đą What to Do When Your Autoflowers Grow Tall and Donât FlowerUpdated 8 hours ago
Autoflowering cannabis strains are supposed to switch from veg to flower all on their own â usually within 3â5 weeks of sprouting. But sometimes, growers notice something strange: their âautosâ keep growing taller and taller... with no signs of flowering. đł
If you're seeing this in your greenhouse, especially with a strain like Green Crack Auto, donât worry â hereâs whatâs happening and what you can do.
đ¨ Why Are My Autoflowers Not Flowering?
If your plants are:
Over 5â6 feet tall đ˛
Still in vegetative growth after 5+ weeks đ
Not showing pistils (white hairs) or pre-flower signs
...then itâs very likely your plants arenât behaving like autoflowers. You might be dealing with:
1. Photoperiod traits in your seeds
Occasionally, an autoflower seed may express photoperiod behavior, especially in hybrid strains. These plants wonât flower until they receive 12 hours of darkness per day â usually in late summer (August/September outdoors).
2. Greenhouse light pollution
If youâre growing in a greenhouse near porch lights, floodlights, or with a non-sealed structure, that extra light can interrupt flowering in sensitive plants â even autoflowers that are acting like photos.
âď¸ What Should I Do Now?
If you suspect your âautoflowerâ is actually acting like a photoperiod, hereâs how to move forward:
â Top and train your plant
At 6+ feet tall, topping the main cola and using low-stress training (LST) can help reduce height, promote better airflow, and encourage multiple flower sites. đż
â Light dep if possible
If youâre in a greenhouse, try using a blackout tarp or covering to simulate 12/12 lighting. That can trigger flowering faster instead of waiting until fall. đ
â Be patient
If you canât light-dep, plan on a SeptemberâOctober harvest. Focus on healthy growth, airflow, and pest/mold prevention in the meantime.
đ§ Bonus Tips for Beginners
Donât panic! Even if they werenât true autos, your plants can still finish strong.
Keep feeding on a vegetative nutrient schedule until flowering starts, then switch to bloom nutrients. đ¸
Support large plants with stakes or cages to prevent toppling.
đź Final Word
While autoflowers are designed to simplify the grow, nature doesnât always read the label. If your plant looks more like a tree than a timeline, youâre not alone â and youâre not doing anything wrong.
Still have questions? Our team of growers is here to help. Reach out anytime and weâll walk you through it!