Anbau & Stecklinge · November 2026 · 2 min read
Updated
Autoflower seeds: flowering by age, not day length
Key takeaways
- Autoflowering plants flower by age, not by day length.
- Feminised seeds are bred to produce almost only female plants.
- Breeders state cycle times that refer either to the whole cycle or only to flowering.
- Autoflowers are usually sown directly in their final pot.
- The three-plant limit applies to autoflowers as well, status 31.10.2026.
What makes autoflower seeds different?
Photoperiod cannabis is mostly described as a short-day plant: shorter days and longer nights trigger flowering in many varieties. Autoflowering plants follow an internal timetable instead and begin flowering after a certain period of growth, even under long days.
| Feature | Autoflower | Photoperiod |
|---|---|---|
| Flowering trigger | age of the plant | longer nights |
| Light schedule indoors | can stay the same | must be changed to start flowering |
| Vegetative phase | short, not extendable | can be extended |
| Training | gentle methods such as LST | more options, more recovery time |
Breeder information for autoflower varieties often states roughly seven to eleven weeks; depending on the breeder, this refers either to the whole cycle from germination or only to flowering.
What does feminised mean?
Cannabis is usually dioecious: there are female and male plants. Flowers are grown on female plants. Feminised seeds are produced in a way that they grow into almost only female plants. Neither feminised nor autoflowering says anything about the content of a particular plant; that can only be shown by a laboratory analysis.
Germination and first weeks
Germination works the same as for other cannabis seeds: water, air and a suitable temperature are what matter. Because autoflowers have a short cycle and little time to recover, many growers sow them directly in their final pot to avoid transplanting stress. Training methods that cut the plant are considered riskier for autoflowers than low stress training, which only bends and ties shoots.
The overview of all stages is in the guide growing cannabis.
Legal framework in Germany
In short (German Consumer Cannabis Act, KCanG, status 31.10.2026):
- Home growing for adults aged 18 and over only.
- At most three plants at the same time per adult, at their place of residence or habitual abode (section 9 KCanG).
- The harvest must not be passed on to others.
- Seeds, plants and harvest must be protected from access by children, teenagers and third parties.
- Only obtain seeds from authorised suppliers in EU countries (KCanG).
The FAQ of the German Federal Ministry of Health also mention a residence or habitual abode in Germany for at least six months. Other countries have their own rules. This is not legal advice.
Legal alternative: CBD
CBD is excluded from the definition of cannabis under section 1 no. 8 KCanG, but not every CBD product form is freely marketable, status 31.10.2026. If you are interested in cannabidiol rather than growing, see our CBD flowers. This describes the legal framework, not a health effect.
Frequently asked questions
Seeds of cannabis plants that start flowering by age rather than day length. The trait goes back to Cannabis ruderalis genetics.
Not automatically. Autoflowering and feminised are separate traits; many autoflower seeds on the market are also feminised.
No. Autoflowers start flowering on their own, so the light schedule indoors can stay the same.
Yes. German law limits home growing to at most three plants at a time per adult at home, regardless of variety. Status 31.10.2026, not legal advice.
Starte mit kleiner Menge, halte dich an die Herstellerangaben und prüfe den Laborbericht der Charge. Lagere die Produkte kühl, trocken und lichtgeschützt außerhalb der Reichweite von Kindern.
Alle Wissensbeiträge
Stecklinge, Samen, Growbox, Licht, Dünger, Ernte und Trocknung – plus der rechtliche Rahmen für Eigenanbau und Anbauvereinigungen in Deutschland. Wir verkaufen keine Stecklinge oder Samen; dieser Bereich ist reines Wissen für Volljährige.
Alle WissensbeiträgeMore from the cluster Anbau & Stecklinge
Topic clusters in the knowledge hub
- Growing & clones – all articlesHome growing from A to Z: clones and seeds, light, nutrients, harvest and drying – plus the legal frame.
- 10-OH-HHC: Einordnung und RechtsstatusSachliche Einordnung zu Stoff, Risiken und Rechtsstand. Keine Rechtsberatung.
- CBD – all articlesBasics, effects, dosage and quality around cannabidiol – oil, flower and hash.