10 Common Myths About Autoflowering Cannabis Plants
- 1. Myth #1: autos are cbd-rich
- 2. Myth #2: autos can’t be transplanted
- 3. Myth #3: all autos are less potent
- 4. Myth #4: autos can’t be cloned
- 5. Myth #5: all autos produce low yields
- 6. Myth #6: you can’t top autoflowers
- 7. Myth #7: autos are tasteless
- 8. Myth #8: autoflowers need 24hs of light
- 9. Myth #9: autoflowers cannot be trained
- 10. Myth #10: autoflowers take more time than specified
- 11. In conclusion
Autoflowers were once considered the underdogs of cannabis seeds. But that was decades ago, and a lot has changed since then. Nowadays, autoflowers can produce as much as photoperiods in terms of quantity and quality, and in less time. Needless to say, autoflowers in 2026 will leave you amazed.
Before autoflowering seeds were a big thing, they weren’t very accepted by growers. You couldn’t find a lot of autos, and when you did find one, you were most likely to be disappointed by the yields and quality.
However, after decades of improvement, modern autoflowers can produce harvests that are up to par with the best photoperiod strains available, while delivering a huge advantage: the autoflower trait.
The increased quality of modern autoflowering cultivars stems from considerable breeding efforts. Contemporary breeders have worked hard to hunt down the best pairs to match. In many cases, they have managed to create autoflowering versions of some of the most legendary varieties available. They’ve captured the traits of these timeless strains and combined them with the very best properties of autos, such as faster growing times, general hardiness, and ease of growth. Despite these advances, many myths persist about the quality of autoflowering cannabis genetics. Below, we’re going to bust these myths wide open. Follow along as we explain why these assumptions need to be put to rest.
Myth #1: Autos are CBD-rich
Claim: “Autos are CBD-rich”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
The ruderalis species is indeed CBD-dominant, and it is also true that autoflowering strains have Ruderalis genes, but for decades, breeders have been developing autoflowering strains to be THC-rich. Even though you can find CBD autoflowers suited for medical patients or for consumers that don’t like a euphoric effect, like our CBD Auto 20:1, there are a lot of autos that have a high THC content and can have the same potency (or even more potent) than photoperiodic strains while keeping the autoflowering trait, allowing you to have up to 3 cycles where you would only have 1 with photoperiods. As you might already know, both CBD and THC belong to a class of chemicals known as phytocannabinoids. Several environmental factors can impact the production of these secondary metabolites (molecules that plants produce largely to defend themselves), but genetics holds the biggest influence.
Ultimately, the cannabinoid content of an autoflowering strain depends completely on the aim of the breeder at the start of a breeding program. In the case of CBD-rich autos, breeders immediately introduce genetics to express high levels of the cannabinoid, in order to promote the expression of this trait in the progeny. However, not every breeder wants high levels of CBDA expression. Many modern autoflowering strains possess THC levels above 30%. In fact, some of these potent cultivars actually produce more THC than many of their photoperiod counterparts. The bottom line: There are many auto varieties out there. Some are high in CBD, others are very high in THC, and some have an equal blend of the two.
Myth #2: Autos can’t be transplanted
Claim: “Autos can’t be transplanted”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This is somewhat true. Even though you can transplant your autos, you should be really careful because if you don’t take the appropriate care, you could shock them, and it can affect the yields. Because autos take considerably less time from seed to harvest, shocking your plant can stunt growth. If you take into consideration that autos can take as little as 8 weeks to completely mature, even a couple of days of recovery from a transplant can result in an underwhelming harvest.
However, you can successfully transplant autoflowering cannabis strains and minimize the amount of stress they experience by getting your timing right. If, for whatever reason, you need to start your seeds away from their final pot, you should select a container that isn’t too small. Once your plant is partially established, you should carefully monitor the drainage holes.
Ideally, you’ll transplant your plants before they fully grow into their initial container. Doing so means that they won’t take on the shape of the pot and start to exhibit the early signs of becoming root-bound. Transplant them before this, and they’ll detect what’s happened! You should also allow them to adapt to their new pot in an area that has the same environmental variables, such as nighttime temperatures and lighting.
