This is a discussion that if you are a beginner to advanced cannabis grower, you will have heard more than once in your life.

Choosing between autoflower seeds vs feminized seeds is, without a doubt, one of the most important decisions when growing cannabis, either indoors or outdoors. 

Defining which one is the best depends on a multitude of factors, mainly that everything is subject to the objectives you have and what kind of grower you are. 

A good starting point is to be clear that the type of seed you should buy depends largely on what your goals are as a grower and what you expect from your experience growing cannabis.

These seeds, from their name already tell you a little about what they are.

The cannabis autoflowering seeds flower automatically, are easier to grow, smaller in size, and faster to harvest than feminized seeds.

Their lighting requirements are relatively simple, and they are more resistant to temperature fluctuations, pests, and fungi.

Autoflowering seeds turn into female plants that produce the smokable cannabis that most growers are looking for. Basically, this is the beginner’s version to start your own cannabis crop.

The average time from seed to harvest for autoflowering is between 8-12 weeks, which makes them perfect if you are looking to have several harvests in the year as these seeds flower depending on their age. This usually occurs between 3 and 4 weeks after planting.

Feminized seeds provide larger plants and higher yields, with smokable cannabis often being more potent than cannabis grown from autoflowering seeds.

These seeds are a little more complex to grow but can be cloned. Most experienced growers opt for this type of seeds, as the work involved in their cultivation is greater but also has greater rewards. 

Feminized seeds usually need between 12 and 20 weeks from seed to harvest and only start flowering when they receive 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day.

The difference between autoflower and feminized seeds lies in several factors.

Origin

The feminized seeds were created to avoid the male plants inside the crops, which do not give buds. On the other hand, autoflowering seeds arise from a cross of the Ruderalis gene and are usually aimed at less experienced growers.

Autoflower Vs Feminized Seeds Indoors

Autoflowering seeds are more suitable for indoor growing, while feminized seeds work better for outdoor growing.

Flowering Period

Autoflowering seeds flower automatically, while feminized seeds grown indoors require a manual adjustment of the light, going from 18 hours of light to 12 when the flowering period begins.

Size 

Generally, feminized seeds produce larger and taller plants and tend to produce fewer leaves compared to autoflowering seeds.

Autoflowering seeds also tend to produce denser foliage, which means they tend to be bushier and therefore have fewer buds.

Yields

Feminized strains produce higher yields than automatic seeds, both indoors and outdoors, due to their morphology and physiology.

As for the buds, feminized strains are denser and produce more resin around the flowers than autoflowering strains, which can mean more intense flavors and aromas. 

Resistance 

Automatic seeds are more resistant to over-fertilization, pests, and fungus, while feminized seeds require a higher level of care.

Autoflowering plants are the result of crossing sativa or indica strains with a Ruderalis. They are, therefore, very vigorous compared to feminized plants.

Potency

Nowadays, it all depends on the type of strain you are growing, as both autoflowering and feminized seeds can give very good results in terms of potency.

Also, remember that in terms of power, not only influences the THC, terpenes and other cannabinoids also come into play, as well as the type of strain that is grown.

Do not forget that everything will ultimately depend on the quality of cultivation and the care you put into it. Whether feminized or autoflowering seeds, if grown under optimal conditions, they will give great results!

To choose the best seed for your crop, you should take into account factors such as your preferences, resources, and level of experience.

Generally speaking, autoflowering seeds work well for beginners and those looking for fast yields, while feminized seeds are the choice of more experienced growers who want maximum potency and quantity from their harvest.

So, if you’re looking for maximum potency and the highest yield possible, then feminized seeds are definitely the way to go. 

If you are just starting to grow or are limited in knowledge, experience, space, and time, then autoflowering seeds might be the choice for you, as they provide the quickest and easiest way to get a bountiful harvest. 

Remember that if your seeds are of high quality and you take proper care of your crop, you can expect a good cannabis yield regardless of whether you have chosen autoflowering or feminized seeds.