where summer is brief and autumn is harsh, autoflowers offer three strategic advantages: Guaranteed Finish: You know for a fact the plant will finish. A photoperiod might simply run out of time and freeze before it’s fully ripe. Perpetual Harvest: Due to their short cycle, you can plant a first batch in May and a second in July, doubling your chances of success. Low Profile: Their short height makes them perfect for "guerrilla growing" or keeping things discreet from neighbors. 5. When Should You Choose Photoperiods? Despite the rise of "autos," photoperiod strains remain the gold standard for growers who: Live in regions with long, warm summers and mild autumns (e.g., Mediterranean climates). Want to maximize the yield from a single plant. Plan to use advanced training techniques (like Topping or Mainlining). Photoperiods have time to recover from stress, whereas any mistake with an autoflower can permanently stunt its growth. Summary: What’s Your Choice? Choose Autoflowers if you are a beginner, live in a rainy/cold climate, or want a fast, stealthy harvest. Choose Photoperiods if you have the space, the time, and the climate to grow "monster trees" with massive yields.