We recommend planting your autos in a big pot so you don’t have to transplant them, but if you do have to, make sure you do it gently to try to minimize the stress. Here are a couple of tips:
- Transplant your autos to the exact same medium mix.
- Make sure the soil they’re in is dry, and the soil in the new pot is wet.
- Avoid squeezing the roots, leave a bit of space, and don’t press the soil too much. This way you avoid shocking them and root problems.
Myth #3: All autos are less potent
Claim: “All autos are less potent”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This is the most common question regarding autoflowers, and decades back, it was actually true. However, nowadays we have extremely potent autoflowering strains that can have +30% THC, being up to par with or even stronger than photoperiodic strains. These new “modern” autoflowers can be truly amazing. A really good example is our Strawberry Gorilla Auto RF3 with up to 31% THC.
This myth has persisted because old-school autoflowering strains paled in comparison to photoperiod varieties when it came to THC content and yields. However, any grower who still believes this is true simply hasn’t kept up with modern autoflowering cultivars.
Myth #4: Autos can’t be cloned
Claim: “Autos can’t be cloned”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
As hard as it may seem to believe this, it is not actually true. You actually can clone autoflowers, but due to the autoflowering trait, clones won’t have a lot of time to develop and won’t grow too much.
Autoflowering strains enter the flowering phase based on age instead of external lighting conditions; some varieties are known to surge from seed to harvest in as little as eight weeks. Because a clone creates a biological copy of the mother plant, the cutting also shares the same age. That means your small cutting might only have around 5–6 weeks to establish, or even less time, to reach some size before it goes to flower—resulting in small clones with minor yields.
In contrast, photoperiod strains depend on a reduction in light to initiate the flowering stage. This cue indicates the approaching autumn, and plants get the message that they need to hurry up and reproduce before the frosts arrive. Growers can use artificial conditions to keep their plants in the vegetative phase for as long as they see fit. This gives them time to grow out clones into large plants before forcing them into flowering.
Myth #5: All autos produce low yields
Claim: “All autos produce low yields”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This is a myth that may have originated when the first autoflowering strains were appearing; although it was true, it is completely false nowadays. Indeed, some autos can have lower yields because of their size, but there is a lot of autoflowering genetics that have been developed so well, and for such a long time, that they can grow up to 120cm and produce up to 600gr/m2 in around 9 weeks. That is the case of our Frostbanger Auto.
Myth #6: You can’t top autoflowers
Claim: “You can’t top autoflowers”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This myth will surely divide growers. Some growers swear that it works, and others don’t. The truth is: you won’t always have the expected result when topping because this depends on your experience and the genetics you’re growing.
The main deciding factor in whether to top or not to top your plants should be your environmental conditions and plant health in first place, and genetics in second place. A healthy plant in good conditions will always recover from topping. However, it might not be worth it if it’s a plant that finishes its entire life cycle in 8 weeks. So make sure the plant is healthy first, then make sure the plant will have enough time to recover and reach a decent size.
Myth #7: Autos are tasteless
Claim: “Autos are tasteless”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
Good autoflowering genetics have all the same cannabinoids and terpenes photoperiodic strains have2. The terpene profile solely depends on your ability as a grower and on the genetics you’re growing.
The idea that autoflowering cannabis strains are tasteless has its roots in a misunderstanding of phytochemistry. Several groups of chemicals contribute to the unique flavors of each cultivar. Among these groups, terpenes play a major role. These aromatic hydrocarbons are synthesized alongside cannabinoids in the glandular trichomes of cannabis flowers. Cannabis plants spend resources making these molecules for several reasons, including defense against UV rays and pests. Some of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis include beta-caryophyllene, pinene, myrcene, and limonene. These components produce a range of flavors, including fruit, earthiness, sweetness, and sourness. To say autos are tasteless is to imply that they don’t make terpenes, which is categorically incorrect.
To harvest delicious-tasting flowers, however, you need to have a bit of experience that, combined with good genetics, will result in what you aim for. We recommend growing our Lemon Tree Auto.
Myth #8: Autoflowers need 24hs of light
Claim: “Autoflowers need 24 hours of light”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This isn’t actually a myth but more of a preference. It is true that some strains prefer more light, and some not as much. This solely depends on genetics. However, more light doesn’t always mean better results. You should closely check and adjust PPFD levels to provide your plants exactly what they need.
| Light Cycle | 24/0 | 18/6 | 12/12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hours of Light | 24 | 18 | 12 |
| Hours of Darkness | 0 | 6 | 12 |
| Pros | Doesn't require a timer. | Allows plants to rest, produces good buds, and saves electricity up to 25% | Saves electricity up to 50% |
| Cons | Can get expensive and can affect plant growth negatively. | Requires a timer | Underdeveloped and airy buds |
Myth #9: Autoflowers cannot be trained
Claim: “Autoflowers cannot be trained”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
This myth is completely false. Autoflowers can be trained and even should in some cases. That said, there are different types of plant training techniques known as LST or HST, and they can be more stressful or less stressful to your plants. For beginners, we recommend LST, such as tying down the branches or SCROG. However, more experienced growers can perform HST techniques such as Topping without any issues. The rate of success will depend on plant health and your ability as a grower.
Myth #10: Autoflowers take more time than specified
Claim: “Autoflowers take more time than specified”
Claimed by: Pioneers of Autoflowering Growing
Fact-checked by Fast Buds: False
Ok, so this isn’t a myth. You have to remember that the time breeders specify is when you provide an optimal growing environment for your plants. Your plants can and will take more time if you don’t have the appropriate humidity levels, temperature, light, and nutrients. This is not necessarily a bad thing, because it means that your buds will still get dense and covered in resin; it just will take a bit longer for them to finish.
11. In conclusion
Even though autoflowers were not that good some years ago, they have progressed a lot. Nowadays you can find strains that suit every grower and have selected traits from Indica and Sativa plants.
Just make sure you’re providing a good growing environment, and you will be rewarded with dense, super tasty buds. Please leave us a comment below sharing your experience with autoflowering cannabis!
External references:
- Therapeutic uses of cannabis - Association, British (2020).
- Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa - Booth, Judith & Page, Jonathan & Bohlmann, Joerg (2017).
FAQ
Autoflowers tend to be compact, but they are not always tiny plants. Their final size varies considerably between varieties. Genetics and environmental conditions both influence how large an autoflower ultimately becomes.
No. Their automatic flowering and relatively short life cycles can make autoflowers appealing to beginners, but experienced and even commercial growers also choose them for their speed, compact size, terpene profiles, and yields.
In many respects, yes. Decades of breeding have produced autoflowering varieties with improved potency, yields, aromas, plant structure, and genetic diversity. This is why assumptions based on early autoflower genetics don't necessarily apply to today's varieties.
No. Flavor and aroma depend heavily on genetics, terpene profiles, and the grower’s skill rather than on whether a plant is autoflowering or photoperiod.
Autoflowering cannabis originated through the introduction of the autoflowering trait associated with Cannabis ruderalis into Indica and Sativa genetics. However, modern autoflowers have undergone many generations of selective breeding, and the percentage of Ruderalis genetics in today’s autoflowers is typically less than 10%.
Wild or traditional Ruderalis populations are generally associated with relatively low THC levels. However, modern autoflowering varieties have been selectively bred with high-THC cannabis genetics, so their cannabinoid profiles are more similar to those of photoperiods.
Not necessarily. Genetic stability depends on the quality and consistency of a breeding line rather than simply on whether it is autoflowering. Well-developed autoflower genetics can display highly predictable characteristics.
No. Although autoflowers have short vegetative periods, they don't normally begin flowering immediately after germination. They first undergo a growth phase that can last anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks before naturally transitioning to flowering.
Autoflowers are sometimes described as particularly hardy because of their genetic background and short life cycles. However, resistance varies by cultivar. Being an autoflower does not automatically make a plant immune to pests, diseases, or environmental stress.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all autoflowers are small, weak, and low in THC. That reputation largely comes from early autoflower genetics and doesn't accurately represent the diversity of modern autoflowering varieties.
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